Instagram keeps rolling out new algorithm updates, making it quite challenging to gain and retain new followers. So, how do you combat these changes? There’s a secret weapon to combat these algorithm changes: hashtags. And if you haven’t been using hashtags to boost your business, you’ve been missing out—but it’s not too late. But, in order to prioritize your Instagram hashtags, you need to know more about them. 

We’ve got your back with the ultimate Instagram hashtag guide for wedding photographers. This guide will help you broaden your reach and ensure your stunning photos get the attention they deserve.

Image by Groovy Banana

How Many Instagram Hashtags Should You Include?

Let’s start by answering your most pressing question, “How many hashtags should I include?” Instagram only allows you to have a total of 30 hashtags per in-feed post, which seems like a lot. That’s because it is. Gone are the days you pack every hashtag possible into your captions, regardless of relevance. Remember, quality over quantity matters. That’s why we recommend only using a maximum of ten relevant hashtags on each Instagram post. 

Location, Location, Location

Location hashtags can be a real game-changer for wedding photographers. This is especially valuable if you’re trying to market a local business. They’re also handy for destination photographers looking to secure more gigs in specific areas. Basically, location hashtags are a valuable asset for photographers of all styles and locations. 

So, where in the world are you? Hashtag it. Looking to get discovered in your own city? Hashtag it. Want to share the location of the photo? Hashtag it. Try these ideas to get started:

#[insertregionname]weddingphotographer
#[insertregionname]photographer
#[insertregionname]wedding
#[insertregionname]elopement
#[insertregionname]engagement
#[insertregionname]proposal

Categorizing Your Post

While more general hashtags typically have a larger audience, that doesn’t always mean they are better to use. As a wedding photographer, you want to make sure your post doesn’t get lost in a sea of wedding images. Avoid this by utilizing specifics about your wedding images so more people can see your work. Let’s get descriptive! 

When it comes to categorizing your post, make sure that you don’t only pick the hashtags that have millions of posts. It’s great to include one or two popular hashtags like #weddingphotographer or #weddingphotography, but make sure your other hashtags have fewer posts—aim for the low thousands. 

Image by Bettina Vass Photography

Use Popular and Niche Hashtags

When you type a hashtag into Instagram’s search bar, you can see how many posts use that specific hashtag. The more generic your hashtag is, the more competition you’ll have. That’s why you want to aim for a good blend of popular and more niche hashtags.

Use Photography Community Hashtags

Find the Instagram communities where you want your photos to live. There are a number of hashtags that other niche photographers use that are more group or community-based. Try using these to help get seen by other creatives. Here are just a few: 

#loveauthentic
#filmpalette
#littlethingstheory
#agameoftones
#exploretocreate
#xposuremag
#icatching
#collectivelycreate
#portraitcollective

Image by Emilija Photography

Make Your Content Shareable

If you didn’t already know, using #photobugcommunity gives you a chance to be featured on our Instagram page. Brands create hashtags like ours so they can share work from the people in their community—don’t be afraid to use them. We’ve collected a few here for you to use: 

#junebugweddings
#elopementcollective
#risingtidesociety
#heyheyhellomay
#fpme
#magnoliarouge
#greenweddingshoes
#dirtybootsandmessyhair
#utterlyengaged

Mix Up Your Hashtags

As we mentioned above, research on Instagram is key to finding hashtags that will perform for your post. However, you don’t want to copy and paste the same ten hashtags for every post. Be sure to change up which hashtags you use to mix it up to keep fresh eyes on your images. Using the same hashtags for every photo will reach the same people who follow those hashtags. 

Tips for Using Hashtags to Grow Your Photography Business

Growing your Instagram will lead to growing your business. That’s why it doesn’t just matter what hashtags you use. You also want to make sure you’re using them properly. So, once you have compiled the hashtags for your posts, check these five tips before posting: 

1. Be sure to check the spelling of each hashtag. No one likes discovering that they’ve been hashtagging #bogobride instead of #bohobride for weeks. 
2. Tailor your hashtags. Your engagement photos, wedding photos, and travel photos should all have different hashtags.
3. Place your hashtags in the first comment or separate them under your caption. This will help keep your post looking clean.
4. Engage with your hashtags. For example, tap #destinationwedding. Then, like and comment on their photos. You’ll get noticed by that user, and they might do the same for your content. 
5. Keep groups of hashtags in a note on your phone or computer to easily copy and paste for a caption. Your groups can be elopement hashtags, wedding hashtags, proposal hashtags, etc. 

Inspiration Hashtag List 

We’ve compiled a list of hashtags for each category to help you get started. Use a mixture of these or ones you’ve found through your Instagram research. Let’s see that Instagram grow, grow, grow.

We know that Instagram’s algorithms and hashtags can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you’re just trying to book more clients. Instead of chasing followers on Instagram, your content should be aimed towards potential clients. Making your Instagram discoverable with these helpful tips will help turn followers into bookings. Use our Instagram hashtag guide to help sort all the hashtags you’ll need on the go.

If you are still unsure about Instagram and how to best tackle it, we’re here to help. We’ve got Instagram advertising tips, apps that’ll up your Instagram game, how to use Instagram analytics to grow your following, and so much more. Search “Instagram” in our search bar to find them all.

Image by Kylie Farmer Photography