I'm a photographer who loves taking pictures, but I hate talking about myself.**

I know. It's kind of a weird contradiction. I love creating art with my camera, but I get really uncomfortable when I have to talk about my work. I feel like I'm bragging, or like I'm coming across as arrogant.

But I also know that self-promotion is important for any photographer/artist who wants their work to be seen by a larger audience.

So I'm trying to find ways to promote myself without feeling like I'm saying “me, me ,me”. Here are a few things I have identified as self-promotion without the cringe factor of talking about myself.

Sharing on social media is the most obvious and the most distant. I'm conscious of not writing too much blurb as social media is such a quick fix for images that no one really pauses to read a paragraph long description of the thoughts and feelings behind every photo. The technical side and the planning of the photo can be covered through my YouTube videos. This seems to be more natural and informative and less promoting.

This.. Writing about photography on my blog. When I share my thoughts on different photography techniques, trends, and challenges. I feel like I'm opening up about my thoughts on photography. Not just mine but other photographers as well.

One thing I have not done but see the benefit in is spending time with other photographers. Maybe doing some group get togethers like a photo-walk where you can get to know other photographers, learning from them and making friends.

I know I’m not the best at self-promotion, but I'm getting better at it and I'm learning to be more comfortable talking about my work. Using these above options to promote myself feels more natural and authentic to me.

If you're a photographer who hates self-promotion, I know how you feel. But I tell myself that self-promotion is not about bragging. It's about sharing your work with the world and letting people know what you have to offer. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there!