Photographers BEWARE | Top Creator Reveals the Ugly Side!

Hi, we’re Vanessa and Rob. Social media is a powerful tool for photographers, but let’s be honest—it can also be draining, frustrating, and even toxic at times. From unfair reviews to industry drama and shifting trends, navigating the online world isn’t always easy.

This blog is for photographers who feel weighed down by online negativity and want strategies for handling it with grace.

When Reviews Cross the Line

Not long ago, a photographer we know received a one-star review. The kicker? The reviewer never even booked her. They didn’t like her pricing and decided to attack her business.

That kind of thing cuts deep because small, creative businesses are especially vulnerable. Reviews feel personal when you pour so much into your work. The big question becomes: do you defend yourself or let it go?

Our approach: defend your reputation when necessary, but sometimes silence is the best response. Not every battle is worth fighting.

Social Media Drama and “Co-Tailing”

If you’ve ever been in a Facebook group, you know how quickly conversations can spiral. You share a simple thought—like “the sky is blue”—and someone jumps in to argue. It’s exhausting.

Then there’s what we call “co-tailing,” when creators use someone else’s name or work just to get attention. Once, someone made a whole rebuttal video about one of Vanessa’s articles, twisting her words just to chase clicks. That kind of drama doesn’t help anyone.

Our advice? Stay out of the noise and focus on creating value for your own audience.

Gender Dynamics in Photography

The photography industry has shifted a lot. Where it used to be male-dominated, it’s now full of women running incredible businesses—which we love.

But with that shift comes new challenges. Female photographers often face harsher criticism, especially around pricing. Think about it: nobody complains when a luxury car company charges premium rates. But when a woman running her own photography business sets high-end pricing, suddenly it’s controversial.

It’s unfair, but it’s also proof that this conversation needs to be had.

Trends Without Losing Yourself

Trends can be fun, and yes, they can help you grow your audience. Vanessa uses them strategically. But too often we see people copying trends without originality, just to fit in.

We also think about the bigger picture—like what this culture means for our kids. Will they feel pressure to create content just to be social? That’s a tough reality we’ll all have to navigate.

Leading With Grace

At the end of the day, the best way forward is with grace. We’ve both felt the sting of criticism and negativity, but we also know perfection isn’t real. Everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting out.

So here’s our challenge to you:

• Respond when you need to.

• Ignore the haters when you can.

• Lead with empathy.

• And don’t be afraid to step away from social media sometimes. It’s good for the soul.

We’d love to hear your take. How do you handle the tough side of social media? Share your thoughts in the comments on the YouTube video!