Twitter seems to be taking over the world (and by “seems to be,” I’m sure I mean, “totally already has”) and the realm of photography is no exception. My husband calls twitter “the stupid that stuck,” and I’m utterly amazed that something so remarkably stupid could be so perfectly AMAZING on every count. I wish every day that I invented it. Unfortunately, I’m too smart to come up with something so stupid (read: awesome beyond all reason).
Here are 5 reasons/ways to jump on the stupid wagon (of all awesomeness) and use twitter to increase your photography knowledge:
1. Twitter: the mirco-forum
Interesting twitter discussions can be reminiscent of a casual (and perhaps more easily accessible) online forum. Create a twitter buzz in your online photography forums of choice by dropping your twitter name in forum discussions (don’t be obnoxious) and by inviting others to do the same. Cross follow, and then you can take the formality of a forum (or flickr) over to the self appointed micro forum that is twitter!
You’ll quickly find yourself led to other budding tweetographers and you’ll soon find yourself learning and SHARING information like it’s going out of style! Give, give, give. Share, share, share and you’ll find that others will quickly join in kind.
It’s easy to get people to join in, or expand the breadth of, discussions via twitter (and a side benefit of this is the extra followers you’ll gain through all the @replies!).
2. Twitter: the microjournal
Twitter is also a wonderful way to track your progress.
Tweet pictures and ask your followers for constructive critiques on them.
Also, link to articles you’re reading (or better yet, have written).
Use a service like backupmytweets.com to protect your tweets and then refer back to them to see how far you’ve come!
3. The Tweetup
Network with other local photographers. Find one online, and you’ll soon be led to more.
Organize tweetups where you and other local tweetographers can organize shoots or simply go out for drinks together and talk shop.
Side note: Local twitter friends are worth their weight in gold. Aside from becoming dear, dear friends, mine have more than once bailed me out of a gear related bind, or provided last minute assistance on a complicated shoot.
4. Twitter: the professional network
Follow professional tweetographers (again, find one and you’ll quickly be led to more).
The professional realm is in large part a tight knit community, and many photographers share tips and tricks (their own and eachother’s) via twitter. Even more link to interesting industry articles, giveaways, how to’s and etc. There is an abundant wealth of knowledge for the novice or budding pro. It’s also a great way (probably THE BEST resource of all) to learn about upcoming photography workshops in your area.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your craft using @ replies. You won’t always get a response, but often times you will!
5. Live and die by the retweet
Though this post is not a discussion on the art of drumming up followers on twitter, I will say this:
Retweet pertinent information and tweet information that is retweetable. Become best friends with tinyurl.com and share useful information. Because it makes you cool. And because it drums up your following (read: educational network).
For more information on increasing your twitter following, there are excellent articles on the web including this one by Kevin Rose for Tech Smart.
If you found this article useful, you can follow me on twitter at twitter.com/natalienorton and of course Digital Photography School at twitter.com/digitalps.
Happy Tweeting!
Post from: Digital Photography School
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