People always ask for a mentor, or you want to pay someone to help you take better photos. Some of us can’t pay that so I say follow them. Follow them on YouTube, follow them on Instagram, follow them on TikTok, etc. You can learn a lot by just following and watching. Don’t steal from them, but use what they do as a guide to help you get better. I am always curious on how others shoot, their style, how they post, composition, etc., so I follow them to learn and make it my own. I have them saved on my various channels, and I have learned a lot, so here is who I follow when I need to remember why I fell in love with photography.
These are in no particular order and will be a mix of YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
I did a post a while back on some of my favorite black youtubers. You can check that out here. So let’s talk YouTube first.
Jessica K – I’ve been watching her for a while. She makes me think outside the box.
Ben Johnson – More of the creative side of things he helps me with videos and stuff, which I need to learn more of.
John Branch – He is on the wedding side, but I still learn a lot from him.
Terry Lee – Look he has been in the game for years…..for years. I think he was one of the first people I watched.
Peter McKinnon – Always loved his approach to photography. He doesn’t post as often, but when he does, I’m watching.
Zac Watson – Quick and to the point. I have learned a lot from him
Let’s get into TikTok
Shalom – I thought he was AI at first, but he isn’t.
Syd – She was the first one that said F a niche be a photographer.
Angie – Again wedding but I can still learn a lot
Tiana – love how she poses
Ryne – Love the mix of videos and learning
Stretch Life – The goat of using the lights. I am almost tempted to join his classes and pay for them
Let’s do Instagram
Taylor – I love her style and I want to be like her when I grow up (although she is younger than me)
Gigi – Love her tips and lessons. You can learn a lot from this account
Michael – I saw him post some photos from my hometown, and I said wow
Ron – One word…..Luxury
Mecca – Posing queen
Tezza – I’ve read her book and I go back and forth on her app, meaning sometimes I’ll get it and sometimes I’ll delete it but her captures are good
Cyndi – My all-time favorite her photos are chef’s kiss
Bexx – I discovered her one day and I’ve been an avid stalker ever since
Mirko – Love the videos, and he gives step-by-step tutorials
My Instagram list is a little longer because I spend the most time on there browsing and learning. TikTok is great but it’s a timesuck for me I don’t know I feel like I can get on insta get what I need and get off but not TikTok. I have many more names and people I follow so let me know if you need me to do a list 2.
