Takeaways

Building a personal brand on social media involves being genuine, authentic, and vulnerable, and telling stories that captivate an audience.

Engagement with followers, such as responding to comments and messages, is more valuable to brands than the number of followers alone.

Pricing your work as a content creator involves considering factors such as your level of professionalism, experience, costs (e.g., time, equipment, printing), and the value you provide to brands.

While reels and other trends can help with growth on social media, it's important to find a strategy that aligns with your strengths and goals.

Engaging with your audience and providing value through your content and interactions is key to building meaningful connections and growing organically.

Dealing with burnout and imposter syndrome on social media can involve taking breaks, avoiding comparison, and focusing on your own journey and unique value. Have a new hobby or passion alongside photography to prevent burnout

Consulting and assisting other content creators can be a fulfilling career path

Building connections online can lead to opportunities in online business management

Loyalty to a brand can result in collaborations and recognition

Childhood memories in nature can shape a love for outdoor experiences and photography

Sound Bites

"Stories sell."

"What's the purpose of your account? What are you trying to accomplish with your Instagram? If it is just to share stuff and be funny and have likes, great, do it, do you. But if your goal is to make money, then you definitely think you need to be more intentional about what you're doing."

"I always tell everyone, just go for it. Honestly, I'll help people write up emails anytime. Just be like, hey, if you wanna work with someone and you've got their contact, or if you've got a relationship with them, I'll help you write the email to be like, hey, I'd love to work with you."

"Make sure you're gonna get a new hobby then."

"Step away, re-center yourself, and then get back into it, right, with a different mindset."

"Teaching others the same things that I have learned within this certain realm."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and pictureline.com Spring Photography Expo

01:24 Guest Introduction: Maddie Clark (Embark with Ember)

06:12 Navigating the Changing Landscape of Social Media

09:26 Pricing Your Work as a Content Creator

10:23 Engagement Matters More Than the Number of Followers

24:17 Transitioning to Reels and Adapting to Algorithm Changes

28:20 The Formula for Success on Social Media

32:23 Dealing with Burnout and Imposter Syndrome

43:59 Falling in Love with Photography Again

48:31 Consulting and Assisting Content Creators

51:44 Building Connections in Online Business Management

55:49 Loyalty to Nikon and Collaborations

01:05:26 Favorite Outdoor Experience: Seeing an epic Bear in Teton National Park