I used to. But the internet’s favorite hobby is speculation and everyone has such an opinion that I stopped most of my personal stuff. I still share a tiny bit here and there, but I don’t care if people critique my business. It’s when people get too in your business that made me stop being as vulnerable. I think I was viral on the web from 13-33, since COVID I’ve dialed back massively.
I had to cancel last minute recently due to my kid being injured at school and having to go to the ER for a concussion. My other kiddo had to go with the only other family member available. I processed a refund and gifted them a session on me immediately. Just like with a DR, I require 24 hour notice. If I can’t respect them the same, I’m giving them their $ back. It’s the right thing to do, even in emergencies. If they choose to reschedule, they can repay but at a heavy discount.
I don’t have my business linked anywhere in this profile and insta was about when I cut back on socials. I think I only have 1100-1200 followers and suck at updating it. Crazy to admit as a photographer. My business exploded when FB Biz pages led to tons of exposure, so I don’t have to maintain on socials like I used to. Most of my clientele are repeat and referrals. This is my only semi-private social media acct. I was never a national name, but I’ve been online since the 90s as a teen and was viral in many teen spaces, and well enough known in my large city to be comfortable.
For me, I’ve watched the internet go from “don’t tell people your real name!” To social being semi private to now, people analyze the color of your underwear and speculate negatively for sport. Some large, life-changing moments happened to me and I noticed when I struggled, most people were gone, and you don’t want your clients knowing your hard life points… mostly. It can make some people uncomfortable. I was always an open book, so people weaponized certain info (family stuff, not any like crimes or anything lol) and I realized so many just liked the clout/being nosey and gossiping. I don’t like any of 3. I may return some day, but for the most part I’ve gotten older and realized my privacy is everything.
The higher you climb, the harder the fall, and the more visibly up you are, people are watching and HOPING you’ll fall down. It’s a sad reality. “Small town fame” to full on celebrity has its drawbacks. I also value my privacy with my kids so I don’t share but a few photos and I used to do 30-50 shoots a year with them.
I do think being consistent and posting 2-3x a day is necessary to keep your name out there for so long. It definitely has plenty of benefits, but what I do share via my business is mostly business and just a tiny insight here and there of my personal life.