For us photographers, there are numerous services and platforms that allow us to showcase our work and to communicate our images to viewers. And the rise of Instagram, 500px, and other photo sharing products has given photo buyers an opportunity to fine tune their search for photographers they want to hire for contract work, or use their influence to push brands and create content.
From my experience selecting photographers for these sorts of jobs, I’ve noticed a few trends and gained some insights into how to best represent your photography on social platforms.
Here are 3 things you should keep in mind when you craft an online profile:
Consistency
Consistency is of utmost importance. Whether or not you’re uploading to 3, 4, or even 10 photography platforms, all of your work should be transferable and complimentary towards each platform. Posting your best work goes without saying and this should be evident on all your profiles.
Alex Strohl, whose social media follower count is in the millions, is a great example:
500px: https://500px.com/alexstrohl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexstrohl/
Website: http://www.alexstrohl.com/
Variety
There are no rights or wrongs in terms of the content you wish to publish and share within any community. If you’ve found your niche, keep posting that content and keep pushing the limits for what you can create, you’ll be able to attract the best and show that you are a master of your craft.
For those who are still experimenting and learning what you like to photograph most, keeping your profile updated with the best of everything provides clients and buyers excellent insight into everything you can produce.
Information
Keeping your profile up to date with your location, interests, contact information, and even gear lists will help paint a better picture of yourself to a client.
I’m a part of the process of selecting photographers for gigs here at 500px, and I can’t stress enough the importance of keeping your location correct and up to date. I will also stress that the email you’ve attached to your profiles or platforms is one that you check regularly.
These details will allow a client to communicate with you more efficiently, and could even be a deciding factor for whether or not you’re contacted in the first place, regardless if your work is up to par.
These are just a few touch points I’ve gathered from my experience searching for and choosing photographers. If you have any other points you’d like to add, please share in the comments below!