Instagram is (still) a gold mine for photographers

I have had my Instagram account for years. Strictly speaking, Instagram is more of a social media platform than a photography appreciation platform. Just like all other social media platforms, Instagram has been evolving constantly. It’s not news that, with the addition to each new feature, Instagram is putting less and less empathizes on photography. Case in point, short form videos are definitely recommended more.

However, Instagram is still a gold mine for photographers. Many user still primarily post photos there and many users still like the photos.

Before Instagram, I discovered great photos/photographers (Ansel Adams, Fan Ho, Henri Cartier-Bresson etc.) mainly by podcasts, magazines, and books. These channels provide a very diverse but limited list of great photographers. However, once I narrowed my focus to any particular genre, many of them would not be immediately helpful to my photography. For example, if I got into landscape photography, seeing the works of great a wedding photographer might not be helpful at the moment.

On the other hand, significantly more good photographers are posting on Instagram. Chances are many great photographers are making images that are similar to and better than mines. Examining their works definitely improves my own photography. Would a night photo of mine looks as good if it was taken around sunset? Even if the photos were not taken in the same location, can I use that composition on locations near me? Where were they standing when the photo was made (e.g. across the street, look out from a building, etc.)? Can I do that as well? Instagram’s very powerful recommendation engine can even show me exactly the photos that can help me.

Even videos can be great inspirations. Many photographers now post videos of them making their images (Philp Penman, Dickson Cheung, etc). We can see where they stand, where they place their cameras, etc. Those are really valuable information that’s hard to communicate in writing and in audio.

Of course, all that is possible because many users still like photos/videos on Instagram. The liking will lift up great photos for my consideration. It also gives me feedback on my own photos.

In short, I have become a better photographer and is still improving my photography by using Instagram strategically. I hope you will be able to do the same.