How to Use Social Media for Photographers

One of my photographer friends was a bit frustrated with Facebook and how fine art photographers just don’t get the likes and shares as much as a person who photographs people and sunsets. It’s true, I know it can be frustrating. You work so hard on an image and you just don’t feel it’s given the justice it deserves.

I want to talk to you today about where you should hang out on Social Media and how to use it as a photographer.

Two Reasons you SHOULD use Social Media

To get the most out of social media as a photographer, you should use it for two reasons:

1. To connect with other artists to inspire you and get the creative juices flowing.

2. To connect with potential buyers and market your work.

Did you notice I said, “To connect” in both reasons? It IS a social platform. It’s important for you to connect with the people who you enjoy and because time is so precious, focus on one place and dominate it.

Yes, you’ll see the big photographers on many other social places at one time, but most of them have help publishing their work out to these sites. Social Media can be a rabbit hole and the deeper you get into it the more you’ll be lost in that hole. So stay focused and go for it all the way.

Some help to get you started.

For business, do a search on Google to give you ideas on where your clients may be. Here are some to look for:

Interior Designers

Art Buyers/Directors

Photo Agents

Magazine Photography Editors

Gallery Curators

If you would like to search more for people who need your work, check out https://www.behance.net/ They have a job tab and you can search to see who is looking for your work. It will help you see who would like to connect with you socially.

Of course, if any of you have more suggestions let us know in the comment section.

Where to hang out?

You’re saying ok…now that I’ve done my research where should I hang out? Great question! From all of the years I’ve been out there here is what I’ve seen…

These social media sites cater to certain media, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be good for you. The key is to really use one and use it full force.

Yes, LinkedIn was good for me, but it may not be for you. If you join LinkedIn, join groups and be active.

Facebook – What’s popular are people shots and beautiful landscapes. You can get to your target market for business, but sorry to say you will need to pay to connect with them.

Google+ – Landscapes are huge on Google+, but there are a variety of groups to connect with for inspiration. Unless you’re selling to photographers, it’s difficult to use this social site for business. But with that said, being active here is one of the best ways to be found in a Google search…. just make sure you use important hashtags.

Twitter – It’s a fast social site and you really have to stay on it, but you can connect with photographers and your buyers. Use your images on tweets and push everyone to your website if you’re in it for business.

Instagram – A great place to find inspiration. Hashtags are important! Check out this site for your profile link: https://linktr.ee/ It’s perfect for the business side of your Instagram.

Pinterest – Another great place for inspiration. If you use for business, you’ll need to post a lot to be seen.

500px – This is a ranking site and there are many out there. If you don’t connect here you won’t go anywhere. Landscapes are huge on 500. I wouldn’t use this for business because I’m not a huge landscape photographer and if you send your clients there they will see the top images…your competition. No way in hell would I ever point to a site like this for potential clients, just saying.

ello – Inspiration Social Site for Artist

Deep Dive Question

Your question for the day…. What social media platform are you using and is it working for you? If it’s not working…let us know where you are and what you shoot so we can help you focus.

If you take time to really connect with people for inspiration and/or business, just remember it will pay off when you focus on one site and dominate it!

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My tweet for the day 🙂