Leveraging Your True Self to Shine in an Oversaturated Market
Standing out in an over-saturated photography market by leveraging your personality on social media is a powerful strategy. Your unique personality can differentiate your brand, attract a loyal following, and turn casual viewers into engaged fans and clients. Long gone are the days of posting pictures on instagram and having thousands of people chose you out of a sea of photographers in your market. Now people are devouring as much content as they possibly can and as you probably noticed by the views/likes on your content it aint just the pretty photos anymore. Here are actionable ways to infuse your personality into your social media presence and make your photography brand stand out.
Tell Your Story
Every photographer has a story. Use yours to connect with your audience on a personal level. Share how you got started, what inspires you, and the meaning behind your work. Storytelling can create a strong emotional bond between you and your followers.
We decided early on that we were not just going to be a photographer that posts all of our photos. We decided to start sharing more about us, our personalities, our family and our personal values.
At first I will admit it is scary to open up to people you dont know. The internet is such a vast place that you tend to feel vulnerable to the world. But what we found out was that people want to know who you are, they want to be part of your journey and they want to know who they are possibly going to decide is going to capture their own personal moments.
Be Authentic
The foundation of leveraging your personality is authenticity. Share genuine moments, thoughts, and experiences related to your photography journey. Authenticity resonates with audiences and builds trust. Let your followers see the person behind the camera, including your passions, challenges, and triumphs.
When a person is authentic and shares the ups and downs, the good and the bad then people can relate more. We are consistently flooded with the perfect lives, we are flooded with a picture -perfect facade that just isnt real.
I love getting to see the raw and natural side of people and I often find myself looking for more from a person that I follow. I tend to watch more authentic and honest videos. I tend to subscribe to a particular person like Peter Mckinnon because his videos are often released with minimal editing. It's just him talking to the screen and as if it is unscripted.
Showcase Your Process
People love to see how things are made. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your photography sessions, editing process, or even your learning experiences. This not only humanizes your brand but also demonstrates your dedication and expertise.
When TikTok came out it opened the doors to sharing more of how things are captured and or created. People love seeing how things are made. No longer are they just looking for completed products. The need to know how something was captured is now the more prominent force out in social media. And fortunately, Instagram and Facebook are trying to catch up with that wave and have released Facebook/Instagram reels.
Engage Directly with Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, asking for their opinions, and participating in or starting conversations. Your responsiveness and willingness to engage show that you value your community, reflecting your personality as approachable and caring. I personally love when someone responds back to a comment I leave on their social media so I make sure that we comment on everything that is left for us. Why not? If they took the time out of their day they should at least get a thumbs up or a smiley face in response.
Use Video Content
Videos are incredibly effective for showcasing personality. Utilize Instagram Stories, Reels, TikTok, and live sessions to speak directly to your audience, share tips, or give live updates from your shoots. Videos allow your enthusiasm, humor, and charisma to shine through. Using video as much as you possibly can will increase your reach. It will allow a pathway for customers to see more of your work especially if you do both photo and video services
Incorporate Humor and Fun
Don't be afraid to show your lighter side. Humor can be a powerful tool for making your brand memorable. Share funny behind-the-scenes moments or photography bloopers. A sense of humor can make your brand more relatable and engaging.
I was asked the other day as to why we share so much of ourselves and I truly believe that by doing so we make sure that our clients know exactly who we are.
I want people to know who we are and how we are. I want them to know that we will not be fake and what you see is what you will get. We want them to know that we are not just going to show up at their event and be all stiff and capture their moments.
We will do more than that, we will interact with the family members, we will get out and have fun and most of all we will be exactly who we are in all situations. We will keep it real and always will be real. Our clients expect that and we also want to remain who we are at all times.
Share Personal Projects
Personal projects can offer deep insights into your interests and personality. Share these projects with your followers to give them a taste of your passions outside of client work. This diversity can attract followers who share similar interests.
We are all human and just because we work in a particular industry that doesn't define who we are in real life. Share as much as you like. Share your dreams, your goals, your aspirations and definitely share any projects that you are currently doing.
Be Consistent with Your Voice
Maintain a consistent voice across your posts and interactions. Whether your personality is quirky, thoughtful, inspirational, or a mix, consistency helps followers feel like they know you, fostering a stronger connection.
Quite often on social media some tend to try to be someone they are not and although they may think they are reaching an audience by being who they arent they are actually doing the opposite. Just be yourself and change so quickly to new things or ideas. Stay true to yourself and your followers will stay true to you.
Leverage User-Generated Content
Encourage your followers to share their own stories or photos related to themes you're passionate about. Sharing or featuring user-generated content not only builds community but also shows that you're interested in your followers' lives and perspectives.
It can be so easy to just talk all about you, flip the script and start asking about others and their own experiences. You will find that some of your followers would love to share their experiences just as much as you do.
Participate in Trends with a Personal Twist
Engage with social media trends, but add your unique twist. Whether it's a popular photography challenge, meme, or hashtag, infusing your personal style and perspective can make your participation stand out.
When we first started doing some of these trends we got so much hate from our fellow colleagues. They hated the fact that people were just doing funny dances and other trends and building up a larger audience. Some of the "Old Guard" photographers were bitter about how content was being consumed in this new way and that their views and likes were dropping like wildfires.
Now I see some of these big time critics now doing trendy tiktoks and I find that the tables are turned. Dont be afraid to go against the grain, dont be afraid to do exactly what makes you laugh and have a good time. Your colleagues are definitely who you want to reach anyways....so let em sulk. Do you and thats all that matters.
In an over-saturated market, leveraging your personality on social media is a key differentiator for your photography brand. By being authentic, engaging directly with your audience, and showcasing the unique aspects of your personality and process, you can create a memorable brand that attracts and retains a dedicated following. Remember, people don't just follow for the photos—they follow for the photographer behind them.
"We love what we do and it shows"