I just deleted Facebook and Instagram today... It feels scary. I'm a very visual person so Twitter never appealed to me much. I just joined Bluesky and Substack today and I'm still getting used to it. Glad I have stumbled upon your work here. I'm already feeling better about my decision.
Andy, as soon as photographers figured out that websites were invaluable the ability to have one has obviously gotten easier and easier. And no matter what, how else are you really gonna have an online presence with any impact? But I don't think it's an either/or between a site and a presence on social media. To have a chance in any arena you need to be findable and available no matter what the evil algorithms have in mind.
I have two sites — one dedicated to my personal and commissioned work (a Photofolio site — maxpix.com), and the other dedicated to my book (a Squarespace site — sweetnoisebook.com). And I'm set up for them to reference each other as well as social media. If cost is the issue, there are many options (including one I found today, portfoliobox.com) that are really reasonable. Maybe other readers can show/suggest what they've done and what they've used.
I have been aware for a long time that Social Media seems to keep traffic off our own artists sites. Sometimes I'll post 1 or 2 images on my FB timeline with a link to a new gallery on my website and in the post I ask readers to "get off Facebook or Instagram for a while and support artist's websites." Many people comment that they appreciate the link and a chance to get off Social Media :) Though yes, they add their comments on my Social media feed not on my website. I also use an email Newsletter (Mailchimp, basically quarterly) and it's nice to get personal replies from that. SO *** here is a link to my pinhole photography portfolios https://www.edophoto.com/gallery_pinhole_index.html
Hi Andy—Thanks to your Saul Leiter post in 2022, I went through a photo transformation—After working as a professional photojournalist for 35 years, I realized that 99% of my photos were horizontal (justifying this because our eyes are horizontal, not one above the other....) In any case, Saul inspired me to take only vertical pictures for a while. It was a challenge and it renewed me in relation to my work. Here is link to a portfolio of that "vertical" work: https://portfolio.adobe.com/d519e94d-2f6f-4427-9534-9645bac3bee9/editor/theory-of-verticality
I can relate! I studied film and television in college, so I really learned to see images horizontally and struggled to view them vertically. Smartphone photography changed that and helped me learn to see vertically. I love that you learned that from Saul! He did a fantastic job with that upright frame, didn't he? I tried to click your link, but it's not working for me, Connie. What am I doing wrong?
Looks like i'm following in your footsteps Andy. I have to use Instagram for my work, but I have been craving something more. Substack seems to be the perfect place for me, very excited to begin contributing here!
I know the model! She's so fun to work with and has a great vibe. I also love the idea of trying to get away from Instagram. Last November, I was kicked off and had all my accounts disabled. So I've been trying to figure out how to connect with artists outside of it.
I just deleted Facebook and Instagram today... It feels scary. I'm a very visual person so Twitter never appealed to me much. I just joined Bluesky and Substack today and I'm still getting used to it. Glad I have stumbled upon your work here. I'm already feeling better about my decision.
Welcome, Greg! Thanks for checking me out.
Andy, as soon as photographers figured out that websites were invaluable the ability to have one has obviously gotten easier and easier. And no matter what, how else are you really gonna have an online presence with any impact? But I don't think it's an either/or between a site and a presence on social media. To have a chance in any arena you need to be findable and available no matter what the evil algorithms have in mind.
I have two sites — one dedicated to my personal and commissioned work (a Photofolio site — maxpix.com), and the other dedicated to my book (a Squarespace site — sweetnoisebook.com). And I'm set up for them to reference each other as well as social media. If cost is the issue, there are many options (including one I found today, portfoliobox.com) that are really reasonable. Maybe other readers can show/suggest what they've done and what they've used.
I am definitely seeing more photographers on this platform. I wish the layout on substack thought more about photographers though!
Indeed. It is a writer's platform first and foremost. I appreciate that.
I'm trying to wean myself off Instagram and FB, as well. I quit Twitter, as soon as Musk bought it. I could see the writing on the wall...
I hope more artists join Bluesky. It feels very egalitarian and safe.
So far, so good. I'll see you there, Nina!
This is a wonderful idea!!
I have been aware for a long time that Social Media seems to keep traffic off our own artists sites. Sometimes I'll post 1 or 2 images on my FB timeline with a link to a new gallery on my website and in the post I ask readers to "get off Facebook or Instagram for a while and support artist's websites." Many people comment that they appreciate the link and a chance to get off Social Media :) Though yes, they add their comments on my Social media feed not on my website. I also use an email Newsletter (Mailchimp, basically quarterly) and it's nice to get personal replies from that. SO *** here is a link to my pinhole photography portfolios https://www.edophoto.com/gallery_pinhole_index.html
Hi Andy—Thanks to your Saul Leiter post in 2022, I went through a photo transformation—After working as a professional photojournalist for 35 years, I realized that 99% of my photos were horizontal (justifying this because our eyes are horizontal, not one above the other....) In any case, Saul inspired me to take only vertical pictures for a while. It was a challenge and it renewed me in relation to my work. Here is link to a portfolio of that "vertical" work: https://portfolio.adobe.com/d519e94d-2f6f-4427-9534-9645bac3bee9/editor/theory-of-verticality
I can relate! I studied film and television in college, so I really learned to see images horizontally and struggled to view them vertically. Smartphone photography changed that and helped me learn to see vertically. I love that you learned that from Saul! He did a fantastic job with that upright frame, didn't he? I tried to click your link, but it's not working for me, Connie. What am I doing wrong?
https://conniegrosch.myportfolio.com/verticality
My fault, Andy, I was in the editing mode when I copied that first link....
BTW, I rarely take photos with my iPhone so learning to see vertically with my Canon EOS was totally unnatural.
Have you tried https://glass.photo? I think it's a great platform for sharing photos. Some really good artists are on there.
I enjoy reading FlakPhoto. It’s new, edgy, and unafraid of innovation. ♥️
Looks like i'm following in your footsteps Andy. I have to use Instagram for my work, but I have been craving something more. Substack seems to be the perfect place for me, very excited to begin contributing here!
I know the model! She's so fun to work with and has a great vibe. I also love the idea of trying to get away from Instagram. Last November, I was kicked off and had all my accounts disabled. So I've been trying to figure out how to connect with artists outside of it.
Awesome project! Looking forward to seeing all the great art!
Cheers, Chuck! Please share this link: https://www.flakphoto.news/p/call-for-portfolios Take care!
Jordanna might literally be THE best!
Great idea Andy. We all need to try something new, old just isn't working and is making me sad!
I like this idea A LOT.
Cool idea. Also disentangling myself from the maganetic ;) pull of insta…maybe i missed it but how would u like to receive portfolios?