Why It Might Be Time to Ditch Meta and Twitter as a Photographer
For years us photographers have relied on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase our work, connect with an audience, and even find job opportunities. But as 2025 rolls on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these platforms no longer serve us the way they once did. I made the decision to close all my social media accounts in December 2024, and while that left a void, I’ve been more than happy to fill it with BlueSky and Substack. Here’s why you might want to consider making the switch too.
For years us photographers have relied on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase our work, connect with an audience, and even find job opportunities. But as 2025 rolls on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that these platforms no longer serve us the way they once did. I made the decision to close all my social media accounts in December 2024, and while that left a void, I’ve been more than happy to fill it with BlueSky and Substack. Here’s why you might want to consider making the switch too.
The Trust Factor (or Lack Thereof)
The billionaire owners of Meta and Twitter have proven time and time again that they can’t be trusted. Whether it's data privacy concerns, algorithmic manipulation, or just a blatant disregard for the user experience, these platforms prioritise their profits over the communities they claim to serve. Why should we, as photographers, continue to share our work, our data, and even our dollars with corporations that don’t value us?
Let’s be honest, Elon Musk wouldn’t hesitate to ditch you in a second if it served his bottom line. And Meta? They’ve made it increasingly difficult to reach your own audience without paying for it. It’s exhausting and, frankly, exploitative.
The Engagement Problem
Instagram, in particular, has become a nightmare for organic reach. Despite having nearly 10,000 followers, my posts would average only 50 likes. The shadowbanning was so severe that posting became an exercise in futility. Meanwhile, on BlueSky, where I’ve been active since January 2025, I’ve already gained 1,700 followers and experience genuine interaction, averaging nearly 200 likes per post.
The difference is night and day. On BlueSky, people actually see my work. They engage, they comment, they share. It’s the kind of interaction that Instagram once promised but no longer delivers.
Alternative Platforms Worth Exploring
Of course, not all social media is bad. There are still platforms with potential:
BlueSky: For those who enjoy simply posting images and engaging in a community that values photography, BlueSky is a breath of fresh air. It reminds me of what Instagram used to be before it became a pay-to-play system.
Substack: A fantastic platform for photographers who enjoy writing about their work, sharing insights, and building a more dedicated audience.
TikTok & YouTube: If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, these platforms can be incredibly powerful for storytelling and reaching new audiences. Personally, I’m not a natural in front of the camera, but I recognise their potential.
The Future of Photography Online
The days of relying on Instagram or Facebook to showcase our work effectively are over. These platforms are designed to keep us hooked, but not necessarily to help us thrive. If you’ve been feeling the frustration of dwindling engagement, shadowbanning, or just a lack of control over your own content, it might be time to move on.
For me, BlueSky has been the answer I didn’t know I was looking for. It’s given me back the joy of sharing photography without the frustration of fighting an algorithm. And that, more than anything, is why I won’t be going back to the old platforms anytime soon.
If you’ve been on the fence about leaving Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, take the leap. You might just find, like I did, that better opportunities for connection and creativity are waiting elsewhere.
Worship
In the tapestry of human existence, the things we collect offer a profound reflection of our passions, memories, and identities. "Worship" is a photography project that delves into this fascinating aspect of human life, showcasing the myriad items we treasure—be it vinyl records, stamps, coins, or other collectibles. This project is not merely about the objects themselves but explores the intimate relationship between collectors and their cherished items, highlighting the meticulous care, pride, and reverence that accompanies these collections
Yes, that is colour you see before your eyes. This project won’t always work in my usual black and white style and every now and again it’s good to push yourself into new and sometimes challenging projects. Being colourblind I have always struggled to work in colour, but for this project it’s a must.
Worship is a photography project born from my fascination with the things we collect and the stories they tell. As a photographer and a collector myself, I’ve always been intrigued by the objects people cherish—vinyl records, stamps, coins, and so much more. These collections are more than just assemblages of items; they are reflections of our passions, memories, and identities.
This project is going to become my first proper solo exhibition, and to do that I need to find people who are themselves collectors who wouldn't mind some photographs of themselves with their collections. The project is going to include portraits as well as more conceptual studio setups.
So please do get in touch if you’re interested in getting involved yourself or maybe you know someone who is.
