{"id":34241,"date":"2017-04-12T12:29:23","date_gmt":"2017-04-12T19:29:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=34241"},"modified":"2017-04-12T21:34:03","modified_gmt":"2017-04-13T04:34:03","slug":"nobody-wants-to-look-at-your-photos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/04\/12\/nobody-wants-to-look-at-your-photos\/","title":{"rendered":"Nobody Wants to Look at Your Photos"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Kyoto,<\/p>\n

Dear friend,<\/p>\n

I want to share you a secret; nobody wants to look at your photos.<\/p>\n

Psychological biases<\/h2>\n

The biggest problem that we make as photographers is that we over-value our own work. We assume that everyone else will be as enthusiastic about our photos as much as we are.<\/p>\n

But in reality \u00e2\u20ac\u201d everyone is scrambling to have others look at their work.<\/p>\n

And nobody really cares about your photos, nor do they really care to look at it.<\/p>\n

Be (slightly) cynical<\/h2>\n

We are all self-interested. When it comes to social media, be skeptical. All those people who like you, and follow you \u00e2\u20ac\u201d do they really like your work? Or are they just liking\/following you so you will like\/follow them back?<\/p>\n

Make photos for yourself<\/h2>\n
\"Kyoto,
Kyoto, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The solution: make photos you want to look at.<\/p>\n

Of course, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to be too cynical. If you make really great photos, there will be a lot of people who will want to look at your photos. But also remind yourself; there is an equal amount (if not great amount) of people who can care less about your work.<\/p>\n

Do you like your own photos?<\/h2>\n
\"Kyoto,
Kyoto, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best way to be a true photographer is to make photos that you like. Before uploading a photo to social media, ask yourself\u00e2\u20ac\u201d \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I saw this photo in someone else\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s feed\u00e2\u20ac\u201d would I want to re-share the image?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t share images for the sake of sharing images, or from the fear that you will be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153forgotten.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I know that in the past, I would upload photos on the daily becauseI was fearful that I would become \u00e2\u20ac\u0153irrelevant.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

But remember, great things, and great photography take a lot of time to develop. And if anything, by not<\/em> uploading your photos as often, others will see your work as more valuable.<\/p>\n

Share fewer photos<\/h2>\n

Also another tip: if you do want to share your photos with another photographer, curator, or editor \u00e2\u20ac\u201d share less. I suggest to only share your best 5 photos when sharing your work with others. If your 5 shots are all amazing, wait for them to ask you: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Can you show me more?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Compare this with sharing 50 photos \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which will only tire, bore, and fatigue your viewer.<\/p>\n

Shoot for yourself<\/h2>\n
\"Kyoto,
Kyoto, 2016<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nobody wants to look at your photos.<\/p>\n

But make photos that you want to look at. The only way to be authentic to yourself.<\/p>\n

Always,
\nEric<\/p>\n

Learn more: Personal Photography ><\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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