Instagram

How many image makers DON’T share who they are on IG Stories? Why oh why… when we have this fantastic, inexpensive tool to stay in front of clients, are we so apprehensive to be ourselves? Person-to-person sticks. Simple as that. 

Q:

How do you quickly evaluate a photographer’s Instagram account?

A:

My usual way to quickly “judge” a photographer’s IG account is to see when they last posted on their grid. It’s not about the number of followers that makes them a photographer to take seriously; it is how often and how active they are with their second website.

Q:

What’s your opinion of IG? Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? And do you think only posting BTS/announcements as opposed to actual photos would be career suicide?

A:

My overriding opinion about choosing any type of marketing is all about IG. We can’t dance around this; telling half the story is like saying we want to show clients we can handle providing images for their marketing needs, but we can’t do it ourselves. We have to be doing at least the basics, or it’s equal to not having a website (oy!). Only posting BTS/Announcements would be using it as a temporary, occasional publicity outlet, which would send out the message that you don’t feel confident in your completed work. 

Q:

Do you ever find photographers or directors on Instagram?

A:

I have definitely found image makers I want to rep on Instagram as that is the place to find them. Instagram isn’t the only way to show images; it is the platform to come alive on a more one-on-one basis and ENGAGE with more of a personal approach.

Q:

Other than consistently sharing their work, what are the best ways photographers can use Instagram?

A:

Instagram can be the best marketing tool available to us, but we need to use it correctly to make it work. Find your clients and engage with them. Be consistent with posts and Stories, and bring your authentic self to this marketing platform.

You look like an amateur if you don’t have an official website email address, along with a signature on the email including your web or IG link on it.

Instagram IS IMPORTANT.

I’m sorry to say it, because I know it can feel like a bit of a nag, but it can’t be ignored.

3 reasons to up your Instagram game today:

1. It’s FREE marketing.

2. Clients often look at your Instagram before your website.

3. The game has changed, and Instagram is now an intrinsic part of the advertising paradigm.

Q:

I’ve been chatting with photographers about the issue of tagging/adding crew info in the IG comments of a job image. Some don’t want to give credit because they don’t want others to hire their crew, and others think it’s only fair to give everyone credit where credit is due. Is there an industry standard for this?

A:

I may not give the most honorable or “right” answer to this, but as a rep, my opinion is based on what will help you. For example, if a client wants to be tagged, it will help you to tag them. If your crew will appreciate it and want to work with you more, or they have a large following, and you’d benefit from it potentially being reposted, it can be a win/win. You should feel good about your decision, whether to feel good-hearted or not tagging to get a clean design; your call.

As visual business owners, our approach is all about the quick-read impact of reaching overworked and overstimulated clients. I look to trigger all senses to be absorbed and stick to their memory. We have an assorted potential toolkit with our IG, dm’s, emails, and promos to get noticed. Consider your client’s busy eyes and how to set the incoming pace for them to pause and absorb what we are selling.

As business owners, it is important to consider how clients receive our message. One approach could be to use all the senses to help the message sink in. For example, using words on reels with images can enhance the visual experience, while using dashes or capitals in emails can make the message more impactful. Leaving space between lines can also make the message easier to read and understand. Ultimately, it is important to remember that we are in a visual business, especially in fields such as photography.

Q:

Is Behance still an effective resourceful platform to have our work seen by clients?

A:

I have received bid requests for my photographers found on Behance. The difference with Behance is how creatives use it for their work, similar to Instagram and LinkedIn. Going where the art directors, creative directors, and designers spend their time is a tried and true way to go.