To be completely honest, I don’t want you to follow me on every single social media platform.

I’m serious. Please don’t.

 

…let me explain:

I get it. You’re busy. Goodness knows I don’t have the desire OR time to consistently and methodically check my Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, email, and my top five favorite blogs all in one sitting… and I am pretty sure you don’t either.

So let me help you pick which platform you should be following me on, and which you shouldn’t.

 

Crown by Gems and Bones Jewelry: https://www.etsy.com/shop/gemsandbones

 

#1 – My blog:

It’s kind of a given, but my blog is where I share thoughts, insights, and general updates on what I’m up to. As you’ve read in the past, you’ll have noticed that I’ve shared everything from why I think collaborating is important to the latest photos from my Passages and Green Rider projects.

 

#2 – My mailing list:

With my mailing list, there are two things my email subscribers get for signing up:

  1. I let everyone on my mailing list know when a new blog post has been published, so you know exactly when to check. It’s the best way to stay up to date with my work without having to check my blog every day to see if I’ve posted a new update.
  2. I ALSO send out all the behind the scenes details behind my new series Passages to my email subscribers (like what inspired me to create each image, progress on the prop and costume making, the symbolism behind the props and costumes, and other interesting facts that relate to the series).

Now, why shouldn’t you join my mailing list?

If you hate checking email and deep down in your heart you know my emails are just going to be added to the 5,331 unread emails currently sitting in your inbox, please don’t sign up for this. I’m serious.

Here’s why:

  1. There’s nothing more annoying then getting emails you don’t read (reminding you of all the time you DON’T have to sit down and read them). I don’t want my emails to be the source of this frustration for you!
  2. The truth is, you are actually doing me a disservice every time you receive one of my emails and you don’t open it! Really! Every email I send out that doesn’t get opened brings my readership stats down, and that’s not good for business! Now, this is ABSOLUTELY not to say that I don’t want you following my work, because I do! I promise!

If you do, however, like getting new emails in your inbox and you want a short weekly update on what I’ve been up to (including new images I’ve created), then my mailing list is definitely for you!

Click here to sign up for mailing list!

 

 

 

#3 – Facebook:

Facebook is a bit like my mailing list in that I share all of my blog updates here. I also share new items that have been added to my shop, as well as previews of what is happening on my Patreon profile. Like my newsletter, it’s the best way to keep up to date with what’s happening, without having to check my blog every day to see if I’ve posted something.

And while I don’t share any exclusive behind the scenes details on my Facebook page (remember, that’s only for my email subscribers), following me here is a convenient way to keep up with my work by incorporating it into your daily routine… because we all know you (and I) can all too easily get caught scrolling down the Facebook rabbit hole…

If this sounds like you, do yourself a favor and add some beautiful images to your jaunt down the rabbit’s hole.

Follow me on Facebook here!

 

#4 – Instagram:

Personally, Instagram is my favorite. But I get that it might not be yours. If it is though, Instagram is the best place to follow me if you want to see my work every single day. Each day (around 12 noon EST) I post a new image, sharing my latest work, products I have for sale, inspirational quotes, throwback pieces, and many other things. It’s fun, it’s quick, it’s casual, and if that’s your style you’ll definitely want to come join me.

Why you shouldn’t follow me on instagram:

If you don’t like seeing anything that is not STRICTLY photography related, don’t follow. On my Instagram, in addition to my photography, I also share some of my favorite quotes, landscape shots, and decor details from around my house, so if you only ever want to see my photography, you might find this annoying. If you love quotes, landscape shots, and home decor, though, come join me!

Follow me on Instagram here!

 

 

 

 

#5 – Patreon:

Now, as much as I love Instagram, Patreon is currently my latest obsession. If you missed the announcement on that and are wondering what the heck Patreon even is, I’ll explain:

Patreon is essentially a mix between a kickstarter and a monthly subscription box. With crowdfunding, I can create and send my products (like greeting cards, prints, and thank you packages) to those who pledge a certain amount of money (I have different reward packages ranging from $1/month – $50/month).

So if the idea of spending a little bit of money each month in exchange for what feels like the Madeline Shayne Photography Subscription Box, then Patreon is a really fun place to follow me! It’s been exciting for me these past few months getting to reward my friends for following me and giving me their support all these years and I think it’s been just as fun for them to be on the receiving side.

To learn more about it, check it out here!

 

So, in summary:

  • If you want to read all my personal thoughts (which may be a bit overly dramatic sometimes, but if nothing else, there is humor to be found in that), read my blog.
  • If you want to know all the symbolism and meaning behind my new series Passages, and notified whenever a new blog post is up, sign up for my mailing list.
  • If you want to stay up to date with my work and you just don’t have the time to keep checking email, my Facebook page is the perfect thing to follow.
  • Which is also the case with my instagram… especially if you want to see fun little updates and uplifting thoughts every day.
  • And finally, if you want to be rewarded for the time you’ve devoted to following my work these past few years (because you DEFINITELY deserve it), pledge to my Patreon. I’d love the chance to send you some of my favorite images and gifts the old school way.
    Because, in my opinion, life is just better when you get real mail.

 

I hope this has cleared up the confusion and helped you to see the best way to follow my work! As always, thank you for your support and for participating in this journey!