Why I Don't Use Social Media As A Photographer & Artist

You might have noticed that my social media presence is... almost nonexistent.

Now, I do use a bit. At the moment. One day I hope I don't have to use it at all (unless things change drastically). I do have Instagram and Threads where I post something when I feel like it but it's not part of my daily life nor marketing. I don't rely on social media.

Which is odd, right? Surely as a photographer I should be aiming for millions of followers!

So why don't I?

It's a mix & match of multiple reasons but...

• Firstly, I have never been a huge fan
• Secondly, the social media platforms are so saturated that if you want to stand out, it's a full-time job
• Thirdly, it's not good for my mental health and general well-being
• and last but no means least: I cannot support platforms that goes so against my values

As an entrepreneur and marketer, I know exactly what it takes to make it in Instagram. It's a lot of work. Dedicated, strategic work.

And there's nothing wrong with that if you enjoy it!

But as I mentioned, I've never been a fan.

Those days when you posted just a picture and it got hundreds of likes and engagement are looong gone.

These days you have to be a photographer (check!), videographer (noup), editor (...nnnoup), actor (definately not!), copywriter (check!) and quite much more.

I don't have that passion. I have passion for real connections.

Social Media also has a tendency to make us feel less.

Everyone's life seems so frickin' perfect and just rainbows and butterflies and picturesque living rooms. Even when the truth behind all that is vastly different.

We have so many absolutely wonderful photographers in this world and I do adore visiting galleries and supporting others. I have always said that I don't have competitors, I have colleagues.

But social media tends to twist our minds and make us question our own work and worth. And it's not healthy. To anyone. Let alone to artists.

I want to be able to focus on my own path, my own vision and voice.

Less noise, more focus on what makes me feel happy and at ease.

More focus on real things and real life. It's so much more beautiful than any perfect Insta feed.

The final nail to the coffin was when Meta lost it's marbles.

All those things that are happening right now, both on the world and on social media platforms made it clear that it's time to go.

"… Sometimes, givin' up is the strong thing
Sometimes, to run is the brave thing
Sometimes, walkin' out is the one thing
That will find you the right thing"

I. Can. Not. work and rely on a platforms that doesn't support my values. I would be lying then. I would be like all those corporations that have these fancy, beautiful phrases on their websites but the truth is totally different. Green washing is a great example of this.

I value kindness.
I value respect.
I value science.
I value truth.

I value human rights.
I value our environment.

I can't function on places that support hate speech, misinformation or destroying our planet for even more profit. Places that control what I can see and how I shape my world.

Building my business and relying my livelihood on platforms like these feels like a gamble I'm not willing to take. When there are other options. Better, more authentic options.

So what do I do then?

I have my blog, my newsletter. I own these and have 100% control on them. I can keep these as safe, supportive, kind and caring as I wish.

Even if social media would fall down tomorrow, I will be fine.

I also work on building connections outside the world wide web (like exhibitions etc).

Even tho we have been catered to believe that life without social media is impossible... the truth is that you have every opportunity, just waiting for you to stop scrolling and start living.

And hey! Go on and opt in to get my letters! My newsletters are my "Insta feed", it's the place where I can chit chat and share my latest thoughts and works with you while giving you a little feel good booster. I tend to send around two messages in a month or so.