Being a photographer on Instagram is not a desirable journey—at least not if you genuinely care about your art rather than just what it will get you. Instagram is what everyone calls a ‘social media platform.’ The biggest issue with using Instagram as a photographer is that Instagram does not care. You do; other passionate artists from all fields do, but Instagram does not.
Instagram is a completely commercial platform that profits entirely from its being referred to as a ‘social’ platform. The more social engagement, the more of a market it becomes for companies and agencies to target. The numerous new features and algorithm changes that keep happening are nothing but Instagram trying to keep a hold of its users and not lose out on its status as one of the biggest social media platforms (third largest, to be precise).
But Instagram still is the swiftest and possibly only real way for you to reach those important agencies and clients that you target. So then, how do we deal with this paradox? By not running away and facing the storm as it comes. This article will warn as to what not to do as a photographer on Instagram and a few tips as to reaching the clients you dream of working with.
A Cycle of Doom
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Many of you who are just beginning your photographing journeys or have found yourself stuck for quite some time with no actual lead generation will realize that what you face on Instagram is a cycle of doom.
You post a great picture you clicked and wait for it to reach people and interact with them, but all you get is a handful of likes and comments full of praise. You feel your heart rate spike with each like and comment, but you don’t realize that none of these will lead you where you want to go. It amounts to nothing because no real clients look at your posts at all. Why? Because it doesn’t reach them. If you know anything about Instagram, you know many other photographers like you are doing the same thing.
So, what should you do? Well, the best way to make the algorithm circulate your posts to a larger audience is to somehow manage to get more likes. The more likes you get, the more valuable your post is to the algorithm. Feed the algorithm, and it will, in turn, feed you.
There are multiple ways to garner these likes and followers, both authentic and inauthentic. You could either buy automatic Instagram likes or go the genuine way. The latter will be more beneficial in the long term, while the former will give you a quick boost, after which you can get a hold of it on your own. Pick out the one most suitable for your finances and your ideology.
For those of you going the authentic way—go all the way. Be your authentic self on your photography page, not in terms of posting personal images or disclosing details, but in writing captions to your pictures that disclose what inspired you, what you think about it, and such stuff. This will show not just the actual pictures you click but also your personality. Your target audience, whether individuals or companies and magazines, will always look for someone they can look at and say, ‘That’s the one I want!’. Out of the humongous pool of other photographers, stand out. Be yourself, post BTS stories, and share titbits. Make those who follow you want to keep looking at your work.
Smile at the Sunshine
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Now that you are out of doom, one way or another, it is time to bask in the new-found sunshine.
When you get good enough engagement, you begin to get authentic comments and DMs because your posts now reach a larger audience. Always reply. Interaction is essential to show that you care. And who knows, maybe the DMs you think are fake may just be a client trying to reach out!
Though also beware of frauds. Not to dim the shine of these bright sunny days, but frauds are all about and you need to be able to identify which ones are authentic offers and which not.
Coming back, always strive to create a community. Yes, it may seem too much like something an influencer would do, but it’s essential. Think of it as a virtual version of the connections built between social photographers and clients.
Do not reel when it comes to making Reels
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Yes, reels degrade your pure still art. But you needn’t compromise on that; you can be strategic about it.
If it bothers you to put your pictures in reel format, don’t. Instead, make reels that discuss photography or provide valuable information. Mix in comical or other elements that you think will gain attention.
None of it need be ‘influencer’ type content. All that you need to get noticed by potential clients is to make yourself and your work unique. And the best way to do that is to show them who you are.
Be Consistent
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Sometimes, when you don’t see the results you wish, you will feel like quitting or won’t work. When this happens, we tend to slowly lose our interest, then consistency.
Know that the journey is challenging and won’t be a quick cake to bake. It will take time and consistency (plus the tactics, of course).
Summary
As a photographer, looking for leads through Instagram is easier said than done. Instagram is not a platform that supports (though neither does it discourage; it just doesn’t care) art. But because it is a useful and resourceful platform, not making use of its benefits would be a shame. The best course of action, then, is to know how it works and to use that to your advantage. This article gave you suggestions that we believe are essential to follow to grow on Instagram. Being out there, adopting new formats, and engaging as much as you can will prove beneficial.