As a photographer, it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. We see other creatives online with 10k, 50k, even 100k followers, and suddenly our own numbers feel small. I’ve been guilty of it too — questioning my worth because my follower count didn’t “measure up.”
But here’s the truth I’ve come to learn: follower counts don’t equal connection, and they don’t always equal success. On top of that, neither do adds in magazines or wedding books. Sure they can amount to something but its just a pay to win game there.
What truly matters — especially as a local photographer — is community.
This is also important to anyone in any field! But especially a creative one!
Followers Vs. Community
You could have 50,000 followers who scroll past your posts, never engage, and never book. Or, you could have 1,000 people in your community who cheer you on, share your work, and recommend you to their friends and family.
Which one actually sustains a business?
Which one fuels creativity and support?
I’d choose the 1,000 meaningful connections every time.
Why Connection Wins
When you focus on your surrounding area — your neighbors, local vendors, small businesses, and clients who become friends — you’re building something stronger than numbers.
You’re creating a network of people who:
- Believe in your work.
- Tell others about you.
- Celebrate your wins and show up for you.
- Keep coming back year after year.
That’s where the real growth happens. Not in a vanity metric, but in a community that values you as a person and an artist.
Giving Back To Community
Sometimes having community means giving, too. Sure, your work is worth more than “free” — but every now and then, it feels good to do something simply for the sake of fun, connection, and being together. Not everyone has the funds (or honestly, even the desire) to pay for everything, and that’s okay. Community isn’t built on transactions alone.
I’ve received so much support from my own community over the years. When I needed help framing prints, someone happily stepped in. But beyond the practical help, what matters most is the emotional support — people who are proud of what you create, who encourage you, and who stand by who you are as a person. Not only rooting you on but challenging you as an artist. Pushing you to grow.
Because in the end, photography isn’t only about being “good” at your craft. It’s also about your story, your heart, and what you show the world. Why you're doing this and who you are. That’s what connects people to you.
The Money Trap
I also want to note especially for those just starting out, It's tempting to believe that running ads everywhere or chasing awards in magazines will guarantee success.
And sure, ads can be helpful for exposure — but they’re also expensive. Many contests or “wedding magazine awards” are little more than pay-to-win schemes.
Instead of pouring money into things that don’t always bring real results, focus on what actually matters:
- Your growth as an artist.
- The health of your website and analytics.
- Building your community and relationships.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to make it as a photographer.
Consistency, connection, and authenticity go farther than a shiny badge or an ad that disappears after a week.
Before we hit our final thoughts, please check out this little poster!
I am hosting a Dreamy Photo Picnic in New Paltz New York on Historic Huguenot Street Park (yes i see i spelt it wrong in the poster but that word will never be happy with me as long as I live)
This is a very casual event, I want people to bring friends, blankets, food, crafts, and I'll just be hanging around with everyone and taking their photos! (dreamily). This is my way that I enjoy giving back to my community!
anyway back to the regular scheduled program....
The Takeaway
The Takeaway: Yes, it’s normal to glance at someone else’s following and feel that pang of comparison. But remind yourself: your value isn’t measured in followers — it’s measured in connection.
I’d rather have 1,000 people who truly see me, support me, and share my work than 50,000 silent strangers. And I think most of us — if we step back from the noise — would feel the same.
Keep community close. I do this by hosting occasional free photo picnics within the Hudson Valley, as well as other small events when I can handle it. It's not just for them though, it's also for me! I need connection, I want to have fun, and not everything has to be transactional.
Show people who you honestly are, not who you think you should be.