Pinterest and Instagram – I Need Some Help and Ideas

By Rob | Published July 25, 2012

Hey folks, I know I just posted an article last night about the X-Pro1 but I need your help/opinions/insights/thoughts/advice/suggestions… and so on.

I’m trying to figure out how I should be using both Pinterest and Instagram. I think I have a grip on how to use Pinterest but Instagram, although entertaining, eludes me as to an effective use of it.

So, how do you use Pinterest and Instragram, why do you use them, and are you finding value in using them? Please leave a comment (no, I am NOT comment-whoring) and let me know – I am really wanting to figure out how, or if, to use these and I’d love to get your input. Also, any suggestions you have for what I’ve done so far will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

BTW, here is what I have for both (links open in a new window):

Find me on Instagram under rdomphoto

 

Rob Domaschuk, a professional photographer and educator, is not only the guy behind ShootHybrid.com but also one of the owners of the Chicagoland Digital Photography Meetup Group (one of the largest Meetup groups in the country) and one of the co-hosts on the semi-weekly podcast, Polarizing Images.

Domaschuk has quickly taken hold of the new hybrid imaging era in photography and, drawing upon almost 15 years of corporate training experience, he is now focusing his photo education efforts on helping both the amateur and professional photographer develop their skills in this new area of photography.
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  • http://www.jeremyharris.com Jeremy Harris

    Hi Rob,

    Why do you want to use either? Because it’s expected? Or because you want to? I for one am growing tired of every new fangled “social networking” app that I feel I have to use because everyone else is.

    As for your questions: Pinterest is on online cork board. A place to post photos in little categories for people to see and share. I use it mostly as a place to keep ideas for shoots and new tattoos. I do have a collection of photos of my favorite cameras and junk I find that I like and want to someday purchase.
    As for Instagram: it’s just another photo sharing app. It has a variety of filters you can run a photo through (for that old timey look), and allows you to share with others on it’s own platform or on Facebook, Twitter, etc. You can also order prints of your photos, which is cool.

    I don’t find much value in either. They’re just fun.

    Hope that helps.

    -JH

  • http://www.domaschuk.com Rob

    Thanks for the answer, Jeremy.

    Truth be told, I don’t necessarily want to use either but potential clients are using them and I wonder if/how I can use these two services (particularly because they are visual-based) to reach them. And that’s the point of seeking the insights of people – to see if it can be such a tool or not.

    Pinterest is starting to make a bit more sense to me and your comment on it being a “cork board” is absolutely true. For Windy City Boudoir (the boudoir studio that my biz partner and I run), I think it can be an effective way to communicate ideas and clothing suggestions, etc. to help build excitement among our potential clients. For Polarizing Images (our podcast), I’ve been thinking about trying out a Twitter Chat and using Pinterest as a way to summarize the discussions.

    Instagram, on the other hand, does just seem to be an entertainment kind of thing.

    Thanks again, Jeremy!

  • http://www.contextualcorp.com Ken Wasetis

    Hi Rob,

    I haven’t personally used them much yet, but one of our clients – Chicago History Museum – made great use of Pinterest, I think: http://pinterest.com/chicagomuseum/

    Of course, it helps to have such great photo archives as they do.

    At an even more local level, Pinterest seems to be really popular with the mothers in our social network who like to share recipes, project instructions for helping kids make things at home, etc.

    And a HS friend/photographer I know seems to be using Instagram more as an easy way to quick show teasers of shoots she’s on. Maybe that will help with interest in your biz as well.

    Cheers!
    Ken

    • http://www.domaschuk.com Rob

      Thanks Ken! I think I am starting to get some personal direction to use with Pinterest. Although I wish I could write a bit more text than it allows (although I tend to be verbose so maybe that’s a good thing that I’m limited), A “product” review board makes a lot of sense (especially with Christmas coming up).

      Lots to think about!

  • Donna Lee

    Hi Rob, As an engineer, I find pinterest quick and to the point .It has been effective for me to have several subjects, and others w/similar interests trade info. for example a new style camera sling strap was demonstrated on all the various uses by another professional photographer. We trade info quickly and efficiently. It also is a spring board of two of of my concentrations: photography and NativeLandscape Restoration. Native landscape design to large areas of Resortation. The photo documentation one is Native area restoration :the process itself. Plus, areas of open to use i.e. hikiing, scouts, youth education documentation, needed for investors, or nonprofits grant proposals , government boards and fundraising. I have Native plant(areas,or gardens) design/ large site Restoration expertise. People want to learn how to do both of them them. tips and tutorials no wading thru bunch of adds and postings. then can go direct to your website. Targeted networking .Those learning from each other for different or even similar purposes. Like years ago a relative of mine got honest help from one of the main Producers of Wild Kingdom. The WK gentleman that said Chicago used to be in the realm of people helping others in business I agree w/JH only use a social network if it works for your goals. I prefer to be helping others, be out shooting for the Resoration/Sustainablity customers or getting paid for a begining/advanced yard, townhouse front ,porch, rooftop native plant design class. Not sitting at a computer. Being native the drought only affected my downspout planting area, nothing died just not as dense foliage.Low maintenence, High Beauty . And I can photograph amazing butterflies, birds, hawks without leaving my small yard.
    hope that helps,Donna

    • http://www.domaschuk.com Rob

      Thank you Donna – that WAS really helpful. For those of us who work in a visual environment, I think Pinterest has a lot of value since it is such a visual platform. What I am still figuring out now is how *I* should use it. But the more I use it, the more ideas that come to mind.

      Again, thanks for replying with such a thoughtful response.

  • http://rsmithing.com Richard Smith

    Hi Rob. I came to your post via Triberr. I’m curious – do you use any other photo networks like Flickr? It’s an easy leap to Pinterest from there if that’s something that might work for you. I did a post on exactly how to do that here: Link Instagram and Pinterest with Flickr. Let me know if this is helpful.

    • http://www.domaschuk.com Rob

      Thanks Richard! Our podcast, Polarizing Images, has a Flickr group and I am just starting to use Instagram.

      We have a boudoir photography business as well, and I’ve been using Pinterest to create boards to help clients get inspired with wardrobe, settings/environment, shoes, etc.

      But, other than that, I’ve been using this website (which I am rebuilding the gallery for) instead of Flickr or other galleries. But I am going to read your post right now to see if it would be something for me.

      Thanks for replying!