u/BreathExtra7500

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As a Professional Photographer, I have prepared some Insights from a hands-on, in-the-field perspective.

Photographic potential soars here on Reddit, where I appreciate the opportunity to lurk and help critique.

This one is catered towards hobbyists or ambitious amateurs, sharing 4 reasons to consider photography as a career.

https://www.blakefergusonphotography.com/single-post/4-reasons-to-consider-photography-as-a-career

If you’re passionate about photography but seem to be in that “what’s next” phase, this should help give you a push. If there are any other professionals reviewing, share your take as well!

As a photographer, I’m new to Reddit, where I figured the best introduction would come by sharing a project I’ve been building discreetly over the last few years.

While the primary focus has been on shaping the fundamental performance of my portfolio, I’m excited to share this milestone, which is essentially complete, allowing me to participate more here on Reddit!

I’m a commercial photographer with a background in graphic design. For most of my career, I relied on social mediaand word of mouth to bring in new commissions. The scarce continued in the sense of “fighting for the next booking”; following the usual cycle of posting, networking, and throwing up prayers, hoping the algorithm works in my favour. Through a process of concurrent optimization, I realized that I had to step into a space where it builds, compounds, and continues to grow.

At some point, I realized something uncomfortable: most creatives are building their entire business on platforms they don’t actually control.

I previously assisted in growing Strict Standards Streetwear, and we lost our primary community (Instagram). It never hurts to situate yourself on social media, but it closes doors if that’s the only channel you rely on. I learned about SEO, content architecture, and long-form website strategy. What began as a simple portfolio back in 2017 has now grown into a website with steady traffic.

Right now, the site has 100+ pages, including:

•	Photography Portfolios → Commercial, Candid, Fine-Art.
•	Graphic Design Portfolios → Case Studies, Logo, Advertisements &amp; Branding for Entrepreneurs.
•	Photography Service Packages.
•	Around 70 articles on Photography, Graphic Design, and Post Production.
•	Internal linking across the entire site.
•	A small fine-art shop and resource sections.

The better investment in content creation time, after realizing my misplaced efforts. I prioritized social media over the early growth of my portfolio, and I was set to build something that could attract organic traffic for the long-term- instead of constantly chasing attention on social platforms.

One caveat: I’m not a professional web developer. I’m running the site on Wix and prioritizing SEO structure and content over flashy UI for now.

So I’m curious what other creatives here think.

Do you believe photographers should be investing more in content-driven websites instead of focusing entirely on Instagram and social media?

And for anyone with experience in SEO or web design, what would you look for first when reviewing a site like this?

If anyone wants to explore the project and tear it apart (constructively), here it is: https://www.blakefergusonphotography.com

I’m genuinely interested in hearing perspectives from photographers, designers, marketers, or developers.

4 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Professional Photography Career ☝🏻

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