Embracing Vulnerability: How Photographers Can Connect Authentically on Instagram Stories
Gentle Marketing for Photographers to Show the Face of your Photography Business
Show the Face of your Photography Business : Gentle marketing prompts for photographers
This is for you if:
🌱 You want to better connect with those who would love what you do
🌱 Pushy marketing tactics make you feel uncomfortable
🌱 You'd like to build your business in natural, easeful ways
Showing up on your stories can be hard, right?
If you’re anything like me (kind of an introvert), there’s a reason why you choose to spend most of your time behind the lens rather than in front of it.
I get it, I really do.
And of course prospective clients want to see your beautiful photos.
But they want something more than that too. Something that only you can give them.
When it comes to connecting with our audiences on a deeper level, it’s not just about creating beautiful visuals; but curating an experience. And guess what? You, my friend, are an integral part of that experience.
Showing the face behind the lens helps build a picture in people’s minds as to who you are. It creates a very special kind of personal connection that makes it easier for the right people to find you and know in their gut whether they want to work with you.
Showing your face is truly powerful.
The Power of Connection
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives”
In the 10+ years I’ve worked as a photographer, genuine human connection has been key to growing my business. It seems to me that marketing isn’t just about showcasing your skills or telling people the price of your upcoming mini-sessions, but about inviting your audience into your world and letting them get to know the human, as well as the business owner.
When we embrace vulnerability and show up authentically, we create safe spaces for others to connect with our work and the person behind it.
In short, showing up gives people the chance to feel in their gut if you’re a good fit to work together.
The Wonder of Instagram Stories
Love it or hate it, Instagram is an incredibly useful (and free!) tool to help people get to know, like and trust us. Instagram stories in particular provide an opportunity to share your journey, quirks, and real moments with your audience.
Personally, Instagram stories are my favourite part of the app. It feels like the less curated side of Instagram, where your followers get to see you as you really are. If I’m thinking about working with someone, I always head to their stories and find out what makes them tick and see if we share the same values. Getting a vibe from someone’s stories can really make it easier for me to know if I want to work with them. I wonder if you feel the same?
The Benefits of Authenticity
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real.”
Even though we’re separated by screens, I really believe that people can *usually* sniff out insincerity online. With this in mind, it really does pay to just be yourself. What a relief right? No more trying to fake the boss babe persona that never felt like a good fit. You can just be….you. As an added bonus, when your audience can sense that you're being genuine, this lays the foundation for trust and meaningful connections. Authenticity attracts like-minded souls who appreciate your craft and personality, and it can help set you apart too. In a busy and crowded industry, your voice and presence will make all the difference in helping your photography business reach the right people.
Tips for Gentle Self-Expression
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do”
As an introverted photographer, showing your personality on social media can feel daunting. However, gentle self-expression can be a bit of game-changer. Start by sharing small, relatable stories that resonate with your audience. Practice beforehand, if needed, to feel more at ease. Remember, vulnerability isn't about oversharing; it's about offering glimpses of your world (the parts you feel comfortable sharing) that foster connection.
The Art of Storytelling
Instagram stories provide a great platform for storytelling. Talk through your experiences, share behind-the-scenes moments, as well as client interactions. Share the challenges you face as a parent/photographer/human being, the lessons you learn, the good and the bad. Storytelling helps break down the barriers between us, making you more relatable and approachable.
Final Thoughts
Showing up as beautiful, imperfect you makes you real and relatable.As we shift towards a future of increasing AI reliance, what makes you you is ever more important.
Your humanity is a strength, so please don't hide it behind your camera forever. It’s the subtle superpower that can really help your photography business reach your right people. Share your experiences, show your face, and let your audience discover the heart and soul behind the lens.
And if you’d like a more support to show up in natural, authentic ways, I made this guide for you:
Show the Face of your Photography Business : Gentle marketing prompts for photographers
This is for you if:
🌱 You want to better connect with those who would love what you do
🌱 Pushy marketing tactics make you feel uncomfortable
🌱 You'd like to build your business in natural, easeful ways