Why I'm Quitting Instagram


I’m tired. Oh I’m so tired. You might feel it too? It’s hard to put a finger on what it is about Instagram that is draining me. I still get some great engagement, I’ve had a couple of viral reels, my account following has grown exponentially. I still see some of what my friends post, although I know I’m probably missing so much with the algorithm. I still see things that pique my interest and inspire me in new ways. And yet, when I leave the app, I feel tired. 


I don’t want to be in a constant feeling of competition. Competition to be seen and heard, when the noise all around is SO loud. I’m constantly being overwhelmed with noise in my home. My children are young and there’s always something going on, something to be excited or upset about. I LOVE these days, but sometimes I just need my noise canceling earplugs. Instagram is like that. I LOVE the platform, and yet the urge to silence it keeps popping up. 


So I’m going to listen. I’m going to take a break. 


And it scares me. 


If I want to be really honest with myself, my business has been built with Instagram. Randomly finding film photographers nearly 10 years ago on the app was my gateway to my current medium. I fell in love with film, learned film, met other photographers, grew relationships, made new connections, gained clients, learned new techniques, all through the realm of Instagram. And the question of can I continue to grow a business without it scares the crap out of me, if I’m being really honest. What connections will I miss? Will I miss a dm that could be a new business opportunity? Will anyone even see my work if I don’t post my little squares?


These are questions I do not have the answer for and the only way I will find out is to try it. 


So I’m going to listen. I’m going to take a break.Not immediately, I have some obligations to sponsors for my retreat this weekend that I’m committed to following through on, but after that, @everydayinfilm is logging off. It’s so close I can taste it. 


And it excites me. 


I’ll be updating my website regularly, writing more blog posts, not just ones showcasing my photography sessions, but blog posts with more personal work, long format writing, things that are exciting me, processes I’m working on, etc. Much like my F I V E  T H I N G S newsletter, the blog posts will go beyond photography and include music, books, fashion, travel and more. I will probably send out more emails, or maybe not. We’ll see, to be honest. This will be a bit of an experiment, trying different things and seeing what feels right. 


If you’ve made it this far, thanks for being here and I hope to see you around.


XX-S