the importance of genuine connections over numbers
This week got me thinking about an inspiring conversation I had with Daniel Kordan on The MOOD Podcast a few months back. I still talk to him and see him posting away to his millions of followers, and I still ponder about the true value of connections in the world of photography. Even though Daniel has around 2.5 million followers on Instagram, his insights on prioritising genuine engagement over mere follower counts resonated deeply with me, reflecting a crucial lesson for anyone striving to build meaningful relationships through their art.
Surely our goal as photographers, and even hobbyists or interested artists, is to build a strong and engaged community that appreciates and supports our work. Because genuine connections are what life is all about, and can lead to deeper engagement, mutual growth, and a more fulfilling journey in photography or in any other form of craft __ No?
In the age of social media, photographers often get caught up in the race for higher follower counts and likes. This focus on numbers can overshadow the importance of building real, meaningful relationships with their audience. As a result, we risk missing out on the enriching experience that comes from genuine interactions and feedback.
Daniel emphasised that the true value lies in authentic engagement with your audience. Here’s how you can cultivate genuine connections and make your photography journey more rewarding:
Share Authentic Stories: Instead of just posting pictures (wherever you might post them), share the stories behind them. Explain what inspired the shot, the emotions you felt, and any challenges you faced. Authentic storytelling fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
Engage with Your Audience: Take the time to respond to comments and messages. Ask questions and encourage discussions about your work. Show your audience that you value their input and appreciate their support. Focus on the quality of your interactions rather than the quantity of your followers.
Check out Other Platforms: that are more photography focused. 1x.com and 100asa are a few that actually give constructive criticism and spark conversations over the photography and stories themselves, without fighting against an algorithm. They curate as a photography community, not as an influencer bot.
Collaborate and Network: Collaborate with other photographers and creatives. Networking can lead to mutual growth and open up new opportunities. Attend photography events, join online communities, and participate in workshops to build your network.
And here are some resources to help you build genuine connections in your photography journey:
Listen to the Episode with Daniel: For a deeper dive into Daniel Kordan’s insights on genuine connections, listen to our full conversation on The MOOD Podcast here.
Books: 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie – a classic guide on building meaningful relationships and engaging authentically with others.
If you're as inspired by Daniel as much as I am, come join my community here and we can chat more about all this! Also, join the waitlist for my upcoming photography course where we'll dive deeper into the artistic and evocative aspects of photography. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes content!
Happy Shooting,
