Event photography is one of the most interesting and rewarding kinds of photography out there. Capturing the essence of an event, the people, the vibe, and all the miscellaneous details, is a challenging and artistic process. Thanks to the accessibility of smartphone cameras and the rise of social media, sharing these experiences and the images associated with them is easier than ever.
Social media is a great platform to distribute your event photography. Whether you are a professional event photographer, or an event-goer who took killer shots, promoting your content on social media is a great way to get noticed, start conversations, and even generate some leads. However, there are certain “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to sharing your event photography online. In this article, we will go over some general guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to social media sharing for event photography.
The “Do’s” of Social Media Sharing for Event Photography
1. Edit Your Images
Before sharing your images on social media, it’s a good idea to spend a little bit of time editing them. This doesn’t have to be an extensive process, it can simply involve adjusting the contrast, brightness, or colors to make sure the image pops. Editing your images can often make a big difference in terms of the way your content is received on social media, as it shows that you are putting effort into your work.
2. Use Popular Platforms
There are a myriad of social media platforms to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start. When it comes to sharing event photography, it’s a good idea to focus your efforts on the platform that is most popular with your audience. This could be Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and so on. Choose one or two platforms to focus on, as trying to spread yourself too thin can be counterproductive.
3. Write a Captivating Caption
When sharing your images on social media, it’s important to write an engaging caption. This can be anything from a descriptive narrative of what was happening at the event, to an interesting story behind the image, or even just a catchy line that grabs the viewer’s attention. Whatever you choose, make sure the caption is concise and to the point, and always include relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your post.
4. Engage With Your Audience
Once you begin posting your event photography to social media, it’s important to engage with your audience to foster a sense of community and to make sure your content is being seen. This can include responding to comments, following and interacting with other users who are interested in your niche topic, and most importantly, sharing others’ posts and giving credit where credit is due. This can often lead to your content being shared by others, which can result in a greater reach and impact for your work.
The “Don’ts” of Social Media Sharing for Event Photography
1. Avoid Low-Quality Images
As tempting as it may be to rush and get your content out there, it’s important to avoid sharing low-quality images on social media. Poor image quality can be a major turnoff and can result in negative feedback from viewers, so it’s worth the effort to make sure your images are of a high quality before sharing them online.
2. Don’t Overdo Self-Promotion
While it’s important to promote your work on social media, it’s equally important to avoid coming off as too pushy. No one likes to be bombarded with over-the-top self-promotion, so be sure to temper your self-promotional posts with other types of content. Make sure that a majority of your posts are diverse and interesting and not just about the event photography you have produced.
3. Don’t Forget to Credit the Photographer
If you are sharing images that have been taken by others, it’s important to make sure you give proper credit to the photographer. This is often overlooked, but it’s an important step to take in order to show respect for the work of others.
4. Don’t Ignore Privacy Concerns
Lastly, it’s important to be cognizant of the privacy of your subjects when sharing event photography on social media. Before sharing an image, be sure to get permission from the subjects to use the image publicly, and always be respectful of their wishes.
Although sharing event photography on social media is a great way to get your work out there, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to make sure your content remains respectful and professional. By following the guidelines above, you can make sure your event photography gets the attention it deserves.
Practice makes perfect, so get out there and start snapping away! Happy sharing!