Buy a Photographer Lunch, Not Facebook Impressions - Guest Post by Levi Sim

Ever had a friend who may not have been around that long, but you can't remember when he/she wasn't in your life? Well, meet Levi Sim. He's a photographer, a writer, an educator, a Dad, husband and friend. If you've been to any major photographic show in the last few years, then you probably saw him in his signature fedora and always with a camera.

Levi redefines passion when it comes to imaging. In fact, the collage below is a collection of images by Levi, friends and family that I lifted off his Facebook page, because they really help show who he is. In fact, if you were at the Bay Photo party at WPPI, then you caught Levi capturing his trademark "Steve Jobs" pose of many of the guests that night. He even got me to stand still at the party. 

He's got an interesting point about Facebook in today's guest post.  Levi is a great photographer to follow and the easiest way to keep track of him is just link to his Facebook page. And, if you're at a conference or trade show and catch him on the floor, just walk up and introduce yourself. There's isn't a more approachable artist in the industry.

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by Levi Sim

Do you know what I love? Photography conferences. They are the best place to meet like-minded people and make
new friends. For example, I'm really looking forward to Photoshop World in a few weeks where I'll not only meet
new people, but I'll also meet up with my pals from around the world. It's awesome, and I'll do everything I can to 
reaffirm relationships with people and companies. 

But do you know what I won't do? I won't ask any of my industry friends to "like" my Facebook page, and you 
shouldn't, either.

Photographers Cost Me Money on Facebook

Facebook can be beneficial for small businesses. Most photographers I know have a business page on Facebook--which is good since clients probably hang out on Facebook-- and most have invited me to "like" it. I understand this-I want my photography peers to see my work, too, and my Facebook page might be a good place to share my latest 
work. But it costs me money to have photographers "like" my page.

Facebook is paid for by advertisers, and one catch is that only a certain percentage of your business page audience 
will see a post unless you pay for promotion;I think it's as little as 6% will even see it in their time lines. If you're paying for exposure, you want results by reaching your clients (you know, those people who will give you 
money to do your work). Chances are, photographers aren't your potential clients, but they are a part of the 
impressions you paid to make.

Facebook doesn't distinguish who your post will reach: impressions are impressions. I love to have kudos from my 
industry friends, but I'm not willing to pay for that privilege, and I don't think you should, either. If you want to spend money on photographers, buy them lunch instead.

See you on Instagram.