3 minute read
How Did You Meet?
Next Article
Image from the article "Skip it: The best fall clothes for breaking the rules" in The Fader's Fall 2018 Fashion issue.
PHOTO © MICAIAH CARTER
These days, it seems like everyone is meeting online.
Photographers are formingrelationships with new clients through their Internet presence, especially on social media apps. Emily Keegin, director of photography at The FADER, says that Instagram is the only way she discovers new photographers, such as Micaiah Carter, who she worked with on a shoot in The FADER’s Fall Fashion Issue in August 2018. Emily and Micaiah sat down with Emerging Photographer to talk about best practices for marketing yourself as an artist in the social-media era.
Emily Keegin, Director of Photography, The Fader
Micaiah Carter, Photographer
Emerging Photographer: Emily, you’ve said that Instagram is the only way you find new photographers. Why do you prefer looking at a photographer’s Instagram over their website?
Emily Keegin: I’ve noticed that photographers are freer with their edits on Instagram. This grants me a better insight into the photographer’s creative process and artistic vision. That said, websites are still helpful. A well functioning up-to-date website means you’re a responsible and dedicated professional. This is a good thing. Great photographers have a website that feels like a solid artistic statement and an Instagram that shows the joy of creative process.
Emerging Photographer: Micaiah, you have over 38,000 followers on Instagram. Did you use a specific strategy for building your Instagram audience?
Micaiah Carter: I didn’t really use a specific strategy. I used my Instagram as a moodboard for my work. I tend to like Instagram a bit more because you can be selective about what you share.
EP: Emily, can you describe how you found Micaiah’s work on Instagram?
EK: I found Micaiah through stylist Shibon Kennedy’s feed. She had worked with him on a project and tagged the photos. I really liked the images and tumbled into Micaiah’s work that way.
EP: Micaiah, have you gotten any other work from clients who found you on Instagram?
MC: I have for sure! I think art directors and producers use it as a guide now to find new photographers.
PHOTO © MICAIAH CARTER
EP: What are your opinions on hashtags and tagging?
EK: Tagging is helpful. Hashtags make you look sad and desperate. I bet #robots love hashtags though. Which is probably #helpful in the long-term. MC: I think tagging is great for giving credit to the talent and crew on a job. I think hashtags can add comedic value.
EP: How should the text in a caption be used so that it complements the image?
EK: I want a caption to do two things: 1. Help me fall deeper in love with an image. I’m all for a bit of storytelling and poetry to help build the personality of a photo. 2. I use Instagram primarily for work. So I REALLY want captions to provide full credits for the work (styling, makeup, production, etc.). MC: I have a bittersweet feeling about captions, because for me it’s great to see someone else’s explanation for their work. At the same time, I hate writing my own captions. I think that was part of the reason I gravitated towards photography: You can tell a story without having to say a word.
EP: Outside of Instagram, what is the future of digital marketing?
EK: ?? MC: I can’t even imagine what the next thing will be.
PHOTO © MICAIAH CARTER
EP: Finally, what is your best advice for photographers who want to get noticed on Instagram?
EK: To get noticed on Instagram, you have to make great work and work with great people. How do you do that? Get off Instagram and go meet people. Face to face. In real life. Find strong and reliable relationships that will help you grow as an artist. Work with people who you respect, who will honor your input, and will champion the results. MC: I agree with Emily. People have to get off this idea that Instagram is an app that magically gets you followers or work from just posting your pictures. You really have to find a way to be involved in the community, no matter how big or small.
-Interview by Katelyn Peters �
Styling: Shibon Kennedy, Casting: Sarah Benjamin, Production: Jacqueline Ladner, Photo Assist: Nigel Ho Sang
