INSTAGRAM 2022 - Where PHOTOGRAPHERS Should be INSTEAD

[@DavidManningvlog]

I feel like I should retitle this video to be “what photographers should be using AS WELL AS Instagram”. Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/Twitter are all super important marketing channels, but what I’m saying is that a marketing funnel should take people to an awesome website that you own and that you control👍

[@KyleWattsTV]

Wish I could get my name as a domain but for some reason there’s a $5000 reserve on it.

[@DavidManningvlog]

@@KyleWattsTV same here man! davidmanning.com has been owned by some dude in England for the past 15 years. I’ve even tried the different domain buying services and he won’t even respond😑

[@FlareWalk]

Yea but let's be honest. Your current title will get more clicks 👌🏻

[@engrmoutassim]

I find Behance to be a great portfolio page especially for anyone who’s already hooked within Adobe’s editing software bundles. Btw, that’s an awesome cap, what brand is it?

[@JoeMaranophotography]

#fuckinstagram tbh

[@andricheli]

This is a fantastic perspective. Lately Twitter feels like Instagram back in 2011, which is awesome because I miss the old Instagram. I've discovered so many amazing photographers on Twitter this past year.

[@mccullummedia]

I have watched a lot of video about this, and lately have been migrating back to twitter. It’s way better for connecting and growing as a content creator. Instagram hides everything if it doesn’t get so many likes in a certain amount of time.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Oh man, I totally feel that Andrea! Suddenly, it’s the good ole days on Twitter!🎉

[@DavidManningvlog]

I think that’s the downfall of Instagram and TikTok ultimately. Because it’s all based on vanity metrics, neither platform really encourages deeper engagement and following. Just a, “How is your latest content doing?” Sort of vibe

[@andricheli]

@@mccullummedia yep, discoverability is so much better on Twitter.

[@ahmedsuleiman1130]

Well, you have a very valid point. What many creatives fail to understand is that social media platforms are good channels and viable funnel marketing for us. However, no one should rely 100% on them as they don't belong to us. Our portfolio should be on our websites not social media handles. I really hope many will learn from these your evergreen tips. PS: Sincere apologies for your suspended Instagram account. Better days are ahead of us all, and please don't give up. We love you, David ❤️.

[@DavidManningvlog]

I couldn’t agree more Ahmed! Controlling your own little piece of the internet is so vital🙌

[@shaniranikauboj]

Couple of years ago Salomondrin said that social networks are not your space. We are just renting it for free under someone else rules. We do not control that space, and we can get kicked at any time. Just use it as a marketing tool for your own space, and you safe.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Exactly🙌

[@miltoncallan1471]

As a wedding videographer/photographer my motto was always "you can only sell what you shoot." I learned this from a very wise photographer I worked with starting back in 1981. That motto was the cash machine of my business. Once digital photography came in, I saved a shit-ton of money because I was shooting 45 plus rolls per wedding. I was able to have super cheap prints made for selection, but used a top rated print firm for albums. Because of the high volume of shots, I was also selling a lot of Grandma and bridal party mini albums customized by the bride. Also, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I was using Super VHS tape. I kept the main camera on a dolly about 6 feet high aimed at the dance floor or bridal table throughout the reception and let it roll. It was a pain in the keester, but I got some good stuff. Several of the "highlights" on my demo reel came from this footage. As an example, I got Milton Berle (yeah, you probably don't know who that is - he is an ancient TV personality) sneaking up on the bride and bending her backwards in a dramatic kiss. If the camera wasn't rolling, I would have missed it.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Oh man, that’s so awesome to hear all of that Milton! I’m sure one day, I’ll be telling some younger photographer what it was like back when I started with a handful of 8GB CF Cards and my DSLR! They’ll probably have some augmented reality wizard camera by then🤣

[@mikebray48]

I personally deleted Instagram over 2 years ago now and have 0 use for it.... I personally find the main social media platform I end up connecting with potential clients and other creatives through most is Facebook!! I have two Facebook Business Pages as well I am a member of several Facebook groups for photographer, models, etc... and that has always been my primary source for social media and I don't think that will ever change.

[@DavidManningvlog]

That’s a tough call, but I totally see your point! I think the depth of each social platform is important. For instance, everyone is on TikTok right now, but it’s an extremely shallow platform, while not as many people are on Facebook anymore, but it’s a much deeper platform as far as connection and engagement. You might be onto something Mike!

[@missaaofph]

Love listening to your thoughts! Instagram has turned into reel platforms, mostly comedic. Not much photos anymore...

[@GhostDigital2k]

Twitter then Facebook, and Instagram.

[@DavidManningvlog]

If there was a chart describing “depth/engagement” of platforms from most-engaged to least-engaged, you just wrote it!

[@Frank343k]

Great advice! I’ve never thought about following photography brand accounts on Twitter. My struggle is being a sports photographer as part of my full time job, needing my portfolio to be full of sports photos for potential job offers but wanting it to showcase other work for freelance opportunities 😅

[@DavidManningvlog]

I know it sounds like a hassle, but two separate websites might be a good idea. If I’m looking for a mechanic for my Sprinter van and one works on all sorts of cars and one specializes in Sprinter vans, I’m going to the specialist all day long!

[@IncognitoSprax]

Just create different portfolio sections of your website for them to view.

[@TimKingsandiego]

So frustrating. But yes, good reminder of the importance of your own site…especially with the shelf life of platforms. No telling if insta will still be around in 5 years

[@DavidManningvlog]

I don’t know what you’re talking about, my MySpace profile is still going strong!🤣

[@junsadventures]

There he is again! Leveling up his content!

[@FredCallahan]

Dude. Just saying, you’re one of my favorite creators. Thanks for the inspiration. Channels like yours make me want to create my own community! Thank you. Keep doing your thing and know that what you do is appreciated. Word

[@DavidManningvlog]

For real, thank you so damn much! Honestly, comments like that is what keeps the videos coming! I appreciate this community and people like you so much🙌

[@Bernhisels_adventure]

Excellent thoughts on social media. However today I’m here for the after credits. So much stuff for kids. I’m glad I’m not the only one. We have 3 duffel bags for just one night! Love it.

[@DavidManningvlog]

It’s crazy how much stuff Jason! BUT, at the same time, I would so much rather be prepared for anything with them🤣

[@DeeSanders]

I am trying to get ahead of the curb. Just wanted to know if there is anything that you have seen that has came out since the 360 photography booth that will take event photography to another level. Or can you just tell me of any other product that is hot after the 360 Photo Booth?

[@mcknightsmusic954]

For the first one, thankfully we can now pin posts to the top of our page but still not changing much for me 😂

[@Caprica_]

Damn you had me waiting to see what insta alternative I’d somehow missed. As a landscape photographer the forced square crop always bugged me. (Used to be on Flickr but got sick of paying for Pro.) I’d have a website if I actually got paid to shot, but I just enjoy it as a hobby. 🤣 PS love those random thoughts/outtakes at the end of your videos.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Honestly Caprica, I think Twitter is better than Insta for most creatives! Mainly because it encourages real interaction beyond vanity metrics👍

[@Caprica_]

@@DavidManningvlog oh yeah I’m already on Twitter of course. Always replying when people ask me about photos I post. Definitely agree with you.

[@davidcrosthwaite]

I’m liking VERO at the moment. Way better community feel than the big ones

[@Hikaholics]

​@@davidcrosthwaite Same! And we strongly value QUALITY over quantity. Instagram is the complete opposite

[@TruFire710]

12 years and my account got disabled. Ive had it since I was 15 years old. Extremely painful and I didn’t even get a reason for the deactivation.

[@Izzy-nj1su]

Are you sure it’s “Kerr-Rate”?😂 First I’ve heard it said that way. Cure-rate Cue-rate Cure-ate Love the video!

[@DavidManningvlog]

Well now I’m not sure!🤣

[@jawracing911]

Here in Australia, I would suggest that Twitter is barely used comparative to other Countries, especially the U.S. We use the main 3, being Insta, FB & TikTok. I jumped on Twitter months ago after many KZbin channels suggested getting on it and put your shots onto it. 5 months in, 8 Followers 🤣

[@mikebray48]

I found the same issue...I am 1 year in on Twitter and have 10 followers... I have all but gave up on Twitter

[@DavidManningvlog]

I wouldn’t place your goal on Twitter as to “gain followers”, but rather to engage with others. Twitter seems to serve best those that serve others. Getting into thoughtful conversations, offering advice and help with things, and when the opportunity arises, to post your work there. It’s for sure a “give first” platform👍

[@mikebray48]

@@DavidManningvlog I found for conversations and advice revolving around photography, Facebook groups I found works best for me up here in Canada. I found groups both provincially and nationally that are extensions of actual groups of photographers who meet in person or via video call and discuss photography, give advice and constructive criques to up and coming and experienced photographers across the province and nationally. I also found them a great place to showcase my work versus Twitter. Twitter I have been found is more for "influencers" to advertise their brands and celebrities to spout off and get followers, etc.... Twitter is the MySpace of this generation.

[@jawracing911]

@@DavidManningvlog I’ve liked lots of posts, I’ve responded positively with comments, but maybe I’m just not American enough for people to want to follow me. Many KZbinrs have made content about “it’s the place to show off your photography”, but I’m either horrendously bad at it, or I’m doing something really wrong as this complete unknown person.

[@GPadugan]

Twitter is not what it is claimed to be and never was. Look at all the dirty laundry that has come out thanks to Elon. I would run away from that faster than Instagram. The problem is that the only places to post photos to be seen are the same places that only photographers go too.........so nearly impossible to get hired from them. Flickr is probably the solution most people don't realize they need. That or/and tumblr. But both of these are not where the clients are.....so..........

[@luismoran7176]

Love your videos, always so informative ……. I have a camera question, what would you recommend for taking pictures, which is the best compact camera with a decent zoom lens, that takes great pictures. Thank you 🙏 for your help

[@furtherupthetrack7583]

David thanks for the video & information. 👍👍👍

[@OneDegreeLife]

Yep. I got locked out of mind and they wanted to "verify" by sending a code to my email. Nothing. Never get a code. Can't get through. So, I'm locked out as well. Only 360 followers, but come on...I didn't even violate a policy, and I'm still being punished. I very much dislike Meta as a whole.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Yeah, it's a super frustrating process when that happens. I was not stoked to go through it! A really good reminder to keep a separate website of your own👍

[@OneDegreeLife]

@@DavidManningvlog Indeed! I update my website, but friends/fam don’t check it. I was never using IG to cultivate business, just to get new stuff to people who cared about what I was involved in. Never regained access, so I’m moving on. Love the channel! Cheers

[@outinthebarn]

So glad you got this fixed

[@DavidManningvlog]

Me too! Such a bummer to think that could all be deleted😑

[@abhijeetkurup]

Hi Dave 🙋, Hope everyone at home is doing well. Got my hands on the sigma 16mm and 30mm for my A6400 a few weeks back then Sony dropped the new set of lenses for their APSC line up, did I make a mistake is the question I've been asking myself ever since , what do you think?

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hi Abhijeet! Honestly, there’s so much good glass out there now, it’s hard to go wrong! Those Sigma lenses are so solid and I think you’re going to be stoked on them!

[@abhijeetkurup]

@@DavidManningvlog 😁🍻

[@coconuthair]

great video! what's your thoughts on Vero?

[@tmac9127]

Instagram added the 'Pinned' feature to help with showing your best work regardless of the number of posts you have on your timeline ✅

[@davidnguyen6823]

"What a beautiful mountain" Either a partner, or a landscape photo

[@phucmapvlog]

I still need to build mine...

[@teamsaunz]

Amazing video and tips!

[@DevinReaves]

Glad it got sorted

[@DavidManningvlog]

Thanks Devin, me too! So crazy that there’s nobody you can hop on the phone with and explain what’s happened!

[@joe_fabricator]

Great advice David, thank you.

[@OGK_Show]

At least as far back as five years I had been advising photographers and models to do this and all I hear was excuses that basically said "I'm too lazy to keep up with a website."

[@erogo]

I know, IG is not the right place. it takes longer to get discover... and ahhh sometimes bored..

[@andrewkaylor2416]

Nice Melin cap

[@DavidManningvlog]

LOVE this one🙌

[@alancrandallfishing]

I thought you were going to do a Sony A7iv review?!?!

[@DavidManningvlog]

Still looking for an angle on that camera. It’s super solid and a great all around camera, but I want to say something new that’s not already out there. I will at some point, when the right angle presents itself👍

[@KrisLuckPhoto]

Just followed you on twitter. I love twitter, the NFT community has kind of taken over BUT there are some really awesome/genuine people in there. My friend blew up on IG last week with a 5 million view reel, gained 50k followers, yet his engagement now is identical. It sucks when only 1% of your followers see your work. Hoping I can be more active on twitter. Nice vid!

[@DavidManningvlog]

That’s a solid example of how important engagement is! You can get a million followers or subscribers, but if nobody comes back to watch your content, it means nothing. Actually, it looks worse to potential partnerships and sponsors! I think a solid goal on Twitter and KZbin is slow growth. You don’t need to and probably don’t want to blow up over night. But if you can continually grow over time, you can develop a deeper and more engaged audience to follow along👍

[@danielmiddleton3735]

I was hoping for a clip from brooklyn nine nine “cool cool cool cool cool cool cool”

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahhaaaa! I was trying to harness my inner Peralta🤣

[@petarkosovic6455]

Explode with right hashtags on instagram? Yeah right, That's THE story for the common folk.

[@billyfletch]

Link to buy that hat?

[@TC_Conner]

What about Discord?

[@sknygames]

3:38 - What is the solution?

[@ricardo_valadez]

I think reels are sometimes cringe and stupid

[@Bossladylj]

Love your videos and I have learned a lot. Don’t you want a protégée aka Amateur Photographer with a desire to learn and grow? HELP!!! PLEASE!!!

[@markbaigent8373]

Wordpress is your friend..

[@farzadjahanfard]

Let me save 20 Min of your life use Twitter he said .

[@gitbuh12345qwerty]

Tweeter, this aged well 😂

[@lovedfriend2020]

It sounds like you got hacked! :( You need a NAS :)

[@mitchonthego]

We all hate Advertisements 😢

[@PaulRankinYT]

I was away on vacation 2 weeks ago and had my instagram hacked

[@DavidManningvlog]

It’s the worst man! Nothing you can do, but contact Instagram through their little form and then just wait😑

[@PaulRankinYT]

@@DavidManningvlog the only thing I’ve been doing is the video verification and even that’s stopped working now, got some scammer telling my followers how crypto mining is the best thing in the world. Is there a form you can fill in?

[@kellyconcepcion6156]

4:51 "webshite"

[@DavidManningvlog]

KELLY! I was hoping I got away with that one🤣

[@kellyconcepcion6156]

@@DavidManningvlog YES!! I got your attention! Huge fan! shoutout soon if possible! :P

[@kellyconcepcion6156]

@@DavidManningvlog Oh and correction it should be 4:51 LOL

[@PaulFeinberg]

Great video! Glad you got your Instagram back! I have a website, I also love Twitter, like you said great place to connect!

[@DavidManningvlog]

I feel like Twitter is where you and I first really started talking! We for sure talked on here first, but I feel like Twitter is where I got to know you!

[@PaulFeinberg]

@@DavidManningvlog for sure! Twitter is where I build those relationships and talk deeper than just the KZbin video topic.

[@chriscronin5243]

who hoo first comment

[@TheAustinHewlettOfficial]

first reply to first comment

[@mitchonthego]

#BLOCK USER

[@eldan4501]

Wtf is the alternative just come on people

[@Htownthanos]

I am a firm believer in help those who help you. I am a developer. If you need help with your website I’ll be happy to help you.

[@travislrogers]

Great vid.. I would hit that like button if you weren’t already at 420 status. A comment will have to do :)

[@mikeviall811]

Twitter - OMG. Once the bot count is finalized they are FUCKING DONE.

[@DavidManningvlog]

Hahahaa! I don’t know about that Mike. I think that Elon is probably right about the bot count being way above 5%, but even once they figure that out, nothing on Twitter will have actually changed. Still the same real humans having the same real human conversations, hopefully just with less bot interference!

[@mikeviall811]

@@DavidManningvlog Uh, Twitter valuation will change. Liberal/Conservative mix will change (already has). Shadow banning will go away. Selective censorship will go away. Other conservative social media sites will continue to grow user bases. For starters.

[@TimV777]

I use Artstation its great. I hate what instagram has become after Zucc bought it. He just bought a user base and is now turning it into a ticktock knockoff. Not sure if Artstation is good for photography but its great for a free portfolio along with Twitter. You get lot more personalized engagement on Twitter. On insta I only get suggested reels that just waste my time or some bots commenting to share my upload to their page for money. It used to be my favorite :(

[@jonathannield]

Had your account been hacked? I received a spam comment on your last video supposedly from you asking to contact you via Telegram as I'd won a prize and they had even used your Insta profile pic

[@DavidManningvlog]

No, not hacked, but that comment on here is total spam! It’s been like a plague on KZbin lately. Essentially, a scammer creates an account and calls it something like, “Telegram me at DavidManning”, then copies the creator’s profile pic, then spams the crap out of the comment section pretending to be the creator. It’s happening on hundreds of channels and KZbin won’t do much about it. I’ve reached out, but they said to delete them one by one, but man there’s hundreds of those comments on my channel now! For sure don’t send them money though👍

[@BubbleGendut]

I think instagram sucks seems more like TikTok now. To see 1 pic I have to scroll past 3 or 4 videos & sponsor ads. 500pix & Flikr much better experience