When it comes to a photographer’s online presence we tend to think of social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook — or YouTube for those who create videos on a regular basis. It seems, though, that the lowly blog sometimes gets overlooked.
In internet terms, blogging is old school. There will always be new, exciting social media outlets that pop up — some will last, many won’t. But blogging, in all its basic glory, still represents a valuable tool for photographers.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a blog, here are 6 reasons why you shouldn’t delay any longer.
1. Build A More Intimate Audience
Social media possesses an inherent cool-factor. Trends prevail, follower count often matters more than skill, and everyone wants to portray themselves as living their “best life.” Lost in the fray is authenticity.
While the “like for like” and “follow for follow” philosophy pervades social media, a blog allows you to post your work and feel a bit more sure that those who follow you are following you because they really value what you’re doing.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for more depth in the way of comments you’re more likely to get that on a blog than you are on a social media site where approval can be signified by a heart or a thumb.
I have found that people are more inclined to leave longer, more nuanced comments on a blog. Even if it’s only two or three individuals, you can develop those into meaningful relationships.
2. Share Your Work Your Way
Blogging allows you a level of creative freedom not available on popular social media and photo sharing sites, where you’re generally confined to pretty strict format. Of course, there’s a good reason for this, but if you’re itching to break out of that mould then starting your own blog is the answer.
You can include text and video, place numerous photos in one post, and arrange everything the way you want. If you want even more customization, most blogging platforms allow the use of HTML code.
Getting a blog post ready takes a bit more work than posting a photo on Instagram, but I do believe it’s worth the effort. The end result is a comprehensive presentation that can reveal the true depth of your work.
3. Expand Your Creativity
Photo sharing sites too often inspire sameness. When users join a given photo sharing outlet, it’s not uncommon for them to start emulating whatever look is prevalent there in an attempt to stay relevant.
A blog, however, might encourage you to experiment more as you’re not racing against a trend. When you try something new you will want to share it. When you don’t have the pressure of social media/photo sharing site working against you, you will feel empowered to continue to try new things.
4. Inspire Others
Your blog should be a reflection of your craft in ways that most social media sites don’t allow for. Because a blog affords you the opportunity to be more personal, you also have a greater capacity to inspire others.
To be sure, you can find inspirational work anywhere, but if it’s the width and breadth of a photographer’s experience that breeds inspiration, a blog will be a more effective stage.
5. Stick To Your Own Standards
If you regularly post photos deemed NSFW or produce any other type of content that would run afoul of a social media site’s “community standards,” you’re going to need a blog to get your work out there.
You can certainly post your risqué imagery on a site like Instagram, but you will have to censor it. If you’re anti-censorship, getting your own blog is a no-brainer.
6. Assess Your Growth
Blogs are sort of like time capsules (assuming they are updated on a regular basis) in the sense that you can track your progress across various periods.
Go back to the first photos you posted and ask yourself if you still like them? What technical deficiencies do they exhibit? How strong of a story do they tell? If you included text, what were your thoughts at the time? What are your thoughts on the same topic now?
A blog is an excellent means of self-analysis.
Final Thoughts
Obviously, the ideas listed above represent only a small portion of all the reasons a photographer might find value in blogging.
Do you keep a blog? How have you benefited from it?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
2 Comments
I’ve been doing a couple of blogs for several years now and can highly recommend everyone have a go! I’ve found that WordPress has suited me best and, although I don’t post as frequently as I used to (age ????) I still enjoy the fact that I can share my work and interact with other users. I also enjoy writing and can go into a bit more depth on my blog.
I must admit I’m surprised sometimes by contact from other bloggers there who really don’t seem to have anything in common with me, and it makes me wonder what their motives are – maybe just to accumulate as many ‘followers’ as they can?
But no matter – it’s all good fun.
I will now go back and ‘review’ my first posts to see what I now think of them – thanks for the suggestion!
A well-written prod from the prolific Mr. Little. I used to write/maintain a blog but gave it up for all the work it involved, and the few folks who I attracted. Your article is an encouragement to give it another go with a fresh look and a means to move some avid followers from FB to the blog…thanks!