There are some really interesting discussion threads going on at the moment! Such a diversity of experiences on this brilliant site. Truly an internet gem.
Anyway, I was reading this one: http://365project.org/discuss/critique/4091/constructive-criticism, which seems to be something a lot of people have been wondering about. I noticed something slightly off-topic, which is that some people can feel some slight (or unfortunately sometimes not so slight) resentment towards the people who have large followings and many popular pictures. Heck, I feel that sometimes too. When you're starting out everything's a buzz, but then you notice that the photos you spend ages on get as few comments as your quick had-to-take-a-photo snaps, and it does get a bit demoralising. And the longer you spend on here, and the further you get past being able to get on the New Faces page, the tougher it can feel to get noticed. And all those feelings might turn into resentment towards the popular, and in a place like this, that's a real shame. There are so many inspiring photos and photographers on here that it's a shame to feel bad about anything.
So basically I thought I'd try to get some answers. If you've been on here for a while, and if you've got a solid following:
1. How did you get yourself noticed in the first place?
2. How did you keep people interested in your photos?
3. Did you ever feel popularity angst, and how did you get past it?
I promise I won't feel resentment towards you if you reply - not even if your answer is "take better photos" :o)
Follow and you'll be followed - it's as simple as that. Pick a photo that you like on the pop page, check that person's work and if you like it, follow them. Nine times out of ten, they'll follow you back. Take part in the "Browse and Picks" and any competitions - that'll get you noticed and attract followers. Hope that helps!
1) there are loads of ways of getting others to see your work comment on other peoples projects sometimes people will start following you just because you follow them. Enter some of the competitons and themes (people look at these more than they may your own project. Add your photos to one of the many varied topics that pop up on the site, choose someones photo in the browse and pick topic, the list is endless really.
2) now you are asking,If I knew what everyone wanted to see I would be selling my work and making a fortune all I can do is take pictures that make me think "wow, thats a good one" If I like a photo then law of averages says that someone else is bound to, I think if you start taking photos to please others then you are in trouble, people will either love your work or they wont. personally I try to be as interesting as I can be and push myself to create better shots (may be hard going by day 300 or so :))
3) No I have not come across any popularity angst, at least no one has expressed it to me, I try to be nice and polite and as helpful as I can be on here and I dont go around saying "I'm the best" or anything like that so I dont really see any reason why people would react that way to me, in the end though I dont worry about that kind of thing, life is too short, If my photos give other people some happiness inspiration or contemplation then I am quite happy with that.
I don't have a crazy amount of followers... only 196 at the moment. But I haven't been doing the project for too long either. I have noticed that the more I am involved in discussions, topics, competitions and what not... the more people who are interested in looking at my photos. I also 100% agree with @asrai and @timandelke ... follow others. Ask them questions and take a true interest in what they are doing. You'll find reciprocation almost immediately.
But I must say... try not to feel any "angst" and remember this is a project for YOU. Have fun and do it the way you want to. =)
1. I comment on tons of photographs that I like. I also follow those people that I like their photos so I can continue to see their work each day. I care about these people, crazy enough, even though I don't really even know them. I wonder where they go when I don't see them for a while, like Alison Bradshaw, or Jinx, etc. I have found in my experience that when I comment on peoples pictures, those people begin commenting on mine. Its like we kind of form a friendship, or at least a mutual respect. But honestly, don't take pictures just to get noticed. That's not what this is for. Yes it's give and take, but be genuine in your give. And then others will too.
2. Me personally, I am taking shots for myself not for others. I need an outlet for my creativity. Also, I need to learn my camera inside and out to better myself in my wedding photography. Then I am inspired by others and want to try their techniques. I don't ever take a photograph for someone else, really. It's all to document the things my son does, or to work on my macro, or to try something out of the box and creative, or to try a technique that intrigues me. Or to be artistic.
3. I had popularity angst when I first started here. I wondered how in the world people got on the popular page when some weren't viewed as many times as others. I wondered how that was fair. I also saw the same people getting chosen for the top 5 repetitively and that made me a bit envious and wondering if it was just about being "popular" like you've said. The way I got past that is I stopped being jealous of those people's work and I friended them. I asked them questions. I soaked them up like a sponge and I learned from them. And come to find out, they were all wonderful people and I ended up really liking them and liking following their lives.
1. I got myself noticed by following in the theme's each week and commenting on and following as many awesome people as possible. I also won a theme once a while back, which got me really noticed!
2. I keep people interested because I pay attention to the kind of pictures on here that get attention. Sometimes it's random, but there are certain kinds of shots that seem to get the most attention. Once again, I also just comment and follow others like crazy hoping they will still remember that I'm around every once and a while.
3. When I first started this project, I had popularity angst on a constant basis! Eventually, I figured this project is a project for me and while it's nice to have followers, it's not the greatest thing in the world. At the end of the day, if I take a picture that truly speaks to me and my life, I've done my job for that day and that should be enough.
I am completely content with having a small following. I don't want a large following. I stick with the people I like (call it a clique) and that's it.
I'm not looking for a medal, trophy, etc.
This is merely a photojournal for me, nothing less. Those that know me know that it is a Soap Opera at times.
I don't care about much else.
That's just me. For everyone else, I hope that their hard work and passion gets recognized and the accolades that come with it! There is some great stuff here. I kinda stay out of the way but enjoy being a part of the community immensely.
@bethanyjay@asrai@timandelke Couldn't agree more. Once I started following people and commenting on other people's work, they started doing it to me. I also always enter the theme challenges and 'browse and pick'. More often than then, I get follows from those posts. Be involved in discussions and give people tips and suggestions. I got on the popular page a few times and that always boosts up your followers. Honestly, I don't know how I keep people interested. I guess my pictures are good enough to at least have some people come and take a look. I have also been posting 'how to' and explaining how I got the picture. I have found many people like that and comment about that.
As far as popular angst, that's ridiculous. I hope people honestly don't feel that way because this website is all about having fun and just taking some pics of your life. The people who have lots of followers (@filo13, @vikdaddy@amyhughes are a few that come to mind) have awesome pictures that are so unique and interesting. I think that is what helps get followers because it leaves you wondering what they will do next. Just like anything else, it takes work to get noticed. Do what everyone above suggested and you will get more followers.
@amyhughes ...Love this "2. Me personally, I am taking shots for myself not for others. I need an outlet for my creativity..." :-) Very creative works to follow.
1. Same as everyone else said - follow people, look at the latest, popular and by day pages, participate in threads and competitions. I've never heard of you before you posted this thread and now I'm following you - see simple! You have some good shots, you make me laugh and you give me hope because I have the same camera as you.
2.No idea how to keep people interested and really that isn't my aim. Its my project and the only person who has to be happy with my photos is me. I've had many photos with minimal views and no comments and others with quite a few of both and I've made the popular page twice but have no idea why.
3. I did in the beginning and often thought the way the popular page recipients were chosen wasn't fair but now much as I'd like to be more popular I have nothing against those who are. Although there is ample opportunity to make friends, learn stuff and check out loads of amazing photos on here (and that can only be a good thing), this project is for yourself and in years to come its only going to be your own work you will be looking back on.
I started posting because a friend asked me to do this with her.
Following/Followers. I tend to pick people to follow because they live somewhere I have yet to visit. I also try to follow the people who follow me because I like to return compliments when given a chance.
How do I keep people interested in my photos, I will answer after the popular angst.
How to deal with the popular angst. Well for a short time I was pretty sure that the photos I was most proud of were a bit better than some on the popular page or were at least mine, but that is another discussion thread. I was frustrated and trying to take photos that would get me to that page and was not getting comments on the ones I liked best. What got me over that was my friends who asked if they could make prints of some of my photos (I link it to my facebook page) or two people who took MY photos for their profiles. I realized that at first compliments from strangers were great, but your friends incorporating your photos was what really mattered.
Okay, once I got over the popularity angst, I said to myself, that this is a project for me, and all I need to do is let go of the "craft" and chore of it and start to have some fun. I no longer really care if someone loves or hates my photo, as long as I am proud and it makes me happy.
I also see that one person will take a photo (fizzy bubbles, water drops, hearts) and 20% of people jump on that band wagon. I think I am going to try and not jump up on what everyone else is doing and work on pushing my boundaries of photography and hopefully come up with a more defined style.
You got some very sound advice here...everyones advice here is right on. If you look at everyones first few photos they all have 0 comments and 2 views or something like that. At least I did. Then i just starting following people whose photos moved me in some way. Comment on those that you are moved by and soon enough you will start to develop relationships and friendships like Amy (starsky) said.
Try not to get all caught up in the stuff that takes the fun out of the project. Day one on here was literally my first day with a camera...it has changed my life and i am forever grateful for it. I feel like I have made friends with people all over the globe. How amazing is that...
I just try to soak up whatever my mini mind can take and I took a photo class to try to learn about fstops shutter speeds, etc. note the tried to learn, it was like a foreign language to me. it still is. Anyhow.. just relax, create your art and enjoy!!!! It is an amazing journey.
How to get over your popularity angst can be a bit easy. As I said before, find people that are important that will comment on your work. I just checked on facebook and a friend of mine from high school just asked if she could have a copy of today's photo to print for her office. I love when my friends appreciate and value my work so much more than I did before.
I think the community on this site is extremely friendly and their comments are sweet and constructive. I am new to the site and I was not looking for a following, I was just browsing and genuinely interested in the work I was seeing, so I followed the people who's work I wanted to see daily. And in about 20 or so days I had 90 followers, which is in my eyes 90 friends. We see each other's world every day, so for me this is intimate.. I love it!!
I just think that If I posted photos solely to get people to notice me, then I have pretty sad self esteem. I feel that people who go off on others because they are popular need to stick their heads back up their arse and get over themselves...
We are all here for different reasons.. but the one thing we ALL have in common is a love for photography... That should be our focus, and if someone is more popular than someone else, the who gives a fat rats...
A t the end of the day, I ask myself ... did it effect my life in anyway today because someone got on the pop page and I didnt,??? Everyday I can honestly answer NO.... it did not... and if one day I get the point where I am answering yes, then I need to take a damn hard look at myself and kick myself in the arse and get over it...
One can not be responsible for being popular, if people enjoy someones work, then they enjoy their work.. If someone else resents that person because they have a large following , then they need to maybe start to network themselves, be a bit more charming, and maybe stop being so jealous.. ..
And yes my post is a direct result of a situation that happened just recently to someone on this site, and I felt that the person who made some really nasty comments was way out of line.
Anyway. How to get over the pop angst? strop trying to get on the pop page and do the project for you... Just my humble opinion.
So much love for so much wisdom! This really is the nicest community I've ever seen online.
I mostly hoped, in starting this discussion, to draw attention to something I see as a problem, and to help those who feel any popularity angst to overcome it and move on productively. I think you guys have definitely made that a possibility! I know I feel helped by your comments, even though my feelings of angst are pretty rare and always silent. This really is a project we do for ourselves, first and foremost, whether we look for affirmation or seek to increase our photography skills (or both!). I think remembering that point is invaluable, so thanks for putting it forward and reminding me (and hopefully others).
I'm also a big fan of the idea of taking genuine interest in the people you're following. I think that's what makes this community so warm. I've generally tried to reply to comments I get, but I'm not sure I give out enough, and these things have to go both ways! But the comments I've received have always been kind and/or helpful, and I'm defs gonna try to make mine the same.
Starsky, love your comment about creativity. That's definitely what it's all about, and I hope you always feel free to express it. Definitely like your comment about soaking up people's wisdom like a sponge, too! Paula, kudos for not jumping on bandwagons! That's how the best styles are made. Mimo, yeah the intimacy of seeing other people's worlds and getting to know them through their photos is great! I'm loving it too. Kathy, thanks for all the comments! I'm glad you like some of my shots, and I'll be sure to check yours out too. Nikkers, yeah I saw that too. Definitely not cool. I'm thankful that most of this community isn't like that, and I sincerely hope it stays that way. To all, thanks :o)
@farge , sounds like you are a caring person , and thanks for starting this thread.
and I agree with you about most of the people here , being genuinely really nice caring people... :)
I haven't exactly been on here for a while but I do have a fairly solid following so here goes:
1) I got noticed by starting with a theme for the whole year, and (so far) sticking to it.. and also by starting discussion threads and commenting on other threads and also on other people's photos. The other way I got noticed is by writing descriptions. They are as much a part of my work as the photos themselves, and I think there are quite a few people who really enjoy reading the background stories I come up with for my pictures (at least I hope so!).
2) I wish I knew the answer to that.. I think though that it is not to get stuck in a rut by taking the same/similar photos every day. Because of my theme it is easy to get into taking similar type photos over and over.. so I try to vary it; some shots are 'set up' at home, some are outside, some are just sudden ideas I have whilst I am doing something something else.. some are funny, some are cute, some are thoughtful, some (I hope) are maybe even slightly decent photographs, rather than just being a bit silly. I think the answer is to keep it varied - not everyone will like everything you do, but that way there should be something they will all like.
3) In my first month I got at least 10 new followers every day.. which was astonishing to say the least! I didn't realise so many people would want to see photos of a rubber duck every day.. and I get so many fantastic comments and positive feedback it is a real confidence boost for me, especially since I take all of my photos on my phone and I do absolutely no editing - not even cropping. I think I feel camera envy more than popularity envy, although I do try to reply to everyone who comments on my photos, even if it is just 'Thank you' because I am so grateful to everyone who takes the time to comment and view my work. :)
i seem to have a fair few following me but to be hoest i have no idea why !! LOL !
1) Errm , to be honest ive not tried to get noticed as such , i commented on loads of peoples work along the way so i guess thats helped , i try to participate in discussions too.
2) Errmmmm again i dont really try to keep people interested as such im just out to have some fun and do something i can be proud of , in short im doing 365 for me , but if people like what i do well , thats just awesome !!! hehe :)
3) No i dont really feel popularity angst as there are so many wonderful photographers out there :) Im a bit shocked that i have as many followers as i do , im still megga shocked if anything goes to the recently popular page too ! In short im just a mum who takes photos , nothing more , this site has so many lovely people and so so many have raised my confidence levels , for that i thank them ! I try hard to comment back but as a busy mum of 3 its not always easy :(
My advice is Comment , follow and take part in discussions :)
I've been here longer than my photo count shows. I've missed about a month+ worth of photos out of pure laziness.
1) I don't have a big following. But the people I do have appear to be organic. They aren't from trolling for followers. Its people that, over time, I have either come to interact with, or have seen a photo and liked it enough to follow.
2) The only person that I try to keep interested is me.
3) Actually, I grow tired of the popular page and the threads about it. I realize its nice to make it. But it comes up all the time. Once a new group of people join, all they want to know is "how is it decided" and things like that. And some of the people make it all the time. Thats fine. I'm not worried what they are doing. I have enough trouble keeping up with the people I follow (again, I said I was lazy. :P) As for checking the PP. Sure. There are some great things up there. The unexpected ones are usually the most creative. Love seeing those.
@flamez - Best advice. Comment, and participate. Its kind of like life.
@flamez - The reason you have a lot of followers is because you take awesome photos (really, they are!) - and you comment lots on things. This is the best advice really, and is continuously being repeated on the discussion boards when people (newbies mostly.. not that I can really say that, I am one myself :P) ask 'How do I get followers?' or 'How can I get critique on my photos?' although you can tag 'critique-me' or whatever the only real answer that comes back time and again is simply to participate in the competition and the discussions and to leave comments on other people's work. That way they will comment on yours and, if they like it, they will follow you.
I have been doing this for such a short time and I didn't do it for the following or acknowledgment but for the fun of it and that is exactly what it gives me.
Every day I get someone else following me, invariably I go and check their album and if I like their pics, even just one of them I will follow them too. I look at discussions and if I can contribute I do...
I think the more people you have following you the harder it is to get noticed and get on the popular page as the formula to get you there involves (among other things) how many people "fav" your picture compared to your following I think...
I have never once felt envy, only inspired, I spend way too many hours trawling photos, every page, all the ones I follow, so much to see.
My advice is to just get involved and enjoy it for what it is, a group of like minded people sharing art.
1.
People noticed me,welcomed me into this community,wich was a start of a bond with them.I started to browse around and give feedback,and received feedback as a result.I was constantly trying to be better,to evolve,I still do so.But still,if you want friends/feedback,you gotta browse around and give some feedback.
2.
It`s allmost like socialising.You gradually manage to get followers,and some of stick with you and look forward to my shots,just as I look forward to see the photos of the ones I follow.
1. How did you get yourself noticed in the first place?
I made (and still try to make, when I have the time) the effort to learn new things and post something worth looking at. Of course, it helps to look around and appreciate others' work too.
2. How did you keep people interested in your photos?
Haha, I gain AND drop handfuls of followers each day. But then I've also met some really great people who will comment not because there's anything worthwhile about the photo, but because they want to check on how I'm doing and that means so much more to me. But I do appreciate all feedback :)
3. Did you ever feel popularity angst, and how did you get past it?
Nope - that's not in my nature. When I started out, I was in awe of everything I saw here, but I didn't sign up to learn anything or to have people notice me... it seemed like a fun thing to try but eventually, my interest in the skill behind a good photo developed and now I make a little more effort.
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2) now you are asking,If I knew what everyone wanted to see I would be selling my work and making a fortune all I can do is take pictures that make me think "wow, thats a good one" If I like a photo then law of averages says that someone else is bound to, I think if you start taking photos to please others then you are in trouble, people will either love your work or they wont. personally I try to be as interesting as I can be and push myself to create better shots (may be hard going by day 300 or so :))
3) No I have not come across any popularity angst, at least no one has expressed it to me, I try to be nice and polite and as helpful as I can be on here and I dont go around saying "I'm the best" or anything like that so I dont really see any reason why people would react that way to me, in the end though I dont worry about that kind of thing, life is too short, If my photos give other people some happiness inspiration or contemplation then I am quite happy with that.
But I must say... try not to feel any "angst" and remember this is a project for YOU. Have fun and do it the way you want to. =)
2. Me personally, I am taking shots for myself not for others. I need an outlet for my creativity. Also, I need to learn my camera inside and out to better myself in my wedding photography. Then I am inspired by others and want to try their techniques. I don't ever take a photograph for someone else, really. It's all to document the things my son does, or to work on my macro, or to try something out of the box and creative, or to try a technique that intrigues me. Or to be artistic.
3. I had popularity angst when I first started here. I wondered how in the world people got on the popular page when some weren't viewed as many times as others. I wondered how that was fair. I also saw the same people getting chosen for the top 5 repetitively and that made me a bit envious and wondering if it was just about being "popular" like you've said. The way I got past that is I stopped being jealous of those people's work and I friended them. I asked them questions. I soaked them up like a sponge and I learned from them. And come to find out, they were all wonderful people and I ended up really liking them and liking following their lives.
2. I keep people interested because I pay attention to the kind of pictures on here that get attention. Sometimes it's random, but there are certain kinds of shots that seem to get the most attention. Once again, I also just comment and follow others like crazy hoping they will still remember that I'm around every once and a while.
3. When I first started this project, I had popularity angst on a constant basis! Eventually, I figured this project is a project for me and while it's nice to have followers, it's not the greatest thing in the world. At the end of the day, if I take a picture that truly speaks to me and my life, I've done my job for that day and that should be enough.
I'm not looking for a medal, trophy, etc.
This is merely a photojournal for me, nothing less. Those that know me know that it is a Soap Opera at times.
I don't care about much else.
That's just me. For everyone else, I hope that their hard work and passion gets recognized and the accolades that come with it! There is some great stuff here. I kinda stay out of the way but enjoy being a part of the community immensely.
As far as popular angst, that's ridiculous. I hope people honestly don't feel that way because this website is all about having fun and just taking some pics of your life. The people who have lots of followers (@filo13, @vikdaddy @amyhughes are a few that come to mind) have awesome pictures that are so unique and interesting. I think that is what helps get followers because it leaves you wondering what they will do next. Just like anything else, it takes work to get noticed. Do what everyone above suggested and you will get more followers.
2.No idea how to keep people interested and really that isn't my aim. Its my project and the only person who has to be happy with my photos is me. I've had many photos with minimal views and no comments and others with quite a few of both and I've made the popular page twice but have no idea why.
3. I did in the beginning and often thought the way the popular page recipients were chosen wasn't fair but now much as I'd like to be more popular I have nothing against those who are. Although there is ample opportunity to make friends, learn stuff and check out loads of amazing photos on here (and that can only be a good thing), this project is for yourself and in years to come its only going to be your own work you will be looking back on.
I started posting because a friend asked me to do this with her.
Following/Followers. I tend to pick people to follow because they live somewhere I have yet to visit. I also try to follow the people who follow me because I like to return compliments when given a chance.
How do I keep people interested in my photos, I will answer after the popular angst.
How to deal with the popular angst. Well for a short time I was pretty sure that the photos I was most proud of were a bit better than some on the popular page or were at least mine, but that is another discussion thread. I was frustrated and trying to take photos that would get me to that page and was not getting comments on the ones I liked best. What got me over that was my friends who asked if they could make prints of some of my photos (I link it to my facebook page) or two people who took MY photos for their profiles. I realized that at first compliments from strangers were great, but your friends incorporating your photos was what really mattered.
Okay, once I got over the popularity angst, I said to myself, that this is a project for me, and all I need to do is let go of the "craft" and chore of it and start to have some fun. I no longer really care if someone loves or hates my photo, as long as I am proud and it makes me happy.
I also see that one person will take a photo (fizzy bubbles, water drops, hearts) and 20% of people jump on that band wagon. I think I am going to try and not jump up on what everyone else is doing and work on pushing my boundaries of photography and hopefully come up with a more defined style.
Try not to get all caught up in the stuff that takes the fun out of the project. Day one on here was literally my first day with a camera...it has changed my life and i am forever grateful for it. I feel like I have made friends with people all over the globe. How amazing is that...
I just try to soak up whatever my mini mind can take and I took a photo class to try to learn about fstops shutter speeds, etc. note the tried to learn, it was like a foreign language to me. it still is. Anyhow.. just relax, create your art and enjoy!!!! It is an amazing journey.
We are all here for different reasons.. but the one thing we ALL have in common is a love for photography... That should be our focus, and if someone is more popular than someone else, the who gives a fat rats...
A t the end of the day, I ask myself ... did it effect my life in anyway today because someone got on the pop page and I didnt,??? Everyday I can honestly answer NO.... it did not... and if one day I get the point where I am answering yes, then I need to take a damn hard look at myself and kick myself in the arse and get over it...
One can not be responsible for being popular, if people enjoy someones work, then they enjoy their work.. If someone else resents that person because they have a large following , then they need to maybe start to network themselves, be a bit more charming, and maybe stop being so jealous.. ..
And yes my post is a direct result of a situation that happened just recently to someone on this site, and I felt that the person who made some really nasty comments was way out of line.
Anyway. How to get over the pop angst? strop trying to get on the pop page and do the project for you... Just my humble opinion.
So much love for so much wisdom! This really is the nicest community I've ever seen online.
I mostly hoped, in starting this discussion, to draw attention to something I see as a problem, and to help those who feel any popularity angst to overcome it and move on productively. I think you guys have definitely made that a possibility! I know I feel helped by your comments, even though my feelings of angst are pretty rare and always silent. This really is a project we do for ourselves, first and foremost, whether we look for affirmation or seek to increase our photography skills (or both!). I think remembering that point is invaluable, so thanks for putting it forward and reminding me (and hopefully others).
I'm also a big fan of the idea of taking genuine interest in the people you're following. I think that's what makes this community so warm. I've generally tried to reply to comments I get, but I'm not sure I give out enough, and these things have to go both ways! But the comments I've received have always been kind and/or helpful, and I'm defs gonna try to make mine the same.
Starsky, love your comment about creativity. That's definitely what it's all about, and I hope you always feel free to express it. Definitely like your comment about soaking up people's wisdom like a sponge, too! Paula, kudos for not jumping on bandwagons! That's how the best styles are made. Mimo, yeah the intimacy of seeing other people's worlds and getting to know them through their photos is great! I'm loving it too. Kathy, thanks for all the comments! I'm glad you like some of my shots, and I'll be sure to check yours out too. Nikkers, yeah I saw that too. Definitely not cool. I'm thankful that most of this community isn't like that, and I sincerely hope it stays that way. To all, thanks :o)
and I agree with you about most of the people here , being genuinely really nice caring people... :)
1) I got noticed by starting with a theme for the whole year, and (so far) sticking to it.. and also by starting discussion threads and commenting on other threads and also on other people's photos. The other way I got noticed is by writing descriptions. They are as much a part of my work as the photos themselves, and I think there are quite a few people who really enjoy reading the background stories I come up with for my pictures (at least I hope so!).
2) I wish I knew the answer to that.. I think though that it is not to get stuck in a rut by taking the same/similar photos every day. Because of my theme it is easy to get into taking similar type photos over and over.. so I try to vary it; some shots are 'set up' at home, some are outside, some are just sudden ideas I have whilst I am doing something something else.. some are funny, some are cute, some are thoughtful, some (I hope) are maybe even slightly decent photographs, rather than just being a bit silly. I think the answer is to keep it varied - not everyone will like everything you do, but that way there should be something they will all like.
3) In my first month I got at least 10 new followers every day.. which was astonishing to say the least! I didn't realise so many people would want to see photos of a rubber duck every day.. and I get so many fantastic comments and positive feedback it is a real confidence boost for me, especially since I take all of my photos on my phone and I do absolutely no editing - not even cropping. I think I feel camera envy more than popularity envy, although I do try to reply to everyone who comments on my photos, even if it is just 'Thank you' because I am so grateful to everyone who takes the time to comment and view my work. :)
i seem to have a fair few following me but to be hoest i have no idea why !! LOL !
1) Errm , to be honest ive not tried to get noticed as such , i commented on loads of peoples work along the way so i guess thats helped , i try to participate in discussions too.
2) Errmmmm again i dont really try to keep people interested as such im just out to have some fun and do something i can be proud of , in short im doing 365 for me , but if people like what i do well , thats just awesome !!! hehe :)
3) No i dont really feel popularity angst as there are so many wonderful photographers out there :) Im a bit shocked that i have as many followers as i do , im still megga shocked if anything goes to the recently popular page too ! In short im just a mum who takes photos , nothing more , this site has so many lovely people and so so many have raised my confidence levels , for that i thank them ! I try hard to comment back but as a busy mum of 3 its not always easy :(
My advice is Comment , follow and take part in discussions :)
I've been here longer than my photo count shows. I've missed about a month+ worth of photos out of pure laziness.
1) I don't have a big following. But the people I do have appear to be organic. They aren't from trolling for followers. Its people that, over time, I have either come to interact with, or have seen a photo and liked it enough to follow.
2) The only person that I try to keep interested is me.
3) Actually, I grow tired of the popular page and the threads about it. I realize its nice to make it. But it comes up all the time. Once a new group of people join, all they want to know is "how is it decided" and things like that. And some of the people make it all the time. Thats fine. I'm not worried what they are doing. I have enough trouble keeping up with the people I follow (again, I said I was lazy. :P) As for checking the PP. Sure. There are some great things up there. The unexpected ones are usually the most creative. Love seeing those.
@flamez - Best advice. Comment, and participate. Its kind of like life.
I have been doing this for such a short time and I didn't do it for the following or acknowledgment but for the fun of it and that is exactly what it gives me.
Every day I get someone else following me, invariably I go and check their album and if I like their pics, even just one of them I will follow them too. I look at discussions and if I can contribute I do...
I think the more people you have following you the harder it is to get noticed and get on the popular page as the formula to get you there involves (among other things) how many people "fav" your picture compared to your following I think...
I have never once felt envy, only inspired, I spend way too many hours trawling photos, every page, all the ones I follow, so much to see.
My advice is to just get involved and enjoy it for what it is, a group of like minded people sharing art.
People noticed me,welcomed me into this community,wich was a start of a bond with them.I started to browse around and give feedback,and received feedback as a result.I was constantly trying to be better,to evolve,I still do so.But still,if you want friends/feedback,you gotta browse around and give some feedback.
2.
It`s allmost like socialising.You gradually manage to get followers,and some of stick with you and look forward to my shots,just as I look forward to see the photos of the ones I follow.
3.
No.
I made (and still try to make, when I have the time) the effort to learn new things and post something worth looking at. Of course, it helps to look around and appreciate others' work too.
2. How did you keep people interested in your photos?
Haha, I gain AND drop handfuls of followers each day. But then I've also met some really great people who will comment not because there's anything worthwhile about the photo, but because they want to check on how I'm doing and that means so much more to me. But I do appreciate all feedback :)
3. Did you ever feel popularity angst, and how did you get past it?
Nope - that's not in my nature. When I started out, I was in awe of everything I saw here, but I didn't sign up to learn anything or to have people notice me... it seemed like a fun thing to try but eventually, my interest in the skill behind a good photo developed and now I make a little more effort.