Leaving social media (and 60,000 followers) in order to grow — with Nick Fancher

“For years I viewed social media as a necessary evil. I continued to push myself to try and make social media work, to have no enemies, to love everyone I interacted with. In the end, it proved to be an impossible task.

NICK FANCHER, Editorial, Portrait, and Commercial Photographer  

Nick Fancher is a photographer, author, and educator who specializes in dramatic lighting, often employing the use of bold colors and experimental camera techniques. His work ranges from portrait and commercial photography to fine art. He is particularly known for his efficient method of working, which is with the use of minimal gear, often in unconventional locations.

— from nickfancher.com

We know Nick. We’re familiar with his work. And as captivating as it is, we were drawn like a moth to light regarding a very different story unfolding with him. Earlier this year, he made the decision to do what some might see as unthinkable — especially from a “grow your business” standpoint. He quit social media.

  • Why does an entrepreneur with more than 60,000 followers delete his social media accounts?

  • How can an entrepreneur, whose work is tailor-made for platforms such as Instagram, decide to quit feeding the beast?

  • Even if it’s a necessary evil, the key word is still “necessary” — right?

As we pose these questions to Nick he reveals both the practical and personal reasons for walking away from social media at the height of his online visibility. Whether you think it’s a deft move or one that will prove detrimental can be debated. But for Nick that’s not really the point. Instead he reached a breaking point. Now he is literally taking control of his work and his life the only way he knows how.

Nick Fancher’s website

Ghosted — Nick’s announcement to leave social media