📢 Why I’m Absolutely Rubbish at Social Media (But I’m Trying, Okay?)
So, some of you may have noticed something shocking: I posted this week.
I know, I know. Truly groundbreaking stuff. My Instagram has been an inconsistent wasteland for years, but here I am, attempting to change that. This year, I’m actually making an effort to market myself—because, you know, after eight years as a freelancer, maybe it’s time.
Word of mouth has been good to me, but a little brand consistency wouldn’t hurt. The irony? I film for a living, yet creating content for myself feels impossible. Social media is supposedly essential for freelancers. I know camera ops who post consistently, and it’s their main source of clients. Me? I’ve maybe booked two jobs via Instagram in eight years. So, in the spirit of self-reflection (and maybe some self-soothing), here’s why I’ve been absolute rubbish at social media.
1. I Forget Social Media Exists
When I’m prepping for a shoot, my brain is in full-on focus mode. Shot lists, gear checks, making sure everything runs smoothly—my mental energy is locked in. And then suddenly, oops, I forgot to post anything about it.
This also happens during shoots. I should be taking behind-the-scenes photos, but somehow, between setting up, the productions running late, and grabbing a too-short lunch break, it just…doesn’t happen. And by the time I remember? The algorithm has already moved on. (Not that I follow trends anyway, but still.)
Also, I don’t use social media much in my personal life. I’ve got an addictive personality, so I’ve cut back massively—for the sake of my own sanity. The downside? I forget it exists.
2. NDAs Are My Nemesis
A huge chunk of my best work? I can’t share it.
Strict NDAs, production rules—if you know, you know. Even when there isn’t a signed contract, I hesitate: Can I post this? Talks to producer. Still nope.
And even when I can share? I have to wait for the client to release it first, which means by the time I get the green light, I’ve mentally moved on. That footage or photos? Now buried in Hard Drive #370, never to be seen again.
Some freelancers find ways to vaguely hint at projects without breaking NDAs. I, however, am a good boy. No vague teasing. No cryptic “big things coming” posts. Just silent suffering.
3. Overthinking Every. Single. Post.
Is this even good enough?
That’s the question that plagues me every time I go to post. Perfectionism is great for being a DP—you catch the smallest details. But for social media? Sometimes, you just need to post something and move on.
I even bought a separate camera (an A7 IV) just for behind-the-scenes content, thinking this will solve my problem! Guess how many times I used it? Four. So I sold it.
Turns out, iPhone photos are fine. I know this. I just don’t act on it.
4. Self-Promotion Feels Cringe to Me.
I know I should showcase my best work, but something about saying, “Hey, look at this cool thing I did!” makes me want to evaporate into the void. There’s a fine line between marketing and sounding desperate, and I have no idea where that line is.
What even is a natural-sounding call to action? “Uh, hire me, I guess?”
Despite my complete lack of social media strategy, I’ve built a solid career and a good life—I just hate the part where I have to say, Look at me! I’m great! It makes my skin crawl. But clearly, people keep hiring me, so I must be doing something right.
5. Social media is relentless
Instagram demands instant posting. I prefer to sit on things and tweak them endlessly. The algorithm wants multiple posts per day—meanwhile, I’m out here struggling to post once per year.
My core focus is production. That’s where my energy goes. Social media? It just feels like another thing to manage, and honestly, it’s exhausting.
So… Is There Hope?
Maybe? This year, I’m trying to be more consistent. But I’m also considering embracing my inconsistency and just letting my work speak for itself.
Either way, if you do see me posting, just know it was an incredible mental battle. And if this blog post resonated with you… well, congratulations, you’ve just witnessed a rare moment of social media effort.
🎥 Oh, and uh… hire me? (Is that how this works?)