Open your inbox and you might see an invitation titled “Referrals.” If you’re one of a small group of U.S. creators, Instagram is offering real money—up to $20,000—for steering people to the app during a six-week pilot that began in mid-May.
On May 17, photographer Edwin Blanco and agency BackGrid USA filed separate suits alleging superstar Jennifer Lopez posted pictures of herself without the permission of the photographer.
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).
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 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.
Prominent rock musician Ozzy Osbourne now faces a lawsuit related to photographs of himself posted on social media platforms.
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.
Social media has transformed photography—launching careers, shaping trends, and fueling creativity. The question must be asked: Are photographers shaping their vision, or is the algorithm shaping it for them?
Are you fed up with Instagram’s algorithms and TikTok’s endless videos? You’re not alone. There’s a growing movement in the photography community: people are returning to Flickr, an “old-school” photo-sharing platform, in search of a better experience.
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.
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.
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.
A social media presence might be essential, but with social media platforms in a state of flux, which is the best one for a photographer to call home? The fast-growing Bluesky platform could be a breath of fresh air for photographers tired of their work being hidden behind a pay-to-play paywall.
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.
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.
Freelancing as a creative can be exhilarating, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One that frequently pops up is the battle between staying creatively active and managing a busy workload.
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.
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.
Yes. There really are hidden secrets inside Adobe's photo processing software. Let me show you one of my absolute favorites that you can use to add easy borders to your photos. It's all hiding in plain sight inside Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
One of the most recommended strategies for social media growth is posting often, and I set out to test that theory for 2024. I posted a reel every day for a year so you don't have to. The results are not what you'd expect.
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.
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.
