Instagram: Straight Talk for Photographers

[@Steven-pi3uh]

“Popularity does not necessarily signify mastery” Amen.

[@girmai6745]

facts

[@ajohary]

But it can really help with getting sales :D

[@DJVARAO]

@@ajohary only if clients see value in hiring you.

[@azngettoone]

Totally. Who are those women that are trash? Oh the Kardashians.

[@raghavforbharat2743]

Let me tell you all, this man right here is a gem. He puts an essence of soul into all of his work and the message he has to convey.

[@hasanmoula5395]

Absolutely

[@ashekrahaman4524]

very true i love Sean's work .

[@donkeydonut7358]

Dovakhiin

[@LoriMorrisPaintings]

I fully agree, the life giving wisdom coming out of his mouth his calming my soul and this is only the second video I have watched of his.

[@melienaire]

I 100% agree!!

[@vishpatel8476]

Can I just say its refreshing to come across a photographer who has a no bs approach to videos. No stupid intro, no in your face sponsorship, no go buy my presets. Just straight up honest advice. Well done, you've got a new follower.

[@NigelDanson]

Really wise words Sean. I think the best thing that Instagram could do is remove Likes. Images should be judged for what they are and the size of the crowd viewing them and liking them. I love sharing my work on Instagram but because I am proud of what I shoot and share at that time and not based on what number of likes I may get.

[@MEisLOLtoday]

Nigel you da man!!!

[@danielprucey9796]

I wished IG had a setting for users to switch off the likes if desired.

[@ricci3950]

Trust me I get what you mean, Im not disagreeing but I think keeping likes helps with the algorithm and choosing what to put on someones feed. If their system just notices someone watching a post they wont know if the person liked the post or not so they wont know if they should be showing that same content to the person. This can come in our advantage just like you I take pictures im proud of but I would aslo like to share it with people and having those likes helps the algotithm know who to show my photos to, this is good cus it means that my content is going towards people who would actually enjoy it

[@zahidsadmannahid]

Two of my favorite photographers. Nigel Danson and Sean Tucker.

[@neontales]

@@danielprucey9796 there is a hide like count now

[@KristiGay1973]

“I know cats with millions of followers.” That’s all you need to know about social media...

[@thenicflynn]

Kristi Gay I was thinking the same thing 😂😂

[@vijendraparashar]

On the internet nobody knows u r a cat

[@distomos8118]

Vijendra PARASHAR Meow..! 😸

[@Moses_Kanneh]

It’s slang guys it’s slang. But now that I read the comments I’m cracking up.

[@gillyb44]

Don’t forget the pouty lips

[@danielmoncur-sime]

True words Sean. As photographers/artists we all need to remember that social media is designed to manipulate our feelings, not to improve our artistic skills. I try to remind myself - cats will always get more likes then us! Stay creative everyone!

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Spot on. I process every single image uniquely, never use the same techniques. I have few followers. I find 'styles' boring and I like to enjoy my photography. Enjoy.

[@DobromirManchev]

This actually has been bothering me a lot lately. I've been taking photography more and more seriously in the last one or two years, i've invested in some gear and a lot of time on tutorials and tips and videos such as this one and i am really enjoying it a lot, my wife finds the things i make beautiful and interesting so spending time or money on this hobby is not causing any problems. Even yesterday we spent about 6 hours in the city center, we stayed out till about midnight to capture a few particular things i've been wanting to capture at night forever and we had a blast, i can't wait to edit the pics... But, there's this thing about having a "style" and "colour consistency" and things like that that i just can't seem to find. Maybe it's a matter of time, maybe i just haven't taken enough pictures yet to develop a style of my own, for now i am just out there shooting anything i find interesting, from street to animals to abstract and portraits, editing it in different ways i find beautiful... Thing is, i don't even know if i WANT to have a style...? I am not a pro, i am not doing it for the money. I am human tho, so i do enjoy some positive feedback and attention when i post my pictures on 500px or photocrowd. So i wonder if i should force myself into some style of photography and editing in order to chase some sort of consistency or should i just go with the flow and do whatever pleases me most? I believe i know the answer already, as forcing anything in creation and art never works... but i guess i need confirmation to "easy my subconsciousness" :P

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

@@DobromirManchev pleasure and passion or fame and pain?

[@dyspatcher]

I think there is a balance to be found - some level of consistency should normally surface naturally from you and your personal tastes... but yeah, so many insta accounts seem to feel the need to have every image have exactly the same colour palette... orange and teal anyone!!?

[@longliveclassicmusic]

The more truly skilled you become at the genres of photography you're shooting, the stronger your opinions will become as to what is captivating and what isn't. If you don't have very targeted opinions, you probably need to keep looking at what other photographers are doing and see what images really stand out as mind-blowing to you and start asking yourself what they're doing that catches your eye. It's not enough as someone else said to “just keep shooting.” It's about constantly learning and broadening your horizons, asking yourself what you do really really really good and beyond the pale versus what simply does not work in your photos and how other successful artists keep from doing those things. Curate your talents and consume from elsewhere what you're weakest in.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

@@longliveclassicmusic With almost 200k images, 80 countries travelled so far and countless awards for photography... I am skilled at capture and expert at post processing. I create images in ALL styles from photo journalism through to creative impressionism. I have reviewed ARTISTS and photographers aplenty. I WANT to create new images and craft the look to suit the image and feel, not pigeon hole into a 'style' for consumers... Enjoy.

[@ricardodias4656]

I absolutely adore how genuine and selfless you are praising and broadcasting other people. Thank you for sharing and for the good content.

[@rizkyfadhila3875]

Did you ever consider to make a podcast? Really like your talk Sean!

[@BrentRivers]

It's inevitable

[@ryanphotostudio]

Do it. Straight Talk for Photographers.

[@Atul-Kr-117]

This is his podcast. But yeah would love it. Probably his KZbin content will be lesser then.

[@StreetsWideOpen]

He appeared on the fujicast podcast a while back, it's s good listen and worth subscribing to. It's not just about fuji either. Go check it out it's one of the best podcasts out there. www.fujicast.co.uk/

[@elcasanelles5806]

That would be great.

[@kenmarten6049]

It's a breath of fresh air to get a balanced view of Instagram. It's very easy to demonise social media and hold it accountable for everything that is wrong with the world, but the wider issue is that we are not taught how to take responsibility for ourselves. Sadly, many therefore expect the world to change and meet their needs, rather than simply change their thinking.

[@IreneYoungFoto]

Sean, there is almost something spiritual in the way you speak about photography as if creativity was your religion. It is apparent that you see, feel, and think deeply as a human being, and you are mastering generosity over arrogance. What a pleasure to watch and hear you on KZbin. Thank you. When I began my career in photography 45 years ago in the NYC Village music scene, the field was a unique one. You have inspired me to treasure the abundance and availability currently within our field, rather than miss the past rarity of the profession.

[@Lowpressure29]

Makes sense Sean. One thing I don't want to do is buy in to the social media hype. I would rather have a core group (small numbers) of people who really enjoy my work who won't be afraid to throw me some constructive criticism that will help based on the reality of what they see. Not a superficial following of people who are just used to clicking follow because it's the norm. I just want to produce quality work and get some quality criticism so I can get better!

[@ianmyers4720]

This is at least the fifth time I have watched this video. Instagram has become so omnipresent and this "talk" really helps to give some context and perspective. It is also reassuring in a way. It certainly speaks volumes of truth, and plain no-nonsense straight talk, that we all need to hear now and again!

[@peterphoto7732]

After 40 years of taking photos I think it's time to put my work out there. I'm now working on a workflow.😊 Thanks Sean for video.

[@evibotaphoto]

Thank you for reminding me that I am photographing for myself not for a math problem, a.k.a. algorithm. 😊

[@billyrabago8968]

"Shoot for you and post your work to share it to the world." I felt that. I needed this talk. Thank you Sean. I love how sincere and loyal you are to the mastery of the craft and how you treat popularity as incidental to that mastery. Subscribed and bell on. I have never turned on the notification bell for any youtuber. But I feel like I need to hear more from you.

[@seantuck]

Thanks, I'm honoured.

[@_xiuxiu1310]

Thank you for this impactful video. As a teen photographer, I know full well that if I simply followed a couple hundred of my classmates, I could get hundreds more likes and follows, but now I have decided to use Instagram as an online portfolio where I am simply sharing what I believe is my best photography. The social aspects are just a plus.

[@RustyBrown_]

Well said, my friend - as always. While I don’t think IG is the best platform for viewing photography, it’s where we must go. But doing so doesn’t mean selling out, but as you’ve said - taking ownership. Ownership of our feeds. Ownership of our posts. It’s not a competition. It’s a place to find inspiration in what we do. Keep rockin mate!

[@stephengreg243]

Right on point. Abraham Lincoln said: I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. Photography..painting...etc...is wonderful- to be able to look at the world around us and make a photograph (painting) and share that point of view with others- what a joy!

[@mrdavie99]

Retired old man going to KZbin for advice on Instagram. Glad I landed on your video. It was exactly what I needed to see and hear.

[@250157andyw]

Your photo at the end, of the garage door, really stood out for me. Lovely composition & colours!

[@bernhardebner3105]

Bääämmm! Today I was just about quiting on Instagram as my photo platform, before I ran into your newest video. This video is not about Instagram - nor is it about hacks to succeed there or anywhere on social media. Again, this is so much deeper and richer. Itˋs also beyond photography and that is why it touches me essentialy. You take us on the inevitable journey to our inner selfes, when it comes to creating our work, our style, our art. This is challenging and itˋs a life long process, full of inspiration, passion, setbacks and coming back again. It´s about believing and trusting, looking over the edge of the plate, experimenting and committment. It´s not about the likes of Instagram at all, that is just a tool, a channel to show and tryout. Ooops, got a little to much engaged here 🤭🙈. So, thank you Sean for crossing my way and being a wonderful and true compagnion throughout my (and many others) personal photography journey. Itˋs an absolute joy and pleasure to follow you and your work 🙏🤓.

[@izayus11]

I landed on this video by accident, and it was a ride. It started with the cliche "Don't do it ofr the likes, do it for the art." But then slowly but surely went much deeper than that. At the end it was about the struggle of an artist to push his own paradigms and to continue to develop his own aesthetic sensibilities. I am gonna suscribe to every single insta account mentioned.

[@donwyates]

Of all the various channels I subscribe to, Sean's is the only one that holds my attention throughout. No gimmicky edits/cuts - just meat! Very informative, great voice. Deliciousness for the curious creative, all around. Well done sir!

[@sinancevik178]

Don Yates totally agree 🤘🏻

[@Gfp1995]

Don Yates I haven't watched his videos for a while and was listening to this one. At the 8 minute mark I was expecting the video to wrap up and NOPE he kept going and it reminded me how refreshing it was to be listening to someone who genuinely gives a shit and stands behind what he says passionately.

[@sbhopper8511]

I agree. I very much appreciate Sean's pacing and topics. A lot of other You Tubers get me stressed and anxious. With Sean's videos I'll sit down with a coffee and watch a video. They get me thinking.

[@barrycohen311]

Get a grip mate. Don't be a mere fan-boy. Also, what is up with this blokes face? It is bloody alarming. :-( Topographical map shite.

[@TomNationTTV]

Direct. Humble. Quality over quantity. During a time where everyone wants (not needs) daily content, you're thoughtful videos really stand out.

[@myahya1987]

I honestly don't know why you underestimate yourself sometimes!! Your photography is brilliant, brilliant might even be an understatement. Really appreciate the time you take on these videos!!! Very inspiring!!!

[@GavinDavidson]

Mustafa Yahya yeah, he puts himself down quite often, I wanted to mention that myself but glad you brought it up. His work is just as good ;)

[@CrazieAsianBoi]

''How incredible to be able to see something so beautiful in something so simple''. Love it!

[@TheOtherMattPerry]

I literally punched the air when I saw your recommendations. I've watched a few of your videos now and I think you've said that seeing someone do X or Y gives you "permission" to take inspiration or move in that direction. I really have that mental block at the moment where I see something aesthetically pleasing and there's something in my head that worrys about mundanity and I don't bother. But seeing these super-abstract and incredible images has really helped me overcome that by giving me "permission" and go more with my initial instinct. In the future I'd like to work on attaining that permission on my own.

[@ricardopaquino]

More often than not I watch videos on why people should quit social media, but this has reignited my passion for street photography and start my Instagram account. The very last point is so killer: "take responsibility". Well said!

[@ekredel]

I love the part where you say how you post images even when you know they are not going to be equally liked, simply because you like them or think they are important. I can totaly relate to that. The number of likes on my images vary from 1000+ to 30, and it has taught me to simply not care about the likes. It is actully a great exersise in personal development. Not that I am completely imune to less likes than expected, but I am on a good path to it I feel...

[@brucerobertson6196]

Kresimir Delac :

[@VenTimofey]

Yes! I support this thought. I've got to grow into someone who doesn't feel complete or incomplete from a number of likes. Thanks for sharing your thought.

[@williamshaughnessy1740]

Instagram has so many features that would make it an absolute joy to use as a portfolio and post images to but so many things get in the way. the obnoxious cropping requirements and harsh resolution limitations make me dislike working with it. Using Twitter for photography to me is so much more fun and liberating to use, and the sharing features of Twitter make it so much easier to discover new artists and get new followers without needing to barf a bunch of hashtags into your caption.

[@cooperjanusevskis502]

i hope every photographer/creative sees this video. so much powerful and important topics you touched on

[@petersutton523]

I think this is probably the best commentary on social media for photographers I’ve ever heard. Brilliant!

[@magnomakes]

I'm a bit late to respond to this video, but it struck something deep with me. I've fallen out of photgraphy - hopefully just briefly - because of the Instagram likes insecurity. Videos like this remind me why I got into it, which was purely to see and capture beauty, not to chase likes. Thank you for this message. I'm sure I'm not the only pone who needed it.

[@natedicamillo3440]

Your the only person I watch that makes 15 minutes feel like 5

[@Amazazing32]

Sean, you are very real, articulate, influential and knowledgable; and the more I watch your videos, the more I appreciate the art of photography and aspire to train my eye to become a better photographer. Thank you!

[@coenfuse]

Whenever I feel lost. I find myself re-watching this masterpiece.

[@akashgupta-rc3wy]

I literally cried while watching your video. You are one of the most real creators I have ever seen on KZbin. All the power to you. Keep going!

[@karrygill28]

You hit the nail on the head! “ Be yourself,everyone else is already taken “ Oscar Wilde

[@VAChirkin]

Sean, Intentional or not you are the voice of reason that rises above all the noise. A constant reminder as to what is really important. Thank you.

[@frankwu1713]

I love your videos,. Your KZbin channel has the most thought-provoking videos that I've found. Every time when watching your videos, I always found myself questioning my own photography approach, life approach, and so on. Your KZbin channel has helped me become a better photographer, after using your suggestions and putting into practice every time I go out and shoot now. Love your work, keep it up.

[@LiterOfFarva]

Call it fate if you like. I came across this video at the exact time I needed it. I was feeling a little hopeless about my work and the lack of interest I was getting from people. It's time I shut all that out and focus on being better, not being gratified by someone else's propensity for hitting the like button. You inspire me Sean.

[@profHankin]

Fantastic video! I post to Instagram to share. I'm an amateur photographer at best. No expectations of being more than that. I still get excited when someone I've never met takes the nanosecond to like one of my images. And I know that Instagram isn't going to make me famous or land me a photo gig. I do it to cut through my anxiety by putting my efforts on display. I appreciate everyone that posts their work. Let the cats have the followers and the likes. I'm here to learn and be amazed by everyone else's work.

[@Pheby01]

Hi Sean, I have only recently discovered your work. I am a complete beginner but I love your videos, love your photography but mostly love and appreciate your philosophy. I learn a lot by watching your videos not only about my new found hobby but also about myself. You somehow speak directly to me in your videos. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@Yagnakn]

On point...NOT likes, let's see photography as a true to yourself art and take some photos. It's good see them after a longtime. No matter how many other people like or dislike your photos.

[@robertfahey3252]

Really didn't know how to use Instagram or why I should use it. I felt compelled to like the posts of photographers in our group lest they be upset if I did not like a post. Thank you Sean for setting me free, letting me see what Instagram can do for me: to seek inspiration from others

[@Pat-1000]

Sean thank you for this , i follow you because it's like sitting at home listening to a mate in conversation , open, honest and interesting and i can relate to this all day long.

[@SebastianBevanPhotography]

No truer words ever said Sean, I posted a video 2 years back now with reference to Likes on Instagram, I have two teenage daughters and was so shocked by how much Likes on their Instagram effects them and their friends, it really is the end of the world if they don’t get the Likes, it’s no wonder these youngsters have confident issues if their happiness revolves around opinions from people who half they have never met. It may sound jack but every month or so I have a clean out of who I follow on Instagram, like you say in your video, if something doesn’t inspire you . Lovin the channel chap, keep up the great advice .

[@nigelcharlton1565]

A very humble spiritual man. Every video is full of Pearl's of wisdom. Awesome images too. Keep it up! I don't think you realise how inspirational you are! Thank you

[@1young-geezer]

I pay attention to no social media feeds whatsoever - and yet - you Sean have produced a most compelling intro into and about the incredible creatives who are sharing brilliant examples of their view, and you present the value of the learning lessons and inspirational challenge that coming upon and following these artists offers. Again Sean, you tackle a ticklish subject and wind it into a master class on attention and furthering. Can't thank you enough.

[@gcnphilly]

Great job Sean! One of the best and most honest assessments of Instagram and how photographers should approach it. Well done. Thanks!

[@davidhill3043]

What a nugget of gold this is, thanks. It’s easy to get down when you post a image you like, and the ‘likes’ don’t follow. 📷

[@alextabatabaei507]

I’ve been shooting more seriously for almost a year now and I have watched tons of KZbin-photo-Channels. Love your honesty and your work.

[@thedadglide5665]

Incredibly enlightening video which has put social media into a whole new perspective for me. No more looking to gain followers just to have followers, and no more just following back with no intention behind it. Love the bit about following others who challenge you to be better. Great suggestions for accounts as well. Thanks.

[@dlife82]

I totally agree with what you're saying. Building your brand takes time, and sometimes we have a hard time understanding that. This video puts a lot in perspective for a lot of up and coming photographers such as myself. Thank you again for this video. Great stuff, keep creating!

[@davedowe6821]

You’re an amazing example of the human experience - our paths present themselves in what we do. You were a minister, and now your church is filled - providing important messages, as people navigate the modern world of social media, finding our creative and personal voices, and finding the best path through life. Thanks for what you do, and your message.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend.

[@teugene5850]

again - another solid discussion that has real substance to it... I too am going to "rethink" my use of Instagram...

[@williamwidmanphotography]

Sean your message here was very reaffirming and helpful. My comments are not just the about social media trap, but photography "at large". I've been "in photography" coming up on five years. I have truly given it every thing I have to give - a lot of perseverance and sweat equity. To say it's been a struggle is an understatement. In general, I am so fed up with hearing people say "no excuses, make it happen". When you know you've given your best and it still "isn't happening", it causes a lot of self doubt. I've listened to the "gurus" and everyone in between about best practices, being professional, etc., and "my experience" is that none of it has made a difference. I truly don't know which way is up any more in my journey as a photographer. Just what you spoke about regarding social media has caused a lot of internal conflict for me - resentment, bitterness, confusion, etc. I'm now at a point where I think I have it in proper perspective. If asked, I am first and foremost a portrait photographer. But as a photographer, I photograph beautiful imagery in many genres - wildlife, landscape, etc. In terms of "best practices", there was a time when only portrait related images went on my IG or FB feeds in order to "maintain my brand", because this is what everyone was saying you need to do. What BS that has turned out to be! You can look at my IG or FB, and any more, I put my images up whatever they are, purely to showcase my beautiful work. People can follow, not follow, like it, not like it.... I don't give a damn any more. I am my own counsel as a photographer. I will not play the social media game any more and let the chips fall where they may. Any way, my two cents here. Great message!

[@seantuck]

Keep going my friend.

[@rudeawakening313]

Thank you for this. A breath of fresh air. Genuine, eloquent, precise. Incredible.

[@lineworks7126]

I love how you slap your audience in the face and tell them to get their shit together 💓

[@swapnilverma937]

You’ve given voice to my inner thoughts. I have just started out on Gram and I feel it’s totally consuming me. I constantly feel bad for not getting likes and attention on the photo which I’d thought was worthy. I see awful pictures floating around garnering attention and praise. I have seen the good ones getting buried beneath all the mediocrity. I think I need to reassess my relationship with Gram and rather concentrate on improving my photography skills. I’d started photography because it made me feel happy. Unfortunately I’d forgotten it and was chasing numbers on a stupid platform.

[@sofotographic]

I watched this video when you originally posted it...I needed to watch it again. Love it!

[@rhbraly]

Hey Sean. I loved this video. I think you’re spot on. You mentioned trying not to follow trends which I totally agree with but I think that we have to prioritise your other statements about shooting and posting what you enjoy and find inspirational. Sometimes I think we can have the reverse of feeding the audience what they want by trying not to feed them what they don’t want or have already had their fill of. I think that trying not to follow trends can have just as much influence on our photography as trying to follow them if you know what I mean. Although, I’m one of these that has a very small following on insta, just over 100 😊 . But I’m ok with that. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@cruthaich]

Another insightful video Sean - I am on some downtime from Instagram at the moment as I was getting an unhealthy obsession with posting daily and trying to grow my following. To the point I was putting pressure on myself to get out and shoot and neglecting other things in my life. I have 2.5k followers but I eventually said to myself, if I had 20k followers, while that would be nice, would it change my life? No of course not. The ever changing algorithm is becoming harder and harder to beat and understand. So instead now I'll post when I feel like posting and only when I have content I feel is worth sharing. If weeks or even months go by without posting, I am fine with that. Most of my time on Instagram now is spent discovering other people, gathering inspiration and planning future shoots. Rather than posting and checking my phone every two minutes for notifications.

[@KLMNCSTLL]

-"I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU LIKE" I loved it! You just got another follower.

[@FD-hl1cf]

Sean is the best photographer and youtuber who can teach you something valuable for a photography mind ! The rest are just grass in the forest. Recently i've decided to move away from the run to a better gear and concentrate myself to my talent and creativity and he is really helping me with that .Thank you so much for that Sean.

[@MMESSINA2]

Hey Sean...This video was great on so many accounts! You are such a great educator. Going to play this for my photography class!

[@skfladda]

This is gold! I love the fact that you point out the fact that some of your favorite pictures aren't the most liked (and that's OK). Realizing that myself --- a lot of the pictures that are my favorites end up being ones that get less traction for one reason or another. Great reminder. Also great suggestions on curating your own feed.

[@joecoolrp]

Sean, man, thank you so much 🙏 this video, a cup of coffee, and I am ready to get out there and push myself. I so appreciate you my friend.

[@SilverDragonCloud64]

So glad to find you! What you say makes so much sense to me! Found your videos for first time today, you are carrying the answers to so many questions I had running wild in my head. So thank you so much for helping me finding more clarity and inspiring me to keep going along the path of my own self discovery as a photographer 🙏🏼

[@WildEmpress]

What are some of the questions you have?

[@Maczilla96]

Sean, thank you for this phenomenally honest and vulnerable insight into appreciating artistry over popularity. Really lovely recommendations as well!

[@ramboruiz]

Another gem Sean. This is a good reminder for me as an amateur 🌻

[@ELAR15]

Your videos are always inspiring. I am glad I found an introvert youtuber which I can get lots of motivations from as I am an introvert myself.

[@jozefbabjak564]

After almost one year of posting quite decent original content to IG and still having just ~30 followers, I found your video quite liberating. Thanks, Sean!

[@AcetaldehydeMoore]

I love this. I'm falling in love with photography and this helped me a lot as a beginner.

[@georgetalbot7650]

The best no BS video I have watched on KZbin. Thank you Sean.

[@vs9400]

I have 700 followers and I'm so glad. They are loyal, gentle, share valuable information... It's really a community for me. I couldn't be more grateful to have those people there, supporting each other.

[@panhavornchhun1993]

@Jesus Christ Denton i feel the same way about my follower counts. 👍👌

[@ekredel]

that sounds like something really meaningful. share you instagram handle here, if it is ok with you...

[@kaleidostar257]

V S you mind telling your instagram? I never really join a community before

[@vs9400]

Hi there, thank you for commenting. I must say there's nothing special about my Instagram or the people who follow me. I think everybody can build their own community. It's about how you interact with each other. Look for people who have the same interests as you, this is very important, they are much more likely to be interested in your content too. People who also have a small follower base. If you really like their work, hit the like button on their photos, write meaningful comments, DM them and start a conversation, ask about their processes, their inspiration... Treat them as human beings, as people you could meet in real life. Do it genuinely and you're also going to find genuine people. Try to build a community not a follower base because we are all sick of being seen as numbers. Not everybody will follow you back, but those who will probably will have a nice relationship with you.

[@bernhardebner3105]

Wonderful to hear 💪👍😍

[@andydoan966]

I'm not chasing LIKEs, I'm sharing my DREAMs. Thanks to you Sean...

[@SkylerKing]

I’ve had a very mixed relationship with instagram. I refused to join, for years. When I finally joined, I went back and forth and was all over the place with what I wanted to post or how I wanted to approach interacting with people on the platform. Most of the features simply go unused, even now. I’ve finally gotten to a point where I simply don’t think about it and don’t really care about the outcome. I only post something when I have something to post. Maybe multiple times a day, maybe nothing for several weeks or months. I don’t time my posts or cater them to what I think is popular. I don’t use hashtags (anymore). I don’t play any of those follow for follow or like for like games. Ironically, I now have more followers than I’ve ever had, before. But, most of my posts don’t get any likes or comments. Who knows how these things work. I’m happier and healthier by not worrying about it.

[@joeltunnah]

Skyler King, the problem is, by being so unengaged with it, you’re making the Instagram algorithm bury your content. You get few likes because few people are even getting your photos in their feed. If the goal is to get eyes on your work, you’re not playing the game the right way. You have to post regularly like once a day, you have to post “stories”, you have to remove all ghost followers (accounts that follow you but never like or comment your posts) from your account, and you have to start interacting (liking and commenting) with your followers. Never use bots, comment pods, or buy likes/followers.

[@christianonphotography]

Although I really appreciate watching channels of your colleagues you seem to be one of the more and more rarer kind of vlogger that talks about the essence of photography not about gear. It´s always refreshing to listen to your point of view, cause that's something I can reflect for myself and my photography. Thx!

[@raymorgan4337]

Measured and mature presentation. Helpful and a powerful reminder of why I take photographs. Thanks very much. Just had to subscribe.

[@ChristianSteinheimer]

Sean, its december 2020, i now see this video, because i was frustrated with my instagram account, and was almost at the point to say "ok, i do need to follow the trends, i have to blurr all images an make them brown and moody" - But man, hours of KZbin right now are stopped, and i am happy again, thank you!

[@erikodama]

Thanks! Your work is inspiring me to re-discovering myself as a photographer.

[@JonathanFaifer]

I recently had this same thought, well a few months ago. I went through and asked myself why am I following specific accounts and do they really inspire and push my creativity forward? No? Then unfollow. I believe it's very important to not take numbers personally, or anything personally for that matter. Thank you for creating beautiful and well thought out content.

[@denisgerard8597]

Thx for these intelligent and humble videos. Always a pleasure to watch them.

[@b.lew_photography571]

Thank you Sean, this was the video I really needed! I originally started IG because I simply wanted a place to put my work out. A couple years later and I started to get conditioned to the addictive idea that likes = good photo and followers = good account. I started to get frustrated especially nowadays as my work is certainly better than before, but my engagement is less overall than before. I know the algorithm has changed tremendously since I started and I had also taken 3-4 month breaks yearly which also messed with my account's engagement score. Either way...I was leading myself down an unhealthy and futile struggle to chase likes and followers, when what should be most important is how much I respect my own work and progress rather than letting a social media platform gauge that for me.

[@dronemancer5655]

Intelligent, well presented video - something of a rarity!

[@firasshallak665]

This video just made me feel better! Social media can be a huge source of frustration and disappointment if one forgets that it's a tool not an objective! Let's spend more time shooting and being unique instead of chasing likes and stereotypes! Love u Sean!

[@MarcoServentiphoto]

One of the best talks about Instagram I heard in a long time. Social media is what you make it! Also, found some amazing new accounts to follow

[@ablueslenz]

Thank you, Sean, for speaking truth to the art of photography. You keep the soul of photography alive on KZbin. Keep doing you.

[@imannechoi]

I haven't been this early in a while!! :D As always, your words holds so much truth to them and I am enlightened by your wisdom~

[@andyroye5622]

Preferably Annie well said

[@Bassbarbie]

I just sat down with a cuppa and feel like I'm going to have a counselling session :) I know I'll feel better after watching Sean

[@ConsoleAuthority]

Thr ending music was the strongest among Sean's videos , the music stuck somewhere in the head

[@danzbeard]

Concise, empathetic, and humble. Wonderful explanation, and examples. Thank you.

[@HalleyDavies]

Thank you for sharing some of the photographers you follow. It's hard to know where to start. I've been wanting to follow some talented folk but didn't know where or how to find them. At least now I can copy you in following these people and I am sure they lead to a new following and a new direction as I learn more about my interests.

[@rickmcginnis]

You have good taste - I followed everyone you recommended!

[@AdHocVisions]

Thank you for putting this video together. Some of the things you talked about I'm doing but many I'm not, and I need to start. What you talked about everyone needs to hear, for me, it's a reminder that I'm using Instagram to showcase my work, not to have individuals to like me. Thank you again, and keep posting.

[@AnNguyen-yw9jm]

Needed this reminder. Thank you for your content!

[@achelseaphotographer]

I was a fan of your content before this video, but now you have become an inspiration!

[@danielcimpeanu]

It’s been said by many, but I have to put it out myself: thank you Sean for reminding me what it’s all about! It’s a joy following you and I really hope to bump into you out on the street one day :)

[@alichamas63]

What a great attitude and philosophy. This perspective can easily apply to musicians, or any artists struggling to find their own identity in the age of social media. It's very easy to chase bright lights instead of core skill.