Instagram is dead. Or at least, it is for photographers. Ever since the platform became less about photos and more about reels, photographers have been looking for alternative social media spaces to share their work. Then, something new does pop up. It’s called Grainery, and it caters specifically to film photographers.
In the video above, film photographer Chris Chu shares his insights about this new platform. For those interested in how the posting system works, he also gives a rundown of that as well. However, a fair warning for digital photographers who use film presets. Nope, Grainery isn’t exactly a space for your photos (for now).
If you’re a film photographer looking for a new space to share your work and get discovered, Grainery does look like a promising platform. As Chris mentioned, it does feel great that film photographers are getting this kind of dedicated space, away from the algorithms and distracting reels and ads of Instagram today. But, since the platform is still in its infancy, there’s also a lot to look out for. As of now, the mobile apps are still in the development phase, so members can only post through the website.
So, what do you think? Is Grainery interesting enough for you to join? Is it right to make it an exclusive platform for film photography? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or in our film photography group discussions if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!
I joined. There were some features that I liked but the interface was pretty clunky…also after a certain number of posts they expect you to subscribe and I just didn’t see the value prop for me.
I joined as well, but I’m keeping my eyes peeled for the next developments they’ll have for it. Like you said, there has to be some value prop or incentive (more than just getting extra posts) to get people to pay. But still, I want to be positive about it!
Instagram brought photography to the masses. It had such a large impact and influence because it was meant to pull everyone in.
Grainery is anything but that. One could make the argument that the goal is to start in a small niche and build from there.
But comparing it to Instagram literally makes no sense.
It’s more like a low budget web app version of 500px for film photographers. Which is totally fine.
It may be far from being Instagram at this point, and the reality is, nothing is going to replace Instagram for a while. But I think the right mindset is to just see it as something that can fill the gap that Instagram has left among film photographers. Also, I think the fact that the actual mobile apps aren’t ready yet is keeping it from really taking off. So, I keep my eyes peeled and fingers crossed!