Photographers are utilizing social networks now more than ever.  (Insert definition of "bandwagon...")

That is not to say they are using them well. 

Transparency seems to be a recurring theme these days.  People want to be able to discover everything about you / your studio / your DNA etc.  With regards to your clients - transparency has no place.

Time and time again I am seeing photographers using platforms like Twitter as a bull horn to laud the clients they have in-studio that day.  This leaves two audiences "miffed:"

-Your client.  9 times our of 10 you are not the only studio bidding / vying for a given project.  Don't put your client in the awkward position of having to explain to the another studio why they chose YOUR studio over your competitors. Let your client be the one to sing your praises on the their Facebook Wall.

-Your competitors.  Even studios that you have long-standing relationships with are still your competition.  Those in your market can and will use your bragging as excellent intelligence as to who is shooting what and where.  I do this.  Daily.  Don't make it so easy.

Photographers love talking about themselves.  I get it.  Use this propensity to share info that personalizes your studio and sets you apart in current and potential clients' minds for all positive reasons. 

Examples that I use in marketing my photographers:

-Take pictures of the production and crew.  This gives curious followers a chance to see you / your studio in action while still maintaining a certain amount of discretion. 

-Share interesting stories or challenges from the shoot.  NOTE:  Don't make yourself look dumb.  "I've never used this camera before.  I hope the client doesn't notice."  I can't make this stuff up folks.

To be clear - this has nothing to do with tweet volume.  If you would like to read more about that head over to Social Photo Talk.

 How are you using social media in your photography marketing?