Recent Social Media Articles

Blow Up on Social Media (And Never Appear on Camera)

The business value of social media can’t be overstated, but not everyone wants to vamp in videos—the common path to stardom. Luckily, you don’t have to, says Janis McGavin, director of marketing and social media for the Los Angeles Center of Photography. “How do I know this?" she said. "I’ve done it.” She took the LACP’s following from zero to 18,000 followers (and growing) without appearing on camera. If you follow a few basic principles, you can expand your audience and your business without stepping in front of the camera (and even more if you do).

Finding Your Own Path Beyond Photography Myths

Believing that you need specific equipment to be considered a real photographer can seriously limit your creativity. Social media and other platforms often push the idea that certain gear or methods define your credibility, but that's simply not true.

Meta Sues Photographer Over Alleged Instagram Username Scheme

Meta has filed a lawsuit against photographer Daniel Folger, alleging he engaged in an illicit Instagram username resale scheme and account reinstatement service. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims Folger facilitated high-priced transactions for coveted Instagram handles and worked with a Meta insider to restore banned accounts for a fee.

From Start-Up Curiosity to Cultural Colossus: A 20-Year History of YouTube

On February 14, 2025, YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary—a milestone that invites deep reflection on how a single website, originally conceived as a platform for sharing simple video clips, evolved into a global cultural powerhouse. Over two tumultuous decades, YouTube has transformed media hierarchies, empowered ordinary individuals to become creators, and reshaped public discourse on a myriad of social, political, and cultural issues.

Ditch the Algorithm: Why Substack Is Perfect for Photographers

In an era dominated by social media algorithms and fleeting engagement, photographers often struggle to reach audiences in any meaningful way. With established social media platforms at saturation point, it’s become harder to reach the people who follow you, let alone new audiences.

The Critical Necessity of Immediate Regulation and Labeling of AI-Generated Media

In the digital age, information flows at speeds and scales that are unprecedented in human history. Social media platforms, digital news outlets, and personal devices collectively serve as both mirrors and engines of cultural discourse. Within this vast ecosystem, a new frontier has emerged: synthetic media or AI-generated media. And with its advanced outpacing our ability to corral its impact, we are headed for trouble.

The Photos You're Not Supposed to See

In an era when information travels at breakneck speed across vast digital networks, the very act of trying to hide certain data often paradoxically ensures its broader dissemination. This ironic dynamic, known as the “Streisand effect,” encapsulates a critical tension at the heart of contemporary media ecosystems: attempts to suppress or censor information frequently result in that information being shared more widely and gaining even greater cultural resonance.

10 Instagram Mistakes to Avoid in 2025

Navigating Instagram’s ever-evolving platform is no small feat, especially if you’re trying to grow your audience or showcase your work. Knowing what’s holding you back is essential for improving your strategy and reaching more people.

Why Leaving Social Media Improved This Photographer's Work

Social media can be a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to sharing your creative work. Posting your photos online may help build an audience and gain exposure, but the impact on creativity and mental well-being can be surprisingly negative. Lately, some creatives are rethinking their approach to social media, looking for alternatives that don’t rely on addictive algorithms or compromise ownership of their work.

How Photographers Can Grow Their Instagram Following Without Reels

As a photographer, like it or not, your social media can be the lifeblood of your business, and even if it isn't, it could act as the social proof you need. So, here are some of the latest tips to grow your Instagram following without having to film Reels.
Why Social Media Could Be Holding You Back in Photography

Instagram might have sparked your interest in photography, but it could be leading you in the wrong direction. While it’s easy to be drawn in by the idea of getting more followers and likes, this focus on social media can hurt your progress as a photographer.

Social Media Is Bad for Photography and Even Worse for You

Isn’t it time we returned to how we used to share photos? There’s little point in creating photographic art if people are not going to see it, and although it reaches a wide audience, there are good reasons to take a step back from social media and consider other options instead.

Tips on How to Grow Your YouTube Channel

If you ask the youngest generations, you'll see one of the most common career desires isn't to be a doctor or lawyer, but rather, a YouTuber. Many will have a visceral reaction to that — and you might not be wrong to do so — but it's a desirable way of making a living and I can see the allure. So, here are some tips on how to grow your YouTube channel should you have one.
Instagram’s Ham-Fisted Approach to Labeling Photos as AI Is Bad for Creatives

In the last week, Instagram has been automatically labeling any photo touched by artificial intelligence tools as "Made with AI." On the surface, this sounds like a win for photographers decrying the use of AI as intellectual property theft. But in practice, the way Meta has decided to call out AI leaves little room for nuance and debate.

 Easy Instagram Reels for Photographers

In a world dominated by short-form video content, integrating your still images into this new trend can seem challenging. However, there is an easier way to bridge this gap.

A Week in the Life of a Full-Time YouTuber

Becoming a full-time YouTuber — or really any content creator — is the dream of many. Although I've never had any aspirations to do it per sé, I can't deny I find myself envious at times. So, could you really do it?
Building Your Photography Brand on Instagram

In the age of digital portfolios and online presence, photographers need to go beyond stunning visuals to truly connect with their audience and secure bookings. Building a strong social media strategy, particularly on Instagram, is crucial to showcase your work, establish your brand, and attract potential clients.

Social Media Survival Guide for Photographers

Social media has become an indispensable tool for photographers to showcase their work, connect with potential clients, and build a community. However, navigating the complexities of these platforms can be challenging, often leading to frustration and burnout. Understanding the nuances of social media is crucial for photographers to effectively utilize these platforms and avoid common pitfalls.

The Future of Social Media Is Here: Instagram and Threads Introduce HDR Photo Support

Instagram and Threads have recently announced the integration of HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo support, a significant advancement aimed at enhancing visual content on their platforms. HDR technology is designed to preserve the full spectrum of colors and dynamic range captured by a camera sensor, resulting in more realistic and captivating images.

Should You Start a Photography YouTube Channel?

Becoming a YouTube star is the dream of a lot of photographers, but the reality of it is often far different than the expectations. This fantastic video tells you what to expect.

The Truth About Instagram Photographers

There is a pervasive myth within the photography community: the correlation between Instagram followers and financial success. This topic is especially pertinent for emerging photographers who may fall into the trap of equating social media popularity with career achievement, overlooking the multifaceted nature of building a sustainable photography business. This fantastic and important video tackles the topic.

Dissecting How Social Media Algorithms Diminish Our Creativity as Photographers

Social media has undeniably dominated a major part of our lifestyle and played an even more irreplaceable role for us to express our opinions on the net. This social media domination has somewhat become both a blessing and a curse for photographers where most of their work is held hostage under the power of the scrolling algorithm. While some photographers may have taken the opportunity to market and broadcast their work to the world, it is still pretty challenging to maintain the utmost creativity and artistic integrity under the influence of the constantly evolving algorithm.

Why Are So Many Influencers Quitting YouTube?

If you’ve been on YouTube at all in the past couple of weeks, the algorithm has more than likely served you up multiple videos of powerful influencers announcing that they are “quitting” the platform. While each person has their own reasons, I think there are a few common threads that we can all learn from.