Do Instagram Reels Suck?
Photography on Instagram is dead?
I have heard a lot of people complaining about the fact that Instagram's leading more heavily into video and I really do hear what you’re saying. It's difficult to be a creative and have somebody tell you that your art is less important than somebody else's. This update massively de-emphasises the still image, that affects so many different disciplines. Photographers, artists, illustrators graphic designers all make incredible incredible artwork that is not design to move.
Move with the times
I think that if we ignore this trend towards motion we're going to be in trouble, honestly as much as I prefer photography, the reason Instagram is trying to make these changes is because it's what their data is telling it then that we enjoy. The data is saying that as a whole we spend time watching videos. We enjoy connecting with people when we can see and hear them and as a result of that those mediums that don't include audio or motion are seeing less success.
We can all get frustrated by this and to be frank, I think we've got a good reason to be upset. It’s pretty clear that Instagram is not evenly waiting stills with video. Our platform has changed and we had no say in the matter.
Data is King?
But if you ignore the fact that video is getting more traction. I think you're probably doing yourself a disservice.
If you're a photographer you have a head start because the cameras that you're using to make your Stills most likely have a video function. As a result of that you can almost instantly produce content that’s going to look and feel incredible compared to essentially any other business owner.
If you're not a photographer or if you're the kind of person that does not want to learn how to use video on their main cameras. You have an incredibly powerful tool in your pocket. The phones we all use to access these services produce, crisp, clear and frankly amazing video!
Feel the Fear, do it anyway
There's every reason for you to be upset. But what happens when we ask ourselves why? What is it about video that makes you afraid?
Is it the fact that you're gonna have to speak frankly and candidly to a group of people that you can't see or interact with? Is it the fact that it requires more thought and effort? or Is it just that it's a new discipline? or is it because you wanted the thing that you make to be the only thing you were judged on? and in my case, it was definitely the latter.
I wanted to be known for being a photographer and a photographer only but the more that time wears on I realize that is no longer a luxury that I have as a creative business owner.
Video is the Future
Whether or not Instagram decided to make these changes, video is the future. It's the future not because Instagram says so but because people like to interact with people they know like and Trust.
Hopefully hearing me talk to you will help you to get to know me better. I want your business to succeed. And part of that success now looks like making the effort to move into video format in some way shape or form.
Move with the times
If you're not sure how to do that drop me a DM when we can talk about it. I want to help you win.
For anybody out there that's on the fence about whether or not to get started making videos. Please start now. People use to say you first 10,000 photographs of. Are you worst? And it's the same with video.
The first time you pick up the camera and record yourself is gonna feel awkward. I'm sat here right now feeling awkward and sat in my living room, my kids toys are literally all around me, I cleared just enough space to make this video and nothing else.
It’s nerve-wracking but I'm here to tell you that you can do it. I believe in your ability.
I know that not only you an incredible photographer. You are also somebody with something to say, that's valuable. Your clients like you for a reason and the people that haven't met you yet will love you for a reason.
You just need to show them why your work matters and talk a little bit about the things that light you up.
