Today I have a video for you about Straight Talk about Instagram for photographers. We hear so much about what we can do, but does it work?
If you wanted to you could spend a lot of money learning how to make social media work for you, supposedly. However, I’m starting to think that the only successful people are those making those claims and taking our money. Those people we are paying to teach us.
Is it a scam?
Me and Social Media
Over the years I have paid a couple of people and well, it hasn’t got me anywhere. It has been a total waste of money. So I have decided that I need to do what is right for me. Stuff all the success stuff. I need to enjoy my photography and do what is right for me. Post what I want to post.
I guess that means not posting things just because I think people will like them. Or, on the other foot not posting images that I love because my audience may not. Since becoming a “housewife” I’m finding that it doesn’t mean as much to me. I forget to post, or I can’t be bothered. There was a time I was posting every day, not anymore.
Instagram: Straight Talk for Photographers
I found a great video from Sean Tucker who gives us some straight talking about what we should be doing. See if you agree.
Great video, I have seen Sean Tucker before, I just don’t have time to watch a lot, thanks for being this to my attention. He makes some very valid points, love your work, grow your work and share what you love, don’t chase the numbers. I love your work, and what you share,
Yeah, it can be hard finding time. I have to admit I’ve been watching lots of cooking ones. He does give lots of good advice. Thank you so much Janice.
This makes so much sense and makes me realize that I have had the right idea about social media all along…you can’t chase followers. Thanks, for sharing
I think you need to make sure you are doing what you do for you and not for others. It can be hard, but worthwhile in the end.
I love Sean Tuck, watch all his vids very good advice from him As usual
I need to catch up with his vids, good to hear Chris.
My IG account is primarily to comment on photo content I like. My WP site is primarily about telling a story.
Oh I like that, I use IG to share photos and WP to tell people why I do what I do.
95 million images posted every single day?! Wow. I’m not on Insta, but that’s crazy. Not being on Instagram, but this guy sounded very informative. The people he follows….such a diverse, and interesting, group of photographers. Almost (almost!) makes we want to get onboard just to follow them. Great video, Leanne.
Yeah, I had no idea that many images were posted each day either. I have to say I thought what he said made sense too. Thank you Lois, if you ever do let me know.
I agree 100% with Sean Tucker. Peolple have unrealistic expectations.
I think so too, me included, though I was also skeptical, I never did work just because I thought it would get a lot of likes and many of my images haven’t, especially ones that I love. Thanks Khürt
Thanks Leanne. Very inspiring.
You’re welcome Carol, good to hear.
Very interesting video, I whole-heartedly agree with his statement about taking responsibility for your feed. That said, I don’t use Social Media such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram etc. I no doubt am not making some sales because of that but I just can’t ethically bring myself to engage in it. I saw Social Media for what it is (data collection at the supplier’s expense) when it emerged. I worked in Information Technology and immediately decided the best action for me to take with it was none. The instagram terms of service (TOS) was enough for me to get rid of it after it changed substantially quite a few years ago, just before it went “mainstream”. Not only that it epitomises an extremely shallow lifestyle and human interactions. I recognise that’s harsh and a blanket statement, but I don’t believe Social Media offers me anything realistic for my work yet would require me to “work it” harder than my photography. I find other ways to find inspiration and would rather actively search out works I find interesting than be passively fed something an algorithm feeds me. All that does is close my mind in.
I use all of those and I don’t make any sales either. Instagram is the worse for that. I have to say that Instagram has probably had the worse effect on so many things. The things people do to put images up on IG is horrible. I do have to say though, if you cut through all the BS I’ve found IG to be very inspiring, you can find some amazing places, and I know that there are places in Melbourne or compositions that I didn’t know about or thought about, so that has been really good.At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you. I’m going to use it how I want from now on. Thank you Craig.
I saw this video before, and I think that Sean Tucker is absolutely right. It’s not the “influencers” who should define our lives. We need to please ourselves first and the rest may (or may not) follow. Still, it’s important to do what you love and, hopefully, grow from there.
I am starting to come to the same conclusion Svetlana, we do need to please ourselves, and I’m finding that for all social media. It is important to do what you love, I have to agree. Thank you.