The biggest problem now is there’s an over saturation of content creators and people who know how to game the algorithm. Makes it harder for the true artists to hit the top of the pile. So many people are getting into it to build a big following/customer base that if you’re truly an artist it’s hard to compete with those other individuals who are gaming the algorithm.
I feel that so much. These days I am so frustrated seeing cheap reels with crappy photos get most attention ("I'm a photographer, and I took this photo.... :D ) while I bust my a*s to get that beautiful autumn photo series which no one cares about because it's not "engaging" enough. Anyways, I believe that more and more people on Instagram and co. will realize it when people only try to play the algorhythm instead of sharing creative, inspiring and high quality content. Not only photographers, but other people will get tired of cheap content as well.
@@Desparter94 yessir, it’s discouraging sometimes but if you really love photography you’re gonna keep going. Eventually you’ll have your time to shine. It took over 2 years for my page to pick up and by that I mean to gain over 1,000 followers . Now I’m at 107k followers after almost 5 years of doing this
Idk dawg stuff gets recommended to me that’s sometimes over 44 weeks old. The oldest suggested post was 102 weeks 😂 but that’s only happened once. Who cares about the algorithm that’s not why we make photos is it?
I'm having trouble with my engagement because I hate getting in front of the camera or hearing my voice. I like staying behind the camera and creating visuals.
I think peoples issue is to have a successful “photography instagram” you have to be a quality videographer. Photographers don’t wanna feel like content creators. But this is a great formula for Hybrid shooters to highlight their proficiency in content creation!
Yeah, I mean if I was interested in videography and could do it and post processing well, wouldn't I just take on huge brands etc. as clients and earn hundreds of thousands and not look for those looking to buy artwork for a few hundred dollars?
@@danlightened yeah I agree! I think that’s where ego comes into play, it’s something about the engagement of social media that lets people feel seen and a lot of folks think without a boomin social media you’ll never get hired , which obviously isn’t true
@@vinnnyn32 I don't know how much potential clients are looking at the artist's following, but I do hear that they do. Even art galleries. Because they hope that the artist's followers come to the gallery or at least know that such a gallery exists. Which is like the opposite dynamic, where galleries used to introduce artists to the art world. Although for pro commercial works, I believe the art directors, producers etc. understand what quality works looks like, unlike clients like small businesses and couples looking for wedding photography who would probably look more at follower count.
I fully get the idea of adapting to the changing of times, I even love making video, but I refuse to make all of these reels. I just want to make cool stuff and have people like it. I don’t want to spend all my time making these cheap click reels.
Photography, as a profession and an art form, is fundamentally different from the creation of 'content' as typically defined in the digital marketing sphere. The pursuit of creating compelling, thought-provoking, and aesthetically exceptional photographs is driven by an artistic impetus rather than the compulsion to generate 'viral' content that is often geared towards monetization and metrics. When we talk about content in the context of social media, we're usually referring to material designed to engage a wide audience, drive traffic, and lead to monetization through a high volume of interaction. This kind of content is often produced at a rapid pace and is designed to be immediately captivating and shareable. While there's no doubt that this can be lucrative, it's a different ball game from the nuanced, slower-paced, and more introspective world of professional photography. For photographers deeply invested in the artistry of their work, the relentless push for content that 'drives money' can feel disconnected from the essence of their craft. It’s not surprising that many genuine artists have smaller growth on platforms like Instagram, which are often dominated by content optimized for quick consumption rather than deep appreciation. However, how social media expertise can still be relevant and beneficial for professional photographers in your opinion?
This video could not have come at a better time for me. I have been giving a lot of thought as to the direction of my business for the upcoming year. I know that I am in a place where I can make some changes & take risks, and this was really helpful for me. Thank you!
What I ask myself: Is it really worth investing so much time just to have a larger number of people who follow me even if these people, in the end, will not help me earn my living, to buy something I created or something else...?
I think it helps if you want to have a community or make yourself as a brand first, so later you can invite them to buy something that you made (services, education, etc)
Don’t switch to reels Joe. If you build an audience who enjoys your photos they will show up. I mainly post photos and my photos consistently perform well. I recently had a photo hit over 120k likes. Build your audience and master your craft
I’ve noticed it just comes in waves. I’ll have a few months of just “regular” numbers, and then I’ll have reel get like 500,000+ views. I’m too lazy to change or do anything different at this point. I try to make things I think are cool and I hope someone else likes it.
Evan I've been following you for the last 5 years now...fantastic photography. I saw you running nearby McGinnis Ferry and Scales and said hello. Maybe next time we can get together and take some city escapes
I think a big thing you missed, is finding a niche and building on that. I used to do travelphotography like 100milion other people. I loved landscapes and was even more happy in the forests. So now i only post woodland photo's. This helped me a great bit!
I can’t speak for everyone.. but I think we all want Instagram to be a network of likeminded photographers to share their work. I’d argue that that was never it’s purpose. I always thought it was supposed to be a photo diary to dump random pictures every few days with interesting captions. What Instagram is today is also far from that. But I don’t think it was ever meant to be a portfolio sharing platform
I'm starting my IG Account. It's brand new. I will follow all your advice. I'm a Photographer like you. Hope I can succeed. Greetings from Mexico City Mexico 🇲🇽
So over chasing the Instagram subscribers and likes. Posting when i want, as frequently as I like, and posting for me. I like the photos I'm uploading and I'm no longer finding my 'niche' to attract certain people. I'm a photographer, I shoot what interests me and I'm much healthier for it.
Well looks like you stopped doing what you love, and you started doing what instagram wants, just for likes. No thanks. I’ll still doing what I love even if only 5% of my followers will see that. Peace ✌️
Boom, exactly that. The lack of awareness in the irony of the situation. Dude really made a 12 minute video basically explaining that to grow your photography account, you have to become good at trendy, attention-grabbing, videography and marketing. Like, huh?…What? Love and respect the hell out of Evan, in terms of photography, he’s one of my favorite ones doing it…but he can miss me with this video fr.
it is sad and i really dislike it. however there is something in it to learn about life somehow. i mean just see it as sort of your boss giving you a task you dont enjoy. yes i dont like videos, i freaking hate vertical videos, i hate everything about this entire process. but realistically, what options do i have? noone cares if i want to do that or not. its either: i do this crap and at least have a chance to increase engagement or i dont do that and complain about it and i just go under, left behind. so realistically if my goal is: to create some cool photos and have people see them, it s not even a matter of choice. i HAVE to do that. whats the alternative? dont do reels, complain and have noone see your photos? ...yeah that sounds so much better right?
I'm really hoping by now that someone will develop an app that feels like an older version of Instagram: - just chronological posts - focus on photos (no reels) - videos are maximum one minute long - less advertising
@@Ben_0000use VERO, also no ads, so you just see things from people you follow and that you're actually interested into seeing content from, the community is also great and very open!
@@Ben_0000There are options like that, but very few take off. The only one I can recall in the recent past is Vero. And it's still going good. And of course, there has been 500px and 1x for over a decade now. But the biggest is with all with platforms is, most of it is photographers only. And we're mostly not going to buy each other's artwork/services that often. Only serious art connoisseurs may visit these places but you're most likely not gonna be 'discovered' by regular people who could be your potential clients; who follow you for months and eventually buy your artwork/services. That thing still mostly only happens on Instagram.
I shoot both automotive and portrait photography, just starting out. Should I have two different accounts for each as niche. At times the I have more work/content for the one and not the other. a though in terms of posting?
That is why I don't sit on instagram, I just don't care about it. I am a still photographer, I love photography, not videography. Making 15 seconds Reel would be more consuming than building an audience and waiting for luck. I'd rather invest time in real things - what I do. THE THINGS CHANGES when you are 300 hundred thousand subscriber youtuber, from USA and need to keep algorythm going. Europe is different market. If I post something on instagram, I just post... and get the fuck out of there for as long as for the next post. The audience doesn't bring money, but attention, that doesn't connect in any way. Someone can like your post and that's it. But as normal person you won't buy bread for liking your post but for selling your product, so if you offer for sell something you do on evertday, BUT noone visit your website, then for shit will be these likes and reels. Just do what you love and that's it.
lol no it doesn't! I follow no celebrities, no drama, no political accounts, no AI digital art stuff...etc yet that's the only kinda posts/reels I keep seeing. Hell, even when I purposefully click 'not interested' on a reel, I keep seeing it either way til I block the account. @@kenmorrisproducer
@@kenmorrisproducer One of the best ways to make money in this world is by appealing to people's addictions. Social media companies are the Jesse Pinkmans. Content Creators are the Walter Whites.
I just use a usb mic and GarageBand on my Mac. You can also do it straight into premier pro, or with the voice notes on your phone if you’re editing completely through mobile. I love the voiceover cause you have so much control over the message
I completely hate video! I am a photographer not a videographer. Will never create video. And I don’t shoot will a phone. I use a real camera, DSLR. Instagram started as a phone photo platform, hence my dislike of it.
SAME. Until I did what I talked about in this video. Trust me I love the old way of IG. But people have changes so finding a way to incorporate your photography into more engaging topics/content will help you grow. If growth is the goal. If you just want to make cool stuff then continue on, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all
I feel like the people commenting really missed the point of this video. It’s not just posting reels or just making videos… it’s providing value through your content and not just making the same reels as everyone else. Put your creative spin on it (my downfall) but all it takes is on viral reel even if you are a photographer and you can vastly expand your audience. It does take additional time and thought than just editing photos and posting a photo. But this also pushes the boundaries of your creative skills and you learn new skillz. Be a ninja, 🥷 learn new skillz
Thanks for watching! Hope all my trial and error with instagram can help you!
Whats up my local photographer from atl! See you on the streets broski!
The biggest problem now is there’s an over saturation of content creators and people who know how to game the algorithm. Makes it harder for the true artists to hit the top of the pile. So many people are getting into it to build a big following/customer base that if you’re truly an artist it’s hard to compete with those other individuals who are gaming the algorithm.
I feel that so much. These days I am so frustrated seeing cheap reels with crappy photos get most attention ("I'm a photographer, and I took this photo.... :D ) while I bust my a*s to get that beautiful autumn photo series which no one cares about because it's not "engaging" enough.
Anyways, I believe that more and more people on Instagram and co. will realize it when people only try to play the algorhythm instead of sharing creative, inspiring and high quality content. Not only photographers, but other people will get tired of cheap content as well.
@@Desparter94 yessir, it’s discouraging sometimes but if you really love photography you’re gonna keep going. Eventually you’ll have your time to shine. It took over 2 years for my page to pick up and by that I mean to gain over 1,000 followers . Now I’m at 107k followers after almost 5 years of doing this
@@KeanBurke Wow, congratulations brother! That motivates me. I'll check you out on IG if you care leaving your account name here :)
Even reels are getting saturated.
Idk dawg stuff gets recommended to me that’s sometimes over 44 weeks old. The oldest suggested post was 102 weeks 😂 but that’s only happened once. Who cares about the algorithm that’s not why we make photos is it?
Bro saved his photography business by switching to videography
That's the sad reality. I hate creating videos when I'm a photographer.
Exactly man me too@@danlightened
I'm having trouble with my engagement because I hate getting in front of the camera or hearing my voice. I like staying behind the camera and creating visuals.
same with me buddy... please share your account i will follow up
Yes exactly! 🥲
I think you can still do a lot reeös withput talkinh or facing the camera directly. Like POV shots and than final image.
I think peoples issue is to have a successful “photography instagram” you have to be a quality videographer. Photographers don’t wanna feel like content creators. But this is a great formula for Hybrid shooters to highlight their proficiency in content creation!
Yeah, I mean if I was interested in videography and could do it and post processing well, wouldn't I just take on huge brands etc. as clients and earn hundreds of thousands and not look for those looking to buy artwork for a few hundred dollars?
@@danlightened yeah I agree! I think that’s where ego comes into play, it’s something about the engagement of social media that lets people feel seen and a lot of folks think without a boomin social media you’ll never get hired , which obviously isn’t true
@@vinnnyn32 I don't know how much potential clients are looking at the artist's following, but I do hear that they do. Even art galleries. Because they hope that the artist's followers come to the gallery or at least know that such a gallery exists. Which is like the opposite dynamic, where galleries used to introduce artists to the art world.
Although for pro commercial works, I believe the art directors, producers etc. understand what quality works looks like, unlike clients like small businesses and couples looking for wedding photography who would probably look more at follower count.
I fully get the idea of adapting to the changing of times, I even love making video, but I refuse to make all of these reels. I just want to make cool stuff and have people like it. I don’t want to spend all my time making these cheap click reels.
Make a reel that you like. Don’t stress about it’s just a game where the rules are made up and the points don’t matter.
Photography, as a profession and an art form, is fundamentally different from the creation of 'content' as typically defined in the digital marketing sphere. The pursuit of creating compelling, thought-provoking, and aesthetically exceptional photographs is driven by an artistic impetus rather than the compulsion to generate 'viral' content that is often geared towards monetization and metrics.
When we talk about content in the context of social media, we're usually referring to material designed to engage a wide audience, drive traffic, and lead to monetization through a high volume of interaction. This kind of content is often produced at a rapid pace and is designed to be immediately captivating and shareable. While there's no doubt that this can be lucrative, it's a different ball game from the nuanced, slower-paced, and more introspective world of professional photography.
For photographers deeply invested in the artistry of their work, the relentless push for content that 'drives money' can feel disconnected from the essence of their craft. It’s not surprising that many genuine artists have smaller growth on platforms like Instagram, which are often dominated by content optimized for quick consumption rather than deep appreciation.
However, how social media expertise can still be relevant and beneficial for professional photographers in your opinion?
This video could not have come at a better time for me. I have been giving a lot of thought as to the direction of my business for the upcoming year. I know that I am in a place where I can make some changes & take risks, and this was really helpful for me. Thank you!
So sadly, in a nutshell, to increase your photography based Instagram page, you need to focus on making videos
Videos are just 24 (or 30ish) photos in a row.
Yeah no that doesn't work anymore @@kenmorrisproducer
And ironically enough, Instagram started off as a photo filter app.
What I ask myself: Is it really worth investing so much time just to have a larger number of people who follow me even if these people, in the end, will not help me earn my living, to buy something I created or something else...?
I think it helps if you want to have a community or make yourself as a brand first, so later you can invite them to buy something that you made (services, education, etc)
This is why I haven’t been posting for awhile in IG! I’m more focus on building my website! 😊
Instagram blows. Thousands see my photos. On a few actually hit the like button and Instagram doesn’t push my content to new people. It just sucks.
I’ve been really enjoying it lately. The big shift happened for me when I started thinking in terms of what will a viewer find useful
I try to do that with reels and they get the most action but even still they hardly push to new followers.
100% agree
Don’t switch to reels Joe. If you build an audience who enjoys your photos they will show up. I mainly post photos and my photos consistently perform well. I recently had a photo hit over 120k likes. Build your audience and master your craft
@@KeanBurkeyeah. I hear ya. Pretty much did that. Instagram hates me. lol. They don’t push my content.
Loved the perspective and the mindset behind this video. Great stuff mate 💯
I’ve noticed it just comes in waves. I’ll have a few months of just “regular” numbers, and then I’ll have reel get like 500,000+ views. I’m too lazy to change or do anything different at this point. I try to make things I think are cool and I hope someone else likes it.
Evan I've been following you for the last 5 years now...fantastic photography. I saw you running nearby McGinnis Ferry and Scales and said hello.
Maybe next time we can get together and take some city escapes
I think a big thing you missed, is finding a niche and building on that. I used to do travelphotography like 100milion other people. I loved landscapes and was even more happy in the forests. So now i only post woodland photo's. This helped me a great bit!
Sounds great if you want to be a content creator (who works for Instagram for free) rather than a professional photographer.
Your B-roll is impeccable. Nice share as always.
I can’t speak for everyone.. but I think we all want Instagram to be a network of likeminded photographers to share their work. I’d argue that that was never it’s purpose. I always thought it was supposed to be a photo diary to dump random pictures every few days with interesting captions. What Instagram is today is also far from that. But I don’t think it was ever meant to be a portfolio sharing platform
How’s the iPhone street photography video coming along? Finally caved in and bought a 15 Pro, can’t wait for more guide videos
Them reels. I made one. And boom like 10 new followers. Engaging followers.
More like the algo shoving it in front of people mindlessly scrolling.
I'm starting my IG Account.
It's brand new. I will follow all your advice.
I'm a Photographer like you.
Hope I can succeed. Greetings from Mexico City Mexico 🇲🇽
❤thanks for the great video 📸you motivate my street photography 📷
Very inspiring, thanks for sharing!!!
So over chasing the Instagram subscribers and likes. Posting when i want, as frequently as I like, and posting for me. I like the photos I'm uploading and I'm no longer finding my 'niche' to attract certain people. I'm a photographer, I shoot what interests me and I'm much healthier for it.
always keeping it real buddy, great video with actionable steps
Shot for this.
I can tell you’re in Downtown Atlanta. I live ATL, but I live in NYC🗽
Thanks man i am going to try implementing it. Can you do a Website update next?
Thanks for watching! And what do you mean? Sorry just looking for clarification. Like what I’ve done to my site or something to help other people?
Great Video
I miss "y'all are the truth"
For the entire video I was waiting for the Venom in the background to attack you 😄
Beast mode 🔥
Well looks like you stopped doing what you love, and you started doing what instagram wants, just for likes. No thanks. I’ll still doing what I love even if only 5% of my followers will see that. Peace ✌️
Boom, exactly that. The lack of awareness in the irony of the situation. Dude really made a 12 minute video basically explaining that to grow your photography account, you have to become good at trendy, attention-grabbing, videography and marketing. Like, huh?…What? Love and respect the hell out of Evan, in terms of photography, he’s one of my favorite ones doing it…but he can miss me with this video fr.
it is sad and i really dislike it. however there is something in it to learn about life somehow. i mean just see it as sort of your boss giving you a task you dont enjoy.
yes i dont like videos, i freaking hate vertical videos, i hate everything about this entire process.
but realistically, what options do i have? noone cares if i want to do that or not. its either: i do this crap and at least have a chance to increase engagement or i dont do that and complain about it and i just go under, left behind. so realistically if my goal is: to create some cool photos and have people see them, it s not even a matter of choice. i HAVE to do that.
whats the alternative? dont do reels, complain and have noone see your photos? ...yeah that sounds so much better right?
What camera are you using bud? It looks really nice!
Man I can’t get any traction on Instagram. Looking for a better option,
I'm really hoping by now that someone will develop an app that feels like an older version of Instagram:
- just chronological posts
- focus on photos (no reels)
- videos are maximum one minute long
- less advertising
@@Ben_0000vero
@@Ben_0000use VERO, also no ads, so you just see things from people you follow and that you're actually interested into seeing content from, the community is also great and very open!
@@Ben_0000There are options like that, but very few take off. The only one I can recall in the recent past is Vero. And it's still going good. And of course, there has been 500px and 1x for over a decade now.
But the biggest is with all with platforms is, most of it is photographers only. And we're mostly not going to buy each other's artwork/services that often. Only serious art connoisseurs may visit these places but you're most likely not gonna be 'discovered' by regular people who could be your potential clients; who follow you for months and eventually buy your artwork/services. That thing still mostly only happens on Instagram.
Which microphone are you using? Sounds smooth!
Nice summary..👌
🙏🙏🙏
I shoot both automotive and portrait photography, just starting out. Should I have two different accounts for each as niche. At times the I have more work/content for the one and not the other. a though in terms of posting?
Great video Evan! How do you add the captions/subtitles to the voiceover?
That is why I don't sit on instagram, I just don't care about it. I am a still photographer, I love photography, not videography.
Making 15 seconds Reel would be more consuming than building an audience and waiting for luck. I'd rather invest time in real things - what I do.
THE THINGS CHANGES when you are 300 hundred thousand subscriber youtuber, from USA and need to keep algorythm going. Europe is different market.
If I post something on instagram, I just post... and get the fuck out of there for as long as for the next post. The audience doesn't bring money, but attention, that doesn't connect in any way. Someone can like your post and that's it. But as normal person you won't buy bread for liking your post but for selling your product, so if you offer for sell something you do on evertday, BUT noone visit your website, then for shit will be these likes and reels. Just do what you love and that's it.
Where do you sell your photos?
Haha I completely agree with you. Although the issue is that art galleries and potential clients look at the number of your followers.
@@danlightened The truth is you would faster sell an AI generated art than yours.
@@pentagramyt417 We will see about that.
All in all we’re just another brick in the wall
"It's not the place it was" - in other words, how to compete with cat videos
If you’re seeing cat videos, that’s because you’re watching cat videos. It responds to how we use it.
lol no it doesn't! I follow no celebrities, no drama, no political accounts, no AI digital art stuff...etc yet that's the only kinda posts/reels I keep seeing. Hell, even when I purposefully click 'not interested' on a reel, I keep seeing it either way til I block the account. @@kenmorrisproducer
@@kenmorrisproducer One of the best ways to make money in this world is by appealing to people's addictions. Social media companies are the Jesse Pinkmans.
Content Creators are the Walter Whites.
What platform are you using for creating your voice overs?
I just use a usb mic and GarageBand on my Mac. You can also do it straight into premier pro, or with the voice notes on your phone if you’re editing completely through mobile. I love the voiceover cause you have so much control over the message
@@RanftEvan , thanks! I’ve been a big fan for a long time.❤️
I completely hate video! I am a photographer not a videographer. Will never create video. And I don’t shoot will a phone. I use a real camera, DSLR. Instagram started as a phone photo platform, hence my dislike of it.
Mine has been flat for yrs..
SAME. Until I did what I talked about in this video. Trust me I love the old way of IG. But people have changes so finding a way to incorporate your photography into more engaging topics/content will help you grow. If growth is the goal. If you just want to make cool stuff then continue on, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all
@RanftEvan I will give it a try sir 😉
Your youtube videos are way to long.
I feel like the people commenting really missed the point of this video. It’s not just posting reels or just making videos… it’s providing value through your content and not just making the same reels as everyone else. Put your creative spin on it (my downfall) but all it takes is on viral reel even if you are a photographer and you can vastly expand your audience. It does take additional time and thought than just editing photos and posting a photo. But this also pushes the boundaries of your creative skills and you learn new skillz. Be a ninja, 🥷 learn new skillz