“Do you have Instagram?” It all started for me about a year and a half ago, when a past bride asked me this. I didn’t have it, and didn’t get what the hype was about. “Oh, I figured you did since you’re a photographer.” That wasn’t the only time I’ve been asked that, but that one time in particular, for some reason it kind of stuck with me. Soon after, I downloaded the app and was introduced to the world of square pictures and hashtags.

I’ve seen several people ask, “Should I create a separate account for my photography?” At the time when I joined Instagram, I created one account mixing my personal adventures with my photography business and recent work. I didn’t realize at the time that doing this was extremely beneficial with my business.  So why do I believe sharing both personal and business adventures helped my business?

• Combining a little of my personal life with my photography business reflects my brand. Sharing a mix of content like my pregnancy adventures, behind the scenes during sessions, getting new gear or my favorites from a recent session has helped make my current clients, potential clients, and friends know a little more about the girl behind the camera.
•  In doing that my clients feel comfortable with me, and they feel like they know me just a little better. Have a child or pregnant? They can relate. Have lived in other states? Love coffee as much as I do? Photographer as well? Passionate about what you do? Being relatable and having things in common has helped with my business tremendously. I’ve met and photographed fellow Texans, have clients who have lived in Colorado at the same time I have, or just simply enjoy the same things in life.

Sounds silly, but in the past year, I’ve booked more, met amazing people, and grown my business simply from Instagram. If you don’t have Instagram and thinking about joining, or already have one and starting your photography business, I highly suggest mixing a little of personal content with business content. Now, I’m no expert in the world of marketing and social media, and I know others have reasons to keep things separate, but knowing that this has helped me and my brand, I know it can help for you too!!!