I’ve been a photographer for over five years, and throughout my career social media has changed the photography landscape many times. But I believe photographers have always been a dominant player, especially on Instagram.

Instagram is a highly visual social media platform that continues to evolve. With the addition of Reels, one might think photographs have become obsolete. Professional photographers, however, know otherwise.

Balancing the Algorithm

With the introduction of reels over the last couple of years, photos have taken a back seat to video content as Instagram has tried to keep up with TikTok. Because of this, many people ask questions like, “Are photos relevant on Instagram anymore?” or, “Aren’t reels the way to go now?”

At some point, the answer to those questions may have been “sort of” and “yes” if you want to go viral. But as of October 2022, the algorithm has been readjusted to promote photos just as much as it does Reels. Not only is this great news for photographers, but it also realigns how Instagram should be used, especially for anyone interested in marketing.

Today (early 2023), Instagram serves as a platform to reinforce your brand image, showcase your personality, and establish a connection with your audience. In other words, your reels, stories, captions, and most importantly your photos are how you build your brand.

Brand Building

High-quality photos are a must for any brand seeking to expand its reach or establish its identity. Selecting the right photos for Instagram is crucial in conveying your brand voice. When choosing photos for Instagram as a brand, you need to understand why photos are important on Instagram.

Artists, brands, and content creators all know that TikTok is the place to go to post viral video content. The platform is designed to spread creativity quickly through short, often low-effort appearing videos that appeal to large swaths of people. If used properly, it’s an engine for high growth and a vector for all your other forms of social media.

Instagram tried to compete with TikTok for some time by favoring Reels above all other forms of content. But now that the algorithm has been rebalanced, we can see that Instagram’s use case has simply reverted to what it once was, as has the importance of photography on the app. 

Instagram has helped me find multiple sources of income including landing magazines 

Brands, artists, and influencers can’t rely solely on hoping their videos go viral to generate new customers. Marketing strategies need to be much more robust and include layers of personality. Instagram offers a space to highlight real-time events and announcements through stories, which can help creators and brands feel more real to consumers. 

Think of Instagram as your most personable form of social media. Since it’s where people can learn the most about you, having great photos on Instagram matters. 

Who Else Still Uses Professional Photos on Instagram?

The demand for photos on Instagram was never lost despite a major dip in reach and overall effectiveness. That’s because there have always been industries and consumers who want beautiful photos to highlight products, designs, moments, love, art, and so much more.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a trend as consistent as wedding photos on Instagram. If there was ever a place to share your special day with others, it’s Instagram. Where else can you display a stunning venue, custom flower arrangements, a beautiful dress, and of course the happy new couple all at once?

Fashion has also been a staple on the platform. Fashion brands need to be able to stun people, catch their attention immediately with a single look, and dazzle them upon further inspection. When done properly, the combination of the right model, strong direction, and mastery of photography fundamentals can make an outfit or a design go viral.

Closely related to fashion photography is product photography. Brands are always looking for ways to stand out from their competition, and one of the best ways to do that is with strong photos. By creating a brand aesthetic and using attractive product photography, brands can find new customers. Thus, a professional photographer is essential for any brand looking to elevate their brand recognition.

The Fundamentals

You’ve probably heard the phrase “content is king,” which is true for content that provides value. Value, on social media, is usually found in content that is inspiring, entertaining, educational, or persuasive/promotional.

Connecting with other users on Instagram through photos of a beautiful fashion design, a wedding couple at sunset, or intriguing product photos is incredibly valuable. Photos that are visually appealing and that have a story or purpose behind them are what drive people to become followers, learn about you, or buy your product.

Understanding lighting and framing, creating your own style, knowing how to direct a subject, and even building relationships with clientele are all crucial fundamentals that allow photographers to create purposeful art. That’s why consistently posting professional photos is key if you want to separate your content from everyone else. 

Recap

Photographers aren’t going anywhere but up on Instagram. With the nearly guaranteed demand for quality photos, the rebalancing of the algorithm, and how people use photos on Instagram today, photographers are set up to continue dominating the space. Here are some that have been producing incredible content!

• Elizabeth Wells @elizabethwellsphoto
• Fabian Esquivel @fabes.creates
• Cheyenne @martidarlenephoto

You can find me and my work on all social platforms here. What do you think, is photography dead or more alive than ever?