Using Instagram as a Portfolio? Listen to this.

As photographers, it can feel natural to use Instagram as a portfolio—posting your most recent work with simple captions like “Loved this session!” or “Isn’t she gorgeous?” But if you’ve been doing that consistently and wondering why you’re not booking clients, there’s a reason: Instagram isn’t meant to be your portfolio.

In this episode of Take It Personally, I’m sharing why using Instagram only to showcase your work keeps you from connecting with your ideal clients and booking sessions. I’m also showing how to shift from treating your feed like a gallery to creating an engaging brand experience—one that builds trust, answers client questions before they ever inquire, and ultimately gets you booked.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated that posting pretty photos isn’t leading to results, this episode will give you a clear strategy to change that.

2:00 The viral Threads post that sparked this conversation
4:15 Why using Instagram like a portfolio keeps photographers stuck
6:50 The difference between good photos and strategic content
10:30 How evergreen content builds trust before clients inquire
13:45 Examples of strategic posts that connect with clients
20:30 The power of sharing your own stories and struggles
23:00 Why confidence is the thread connecting photographers and clients
28:15 How successful brands use storytelling and creativity, not just products

Plus, I’m sharing more about my brand new 21-Day Instagram Challenge happening inside a private IG chat starting September 1st—simple, daily prompts that help you stay consistent and get visible so you can get more inquiries from IG.

👉 DM me “challenge” on Instagram @maddiepeschong to join us!

Links & Resources:

comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maddie Peschong:

If I’m giving you my elevator pitch, I’m a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, brand photographer, studio owner, and educator for creative women.

Charge your Airpods. This is gonna be good.

THE SECRET TO LANDING CLIENTS WHO ELEVATE YOUR PORTFOLIO AND ATTRACT MORE CLIENTS

#164

YOU DON'T NEED A BIGGER AUDIENCE TO SELL BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY

#151

TWO SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOK MORE BRAND PHOTOGRAPHY CLIENTS

#149

Take It Personally:
A podcast about the personal
Side of business.

AIRPODS IN, LET'S GO

trending episodes

Take It Personally:
A podcast about the personal side of business.

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Join the biweekly email that inspires thousands how to build their own personal brand. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a corporate maven, or simply a human, these emails are quick and actionable for anyone wanting to confidently make their mark.

Build a personal brand in five minutes or less.

GET THE EMAILS

Tips, BTS, and plants -

on the gram

@maddiepeschong

Tips, BTS, and plants -

on the gram

@maddiepeschong

CLOSE MENU

For Photographers

For Brands

Ultimate Personal Brand Shot List

11 must-have photos that will get your clients singing your praises and referring more biz your way.

→ Get the free shot list

Shot List Freebie

About

The Shop

The Blog

Contact

The Podcast

Take It Personally is about the personal side of business (because there is no other side)

→ airpods in and go

Home

@maddiepeschong

→ BTS Course
→ 1:1 COACHING
→ Rebrand
→ Free Resources
→ Personal Brands
→ Headshots
→ Commercial
→ Personal Brands
→ Headshots
→ Commercial
→ BTS Course
→ 1:1 COACHING
→ Rebrand