It seems like we can talk until we’re blue in the face about Twitter and its benefits. But really, it all comes down to what my journalism professor used to say: “Show. Don’t tell.”
So, in lieu of watching my “feed” on Twitter (because it’s pretty cumbersome at this point in the game), I follow search queries a good bit of the time. I primarily use Tweetdeck for this purpose (but that’s another post). Yesterday, I ran across an interesting tweet that caught my attention. The link was to two photos of a hotel room – one quite striking, bright, welcoming. The other – well, dull and a bit roach-motel-esque in its appearance. The author of the brief blog post was seeking to explain how different a hotel room might appear if the photographer used the right equipment, perspective, light and skill. In a world where a massive number of travel decisions are made on the Internet, great photos have become even more critical. I agreed with the point and appreciated the incredible visual demonstration, so I “re-tweeted” the message. I had never had previous contact with @winterparkphoto in my life.
Later that day, I got a tweet back from @winterparkphoto. Here is how the conversation unfolded. (Keep in mind that if, for example, the tweet is @andyathalo, then it is the other person talking TO Andy in that case):
@resultsrev: how can I use Twitter to get this point out there to the right people?
@winterparkphoto: That was a good start. Lots of case studies. @andyathalo is our Twitter master – connect w him definitely.
@winterparkphoto (from @andyathalo): Ahem…did someone say we should meet?
@WinterParkPhoto: First off, Love your work. Checked out your website and your twitter pictures. Great eye. Pictures tell the story.
@WinterParkPhoto: Use twitter to educate people on what you do. Show don’t tell. The eye behind the camera matters. Show more examples.
@WinterParkPhoto: Find the places out there (with terrible pics) (that you want to work for) make friends, get on their radar.
@Andyathalo: Tell me more
Then, the conversation went private with DM’s (direct messages) as follows:
@Andyathalo: Brilliant advise thank you. If confirms something I heard from another person who knows Twitter culture really well.
@WinterParkPhoto: I’ve tried to make connections by following and listening for opportunities. You CANNOT start by pitching your services. Build relationships.
@Andyathalo: Yes, I agree. It’s about being patient. Even though Twitter is very much based on instant response and satisfaction.
@WinterParkPhoto: ok, and now one quick question to you. http://bit.ly/31qxHN what do you think of my photo. What could I have done better?
@Andyathalo: Like it!
@WinterParkPhoto: thx. Loved your fire escape shots. BTW what we just did, is exactly how I use twitter to build online relationships, bringing offline value.
@Andyathalo: Lighting and composition. A stronger light from one direction would give the food more depth and bring out more constrast and colour.
@Andyathalo: (((What type of photography equipment did you use?))) Are you a food photographer or food writer?
@WinterParkPhoto I used a digital rebel (from 2 years ago) the standard lens on it. http://bit.ly/CuCgq is another angle with more green in it. (touched up)
@WinterParkPhoto Neither. I’m a marketing guy. And we do a lot in the hospitality industry. I can usually get a shot or two of plated food, that gives our guys the idea that they need to REALLY go that route. I could eat desserts like that for a living though.
@Andyathalo: By tweet #3 I realized that. I can see how it works and you are a master at it. Let me know if I can help you at all.
@WinterParkPhoto: Now all I need to do is see if you have a great property or restaurant that needs some marketing help…particularly one in the Keys… 
By the way, here’s the link to the article that started it all:
Why should I use a professional hotel photographer?
Photo Credit: Andy Chapman
