Quitting Social Media As Photographer
Why Quitting Social Media as a Photographer
Quitting social media as a photographer in 2025 seems like a foolish move. After all, why wouldn’t a photographer leverage these platforms to share their work, gain recognition, and reach a wider audience? The opportunities seem endless. Without social media, how would anyone ever find you?
Well, here’s the truth: there are other ways to share your work without relying on social media. Over the past few months, I’ve become increasingly disillusioned with these platforms. They’ve started to take a toll on my creativity and mental health, so at the end of 2024, I decided to deactivate and delete several of my accounts.
I’m still discovering the pros and cons of leaving social media behind, but I can say this: I needed an escape from the noise. Social media has become a space where people show their work to grab attention, often at the expense of authenticity. Many posts that go viral or rack up followers aren’t particularly special, yet they dominate the spotlight. I’ll admit, I was part of that game for years—posting not for the love of photography but for the likes, shares, and the hope of becoming "internet famous."
But here’s the thing: some of the most celebrated photographers were recognised long before social media existed. They built their names through their work, not through an algorithm. Currently, platforms prioritise monetisation, showing only a fraction of your work to your audience unless you pay to boost your posts. Even then, you’ll likely never reach 100% of your followers.
Breaking Free from the Social Media Cycle
I’ve realised that standing out often means going against the grain. Instead of chasing trends, I want to focus on what feels authentic and not let social media dictate how or when I share my work. That’s why I’ve shifted my attention to something that offers far more control: my website and blog.
A website is a creative space where you can display your work exactly how you want it to be seen. It’s timeless and free from the whims of an algorithm. Yet, surprisingly, many photographers today rely solely on Instagram and don’t even have a website or blog. They miss out on the creative freedom and personal connection these tools provide.
Social media platforms are designed to keep you scrolling, not necessarily creating. Stepping away has given me the freedom to focus on my photography and writing without the endless distractions. I’ve even launched a newsletter to keep in touch with those genuinely interested in my work. Whether it’s a new zine, prints for sale, or a blog post about my latest outing, my newsletter ensures that my updates reach my audience directly—no algorithms involved.
Why This Works for Me
This isn’t a post about whether social media is good or bad. If it works for you, that’s great! But for me, it was time to move on. Occasionally, I miss my connections on these platforms, but I also know that the cost—hours lost to mindless scrolling—is too high. Instead, I’ve poured that time into creating content that truly matters to me, like my blog and YouTube channel.
While YouTube is technically a social media platform, I see it as more of a video blog. It’s a space to share my work in depth without the pressures or distractions of platforms like Instagram or Facebook.
What’s Next?
Over the coming months, I’ll share more about how life without social media shapes my creativity and career. So far, the change has been freeing, allowing me to focus on my craft and connect with people more meaningfully.
For those wondering where to find my work, visit my website, subscribe to my newsletter, or follow along on YouTube. This journey isn’t about cutting ties completely but choosing the platforms that best serve me.
If you’re considering a similar move, I hope my experience can offer some insight. And if you’re sticking with social media, no judgment here—do what works for you! I’m finding joy in rediscovering why I became a photographer in the first place: to create, connect, and share my vision on my terms.
