Picture this (pun intended): You’re fresh off a weekend shoot, buzzing with inspiration and excitement from what you shot.
But Monday rolls in, and suddenly, editing, emails, meetings, invoices—oh yeah, and that dang social media beast—devour your time like a bottomless mimosa brunch.
Sound familiar?
We’ve all been there. Posting that generic “latest shoot” pic, tagging people, mentioning their name, and ending with a stale call-to-action…feels like tossing a pebble into a Grand Canyon of content. But fear not, fellow creatives!
I’m Jared, a photography veteran turned creative strategist, here to help you transform your brand from beige to fireworks. So, how do you stand out in a sea of “light and airy” and “dark and moody”?
Let’s grab our third cup of coffee and explore three game-changing tips:
1. Storytelling: Your Ticket to Heartstrings (and Bookings)
Think of your work not just as pixels on a screen, but as captivating chapters in a story. Storytelling in marketing isn’t just trendy, it’s the emotional GPS that leads viewers to followers. When your photos resonate with your values, you attract your tribe like moths to a flame (minus the singed wings, hopefully).
So, ditch the “picture-perfect” pressure. You don’t need to waste time with being flawless in your feed.
Share the raw moments, the challenges, the things that lead to the final shot. These are the whispers that stop a scroll and turn into a connection, a viewer into a believer, your latest tribe member.
2. Ditch the Clichés: Social Media with Soul
If your social media feed mirrors everyone else’s, you’re blending into the background faster than a chameleon in a kaleidoscope factory. Ditch the tired “pretty picture + generic caption + and generic CTA” trifecta!
Instead, share the behind-the-scenes magic. Was your latest shoot a whirlwind of glitter and confetti? Show the aftermath!
Did you capture a couple’s heartfelt proposal bathed in golden light? Tell their story!
People crave authenticity, so give them a glimpse into your creative journey, the bloopers, the mistakes and the breakthroughs.
Remember, a thousand “book me” captions blur together, but a single story about how you made someone feel like a rockstar and overcome their fears?
Now that’s a memorable post-worthy gem.
3. Brand Up: Beyond the Basic Bio
Your brand image is your visual bullhorn, both online and IRL. So, step up your presentation game!
Let’s take a simple example: your camera strap. Ya that one that came with your camera. The one that has a camera brand on it that gives them free advertising but does nothing for your business.
(BTW are Sony or Canon paying you to market their brand? Nope!)
What makes it worse? It’s the same camera strap that literally every person has, even “uncle bob”, the guy who can afford the same camera you have but has no idea how to use it. In a line-up how would you stand out if you all look the same?
It’s time to toss that strap!
Invest in a personalized leather strap from fotostrap (full disclosure: I’m the proud owner!).
Get your logo, business name, or just your name engraved on it.
Suddenly, you’re not just another photographer in the crowd, you’re a walking billboard for your brand!
It’s the little details that elevate you from “hobbyist” to “pro with a point of view.”
Feeling stuck? Don’t fret!
- Struggling to define your brand voice or values?
- Drawing a blank on storytelling ideas?
- Craving out-of-the-box ways to stand out?
That’s where I come in! I’m a creative catalyst, helping you craft marketing that sings your unique tune.
Remember, in a world saturated with visuals, being just another photographer isn’t enough.
Be the storyteller, the social media maverick, the brand that shines brighter than a freshly-polished lens.
Let’s chat! Together, we can turn these tips into your reality and build a brand as dazzling and distinct as you are. Reach out, and let’s paint the digital landscape with your story.
Jared Rey Hernandez
Bonus Tip: Sprinkle your content with humor! A well-placed quip or relatable meme can break the ice and make your brand even more magnetic. Think of it as the secret ingredient that keeps your audience coming back for more.
So, there you have it! With a dash of storytelling, a sprinkle of social media rebellion, and a healthy dose of brand love, you’re well on your way to standing out from the crowd and shining your creative light on the world. Now go forth, capture hearts, and book those dream clients!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out fotostrap for personalized camera straps that scream “I mean business (and look good doing it!)”
P.P.S Did you picture that opening story in your mind? Even without a picture you were able to connect and relate. Cool huh?
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