Storytelling is the doorway to connection. Adding storytelling elements to my social media posts has had a powerful impact in meaningful ways. I have found more community engagements with my posts when they tell a story.

Originally, I always just posted photography and some of my photos would get over 200+ likes. My photography skills grew, and my editing techniques have become advanced. Even as my skills grew, my social media presence had not. I have heard feedback from people about wanting stories with the photographs – eventually, I listened.

I one day had a burst of inspiration after photographing a scene that was so impactful it was like a lightbulb went off in my mind. I left the image up on my screen and pulled up Microsoft word on the other screen. I started to write a story and form elements that held deeper meaning and put it all together. The result was true engagement and community growth.

I have no restrictions on what stories I will tell, and I do not believe that anyone should. To restrict yourself is to place yourself into a mental prison cell. Do not restrict yourself. Instead, I allow my photograph to inspire the story that I want to tell. For me, the image is the key to inspiration.

 Free yourself from boundaries and let your words flow and the story will form.