5 Ways to Get More Instagram Followers
We love sharing your photography at Dickerman Prints: especially on Instagram.
Every day, we feature a mix of photos from our community; and a behind-the-scenes look at the the inner-workings of a photo printing lab.
Just like you, we work hard to create a beautiful gallery of photography on Instagram. But, how do we get more Instagram followers and what are the secrets to running a successful feed?
That's what our in-house expert, Melisa Phillips, is here to talk about.
"I've been using Instagram and growing my following for the past several years.
Over that time, many friends have asked what steps they can take to improve their own following.
Based on those discussions, I have come up with these 5 Easy Ways to Increase Your Instagram Following."
1. Like more photos
The best way to spread good vibes & attract more likes to your own images is through liking other people's images.
Developing a habit of giving likes as you look at Instagram, can help you to gain more likes & followers to your work. It's as easy as double-tapping your smartphone while you scroll (you'll see a heart of the image when it works).
2. Follow more
Similar to #1, following more Instagram Users will usually increase how many people are following you. It’s not always a 1:1 ratio; but, the more you Follow, the more people will return the favor and follow you back.
3. Use #Hashtags
Hashtags are searchable terms you can add to your images; which allow other Instagram users to find your image. For example, an image of a rusty lock could have the hashtag #rust #lock #rustystuff - as well as many others.
Adding hashtags greatly increases your image's exposure on Instagram - by helping people to find your photo.
Helpful Tip: Be sure to include your hashtags as a comment on your own image. Only hashtags that you post will show up in a hashtag gallery search.
4. Niche, if you can
If you are so inclined to be a photographer of one certain thing - city doorways, architecture, flowers, cats, rust, cars, etc, - Instagram will reward you for this focus.
People like to know what to expect, and are more likely to follow you if they like your topic. My friend Emily Citraro quickly quadrupled her following when she dedicated her feed to flower photography.
That said, not all photographers want to shoot only one subject matter: myself included. But, if you can dedicate your feed, you will be rewarded with more Instagram followers.
5. Avoid Overposting
Posting a few images each day is OK. But, when it turns into dozens a day, many people will unfollow you for clogging up their feed with too many images.
The sweet spot seems to be 3-4 images a day. Be sure to pace them a few hours apart, if possible, to allow your audience time to enjoy each image: one at a time.
Got questions? We're here to help!
Using these 5 basic steps is a great starting point for increasing your Instagram following . Take them to heart; and you are sure to develop habits that encourage your popularity and expand how large of an audience you reach.
Want more Instagram info? Ask us anything in the comments section below.
Thanks for reading and happy Instagramming!
Be sure to follow Dickerman Prints on Instagram
Portraits of Jews in Wartime Amsterdam - Powerful, Captivating, Profound and Haunting
Dickerman Prints was honored to be selected to print a remarkable, historic exhibition which can be viewed at the Goethe Institut in San Francisco now through April 17, 2015. This is the premier exhibition of the work of photographer Annemie Wolff.
Judith Trijtel - 1943 Copyright: Monica Kaltenschnee
Lost Stories, Found Images
Violence, persecution, unrest and fear were the norm for Jews living in 1943 Amsterdam. Yellow Stars of David were to be worn at all times, and at any moment one could be arrested by the Gestapo and be sent to a Concentration Camp.
Yet, in the midst of chaos, photographer Annemie Wolff’s portrait sessions offered people a reason to get dressed up and smile: if only for a brief moment in time.
Six decades later, one hundred rolls of film were discovered in an attic; each roll containing profound portraits of Amsterdam’s Jewish population.
Perhaps the most haunting and captivating aspect of these photographs are the smiles and optimistic gazes that grace the faces of these people. Included are children, infants, and adults of all ages, many of them wearing that Yellow Star of David.
Little is known about the history of these portraits; which leaves us us to ponder the question of their purpose. Why, at such an incredibly tense time in the middle of a war, would people have pictures taken of themselves and their loved ones? Also, what did Wolff plan to do with the prints and why were the rolls untouched until now?
Some mysteries have been solved; the box of negatives include a register detailing the names of all of the subjects. Dutch researchers continue to trace the identity and fascinating stories of the individuals depicted. Most of the images in this show include captions which detail what is known of the histories of their subjects. While about half of the portrait subjects survived the war, these images represent the last trace of the many others who perished in the camps.
Hilde Jacobsthal - 1943 Copyright: Monica Kaltenschnee
Lost Stories, Found Images: Portraits of Jews in Wartime Amsterdam provides a means of learning, exploration, and creating a space to discuss our collective history, how it affects our current lives, and how we can pass it on to future generations. The compelling images provide an unforgettable experience for viewers to delve into the past, present, and future of the Jewish and human experience.
. . .
About the Printing of the Show
All the photographs exhibited in Lost Stories, Found Images: Portraits of Jews in Wartime Amsterdam were prepared and printed by Seth Dickerman.
As Seth wrote to Simon Kool, the show's Dutch curator,
“I am deeply moved to be involved in producing Annemie Wolff’s portraits. These images are truly great, completely heartbreaking and almost unbearably profound.”
Seth’s approach was to print this work as if he were printing it for Annemie herself.
“These portraits are beautifully made and wonderfully lit. They are also extremely professional. There can be no mystery as to how she would want them printed - which would likewise be professionally, and consistently - with fully detailed highlights, open shadows, and most importantly, to always work to help the subject look his or her very best.”
Seth feels grateful and fortunate to have the opportunity to print such powerful and moving work. Having printed work by both Vivian Meier and Annemie Wolff within the span of a year has been “a privilege.”
. . .
On Display through April 17, 2015
After months of work, we proudly invite you to experience Annemie’s work for yourself at Lost Stories, Found Images: Portraits of Jews in Wartime Amsterdam. The exhibition is supplemented by a number of activities, film screenings, and lectures.
Goethe Institut
530 Bush Street, ART Lounge
San Francisco, California
To learn more about the exhibition and attendant program, please visit JewishFed.org.
Annemie Wolff - Self Portrait Copyright: Monica Kaltenschnee
All photographs on this page are copyright: Monica Kaltenschnee