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Envato Elements Featured Author: Meet simbiothy

Our latest interview is with Aleksey, a.k.a simbiothy – a talented Envato Elements Photos Author with a passion for capturing the connection within nature, people and places. His portfolio reflects a unique ability to find the genuine, fun and diverse in-between moments of every day.

Check out his story, key learnings and sources of inspiration as he explores the world and continues his creative journey.

Try to find something that you love to shoot and when you find it—become a master!

Aleksey simbiothy

Interview with simbiothy

Introduce yourself to Envato Authors

“My name is Aleksey and I’m Photographer and Videographer from Ukraine. I travel a lot in my work, looking for more places to take great pictures. Since last year, I’ve also started to shoot aerial photography using a drone and I’m totally in love with it  – the drone is my best friend on my travels.”

To what do you attribute your success – how is your business unique?

“I think my success comes from capturing unique places and happy people with a smile on their face – this is what stock photography needs at the moment.”

Couple in the Street

At what moment did you decide to pursue your business?

“It was when I understood how stock photography could be a way to travel and earn money at the same time – that’s when I started to spend most of my time working with it. Envato makes your dreams come true and this is great!”

Mother and Children Playing

What do you love about your work and why?

“It is always something new and fun! Stock photography is a way of life that I dreamt of as a child, so I’m really glad there is such a special way of earning money and making things you love in life.”

Wedding Couple at the Lake Shore

What or who inspires you and why?

Pinterest and Instagram. There are so many people who are traveling and making great pictures. I also love good music and prefer trip hop for work. You can check out my Instagram page here: tekso.”

Climbing Ladder into the Tree House  

What are some of the biggest lessons that have impacted your work?

“There is a Russian School called Amlab and they offer a stunning course of photography, especially for portrait and food photography – I totally recommend it!”

Guy and Girl Under an Umbrella

What’s your most memorable client/customer story on Envato?

“There was a girl who made special Valentines cookies for couples and she wrote to me to ask if she can make a series with my pictures on her boxes and of course, I didn’t mind! In three months, she sent me a pack of those cookies from the Netherlands and it was one of the happiest moments to receive such a present!”

Hands in Flour

What is your advice to other authors regarding how to create a successful portfolio?

“Try to find something that you love to shoot and when you find it – become a master!”

Smokes Electronic Cigarette

Apart from yourself, who is your favorite Author, and why do you like them?

“I like Envato author, ollyi . He has got his own style and that is not easy for stock photography!”

What’s the most challenging thing about your work?

“Being totally organized at a shoot with a lot of models, makeup, locations etc. It’s really hard to pull it all together!”

Couple by the Window

What tools and resources (online or offline) do you use? e.g apps, editing tools.

“I love Final Cut Pro, I think it’s the best program for a Videographer. I also use Lightroom, Photoshop, Knoll Light Factory and Snapseed.”

Ballerina Posing by the Lake

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

“I am an Instagram and YouTube blogger, so I love social media. I also love boosted boards riding!”

Couple of Young Happy Couple Having Fun

You can check out Aleksey’s portfolio here. If you have any questions or want to continue the conversation, jump over to the forums and say hello!

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