Leveraging Social Media for Networking
Boost Your Conference Photography Networking with Social Media Platforms
- Start Before You Go
Engage with the event's official page or hashtags on platforms like Facebook and Twitter before the conference starts. Like, comment, and share posts related to the conference to get your name out there. - Connect with Speakers and Attendees
Find speakers and attendees on LinkedIn or Instagram and send them a brief, personalized note expressing your interest in their session or the event. - Show What You Can Do
Share samples of your work on platforms like Instagram and Twitter using the event's hashtags. Tag the event's official social media handles to increase visibility. - Go Live
Go live on platforms like Instagram or Facebook during the event to capture behind-the-scenes action or give a quick review of a session you attended. Add event-specific hashtags to attract viewership. - Collaborate for Visibility
Team up with fellow attendees for a photo walk or a quick interview session and share it online. Tag each other and the event to tap into each other's networks. - Engagement Post-Event
Follow up by connecting with people you met on platforms like LinkedIn. Share a recap of your experience, tagging people you connected with and mentioning impressive sessions. This keeps the conversation going and strengthens the connections you've made.
With effective use of social media platforms, you can stand out and turn brief encounters into lasting professional relationships. It's about creating meaningful networks that support your photography journey.
Maximizing In-Person Networking Opportunities
More Strategies to Elevate Your Networking Game at Photography Conferences
Bring Plenty of Business Cards
Business cards are essential for effective networking. Include your contact information, social media handles, website, and a brief tagline about your photography style or niche.
Dress to Impress
Your appearance says a lot about your personal brand. Dress professionally while showcasing your unique style. An interesting accessory or piece of clothing can be a great conversation starter.
Join Interactive Sessions
Participating in workshops or breakout sessions puts you in direct contact with photographers who share similar interests. Collaborate, share insights, and exchange information with the people you team up with.
Be an Active Listener
Show genuine interest and ask follow-up questions when others share about their work, challenges, and successes. Strong professional connections are built on respect and mutual understanding.
Follow Up with Personal Messages
Reach out to each new contact with a personalized message post-conference. Reference something specific from your conversation to refresh their memory of you.
Offer Value Without Expecting Immediate Returns
Share resources, offer introductions, or suggest collaborations that could be mutually beneficial without the expectation of an instant reward. This approach builds trust and demonstrates your interest in a meaningful professional relationship.
Stay Active on Conference HashTags
Keep engaging with the conference hashtags on social media even after the event wraps up. Share your takeaways, thank the organizers, and continue the dialogue with speakers and attendees.
By integrating these strategies into your approach, networking at photography conferences can lead to valuable friendships, mentorships, and collaborative opportunities that positively impact your photography career. Successful networking is about building relationships that grow over time.
Photo by jakobdalbjorn on Unsplash
Building and Maintaining a Professional Network
Join Online Forums and Groups Tailored to Event Photography
Engage in online forums and social media groups dedicated to event photography. Participate regularly, offer insights, answer questions, and share your experiences. This online presence boosts your visibility and helps you connect with peers who share similar interests. According to a study by the Social Media Examiner, 78% of marketers saw increased traffic with as little as 6 hours per week invested in social media1.
Volunteer for Workshops or Speaker Sessions
Volunteering for workshops or sessions at conferences can serve as an opportunity to build your network. By contributing your skills or sharing knowledge, you naturally attract attention from attendees interested in event photography.
Create an Engaging Portfolio Highlighting Conference Work
Have a well-crafted portfolio that highlights your conference photography and tells the story behind the images. Make it easily accessible and shareable online, and have a quick way to show it off at conferences.
Your portfolio is a powerful tool. It's what you use to showcase your skill, your style, and your unique perspective.
Participate in Event-Related Discussions Post-Conference
After the conference, keep the conversation going by participating in post-event discussions on social media groups, dedicated event forums, or emails. Share your perspectives or striking images, and engage with others' posts.
Offer Workshop or Speaking Proposals for Future Conferences
Propose to host a workshop or speak at future conferences related to event and conference photography. This showcases your willingness to contribute actively to the community and positions you as a knowledgeable professional.
Incorporate Feedback and Testimonials into Your Marketing
Utilize feedback and testimonials from clients or fellow attendees. Feature these prominently on your website and social media platforms to boost your credibility and attract a wider network interested in your photography services. A study found that 72% of consumers say positive testimonials and reviews increase their trust in a business2.
- Stelzner MA. 2020 Social Media Marketing Industry Report. Social Media Examiner; May 2020.
- Anderson M. Online Reviews and Endorsements. Pew Research Center; November 2016.
