Why Not All Social Media Platforms Are Worth It for Dog Photographers
- David Drew
- Dec 7
- 4 min read
When I first started my dog photography journey, I fell straight into the same trap almost every photographer does.
Social media.
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook — I signed up for everything.I posted constantly.I watched likes roll in (and sometimes not roll in).I obsessed over views.And I convinced myself that this was what I needed to do to grow my business.
Because that’s what we’re all told, isn’t it?
“If you want to progress, you must be everywhere.”“If you want bookings, you need a huge following.”“If you’re not posting daily, you’re falling behind.”
But over time, I realised something no one seemed to want to admit:
Most of that simply isn’t true.
In fact, some of it can pull you away from the real work that actually builds a dog photography business.
Let me explain.
The Social Media Platforms Dog Photographers Get Pulled Into
That’s honestly what it feels like — a circus.
Every platform has a new rule.A new “must do.”A new trend that you’re apparently supposed to drop everything to follow.
But in reality, all social media wants is more content to feed the machine.And photographers, especially dog photographers, end up thinking that this constant performance is what their business depends on.
It isn’t.
Likes don’t pay bills.Followers don’t guarantee clients.Views don’t equal bookings.
And for many dog photographers starting out, this entire circus becomes overwhelming and discouraging before it ever becomes useful.
Instagram as a Social Media Platform: A Lovely Place… but Mostly Vanity Metrics for Dog Photographers
Instagram is beautiful, polished, curated — all the things photographers love.But here’s the thing: most of the people who like or comment on your posts are not your clients.
They are:
Other photographers
People from the other side of the world
Accounts saving cute dog pictures
Bots
People who admire your work but will never book you
Instagram looks great from the outside, but it rarely converts into real enquiries unless you already have a strong local audience.
For me, it’s become a gallery — not a booking engine.
TikTok as a Social Media Platform: Fun, Fast… but Not Designed for Local Dog Photographers
TikTok is brilliant for entertainment.Dog videos explode on there.It’s easy to get views, and sometimes even easy to go “viral.”
But the biggest issue is this: TikTok shows your content to the world, not to your local community.
People in America, Asia, Australia or Europe might love your videos, but they’re never going to drive to Warminster for a photo session.
Unless you want to become a content creator (a full-time job in its own right), TikTok doesn’t offer much for a locally-run dog photography business.
Facebook: The Social Media Platform That Quietly Supports Local Dog Photographers
Out of the three, Facebook is the surprising winner for me.Not because it’s trendy or algorithm-friendly — but because the people who use Facebook tend to be:
Local
Dog owners
Parents
Families
Community-focused
Actively looking for services
When I post in local groups, or even on my own page, I get real messages from people who want to book a session.
People here aren’t scrolling for entertainment — they’re scrolling for useful stuff.And that makes all the difference.
Why Social Media Platforms Don’t Deliver What Many Dog Photographers Expect
There’s a myth out there that a big following equals success.But honestly, a photographer with:
400 followers
A strong presence in local groups
A clear website
Consistent messaging
will usually outperform a photographer with:
20,000 followers
No local reach
No community connection
No clear call-to-action
Pretty feed? Lovely.Popular reel? Fun.Local clientele who trust you? That’s everything.
The Emotional Weight Social Media Platforms Place on Dog Photographers
Here’s something most photographers never openly discuss:
Social media can make you feel like you’re failing… even when you’re not.
If a post doesn’t get likes, you feel invisible.If a reel doesn’t get views, you feel like you’ve “done something wrong.”If you don’t post for a week, you hear a little voice saying:“You’re falling behind.”
But your success isn’t measured by any of that.
Success for a dog photographer looks like:
Happy clients
Dogs enjoying the session
Creating images that become treasured memories
Families returning year after year
Word-of-mouth recommendations
A business that actually fits into your life
None of that has anything to do with algorithms.
Where I Stand Today as a Dog Photographer Navigating Social Media Platforms
After trying everything — the posting schedules, the reels, the trends, the sounds, the editing styles, the hashtags — I came to a simple conclusion:
You don’t need to be everywhere.You only need to be where your clients are.
For me, that’s Facebook.
Instagram and TikTok? Nice to have.Facebook? Actually brings bookings.
So if you’re a dog photographer feeling overwhelmed, pressured, or trapped by social media expectations… you’re not alone.And you’re not doing anything wrong.
Sometimes the simplest route is the one that works best.
If you'd like photos of your dog that don't rely on algorithms…
I offer both outdoor and indoor studio sessions in the Warminster area, capturing dogs exactly as they are — joyful, curious, loyal, and loved.
My sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed for real dog owners who want artwork on their walls, not just pictures on a screen.
If you're interested in booking a shoot, or just want to chat about what’s involved, you can visit:
Or send me a quick message — I’m always happy to talk dogs and photography.
I’d love to hear your thoughts
Have you ever felt pressured by social media?Do you think platforms help or hinder small creative businesses?What’s your experience as a dog owner, photographer, or small business yourself?
Feel free to leave a comment or send me your thoughts.I’d really enjoy hearing from people who feel the same way (or differently!).
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