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Can we Stop with the Influencer Bashing?

8/22/2018

6 Comments

 
PictureNothing against the brand, just full disclosure I was paid $0 for this photo for Moment. I posted it because they gave me free lenses and I liked them.
On social media, we tend to show the happy moments of our lives.  And that’s normal. Our real-life photo albums don’t tend to document the hard times.  They’re full of weddings and vacations and babies and smiling friends.

The public nature of social media means we are inviting other people to look at the memories we are making.  Because we naturally omit the negatives, it’s easy for people to think the negatives just don’t exist. Lives look perfect.  

Many times, that’s not intentional.  But, as an influencer, there can be a fair amount of pressure to “keep up appearances.”  Why would anyone be influenced by someone whose life did not look great? Why would a brand want to work with someone who posted about difficulties with finances or personal relationship problems?

Yet, it’s probably the carefully-curated galleries that feed the vitriol against influencers.  There’s a prevalent perception that influencers are making hundreds--even thousands--of dollars per post, getting loads of free things, and are haughtily enjoying insta-fame.  Maybe some of them are. But I know a lot of influencers, and I’d like to paint you a different picture.
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Influencers are mainly just artists who are being compensated for their work by patrons, who are most often brands.  Most influencers don’t make enough to live on that income alone. They love the art and the social nature of the community enough that they persist.  

I’m not posting names, but let me give you a few snapshots into the lives of some influencers who have several hundreds of thousands of followers.

-A well-known urban photographer recently became a new dad.  A brand offered him $4,000 for several pictures. It wasn’t a “cool” brand and he took a lot of heat from his online community for “selling out.”  But, that money helped him pay rent and buy diapers for about six weeks. I personally don’t consider anyone taking work to keep a roof over their kid’s head a sell out.    

-A talented female street photographer was offered an all-expenses paid international trip in exchange for pictures and video.  It was an amazing experience, sure, but she can’t afford health insurance and her electric has been turned off before. She doesn’t complain; she chose this life and cheerfully does not expect to be able to “have it all.”  The shade thrown her way makes me wonder if those people would trade in the security of their steady paychecks like she did.

-An amazing landscape photographer is an ambassador for high-end camera bags and a tripod brand.  They “pay” him in free product, and he has a full time job as a custodian to, you know, be able to buy food and stuff.  Yes, people you pass in hallways in uniforms without a second thought are the same people you’re wishing you could be like as you scroll through your newsfeed.

I don’t know what the right answer is here.  Should we all try to be more transparent online?  Would brands still pay people for content and posts if those influencers were up front about the fact that they are trying to cobble together a living by nannying, working in retail, and being an online influencer?  Would people be as influenced if the influencers did not appear so successful? Maybe brands would actually pay more if influencers were open about how very little most brands are willing to pony up. What do you think?

At any rate, I hope we can push for a few less eye-rolls when the term “influencer” is mentioned.

6 Comments
Tom W. link
8/22/2018 04:04:54 pm

This is an awesome article! I really enjoyed reading it and you make a lot of great points. I'm considered an influencer on Instagram, but I still work full-time at a university. I enjoy being invited to events and getting to travel and meet other amazing photographers (like yourself), but the truth is, I live in a smaller city in Southern California (not LA). I don't own a home, drive an expensive car, or live the easy life. I work hard and bust my butt. But...I love what I get to do on Instagram! I love taking photos, editing, posting photos, and engaging with others in the Instagram community. I feel like some enjoy, and feel relaxed, when they see that some influencers are just normal people. But, at the same time, I feel like I have to show all the fun things too. I would love to hear what others have to say. Thanks for posting this! :)

Reply
Kristina link
8/23/2018 04:20:06 am

Loved reading this article and completely agree with everything you said. Good thought provoking piece of writing

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Paul Seibert link
8/23/2018 09:09:20 am

Great read! The life of a creative, as you know, is about balancing the desire to create, and provide for our families. People don’t understand the grind, and hustle required to be successful these days. Aspiring to be an influencer WITHOUT a work ethic, and an not having an understanding that all that glitters, isn’t always gold, is a recipe for failure. Thank you for your perspective!

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Genevieve B Malone
8/24/2018 03:24:48 pm

Thoughtful commentary

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Ellese link
2/8/2019 08:37:42 pm

This is so relatable and an honest representation. I don't think it is expressed enough the sacrifices made for our passions, or the grueling work we do on the side. It's still something I would never change or trade in, I love the creative adventures and journey. But it would be nice if influencers could get a break from the bashing Thanks for sharing!

XO, Ellese

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Cameron link
2/18/2021 10:53:56 pm

Great blog thanks for posting

Reply



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