Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of Aleksandr Akimov as a Photographer for Brands

Aleksandr Akimov, known on Instagram as @akimov__aleksandr__, has become a notable figure in the world of creative brand photography, building a portfolio that spans fashion, lifestyle, and travel-based visual storytelling. His work is recognized for its consistency, refined aesthetic, and ability to capture not just products or clothing but also the emotions and environments that surround them. For Aleksandr, photography is not just a profession but an art form, and his process reveals the complexity and detail required to deliver images that meet the demands of brands while also resonating with audiences on social media. A day in his life offers a glimpse into the discipline, creativity, and adaptability that define his career.

The day often begins long before the camera is switched on. Planning is a central component of Aleksandr’s workflow, and each project starts with clear communication between him and the brand. Whether it is a fashion label, a lifestyle product, or a travel-based campaign, the process begins with understanding the brand’s goals and how they want to be perceived. Mood boards, style references, and discussions about target audiences help set the tone, ensuring that the visual output aligns with the brand identity. This pre-production stage is essential because it allows Aleksandr to refine his creative vision before ever setting foot on location. His ability to translate a brand’s objectives into an artistic concept is one of the reasons his work feels both commercial and uniquely personal at the same time.

Once the concept is clear, the practical side of preparation begins. Aleksandr is meticulous about location scouting, and much of his signature aesthetic is shaped by the environments he chooses. From the beaches of Bali to the streets of Cape Town, the settings of his photographs are never random. They are selected to create a backdrop that enhances the subject, whether through natural lighting, architectural structure, or the mood created by colors and textures. He often arrives at a location early in the day, studying how the light shifts, identifying angles, and planning shots in advance. This attention to detail ensures that once the models and brand representatives arrive, the shoot can flow seamlessly without unnecessary delays.

When the actual shooting begins, Aleksandr’s role becomes part director, part technician, and part artist. As a director, he guides models or brand representatives to ensure they embody the tone of the campaign. His ability to communicate clearly and confidently makes even inexperienced models feel comfortable, resulting in more natural and authentic expressions. As a technician, he constantly monitors the details: camera settings, lens choices, exposure, and the subtle effects of natural or artificial lighting. Small adjustments, such as changing the angle by a few degrees or shifting a model slightly in relation to the light, can completely transform the shot. As an artist, he seeks those intangible moments that cannot be planned—the fleeting glance, the way wind moves through fabric, the reflections of golden hour sunlight—that elevate a simple brand image into something memorable.

Throughout the shoot, Aleksandr pays close attention to collaboration. Brand photography is rarely a solo pursuit, and his work often involves stylists, makeup artists, creative directors, and assistants. He sees the creative team as an extension of the vision, and his ability to collaborate smoothly ensures that everyone works toward the same goal. This balance between individual creativity and teamwork is one of the hallmarks of his success. By maintaining both authority and openness, he fosters an environment where creativity can flourish while deadlines and professional expectations are met.

The day does not end when the shoot wraps. Post-production is one of the most critical aspects of Aleksandr’s process, and it is here that his style truly comes to life. Back at his workspace, he begins the process of reviewing hundreds, sometimes thousands, of images. The selection process is as much about instinct as it is about technical quality. Aleksandr looks for photographs that tell the story of the brand, evoke emotion, and maintain consistency with the agreed-upon aesthetic. Once the best images are chosen, he moves into editing, where subtle adjustments in color grading, contrast, and sharpness refine the mood of the photographs. His editing style avoids over-processing; instead, he uses editing as a tool to enhance the natural beauty of the moment. This balance between polish and authenticity is what makes his work resonate with both brands and audiences alike.

Even after the final images are delivered, the day often continues with content management. In the digital era, photographers are not only expected to provide images but also to think strategically about how those images will perform on social platforms. Aleksandr has developed a strong sense of what works in the Instagram algorithm, how to create visual consistency across grids, and how to ensure brand photography translates into engagement and recognition. His own Instagram serves as both a portfolio and a visual diary, blending professional work with personal insights, allowing potential clients to see his versatility while followers connect with the personality behind the camera.

The lifestyle of a brand photographer like Aleksandr is also defined by travel and adaptability. A day in his life might begin in Hamburg, continue with a flight to Cape Town for a campaign, and end with editing sessions late into the night in a hotel room. This constant movement requires not only physical stamina but also mental resilience. Maintaining creativity while balancing logistics, deadlines, and travel demands is a challenge, but it is one Aleksandr embraces. He views each new environment as an opportunity to see the world differently and incorporate new elements into his creative toolkit.

What sets Aleksandr apart is not just his technical skill but his philosophy toward photography. For him, each brand project is not simply about selling a product but about telling a story that aligns with lifestyle and aspiration. He understands that in today’s saturated digital landscape, audiences crave authenticity and emotion as much as they crave style. His ability to merge the artistic with the commercial gives his photography a timeless quality, ensuring that his work stands out in a world where trends come and go.

A day in the life of Aleksandr Akimov reveals the multifaceted nature of modern photography. It is a blend of creativity and discipline, art and business, planning and improvisation. From the early morning planning sessions to the final moments of editing late at night, his work is driven by passion and precision. His journey underscores the fact that successful brand photography is not about simply pressing a shutter button but about curating an entire experience, both for the brand and the audience who ultimately engages with the images.

In capturing brands through his lens, Aleksandr captures far more than clothing, products, or campaigns. He captures a lifestyle, an identity, and an emotion that resonate with audiences across borders. This ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary is what defines his artistry. For anyone looking to understand what makes a photographer thrive in today’s competitive environment, Aleksandr Akimov’s daily routine offers the perfect example: a relentless commitment to craft, a deep respect for collaboration, and an unwavering dedication to telling stories that matter.