Social Media: A 2024 Guide for Fashion Photographers
If you're a photographer looking to build a creative, profitable business, you’re in the right place. Today, I want to share how I’m using social media in 2024 to grow my business and connect with clients. Social media is a huge part of the photography world, but how you use it can make all the difference.
Instagram: Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to Instagram, I’ve learned that less is more. I don’t post every day, but when I do, it’s intentional. My grid is a carefully curated portfolio—just like my website. I share only the work I’m most proud of and treat my Instagram profile as a space to showcase my best work.
Every few months, I go through my grid and archive posts that no longer represent what I do. It’s a bit of housekeeping, but trust me, it’s worth it. Art directors, producers, and other professionals do scroll back through your feed, so you want to make sure what’s visible aligns with the work you’re currently doing. It’s not about erasing the past, but rather, keeping the focus on the work that represents who you are today.
For me, Instagram Stories are where I show up the most. I post daily, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my shoots, updates on current projects, and even bits of my personal life. Stories are perfect for keeping people updated on what I’m doing without overloading my grid. It’s an easier, more casual way for followers to stay connected.
Reels: A Fun Way to Showcase My Work
Reels have become a fun way to engage with my audience and showcase my work in a different format. I post 1-2 times a week, using behind-the-scenes footage and trending audio to give followers a sneak peek into my shoots. Reels have been a great way to boost visibility, and I’ve noticed that using trending audio really helps get my content in front of more people.
A great tip for making your Reels stand out is to use trending audio. I follow Eve Longfield, who curates weekly lists of trending audio that have helped me a lot. It’s a simple way to get more engagement and visibility on your Reels.
Facebook Ads: Experimenting with Paid Visibility
I’ve started experimenting with Facebook and Instagram ads, and it’s been a game-changer. I don’t rely on these ads to get me direct work, but they’re great for keeping my name in front of potential clients. We all know how crowded the internet is, and standing out can be tough. By using ads, I’m able to remind people I exist without constantly needing to post new content.
I learned everything about Facebook ads from Neve Taylor’s course (linked below), and it’s been invaluable. For a small budget (around £5 per day), I’ve seen a noticeable increase in my work's visibility. While I can't directly link the ads to bookings yet, I’ve definitely noticed more eyes on my content, and that’s a step in the right direction.
Rebranding My Business
Another exciting update for me in 2024 is my rebrand. I’ve been wanting to refresh my brand for a while, and I finally took the plunge. The same designer who helped with my education brand, Olivia Bossert Education, also did the rebrand for my photography business. My Instagram now features my new logo and brand colors—specifically a lilac hue that I feel really represents my style.
Having consistent branding across my website and social media makes my profile look more professional and cohesive. It's been a great way to stand out and remind my audience of my business identity.
Facebook & Threads: Not My Thing
While I have a Facebook page, I don’t use it actively. It’s there mainly for the ads and to maintain some kind of presence. I’ve also dabbled with Threads, but honestly, it just didn’t click for me. I’ve learned over the years that it’s better to focus on one or two platforms you enjoy using, rather than spreading yourself too thin across every social network out there. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it.
TikTok: A Creative Playground
TikTok is another platform I really enjoy using. It's a great place to have fun, get inspired, and engage with other photographers. I personally follow a lot of photographers on TikTok to see how they’re sharing behind-the-scenes content and capturing the creative process.
TikTok is fantastic for growing your audience organically. It’s still one of the best platforms for getting discovered by new people, so if you want to reach a wider audience quickly, TikTok is the place to be. My advice here is to use TikTok to share your story as a photographer. Show what it’s like behind the scenes, share snippets of your work, and connect with people on a personal level.
One thing to note—if you’re trying to attract clients, avoid creating content that’s too focused on teaching other photographers. While that’s great if you want to build an education brand, it’s not going to help you attract clients who are looking to hire photographers. Focus on content that showcases your creative process, your personality, and the kind of work you create. TikTok is the place to let your audience get to know you.
LinkedIn: Don’t Sleep on It
Finally, let’s talk about LinkedIn. It’s still one of the most professional social networks, and it’s a platform that many photographers, especially fashion photographers, overlook. I use LinkedIn to connect with people who could hire me—producers, marketing directors, PR agencies, and other industry professionals.
I curate my LinkedIn network by only connecting with people who might hire me. I post content 1-2 times a week, mostly showcasing new work, behind-the-scenes videos, and repurposed Reels. I also spend time commenting on posts, sending connection requests, and building my network. LinkedIn has directly led to work opportunities for me, so don’t underestimate the power of this platform.
Key Takeaways
Instagram: Be intentional with your grid, focusing on your best work. Use Stories for daily updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Reels: Post 1-2 times a week using behind-the-scenes footage and trending audio to boost visibility.
Facebook Ads: Use them to stay “front of mind” with potential clients, but don’t rely on them for direct bookings.
TikTok: Share your personal brand, creative process, and work behind the scenes. Focus on showcasing who you are as a photographer.
LinkedIn: Use it to connect with industry professionals and share your latest work with potential clients.
I hope this gives you some fresh ideas for using social media in 2024! It’s all about showing up authentically, building connections, and staying consistent with the platforms that work for you. Social media is constantly evolving, but by staying true to your brand and engaging with your audience, you can create a strong presence online.
Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, feel free to share it on Instagram and tag me @OliviaBossertEducation or send it to a friend who might find it useful.
Until next time!
