Is it possible to quit social media and still have a thriving wedding photography business?
Social media—love it or loathe it, there’s no denying it’s become a massive part of life for many of us, both personally and professionally. As a photographer, I often find myself caught in the push-and-pull of its benefits and its downsides. And I know I am not alone in this. Whenever I raise this issue in forums for photographers — ironically in Facebook groups 🤪 — it always gets a big reaction. I don’t know if it’s just photographers, creatives, or just about everyone, but it seems that most people I talk to would love to leave social media altogether but just feel that they can’t. Either their business needs it, or it’s the way they stay connected with friends and family. They’ve trapped us! Whether you’re a fellow photographer or someone just trying to navigate your own relationship with these platforms, there’s a lot here that will likely feel familiar.
Photographers Quitting Instagram
I know many photographers asking themselves: Should I be quitting social media altogether? Can a photographer delete Instagram and still thrive professionally? These are the questions I’ve wrestled with, and I do wonder: if I spent the same amount of time pursuing other ways to grow my business, would the results be the same? Would I book just as many weddings if I poured that energy into networking, direct marketing or simply education to improve my craft?
The Pressure to Post
One of the biggest challenges for me is the relentless pressure to post. As a photographer, my work thrives on visibility. People need to see what I do, and platforms like Instagram are really useful for showcasing visuals. But the constant demand to create, curate, and post content is too much and our work is being influenced by the omnipresent, all powerful, mysterious algorithm (cue mysterious music).
It’s not just about posting the occasional photo—it’s about captions, hashtags, timing, and engagement. The algorithms reward consistency, and that means you can’t just dip in and out when the mood takes you. It’s a never-ending cycle that can sometimes make even the most creative among us feel drained. And don’t get me started about BTS (behind the scenes) and reels. I've got enough on my plate taking good photos.
I see photographers creating and posting reels that make them look more like comedians and entertainers than professional photographers. I get it. It’s engaging content and that engagement is rewarded with likes and follows but I wonder, does that engagement translate to actual clients, more bookings and more profit? What’s the point in putting all that work if the only thing we get is an ego boost?
Lack of Control
Social media is unreliable and beyond our control, making it a risky choice for primary marketing. Sudden algorithm shifts, account hacks, or even platforms shutting down can cause businesses to lose followers and content without warning.
The Comparison Trap
Then of course, there’s the issue of comparison. Social media is like a highlight reel of everyone else’s best moments, and it’s hard not to look at what others are doing and feel like you’re falling short. There will always be someone whose work looks more polished, who seems to have more followers, or who lands bigger gigs. It can leave you questioning your own worth, even if deep down you know it’s not the full picture.
For me, though, comparison is a double-edged sword. Yes, there are moments when I see another photographer’s work and think, “Why didn’t I think of that?” But more often than not, it’s a source of inspiration. Seeing what others are doing does motivate me to improve my craft, try new ideas, and keep pushing myself. I also genuinely enjoy seeing the work my photographer friends are producing. It’s a pleasure to support them, and there’s a great sense of community when photographers follow and encourage each other. You’ll see a lot of photographers following and commenting on the work of other photographers. It's nice.
Time: The Biggest Trade-Off
Social media is a time sink. There’s no way around it. Between editing photos, responding to comments, and planning posts, it feels like I spend as much time on Instagram as I do behind the camera. And while I do get bookings through the platform (so I can't argue that it’s a waste of time), I often wonder if I’d be better off investing that time elsewhere—whether it’s refining my craft, improving my website, or exploring other ways to connect with clients.
The fact is that wherever we invest our time and effort we will see results. For example, I am not on TikTok but I know if I was and I focused enough time and effort there, I’d get clients. But at the same time I have enough clients without being on TikTok. If I came off Instagram of course I’d lose clients… but I’d find more elsewhere. There are plenty of people out there who’d be very happy to hire a photographer precisely because they aren't on socials.
Do We Really Have A Choice?
The thing that really irks me is the feeling that we have no choice but to dance to the tune of these greedy, self-serving corporations. It feels like we have to be on social media if we want to stay relevant. It’s become an obligation rather than an opportunity.
So, if not on socials, how do we find New Clients?
1. Attending In-Person Networking Events
Meeting people face-to-face can build stronger, more lasting connections. Look for local business networking groups or photography meetups. I am a member of Nine Dots, a group for wedding photographers that has in-person events throughout the year. That’s where I've made real connections with real people. These events are great for forming friendships, finding clients and friendship. Facebook Groups are handy but there's nothing like sitting down with someone over a beer.
2. Wedding Fairs
I have found wedding fairs to be a fantastic way to meet engaged couples and showcase my work directly to potential clients. It’s so much better (and more effective) to meet and chat with people face to face and over socials.
3. Updating Your Website for Strong SEO
As photographers our website is our digital storefront. I regularly update mine, keeping on top of SEO to attract organic traffic. A lot of my work comes from Google, either organic searches or Google ads. Also, I optimise my Google Business Profile and encourage my clients to leave positive reviews to enhance visibility.
4. Start a Newsletter
When I first started out as a singer (my other job), I used to send out a physical newsletter—remember those? 1000s of letters stuffed into envelopes with postage stamps. These days, with the cost of a first-class stamp rivalling the price of a week in Paris, a digital newsletter is a perfect middle ground between old-school letters and social media. It’s personal, lands directly into your client’s inbox, and offers an engaging way to stay connected. Whether it’s updates about your work, tips, or special offers, a well-crafted, friendly newsletter can help keep you top of mind without the noise of social media.
5. Collaborating with Other Vendors
Partner with local wedding planners, florists, venues, or makeup artists. Building relationships within your industry can lead to referrals and joint marketing opportunities. It might seem more time consuming than socials but it’s real - making meaningful connections with actual people.
6. Submitting Work to Publications and Entering Competitions
Submit photos to wedding blogs, magazines, or local publications. Being featured not only provides exposure but also boosts your credibility as a professional.
7. Hosting Workshops or Classes
If you enjoy teaching, offer workshops for aspiring photographers or hobbyists. This positions you as an expert and introduces you to people who might hire you or recommend your services. When my Camden Passage exhibition was launched I hosted a street photography workshop which was a great way to meet people and form meaningful connections.
8. Word of Mouth
Never underestimate the power of referrals. Happy clients often recommend you to their friends and family, so make sure to maintain good relationships and consider offering referral incentives.
9. Building Relationships in the Community
This has been a big one for me especially when I first moved to London. Using my camera was a great way to get involved in community events or charity projects. These opportunities not only allow you to give back but also help you connect with potential clients in an organic way. Many of the people I met through free charity shoots have become regular clients.
Striking a Balance
So where does that leave us? For me, it’s about finding a balance. Social media is a tool—a powerful one—but it’s not the only way. I’ve thought about quitting more than once. There’s a little devil inside me that would love to give two fingers to Zuckerberg and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. But I can’t ignore the benefits. So, for now, I’ve decided to keep it, but on my terms.
Practical Ways to Stay in Control
So, beyond the obvious like turn off notifications and removing the app from my phone, here’s what I’m doing now to enjoy the benefits of social media while (trying) to minimise its downsides:
Post without pressure.
I’ve decided to post only when I have something meaningful to share. Once a month or every other day, I don't care. No more worrying about posting daily or playing to the algorithm.
Ignore trends that don’t suit me.
There’s a lot of pressure to create BTS, reels and videos, but I’m a photographer, not a videographer. for now I’m sticking to what I enjoy and do best: sharing still images.
Focus on other ways to market my business.
While I’ll continue to use Instagram, I’m also connecting with clients in other ways, like networking events, collaborations, and improving my website’s SEO.
Final Thoughts
Like many things in life, social media isn’t inherently harmful - it’s only bad for us if we let it. While a glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake is a great pleasure - too much will kill you. The trouble with social media is that armies or very clever people have deliberately designed it to be as addictive as possible. It’s more like crack than cake.
From the algorithms that grab and hold our attention to the endless stream of notifications, every part of it is honed to keep us hooked. And now, with the lack of moderation and the sheer volume of misinformation that seeps into our feeds, it’s arguably even more harmful than some of our more traditional vices.
It takes a great deal of self-control and discipline to use social media without falling into its traps. For now, my goal is to stay on the right side of it: using it as a tool to showcase my work, stay inspired, and connect with others, without letting it take over my life. And I’m not going to let anyone dictate to me how I should be using socials - I’ll do what works for me.
If you’ve found your own ways to manage social media, I’d love to hear about them. Get in touch, let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in making the best of this tricky but rewarding tool.
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