Why Ditching Social Media Could Be The Best Creative Move For Your Photography with Dan Milnor

#469 In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with Dan Milnor,
an acclaimed documentary photographer who shares transformative
insights on creativity, industry challenges, and the true impact
of social media on your work.


THE BIG IDEAS



Seek Inspiration, Not Imitation: Embrace the
storytelling and influence behind another artist's work rather
than copying style or gear.


The Value of Authentic Engagement: Understand social
media's shallow interactions and focus on building a genuine
audience.


Embracing a Multifaceted Identity: Delve into various
creative outlets to enrich your photography and personal brand.


Isolation for Innovation: Discover how stepping away
from the crowd can enhance your unique voice and creativity.



PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN



Explore Outside Influences: Visit the websites of
conceptual artists or photographers you admire at least a few
times per year. Jot down what elements of their work inspire
you the most. Incorporate what resonates with you into your
photography, be it their storytelling approach or their
thematic focus, to craft a richer narrative in your images.


Prioritize Care with Equipment: Familiarize yourself
with the functionalities of your current equipment, such as the
exposure compensation dial, to enhance your shooting efficiency
without the need to upgrade immediately.


Engage in Long-Term Projects: Select a subject matter
that sparks your curiosity and devote time to a long-term
photographic project. This commitment often leads to deeper
insights and more substantive work. Resist the industrial
pressure to multitask on numerous short-term endeavors and
instead focus on developing a solid body of work that reflects
your dedication and skill.


Rethink Social Media Engagement: Create a portfolio
website showcasing your unique photographic work to establish a
professional online presence that's independent of social media
validation. Begin reducing your reliance on social media
platforms by actively seeking genuine engagement with your
audience through direct channels like newsletters or local
exhibitions.


Embrace a Multifaceted Approach to Photography: Invest
time in developing additional skills that complement your
photography, such as writing or video, which can enhance your
storytelling capabilities and marketability. Explore your other
interests and hobbies alongside photography. These pursuits can
provide fresh perspectives and inspirations, enriching the
creative content of your photographic work.




Resources:


Visit Dan's Website Shifter Media: https://shifter.media

Dan Milnor's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@DANIELMILNOR505



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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!