Absolutely, I just love capturing photos and posting on insta. Never went on seeking for validation from others. It hardly matters. I am satisfied that my friends and family get to see those shots and that's what makes me happy.
Thanks Chris, recently I have really resonated with this exact philosophy and I could not agree more. My photography is for me and to hell with what other people think.
I am not gatekeeping my art. I can care less for likes when i post. I post to show it to the world what I created with my tool. This video is directed to the people who validates their life on what other people think, it goes beyond photography. To each their own. If you dont want to post then do that, if you want to post and do that.
I agree. Social media is not a barometer of good/bad photography. Find your own style, read some photography books, visit exhibitions and galleries. Ultimately the only way to improve your photography is to shoot more. The final arbiter of any image you make is you. Thanks for another great video.
I agree with most of your statements except the one on visiting exhibitions and galleries to see good photography, just because a photo is in a gallery doesn't guarantee it is also good! I had an auntie who was very well connected in the art scene due to her socio-economic status and she often showed her rather awful photos in galleries LOL. (and OMG she was a bad photographer even when you consider that art is highly subjective hahaha)
You are absolutely correct about social media. I quit Facebook/Instagram about 5 years ago, always had a love hate relationship with it anyways. But when I was posting, I recall having the same feelings about the exotic locations and not loving where I lived and feeling limited. Well, since leaving social media, I’ve learned to love the places around me and I visit them frequently because each time the conditions are different.
I think the message shouldn’t be to quit social media, but rather to understand social media, and Don’t Chase “Likes”. I do a fair amount on IG, for example, but I don’t track likes, don’t worry about how many followers I have. I shoot what I want to shoot, and post whet I feel like posting.
Just saw this video and I had the same sentiment. Doing photography since 2012, I've quit chasing after the "grand" clinical looking photos we always see online with thousands of likes, and instead took the time taking older stuff, making photographs with imperfections. It may not be the best looking to everyone's eyes, but it's definitely one of the most fun I've had and I'm glad I was able to experience it haha
If you post photos for your own reasons. Don't post them for other people. Some people might like them, that's just a bonus. The first time I posted I heard all the critics say this and that. I told them to show me that they can do better. They couldn't. Most "critics" don't know how to create.
As someone who started photography in Shanghai, I loathe Instagram for it's algorithm and design. I have no desire to post my work on IG, however, photographic practice in places like Shanghai are qualitatively different. Apps there do a great job for photographers to share, post, learn, and generally be inspired my the tremendous amateur works posted. This has made me question not only our reliance on IG for photographic practice, but its limations in regards to aesthetics.
I am in my early 60s and started 40+ years ago. I never posted any photos on social media. I have no interest what anyone would say about my photos. My photos are all over my house walls, my best friends walls, my family's house walls and that is it. I need no ones opinion. If I like it myself that is all that counts.
The tragic tale of social media. It took me many years to get a relatively good following, only for people to become ghost followers. Mostly due to the lack of trust with Facebook and their privacy concerns. My content is much better than it ever was but gets little to no reaction but I know this doesn't represent my worth. I wonder when this will change...
Great advice and reminder to all of us photographers out there. I try not to base the quality of my photography or creative work on social media likes as well. Speaking of the online measurement tool, I am surprised your channel hasn't blown up yet! This is solid advice. Hope more photographers can come across your content someday. Good luck!
I think some version of this idea is good thing to keep in mind. I see a lot of people over thinking sharing, how much, what to not share... and though I have my own opinions on that stuff I could feel myself trying to figure out how I wanted to use my photo IG. Did I want to be more like "here's everything I did as I'm doing it" or more coy... did I want a system or consistent style? Then I didn't want to post at all. Now I've landed on "ill do what i want when I want no one cares anyway". And I think that's probably the best mindset to be in. I want to take pictures of what I like how I like. Everyone loves the punk show pics, I think that's fun, but I like taking candid pictures on the street more. No one likes those.
This might work for some people, but for many of us, being able to publish our work is part of the art and part of the fun! Of course your point on listening to likes still stand, but we don’t necessarily need to get off social media to realise is
I can't imagine photographing something without sharing it somewhere, that's hell. The people I met, experiences I had and stuff I learned just by posting my work out there is crazy.
Nowadays posting photos to social media is crucial if you’re single. It’s so the person you like/likes you, can get a sense of who you It creates a safe identity that says oh so this is what this person is like even if it is intentional. People nowadays are social media crazy, so I think it’s good to have some pictures that at least shows part of your personality. It’s why I do it 😂
I love taking photos of birds because it's peaceful and relaxing. I don't really care if i get a "natgeo" shot or not. Im just happy to see them and document what i saw
I use instagram as a diary/pressure release. If you’re using it for that purpose and don’t expect anything in return post often and enjoy social media.
@@WhoIsSerafin 😂😂 I can imagine... "Oh, my diary... I need to release pressure... I'm so stressed... My feeeeeeelings... Oh, my feeeeeeeelings" Grow up!
Great video! Here's yours 1000th subscriber 🤭📸 As I currently understand, it is a lot more important to learn yourself and express your inner values with photos. This may help to create meaningful projects, series of photos, images with deep ideas. In the end, you are not taking pictures of the world, you are taking pictures of your soul, and how you see the world! It is easy to fall in "success&hype" race for likes... So thousands of bloggers may gain views from you! But the price is... The feeling that you are doing photography right for yourself. I myself really tired of this inner critic, telling me to "share, otherwise it doesn't matter". That's what I'm battling for now: a right for my authenticity. Very hard when most of the people are convicted in that idea of external validation. But it is definitely, always worth it to nurture and express yourself!
Don't let yourself be controlled by social media. - You don't have to create for algorithms or trends or whatever - You can use the platform purely as your free "Gallery", the engagement you get is just something extra - Engagement does not equal quality - As a photographer, you should always take photos you want to - no social media is stopping you from doing that. - You can actually use social media for inspiration (something every photographer needs). If you avoid posting photos because it won't get engagement or are worried about negative feedback then you might have a different problem. Step back and think who you are photographing for.
Dude. I watched this video earlier and absolutely needed to hear this message - thank you! I was shocked to see that you were a fellow small creator, I was expecting you to have a huge following based on this video. Subbed and can’t wait to watch you grow.
The focus should be on learning the rules so you can break them and getting to know yourself and what you like to shoot and how you like to shoot it. I'm now at a point where posting is almost like a chore. And I go weeks without doing it. Therefore the need for that dopamine hit has dissipated and the depression because no one seemed to like my new favorite shot is also gone. I must be honest and say that I just started a one photo a week for each of my socials, but instead of worrying about likes and comments, I'm curious to see how my photos fit together or not. I'm curious to see, even through different genres(street, urban, landscape, still life, nature) if there's any commonality.
I've been a working photographer since 1980. The 1 thing you have to realize is... many more people have no idea what makes a good photo. I do it for me, and if a professional gives a thumbs up, they know what makes it and why it is. People don't know how to study a good image, the light that makes it work, and the details to compasistion. So do it for you, and if your happy with it, thats all that matters. And if you are making money fron your images, that says it all.
Social media is great for getting your work out, but comments, likes, shares, etc., should never be taken as a measure of the quality of the work. I've been at it for over for 40 years, and until the past 10 years, all my work was either in gallery shows or in print media.
I think I would disagree with this for one simple reason and that is if I hadnt posted my images when I started out I wouldnt have met the people I have, some I now call my friends and their input and motivation has only improved my work. Yes there are some considerations before joining social media mainly that high numbers does not equal high quality, be it likes, comments or followers and it may be that due to things out of your control your images are only shown to a small number of your followers so the reaction isnt always big but thats fine. What I love is that due to the relationships I have built I am keeping people who I know are interested ih my work up to date with what I am shooting and vice versa with their work to me. Also it has become a diary of sorts of my own journet and I occasionally flick through my own feed and critique myself. So I dont believe people shouldnt post but I do think people should be more informed of the noise to block out when navigating the social media spaces. Focus on the social and trying to engage with other people to learn and completely discard any metrics, it means nothing at all.
The other thing you avoid are the trolls who see a nice image and then proceed to mess with your head and try to convince you that the photo is rubbish or that the person who made the image does not know what they are doing. The only opinion that should matter is how the photographer that made the image feels about it.
Yeah Nah as we say in NZ. I use IG as my gallery. I post only what I think are quality photos in the style that I want to be and I try to match my photos in groups of three to give the gallery balance. I'm still doing it for me and posting on IG stimulates me to improve. Otherwise all the photos I take would just be sitting on the computer. I do not dilute my IG with personal stuff or cats. Sometimes I am too close to the image to accurately access the quality and the likes or not on a particular image can be not what I expected. It's nice to interact with other photographers and I have caught up with 2 local photographers for coffee and a chat purely from mutual respect for each others work on IG. Keeping IG professional is the key. Cheers!
True stuff sir. You have a new subscriber here. I've been shooting for 40 years now. I've done all fields of photography. I live in the rockies of Canada now and it's so easy to take a popular shot. Not a good shot a popular shot. Yes my Instagram lights up when I post mountain shots but in all honesty they aren't anything special. There is an over saturation of rockies shots out there, so it's hard to get something unique and different. Most of my favorite shots I've taken have been within 50 feet of my home. I'm a lazy 60 year old now lol. Not many people like those shots but they are for me not them. So it is very much an opinion when someone judges your work.
I do post my pictures, but not for likes or somrthing. I just like making photos, and if I like a shot, I'll post it on Instagram so that my friends can see it without me sending it to everyone individually. Sometimes I'll get a like, sometimes a handful. But who cares? I just know some of them like looking at pics, so I post it for them to see. But I take the pictures for myself in the first place
I am my own acid test. When I post they like that's another test and it don't get to me. And I don't post the best photos that I personally like. Saving that for a magazine print or a book in the future.
I personally follow a lot of photographers who post exactly that type of photos you showed. I post the photos that I like - as a photo album for myself. If people like it, it's good - if not, I don't care either 😂
You can still post on social media and do your own thing. I choose to lessen my time on social media because its toxic, AI bs, and a few other reasons. I could care less that i get 1 like.
I have friends who asked me to shoot for some of their events because they saw my work in my SM. I did not accept all of them because I am just a hobbyist. I do not have a team with me. my point is SM will help you get your clientele.
I can’t lie this is an odd one to me. I hear the point which is very valid, but there is also the other side to social where you get to meet more like minded people. Learn from each other make new friends etc. On the sharing side it’s defo not about the likes and that’s what can sway a person as you rightfully said. The sooner there’s a disconnect from the like and just sharing because you want to then it’s all good. But also staying true to ones self.
I’d be a hypocrite if I said I agreed not to post on social media or TH-cam because I enjoy doing that but I totally agree with you. It’s not important if other people like our work or not, as long as we enjoy doing what we do. 😎Seasons Greetings ✌️
Exactly. Doesn't matter what subject it is. Take politics for example, normally there's two party's, and they are almost always split down the middle with voters. Then, in each party, there are factions, and in those factions, there are more factions. Very few people will totally like the same policies as others. A collective of 20,000 people may 'like' an image, but half will only really like the composition, other half may only like the colors - some people may only like the image because it's close to where they live, and some will like it because they may be visiting that location soon. Then exactly 'what' the further breakdown will be, will be subjective once again. It's an interesting phenomenon.
It really depends if it's a hobby of a business for you. In the end as a business you need to get your work out there to potential clients in as many ways a possible. Saying that you should only post work which is your best no needs to inflate numbers all the time. Focus more on yourself as your brand in socials rather than just your work. People pay for you not just the images.
I think everyone should post more photos, regardless of their skill level, and turn off the likes. Don't wait until you've figured it out and become a "good" photographer. I'm here for people's photo journeys, and I share mine. I feel sad for people that don't feel they're work is good enough to post, when they're making awesome photos. Even if they aren't great, who cares?
But if your posting for yourself why post in the first place? I think photographers need to be happy with their work for themselves and not be obsessed with posting it on social media
The first video I saw from you. The hunt for dopamine, aka likes and comments and followers. Not only true for photography, can be expanded to anything social media related. But very true for us photographers. Now on to check the video about projects. This is something I want to do next year. The comment about music is so eye-opening. I love Pink Floyd, my wife hates them. And I mean she really can't stand listening to songs like "Wish you were here." (Yes, I still love her 😄). Transferring to photos: Some of them she looks at and says: I don't know why you took a photo of that, I don't like it. Others she really loves. Am I trying to shoot only photos which please her? No. Why should I do the same thing for others?
I run a video business. Last January I said ill not post any videos in 2024. I have gotten more new clients this year as a result not posted on social media. I just use my Web site. I think next year I'll continue not posting any images or videos again.. Anyway... one million likes doesn't result in getting cash...
Even if you are going to continue posting on social media, there could be one for everyone and the other account that's just for only close friends or be used as just your own closed album
No one would see what i do if i didn't post to my FB page, I'm not in a position to pay for a website or have images displayed in a gallery so FB works for me in getting 4 or 5 print sales a year
Also social media likes don't really make sense. The likes might not be based on the photo quality but rather the subject, and the likes just might be from people that follow you that feel the need to like just to be nice. If proper criticism is needed other than comments, star rating system based on categories should return.
I disagree about the North east. The coast, rural Northumberland, the wildlife, the city centre, waterfalls, dark skies. The list goes on. I get what you're saying though. I am disheartened with instagram in a way, but I genuinely just shoot what I like and post the odd one as a kind of book of favourites. I'm still finding my niche, one day I'm doing macro water droplets and the next I end up shooting wildlife at 600mm.
i suppose i probably class the North East as Durham to Newcastle maybe thats why i suppose. Northumberland is gorgeous, ive been spending a fair bit of time up there recently actually. Its all about enjoyment really mate so if you enjoy switching it up all the time then id say keep doing that. At some point there will be one thing or maybe a couple that really drag you in and thats all you want to photograph.
Have super thick skin. People will comment and say all sorts of awful stuff to you for literally no reason. Don’t read into it too much and definitely don’t let it affect you. Other than that just try to make videos you enjoy because if you don’t enjoy it after a year, you will never keep it going (basing this on my main TH-cam channel)
If you're new to photography social media can be helpful. I do really well out of it but I just post one photo a day and then respond to the comments when I can. I sell a lot of photos from Instagram and from Facebook because where I live people don't click on websites they're not interested in fancy websites. In fact I don't even have a fancy website that makes me look better than I am. I'm a really good photographer in Australia and I don't need a fancy website. My images sell themselves but you have to get to that level where your work is good. I think it's all about balance. It's okay to have social media. Just don't get addicted to it.
I post about my trips and I used to care about the likes. But I realized WHATEVER most of these peoples can’t even afford trips and their lives are boring af lol
nah, I love to have IG, otherwise your photos stay in a hard drive. Who cares if your photos don't get any likes, as long as you're happy with them! Also social media can be amazing to promote your work commercially.
Yeah but as I said in the video it’s aimed at people new to photography. Theres no commercial value to your work in say the first 6 months. Being active on there can only lead you down the wrong path at that point in photography is what I’m saying
If u do it for you, why are u telling us all of this? Stop using Instagram, stop using all socials and TH-cam too, it's also a social media/platform. Don't be offended but I think this video don't hitting the point tbh. I think u have a photography block (all natural) and u are mad and u don't know on what u are mad about. I have it too, clear all my accounts but, sadly, in todays world there is no success without social medias! When u meet REAL photographers on socials u gonna be glad to have ones. Just relax and breath :)
You clearly didn’t watch the video. Probably better if you watched the full video properly before commenting. It’s a video telling new photographers not to use it. I have no block, im very much the opposite of being mad other than having to correct people that cant just listen to a video properly. My point was if you dont know your identity, your style and your love for photography yet. Its easy to follow others and just do whatever everyone else is just because it gets likes.
People give their work away for free and social media makes money off you the creator on advertising and now A.I can scan your work and create it's own. People dont realize their value
Great stuff man. Subbed and liked! Great to see new faces with energy and something to say on this platform. New channel myself, hopefully we grow together! 🎉
100% agree. I do photography for me, couldn't give a shit if people like or hate my images. Just being out with the camera puts me in a happy place.
Hell yeaa! I dont have any forms of Social Media other than TH-cam i agree. Im a rookie photographer but i feel the same way. Keep it up @DarrenFeeney
1000% with you, my man! I'm a grouch by nature, but give me a camera and let me take some nature shots, and I'm actually in a good mood.
I agree with you 100%. Take photos for your viewing pleasure. Don't need people's approval.
@@adude394yes!!!
Socials didn't exist when I started.
And you're right.
Nor did they exist when I started, but yes, he's right. If you want to enjoy your photography, photograph what you care about.
Absolutely, I just love capturing photos and posting on insta. Never went on seeking for validation from others. It hardly matters. I am satisfied that my friends and family get to see those shots and that's what makes me happy.
Thanks Chris, recently I have really resonated with this exact philosophy and I could not agree more. My photography is for me and to hell with what other people think.
I am not gatekeeping my art.
I can care less for likes when i post.
I post to show it to the world what I created with my tool.
This video is directed to the people who validates their life on what other people think, it goes beyond photography.
To each their own.
If you dont want to post then do that, if you want to post and do that.
It’s more as I said at the beginning of the video aimed at new photographers.
I agree. Social media is not a barometer of good/bad photography. Find your own style, read some photography books, visit exhibitions and galleries. Ultimately the only way to improve your photography is to shoot more. The final arbiter of any image you make is you. Thanks for another great video.
And listen to your heart, that's what art is all about.
I agree with most of your statements except the one on visiting exhibitions and galleries to see good photography, just because a photo is in a gallery doesn't guarantee it is also good! I had an auntie who was very well connected in the art scene due to her socio-economic status and she often showed her rather awful photos in galleries LOL. (and OMG she was a bad photographer even when you consider that art is highly subjective hahaha)
You are absolutely correct about social media. I quit Facebook/Instagram about 5 years ago, always had a love hate relationship with it anyways. But when I was posting, I recall having the same feelings about the exotic locations and not loving where I lived and feeling limited. Well, since leaving social media, I’ve learned to love the places around me and I visit them frequently because each time the conditions are different.
I think the message shouldn’t be to quit social media, but rather to understand social media, and Don’t Chase “Likes”. I do a fair amount on IG, for example, but I don’t track likes, don’t worry about how many followers I have. I shoot what I want to shoot, and post whet I feel like posting.
Quit social media.
Just saw this video and I had the same sentiment. Doing photography since 2012, I've quit chasing after the "grand" clinical looking photos we always see online with thousands of likes, and instead took the time taking older stuff, making photographs with imperfections. It may not be the best looking to everyone's eyes, but it's definitely one of the most fun I've had and I'm glad I was able to experience it haha
If you post photos for your own reasons. Don't post them for other people. Some people might like them, that's just a bonus. The first time I posted I heard all the critics say this and that. I told them to show me that they can do better. They couldn't. Most "critics" don't know how to create.
nice . thanks for this
As someone who started photography in Shanghai, I loathe Instagram for it's algorithm and design. I have no desire to post my work on IG, however, photographic practice in places like Shanghai are qualitatively different. Apps there do a great job for photographers to share, post, learn, and generally be inspired my the tremendous amateur works posted. This has made me question not only our reliance on IG for photographic practice, but its limations in regards to aesthetics.
I am in my early 60s and started 40+ years ago. I never posted any photos on social media. I have no interest what anyone would say about my photos. My photos are all over my house walls, my best friends walls, my family's house walls and that is it.
I need no ones opinion. If I like it myself that is all that counts.
The tragic tale of social media. It took me many years to get a relatively good following, only for people to become ghost followers. Mostly due to the lack of trust with Facebook and their privacy concerns. My content is much better than it ever was but gets little to no reaction but I know this doesn't represent my worth. I wonder when this will change...
Flickr was so great because it was all photographers supporting other photographers.
Great advice and reminder to all of us photographers out there. I try not to base the quality of my photography or creative work on social media likes as well.
Speaking of the online measurement tool, I am surprised your channel hasn't blown up yet! This is solid advice.
Hope more photographers can come across your content someday. Good luck!
I think some version of this idea is good thing to keep in mind. I see a lot of people over thinking sharing, how much, what to not share... and though I have my own opinions on that stuff I could feel myself trying to figure out how I wanted to use my photo IG. Did I want to be more like "here's everything I did as I'm doing it" or more coy... did I want a system or consistent style? Then I didn't want to post at all. Now I've landed on "ill do what i want when I want no one cares anyway". And I think that's probably the best mindset to be in. I want to take pictures of what I like how I like. Everyone loves the punk show pics, I think that's fun, but I like taking candid pictures on the street more. No one likes those.
This might work for some people, but for many of us, being able to publish our work is part of the art and part of the fun! Of course your point on listening to likes still stand, but we don’t necessarily need to get off social media to realise is
I can't imagine photographing something without sharing it somewhere, that's hell. The people I met, experiences I had and stuff I learned just by posting my work out there is crazy.
Nowadays posting photos to social media is crucial if you’re single. It’s so the person you like/likes you, can get a sense of who you
It creates a safe identity that says oh so this is what this person is like even if it is intentional.
People nowadays are social media crazy, so I think it’s good to have some pictures that at least shows part of your personality.
It’s why I do it 😂
I love taking photos of birds because it's peaceful and relaxing. I don't really care if i get a "natgeo" shot or not. Im just happy to see them and document what i saw
I use instagram as a diary/pressure release. If you’re using it for that purpose and don’t expect anything in return post often and enjoy social media.
Yes, exactly. I post, disable like count and don't care how much or who likes my photos. I only post for myself
@@diegoskt5 i'm only doing it to try to meet a woman
Are you 5?
@@imjustherefortheks are you? WTF😂 I don’t even understand the meaning behind this question?😂
@@WhoIsSerafin 😂😂 I can imagine...
"Oh, my diary... I need to release pressure... I'm so stressed... My feeeeeeelings... Oh, my feeeeeeeelings" Grow up!
It's videos like this one, honest, truthful, and by the way also straight to the point, that I tend to like more, lately. Thanks for this one.
Great video! Here's yours 1000th subscriber 🤭📸
As I currently understand, it is a lot more important to learn yourself and express your inner values with photos. This may help to create meaningful projects, series of photos, images with deep ideas. In the end, you are not taking pictures of the world, you are taking pictures of your soul, and how you see the world! It is easy to fall in "success&hype" race for likes... So thousands of bloggers may gain views from you! But the price is... The feeling that you are doing photography right for yourself.
I myself really tired of this inner critic, telling me to "share, otherwise it doesn't matter". That's what I'm battling for now: a right for my authenticity. Very hard when most of the people are convicted in that idea of external validation. But it is definitely, always worth it to nurture and express yourself!
Don't let yourself be controlled by social media.
- You don't have to create for algorithms or trends or whatever
- You can use the platform purely as your free "Gallery", the engagement you get is just something extra
- Engagement does not equal quality
- As a photographer, you should always take photos you want to - no social media is stopping you from doing that.
- You can actually use social media for inspiration (something every photographer needs).
If you avoid posting photos because it won't get engagement or are worried about negative feedback then you might have a different problem. Step back and think who you are photographing for.
Dude. I watched this video earlier and absolutely needed to hear this message - thank you!
I was shocked to see that you were a fellow small creator, I was expecting you to have a huge following based on this video.
Subbed and can’t wait to watch you grow.
The focus should be on learning the rules so you can break them and getting to know yourself and what you like to shoot and how you like to shoot it.
I'm now at a point where posting is almost like a chore. And I go weeks without doing it. Therefore the need for that dopamine hit has dissipated and the depression because no one seemed to like my new favorite shot is also gone.
I must be honest and say that I just started a one photo a week for each of my socials, but instead of worrying about likes and comments, I'm curious to see how my photos fit together or not. I'm curious to see, even through different genres(street, urban, landscape, still life, nature) if there's any commonality.
I've been a working photographer since 1980. The 1 thing you have to realize is... many more people have no idea what makes a good photo. I do it for me, and if a professional gives a thumbs up, they know what makes it and why it is. People don't know how to study a good image, the light that makes it work, and the details to compasistion. So do it for you, and if your happy with it, thats all that matters. And if you are making money fron your images, that says it all.
Social media is great for getting your work out, but comments, likes, shares, etc., should never be taken as a measure of the quality of the work.
I've been at it for over for 40 years, and until the past 10 years, all my work was either in gallery shows or in print media.
I think I would disagree with this for one simple reason and that is if I hadnt posted my images when I started out I wouldnt have met the people I have, some I now call my friends and their input and motivation has only improved my work. Yes there are some considerations before joining social media mainly that high numbers does not equal high quality, be it likes, comments or followers and it may be that due to things out of your control your images are only shown to a small number of your followers so the reaction isnt always big but thats fine. What I love is that due to the relationships I have built I am keeping people who I know are interested ih my work up to date with what I am shooting and vice versa with their work to me. Also it has become a diary of sorts of my own journet and I occasionally flick through my own feed and critique myself. So I dont believe people shouldnt post but I do think people should be more informed of the noise to block out when navigating the social media spaces. Focus on the social and trying to engage with other people to learn and completely discard any metrics, it means nothing at all.
The other thing you avoid are the trolls who see a nice image and then proceed to mess with your head and try to convince you that the photo is rubbish or that the person who made the image does not know what they are doing. The only opinion that should matter is how the photographer that made the image feels about it.
Never was a truer word spoken.
Yeah Nah as we say in NZ. I use IG as my gallery. I post only what I think are quality photos in the style that I want to be and I try to match my photos in groups of three to give the gallery balance. I'm still doing it for me and posting on IG stimulates me to improve. Otherwise all the photos I take would just be sitting on the computer. I do not dilute my IG with personal stuff or cats. Sometimes I am too close to the image to accurately access the quality and the likes or not on a particular image can be not what I expected. It's nice to interact with other photographers and I have caught up with 2 local photographers for coffee and a chat purely from mutual respect for each others work on IG. Keeping IG professional is the key. Cheers!
True stuff sir. You have a new subscriber here. I've been shooting for 40 years now. I've done all fields of photography. I live in the rockies of Canada now and it's so easy to take a popular shot. Not a good shot a popular shot. Yes my Instagram lights up when I post mountain shots but in all honesty they aren't anything special. There is an over saturation of rockies shots out there, so it's hard to get something unique and different. Most of my favorite shots I've taken have been within 50 feet of my home. I'm a lazy 60 year old now lol. Not many people like those shots but they are for me not them. So it is very much an opinion when someone judges your work.
I love the thought of not chasing trendy insta photos👌
I do post my pictures, but not for likes or somrthing. I just like making photos, and if I like a shot, I'll post it on Instagram so that my friends can see it without me sending it to everyone individually. Sometimes I'll get a like, sometimes a handful. But who cares? I just know some of them like looking at pics, so I post it for them to see. But I take the pictures for myself in the first place
I am my own acid test. When I post they like that's another test and it don't get to me. And I don't post the best photos that I personally like. Saving that for a magazine print or a book in the future.
I personally follow a lot of photographers who post exactly that type of photos you showed.
I post the photos that I like - as a photo album for myself. If people like it, it's good - if not, I don't care either 😂
I agree ❤ because there is no art in commercial platforms
Great advice! I just started following you.
You can still post on social media and do your own thing. I choose to lessen my time on social media because its toxic, AI bs, and a few other reasons. I could care less that i get 1 like.
I agree. But TH-cam imo is also social media.
Awesome message and thanks for sharing it!
I have friends who asked me to shoot for some of their events because they saw my work in my SM. I did not accept all of them because I am just a hobbyist. I do not have a team with me. my point is SM will help you get your clientele.
My point was as I said. If you’re new to photography. Emphasis on new
I can’t lie this is an odd one to me. I hear the point which is very valid, but there is also the other side to social where you get to meet more like minded people. Learn from each other make new friends etc.
On the sharing side it’s defo not about the likes and that’s what can sway a person as you rightfully said. The sooner there’s a disconnect from the like and just sharing because you want to then it’s all good.
But also staying true to ones self.
I’d be a hypocrite if I said I agreed not to post on social media or TH-cam because I enjoy doing that but I totally agree with you. It’s not important if other people like our work or not, as long as we enjoy doing what we do. 😎Seasons Greetings ✌️
Exactly. Doesn't matter what subject it is. Take politics for example, normally there's two party's, and they are almost always split down the middle with voters. Then, in each party, there are factions, and in those factions, there are more factions. Very few people will totally like the same policies as others.
A collective of 20,000 people may 'like' an image, but half will only really like the composition, other half may only like the colors - some people may only like the image because it's close to where they live, and some will like it because they may be visiting that location soon. Then exactly 'what' the further breakdown will be, will be subjective once again. It's an interesting phenomenon.
It really depends if it's a hobby of a business for you. In the end as a business you need to get your work out there to potential clients in as many ways a possible. Saying that you should only post work which is your best no needs to inflate numbers all the time. Focus more on yourself as your brand in socials rather than just your work. People pay for you not just the images.
Agree 100%. Only trust your own taste!
I think everyone should post more photos, regardless of their skill level, and turn off the likes. Don't wait until you've figured it out and become a "good" photographer. I'm here for people's photo journeys, and I share mine. I feel sad for people that don't feel they're work is good enough to post, when they're making awesome photos. Even if they aren't great, who cares?
But if your posting for yourself why post in the first place? I think photographers need to be happy with their work for themselves and not be obsessed with posting it on social media
The first video I saw from you. The hunt for dopamine, aka likes and comments and followers. Not only true for photography, can be expanded to anything social media related. But very true for us photographers. Now on to check the video about projects. This is something I want to do next year.
The comment about music is so eye-opening. I love Pink Floyd, my wife hates them. And I mean she really can't stand listening to songs like "Wish you were here." (Yes, I still love her 😄). Transferring to photos: Some of them she looks at and says: I don't know why you took a photo of that, I don't like it. Others she really loves. Am I trying to shoot only photos which please her? No. Why should I do the same thing for others?
I run a video business. Last January I said ill not post any videos in 2024. I have gotten more new clients this year as a result not posted on social media. I just use my Web site. I think next year I'll continue not posting any images or videos again..
Anyway... one million likes doesn't result in getting cash...
Good to hear that mate.
Even if you are going to continue posting on social media, there could be one for everyone and the other account that's just for only close friends or be used as just your own closed album
It's not the number of likes, it's about the quality! The only time I take photos to please someone else is when they are paying me!
Very much needed saying!
finally someone said what i always wanted to say, thank you
3:22 I reelee like that fo-o
Thank you! I love that one. Just simple and the colours are nice.
Thought provoking. Thank you.
No one would see what i do if i didn't post to my FB page, I'm not in a position to pay for a website or have images displayed in a gallery so FB works for me in getting 4 or 5 print sales a year
Very interesting and thought provoking
Bingo, spot on. Thanks for sharing your views.
ALWAYS DO IT FOR YOU and keep social media as a platform 🤷
Also social media likes don't really make sense. The likes might not be based on the photo quality but rather the subject, and the likes just might be from people that follow you that feel the need to like just to be nice. If proper criticism is needed other than comments, star rating system based on categories should return.
I disagree about the North east. The coast, rural Northumberland, the wildlife, the city centre, waterfalls, dark skies. The list goes on. I get what you're saying though. I am disheartened with instagram in a way, but I genuinely just shoot what I like and post the odd one as a kind of book of favourites. I'm still finding my niche, one day I'm doing macro water droplets and the next I end up shooting wildlife at 600mm.
i suppose i probably class the North East as Durham to Newcastle maybe thats why i suppose. Northumberland is gorgeous, ive been spending a fair bit of time up there recently actually.
Its all about enjoyment really mate so if you enjoy switching it up all the time then id say keep doing that. At some point there will be one thing or maybe a couple that really drag you in and thats all you want to photograph.
What would you say to a photographer trying to start their first ever youtube channel? Asking for myself
Have super thick skin. People will comment and say all sorts of awful stuff to you for literally no reason. Don’t read into it too much and definitely don’t let it affect you. Other than that just try to make videos you enjoy because if you don’t enjoy it after a year, you will never keep it going (basing this on my main TH-cam channel)
@ Thanks man. For someone with low tolerance for bs, it’s sometimes hard to ignore or not get affected by nasty comments. But I’ll try my best
i just post bc it’s an easier portfolio reference
Well said.
If you're new to photography social media can be helpful. I do really well out of it but I just post one photo a day and then respond to the comments when I can. I sell a lot of photos from Instagram and from Facebook because where I live people don't click on websites they're not interested in fancy websites. In fact I don't even have a fancy website that makes me look better than I am. I'm a really good photographer in Australia and I don't need a fancy website. My images sell themselves but you have to get to that level where your work is good. I think it's all about balance. It's okay to have social media. Just don't get addicted to it.
My experience too about website
@robertleeimages who clicks on websites...NO one
I post about my trips and I used to care about the likes. But I realized WHATEVER most of these peoples can’t even afford trips and their lives are boring af lol
I just use a nokia 216 and a olympus e3 camera
Awesomed, I agree.
nah, I love to have IG, otherwise your photos stay in a hard drive. Who cares if your photos don't get any likes, as long as you're happy with them! Also social media can be amazing to promote your work commercially.
Yeah but as I said in the video it’s aimed at people new to photography. Theres no commercial value to your work in say the first 6 months. Being active on there can only lead you down the wrong path at that point in photography is what I’m saying
If u do it for you, why are u telling us all of this? Stop using Instagram, stop using all socials and TH-cam too, it's also a social media/platform. Don't be offended but I think this video don't hitting the point tbh. I think u have a photography block (all natural) and u are mad and u don't know on what u are mad about. I have it too, clear all my accounts but, sadly, in todays world there is no success without social medias! When u meet REAL photographers on socials u gonna be glad to have ones. Just relax and breath :)
You clearly didn’t watch the video. Probably better if you watched the full video properly before commenting. It’s a video telling new photographers not to use it.
I have no block, im very much the opposite of being mad other than having to correct people that cant just listen to a video properly.
My point was if you dont know your identity, your style and your love for photography yet. Its easy to follow others and just do whatever everyone else is just because it gets likes.
*Laughs in
People give their work away for free and social media makes money off you the creator on advertising and now A.I can scan your work and create it's own. People dont realize their value
W r o n g.... 😂😂😂
the problem is your ego
Zero likes movement baby!!!!
My man, you're ten years late
Story of my life 😂
That’s why I get no likes…
Don't post your ugly photos.
Let "professionals" with their professional cameras and toys post. 😂
Great stuff man. Subbed and liked! Great to see new faces with energy and something to say on this platform. New channel myself, hopefully we grow together! 🎉
if posting on social media generates money for me, then why not. its the same as making content and uploading on youtube. we all want money bro.
Guessing you didn’t watch the video or pay attention to me saying if your new to photography I wouldn’t suggest using instagram.