One of the biggest things that I’ve seen as the Editor in Chief of one of the last standing photography publications is how photographers are choosing to portray themselves. The vast majority of photographers that we feature have websites — but they don’t necessarily update them. And we tend to not feature a photographer if they don’t have one. Let’s be honest, it sometimes means that they’re less serious about the craft and more serious about the attention economy. Updating websites has surely become easier over the years. But then the new VSCO Sites came along; and in many ways, they’re the missing link and eureka moment in an equation that’s baffled all of us for years.
This article is presented in partnership with VSCO. See how the new VSCO Sites and all their other features can put your photography career in a better place.
The Idea of Simplicity
Simplicity comes into play in various parts of maintaining and building a website. First off, your photography website removes ads, likes, shares, comments, etc. Instead, it’s at peace with itself and unbothered by outside forces. Isn’t that the nirvana that we all strive for? All the distractions that someone gets on social media are removed — so they’re instead that much more focused on your work.
Better yet, that’s all really easy to do with VSCO sites. The Pro-level service takes your existing photos, blogs and galleries and makes them into a format you can really turn into something serious. Someone can go to your VSCO Site and find a specifically curated body of work that you’ve wanted to let people know about. Perhaps it’s your street photography, wildlife work, photojournalism, all the photos you’ve shot for a brand, portraits, etc. These galleries mirror the galleries that you make on VSCO.
Most importantly, you’ll be putting a bigger emphasis on photos — not trying to shoot video to appease an algorithmic overlord.
How Photographers Can Use Their VSCO Site
VSCO Sites also have other features that let people contact the photographer that they’re intrigued by to take things a step further in whatever direction the winds blow you. Earlier this year, VSCO also introduced the blogs feature — which lets a photographer show off more sides of themselves. You can use video, photos, and text to put together a blog post that someone will want to check out.
You know how everyone is getting back into newsletters, substacks, etc? Well, VSCO Blogs are your version of that in a single platform. And in this case, it’s really tailored to photographers and the photo community.
Here are how some photographers are using their VSCO Site:
- Arianit Bulliqi showcases some street photography and travel photography in the Mediterranean. Plus, Arianit is using the blogs feature too!
- Cole Roberts displays some beautiful black and white portraiture in a way that looks ever so delightful on the big screen
- Ryan Belk is a street photographer, and for many, might not need an introduction
- Tessa Burris shows off her intriguing use of color
S
What You’re Missing Out On
In the past few months, photographers have pitched us their portfolios. And often, I have to scroll through their Instagram profiles to look for exactly something specific. Of course, these photographers are looking to do something serious with their work — like get an interview to promote them and boost their SEO and Discoverability. But when I can’t find something that I’m looking for easily, then I just stop paying attention and move on to something else. The reason why finding things on a social media profile is so difficult is because posting is often done on most platforms to appease an algorithm. It’s far unlike VSCO which presents posts to you in a chronological format and separates feeds for you easily.
This brings a whole other level of authenticity to who you are as a photographer and how people can easily find your work. Think of it almost like a personalized search engine for your work — but instead of being super direct, it gives you the ability to find new stuff that you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
Of course, a website does all this even better. Someone can go directly to my VSCO site, click on galleries, browse Photojournalism, and find what they’re looking for. For transparency, I’ve had another portfolio website for years — but I’m considering moving over to VSCO because of what they’re doing with both their platform and VSCO Sites.
Beyond VSCO Sites, photographers come to VSCO for so many other reasons. Spaces is a great spot to chat with other photographers about hobbies and interests you have. VSCO Hub is a place to get hired and your work licensed by brands — and there are lots of community challenges that make photographers really want to be part of the platform.