7 Content Ideas for Photographers
You'll be hard-pressed to find a photographer who isn't on Instagram. You take photos. Share photos. Get clients. It’s easy, right? Well, yes and no.
I see countless photos. Beautiful photos. But as many photographers as I follow (and I follow loads), I rarely come across photographers creating valuable content.
It's crowded out there, and there are only more photographers joining the fold. So you've got to do more than just post epic photos.
It all comes down to brand voice and personality. When your ideal client compares you to a photographer with a similar style, they're going to choose the person they know, like and trust.
So, how do you get your audience to know, like and trust you? You post more than photos. You create content your audience will value.
Hit these content themes
Every creative business should be posting a variety of content types, each serving a different purpose.
You want to give your audience a taste of your personality, share your expertise and explain your service offering in a compelling way. Showing the transformation your client goes through from working with you is important too.
An easy way to make sure you’re hitting these content types is to post under themes (pillars). Themes give you a guide to follow when creating content.
Content themes (pillars)
Personality: express your personality
Expertise: share what you know
Service offering: show what you offer
Values: tell your audience what matters to you
Client stories: paint a picture of the transformation you provide
Sigh... So much content, right? I know it can be overwhelming, but don't worry. Start small. A little goes a long way. And once you get the hang of creating valuable content, it won't seem like such a big deal.
To get you started, I've given you 7 content ideas under the above themes. You're welcome! Here we go!
1. Introduce yourself
Content theme: Personality
Spending 2+ hours with a stranger is a big ask, so your client’s choice is as much about your personality as it is about your photos.
But if you don't get a chance to meet potential clients before the shoot, how will they know what you're like? You pack personality into your content, and introducing yourself is an easy way to start.
Here are some things to include:
How you got into photography
Why you chose to be a brand/commercial/wedding photographer
Why you love your job
What you do in your spare time
Quirky facts about you
2. Give insight into your process
Content theme: Service offering
I think about website copy every day, so I assume everyone knows what copywriting and SEO means. Spoiler: they don't!
It's the same for you. Photography may be your full-time gig, but most people have no idea what to expect from a photoshoot. It's your job to help them out.
How long do shoots go for? Do you give guidance on locations? Do you tell them how to pose, or are you more about candid shots?
Give your audience a step-by-step guide, so they know what to expect. They'll feel more comfortable investing in you.
3. Answer a frequently asked question
Content theme: Service offering
Whenever your target market is thinking of hiring a photographer, they'll have a list of questions they'll want to ask. How long will this take? How much will it cost? When can I book in? What do I need to know?
These questions can be overwhelming and put people off making a decision. That's where you come in! You answer their questions.
Answering your potential client's questions does a few things:
It shows you're the expert
It gives people insight into the way you work
It shows you care about your audience's concerns
It edges potential clients towards buying from you
Got an FAQs page on your website? Lucky you! You can take one of these Q&A's and turn it into a post, story or video. Easy!
4. Share tips on looking comfortable in front of the camera
Content theme: Expertise
Getting your photo taken is awkward AF. Most people don't know how to stand, smile, or where to put their hands. In other words, they need your help!
So give your audience some guidance. Tell your followers how to look comfortable in front of the camera. Ease their minds a little bit.
These kinds of tips show you know how your audience feels. You get it. It also shows you know how to make people look good in photos, and that’s what they want!
5. Share tips on planning for a shoot
Content theme: Expertise
I had no idea what to expect on my first branding shoot. To be honest, I was pretty unorganised. I didn't bring any props, and I had to borrow my photographer's computer and a pen and diary from the coffee shop.
I beat myself up over this for a while, but then I realised, “Hang on! My photographer should’ve given me a heads up”. It would have made the shoot go a little smoother and ease my anxiety in the lead-up.
To ease your potential client's minds, you can prepare them for your shoot with helpful content.
Here are some tips you can share:
What to bring
What to wear (branding shoot)
How to create a shot list (if this is something you don't offer)
Tips on the photography timeline (good one for wedding photographers)
Location ideas
6. Write about what matters to you
Content theme: Values
I'm BIG on values in business and life. Our values connect us with like-minded people. Just look at your friends. I bet most of them care about the same things you do.
What do you care about? Maybe it's what you believe about work (creativity, inclusivity, collaboration) or a value you hold for yourself (sustainability, social justice, equality).
Share your values online. It can be as obvious as saying, "I care about this", or creating content indirectly expressing your values, e.g. footage of you collaborating with other photographers.
Sharing your values give you meaningful content to share and connects you with your ideal client.
7. Share a client story
Content theme: Expertise/Service offering/Personality
Now, this is a content type many photographers have covered, but they leave a few things out.
I see a stunning photo with a short caption like, "Mel & Stephanie 2021" or "Had an awesome day with Josh today. We did a shoot at Wilson's Gallery, and as you can see, the lighting was incredible!" Unfortunately, this doesn't inspire me.
Let's explore why Mel and Stephanie chose you to be their wedding photographer, or why Josh wanted to get brand photos. And how did the clients feel after they received their gallery?
We don't buy services. We buy feelings, transformations and dreams. Tell a story. Let your audience imagine what life will be like after working with you.
Content, content, content
The best thing about these content ideas is they're versatile. You can repurpose each one for different platforms (on your blog, email or YouTube channel) in various mediums, i.e. video, audio, words. Try it!
Not only does repurposing mean you're getting more eyeballs on your creative business, but you're pulling people away from ‘gram and onto your website. And that’s the ultimate goal!