Do you know someone who is a photographer? Perhaps a friend or family member. Whether they are established and well-known, or just starting out, there are many ways you can be a true supporter. Here is how you can make a difference.
LIKE, COMMENT, AND SHARE
The three most overused words on Facebook and for many good reasons. If your favorite photographer has a Facebook Business Page, interacting with their page by liking, commenting, sharing, etc. gives the photographer and their content more exposure. If you're a true supporter then you already "Liked" their photographer page and see their posts on your news-feed (That's awesome!)
With Facebook's algorithms, when you interact on a Facebook post your friends can see what you like, comment on, or share. Ultimately, if your way of providing for your family relied on referrals and exposure you would need for your posts on the business page to reach as many people as possible to keep the revolving door in order to support your household financially. To a photographer, a "like", "share", or "comment" is not taken lightly. Each interaction can reach at least one more person.
I know I speak for myself when I say thank you to the individuals that interact with my posts on Facebook. A big thanks to everyone who comments my business page on recommendation request posts in the mom groups where people post that they are looking for a photographer. Exposure of my work and talent will assist me in reaching a bigger audience which will lead to more sessions. In the end, more sessions means I can support my family.
AFTER YOU WORK WITH YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
You just finished your session with your photographer, you login on Facebook and on your news-feed you see the preview of 5-10 photos posted on your photographer’s page freshly edited and posted. When a photographer posts a session, their regular followers don't particularly know you. The photographer's regular followers can't relate to you in any way. They may like your photos but it doesn't do much for the photographer as far as reaching potential clients via Facebook.
The photos are of you. SHARE THEM!
When you share your photos from the photographer's page not only are you giving credit to the photographer for taking the photos, you're also leading people to their Facebook page for them to be able to contact the photographer for their own session. Plus, everyone that follows you wants to see your photos. They are your supporters. They will like, comment, and share your post when you do this because they will be proud that their family member or friend has amazing photos. One lady I had the privilege of working with shared the preview and it reached over 1,000 views. I received many inquiries for another session from that alone. SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!
LEAVE A REVIEW
Sharing how your session went helps other people know what to expect. It adds to the photographer and their experiences with their clients. It helps others determine if they want to work with your photographer before they reach out to the photographer to schedule. I don't know about you but reviews help me when I'm looking to try a new restaurant or establishment. With reviews on Facebook, unless your photographer was completely unprofessional or their finished product (photos) were low quality, think twice about leaving a negative review (stars 1,2 or 3 can bring down their overall rating. This is their business and one bad review (if it's not earned) can ruin everything they have built. Try discussing with the photographer what you did not like and see if they will work with you and maybe re-edit the photos to your liking or scheduling a re-shoot and trying again. Maybe even before a session send them sample pictures of your expectations that way they know exactly what you want. Most photographers want you to love your portraits so they are willing to work with your vision.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Most businesses achieve success, solely by word of mouth. You are a credible source for your family and friends and they trust you when you testify that you had a great experience. So sharing with them how your session went and showing them the photos you received, can help your friend gain more clients.
Thank you for reading and I hope this helps you understand why photographers may ask you to share or leave a review. It really boosts our business and helps us tremendously when you are a true supporter.