What’s the big deal about photo sharing on the web right now? Recently, there has been a surge of photography apps, social networks and websites that are not designed for working pros, but rather the average Joe.
Since when did everyone become a photographer? And since when did everyone love viewing, absorbing, experiencing, “liking” and commenting on photos?
Is that an "Inkwell" filter Joe?
It all dates back to 1827, when Joseph Nicephore Niepce created the first photo with a pinhole camera…
Okay, maybe it doesn’t date back that far. But it does date back a few years.
By the late 90’s, the cell phone had arrived and many were shipping with built-in cameras.
By 2003, more camera-phones were sold than cameras. Since then, we’ve seen 3 very important developments.
1. Technology has advanced to the point where cell phones can take extremely good photos. (In 1999, a professional camera with 2.7 megapixels cost $5,000. Today, an iPhone with 8 megapixels costs $200.)
2. Cell phones are out, smart phones are in.
3. The web went social.
There is another important factor too, but its nothing new. People love to share. Now they have the devices, the technology and the platforms to share everything. The old saying that “A picture is worth a thousand words” is absolutely true.
Okay, I’m getting off track. Let’s get back to the question at hand. Photography is content. And really awesome content. It speaks to the reader (er…viewer) in a different way. Everyone loves to look at photos and increasingly, more people love to take photos. Photos have been included in newspapers and magazines forever but as more content moves to the web and social networks, photos are making the shift too. No longer are photos just meant to support text content, they serve as standalone content especially on sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
If you are reading this blog and are this far into the article, you already understand the importance of content marketing. Photos are one of the best way to connect with your audience and as an added bonus, search engines love images. If you are just getting started with photo sharing and want to make a splash with your audience, there’s no need to hire a pro. Just get out your smart phone and start shooting. When you are ready to share, here are some suggestions.
- Post photos on your website or blog. You’ll notice that nearly every post on this blog has images associated with it.
- Download the free Instagram app and get in on the retro photo craze.
- Share photos on Twitter and Facebook (duh!) but also get involved with Google+. Not only is Google+ a great way to share images, its a space you need to take advantage of anyway.
If you are in the content business, then you are in the photo sharing business by default. So get that camera out and start shooting!
