Instagram has faced a lot of flak for how it handles "graphic" or so-called NSFW imagery. Has this been something that has affected you?

JM: I work with the nude and most often female [nudes], so I'm usually crossing a boundary with my work in general. There are many complex social boundaries around the female nude. I'm never surprised or angered when an image I post is flagged because it crossed a viewer's personal comfort zone with exposure or vulnerability. I'm hyper-aware that my content is of a sensitive nature. Artists challenge social norms through their imagery, and I think the platform is still learning how best to monitor and police artistic expression.

Do you find your followers respond more strongly—either in positive or negative ways—to certain types of posts?

OL: I try not to pay attention. I've found the things that are the most personal always get the lowest amount of likes. Unfortunately, I've also found self-portraits always generate the most likes.

JM: I find that followers are more attracted to images of artwork as opposed to personal posts, and when it comes to the work itself, strong bright colors are most "liked." This observation feels extremely simplistic in terms of art making, which is why I try to not focus on the popularity of any given post.

Have you run into any trouble with your work being stolen or re-shared sans attribution?

JC: Absolutely, but that's part of the whole game of anything being online. What's the other option—not posting? That's not a good idea if you want your work to be seen. Another option is watermarking, but the only watermarked images are usually ones that people don't want to steal anyway. Similar to how parents can be overprotective, I think it's important as a photographer to not live in fear of your images being stolen.

LH: I have always been of the mentality that the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to sharing your work on social. The reason I have my entire lettering career is because I started a Tumblr with my work. I think CEOs, people who run brands, art directors and creative directors at companies, they use Instagram the same way we all do—randomly scrolling through their "explore" feed. You never know who is going to see things.

Have you ever gotten an assignment or sold a piece via Instagram?

JC: Instagram actually furthered my career a lot. In 2014, the agency 247LS reached out to me to shoot a part of their campaign with Beats by Dre. From that gig, they started representing me as a photographer and influencer to shoot for a bunch of different brands and I'm still working with them and their sister agency, Cycle, three years later.

JM: The platform is helpful for showcasing new work and receiving inquiries. I've primarily worked within a gallery context, so I haven't made direct sales through the platform, but it's added in sharing work and exposure. One of the most beneficial aspects is the ability to connect with people directly and the opportunities that an open channel can bring.

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