Insta no more 🪦

Why I Closed Down My Instagram Account as a Photographer: The Journey, Challenges, and New Directions

As a photographer, Instagram once felt like my ultimate platform. A visual medium designed to showcase creativity and connect with others? It was perfect. But after years of carefully curating my feed, chasing engagement metrics, and spending countless hours online (yes, doomscrolling), I made the decision to close my Instagram account for good. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice; it was a thoughtful decision rooted in both reflection and the desire for something more meaningful. You wanna know why? Here’s why I left, the ups and downs of the journey, and my plans for marketing my work moving forward.

The Positives of Using Instagram

Instagram undoubtedly has its merits, particularly for photographers, the short gist of it is:

1. Exposure to a Global Audience: Instagram offered me the ability to share my work with people around the world, providing a level of exposure that would have been unthinkable in pre-digital times.

2. Community and Connection: It was a place where I could connect with other creatives, find inspiration, and I even found meaningful collaborations.

3. Accessibility: The platform’s simplicity made it easy to showcase my work and gain instant feedback from followers.

Why I Decided to Leave

Despite all this, several challenges and findings led me to close my account:

1. The Algorithm Overload: Constant changes to Instagram’s algorithm meant that my posts weren’t reaching my audience. I found myself spending more time trying to “game” the system than focusing on my art.

2. Burnout and Comparison: The relentless pressure to post, engage, and keep up with trends took a toll on my creativity. I began comparing my work to others’ highlight reels, which led to self-doubt and a loss of joy in my craft.

3. Shifting Away From Photography: As Instagram moved towards prioritizing video content (Reels), I felt the platform’s priorities were misaligned with mine as a still photographer.

4. Surface-Level Engagement: While likes and comments felt good in the moment, they rarely translated into deeper connections or long-term clients.

5. Mental Health Concerns: Constantly being online and engaging with the platform’s performative aspects impacted my mental health. I found myself craving genuine connection over superficial interaction.

6. Lack of conversion: I went through all of my clients and even though some had contacted me on Instagram, they were directed there from my website. I am pretty sure that without Instagram I would have had the same amount of requests from potential clients.

The Challenges of Leaving Instagram

Closing my account wasn’t an easy decision. I’ve had to confront several challenges:

1. Loss of Visibility: Instagram had been a significant driver of traffic to my work, and stepping away meant losing a major source of visibility.

2. Fear of Missing Out: I worried about missing trends, opportunities, or connections by leaving a platform where so much creative activity happens.

3. Starting Over: Without Instagram, I needed to rethink how I would present and market my work to the world.

A New Direction for Marketing Myself

Leaving Instagram forced me to reconsider my approach to self-promotion and client acquisition. Here’s what I’ve implemented so far:

1. Building a Better Website: I’ve invested in creating a sleek, user-friendly website that serves as a digital portfolio and home base for my work. It’s a space I own and control, free from algorithms.

2. Email Newsletters: By starting an email list, I can directly reach people who genuinely care about my work. It’s a personal and effective way to share updates, new projects, and behind-the-scenes content.

3. Networking in Real Life: I’ve focused on attending local events, joining creative groups, and forming connections in person. These interactions feel more meaningful and have led to collaborations and referrals.

4. Exploring Alternative Platforms: While I’ve left Instagram, I’m experimenting with other platforms like LinkedIn, which align better with showcasing creative work without the same performative pressures and is also the place where my target group is most active.

5. Word of Mouth: Referrals remain one of the most powerful ways to gain new clients. By delivering exceptional work and fostering genuine relationships, I’ve encouraged happy clients to spread the word.

Final Thoughts

Leaving Instagram was both liberating and daunting, but it ultimately allowed me to refocus on what matters most: my craft and authentic connections with people who value my work. While the transition hasn’t been without its hurdles, it’s also been a reminder that no single platform defines a photographer’s success.

For anyone considering a similar move, my advice is this: take the leap, but have a plan. Focus on creating and connecting in ways that feel meaningful to you. Success in photography, like any art, is about more than algorithms or likes; it’s about telling stories, sharing visions, and making an impact—one connection at a time.