Why Getting Featured on Social Media is Important for Photographers?
In the earlier days, photographers relied on exhibitions, museums and print publications like magazines and newspapers to showcase their work and gain recognition. While these methods primarily targeted local or national audiences, only a select few photographers managed to attract international attention, leaving many undiscovered talents overlooked.
However, with the advent of the digital age, the dynamics have dramatically shifted. Since 2018, I've been actively posting my photographs on Instagram, consistently photographing quality frames and hoping for features on various pages to amplify my visibility. This strategic approach has led to significant growth over time, although it's been a gradual process rather than an overnight success.
Personally, I've always appreciated every feature, regardless of the number of likes it generated. Some pages may have yielded only a handful of likes and followers, while some garnered hundreds. But what mattered most was the potential conversion of those interactions into meaningful connections or opportunities, such as print sales, commissioned work, or lifelong friendships.
One of the experience I would like to share from many, a few months ago, an art collector reached out to purchase 6 of my prints via Instagram. He had been following me since 2019 and remembered saving few of my photographs with the intention of acquiring it when he bought a new house. Reflecting on this encounter, I traced back to the modest beginnings of our connection—a small IG page with just 35 likes on my post. Yet, if you see, even from those seemingly minor engagements, significant outcome emerged, underscoring the unpredictable nature of online interactions.
Consider this: 35 seems like a very small number. Probably even feels discouraging. But if you were to treat each of those 35 people to dinner, the cost might give you pause. Suddenly 35 is a huge number. Remember no number is small. Quality of those numbers are very important.
Over my decade-long journey in photography, with seven years on Instagram, I've witnessed the power of social media in bridging geographical boundaries and expanding my reach globally.
In fact, a substantial portion of my followers, around 60%, discovered my work through features on various pages on Instagram and other social media platforms. Their interest prompted them to explore my profile, leading to engagements like print sales, commissioned work and online workshops, enriching my artistic journey and facilitating connections across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
This underscores the importance of broad exposure for growth. Each like, share, or follow has the potential to introduce your work to new audiences, gradually nurturing leads and opportunities. Therefore, it's crucial never to underestimate the significance of every individual who appreciates and supports your art.
Consider this scenario: you post a photograph, and among your 3k or 30k followers, each one hits the like button. But how many new individuals are actually exposed to your work? Now, contrast that with being featured on a page where followers who have never encountered your work before stumble upon it.
In conclusion, focus on amplifying your visibility as well. After all, if you're not visible, how will anyone discover your remarkable work? And when you are discovered, be patient; you never know when and how your follower may turn into a potential buyer or client. It's just a matter of time and patience. Simply concentrate on producing quality photographs and increasing your visibility.
