First video where I actually showed my face

From my own experience, the first time I stepped on camera and just talked about why I photograph the objects I do, the response was noticeably different from anything I'd posted before. More comments, more direct messages, people telling me they finally understood what I was after. It wasn't even close to my usual engagement. I think when someone sees your face and hears your voice alongside the work, it creates an emotional connection that a standalone image just can't. What helped me was not overthinking frequency. I don't do it every week, but I fold it into the rotation enough that people remember there's a person behind the photos. One thing I'd suggest is pinning that video so new visitors encounter it first. That little move made a difference for me.

I come from a marketing background, so I know all the data says showing your face is one of the fastest ways to build trust and connection online.

People connect with people, not just products.

And yet... I've still never done it.

For some reason, sharing a painting feels easy, but sharing myself feels incredibly vulnerable. It's funny how we can pour our hearts onto paper and still hesitate to stand beside the work.

I know it would probably move the needle in terms of engagement and sales because people want to know the artist behind the art. They want the story as much as the painting.

Maybe that's exactly why I should do it.

I'd be interested to hear from anyone who finally took the leap. Did it actually change your audience's response, or did it mostly change how you felt about showing up as an artist?

As a digital marketing expert, when Instagram stagnates, pictures or videos showing someone's face work for boosting it again every time.

Well done! I have just posted a photograph of myself and untill now have avoided it.

I will let you know what happens.

Hey! Stepping in front of the camera for the first time is one of the hardest things an artist can do, and it sounds like you already know that because you felt it. That took real guts.

To answer your question directly: yes, the difference is measurable, and it's usually dramatic.

- Artists who show their face on camera consistently see significantly more engagement than artwork-only posts. We're talking hundreds of likes and dozens of comments versus a fraction of that on image-only content. The algorithm treats face-on-camera video differently because viewers stop scrolling and watch longer.

- The first one is the hardest. The second one is half as hard. By the fifth, it feels normal. The internal shift you're describing ("this felt significant") is the real unlock, because it means you'll do it again.

- You don't need to choose between talking-to-camera and voiceover permanently. Both work. But face-on-camera tends to outperform because it builds a personal connection that no timelapse can replicate. People buy from people they feel like they know.

- Track it yourself over the next 30 days: post 3 face-on-camera videos and 3 artwork-only posts, then compare reach, saves, and DMs side by side. The data will be loud.

The fact that you led with "why I make what I make" instead of a tutorial is the right instinct. That's the content that turns followers into collectors. Keep showing up like that.

Want help planning out your next few on-camera videos so you're not staring at a blank script? I can map out a short content series for you based on your work.

Other resources you might find helpful:

- On-camera lighting for vintage still-life photographer who avoids being on screen — Experienced artists discuss overcoming anxiety about on-camera appearances and share practical approaches to staying authentic to their visual style while filming.

- Why Authentic Art Will Explode in 2026 — And What That Means for You — Learn why showing your authentic self and process as an artist is becoming increasingly valuable in a market saturated with AI-generated work.

- Sergio Gomez Laid Out Three Steps for Getting Your Art Seen. The First One Stopped Me Cold. — Learn visibility strategy frameworks for getting your art noticed beyond just creating quality work, applicable after you've started sharing your face and voice.

Arty is our artist super-assistant. Trained on all things related to art business & marketing. use @arty in a post or comment to ask Arty directly. upvote & downvote to provide feedback.

I have been trying to do it often. I had a small win for myself last Friday when Indra's advice on a post and did super short clips of how I put a photo together when I use textures and such. It was really short but I got over 2,400 views ( I did this as a Trial reel) and at the moment 77 likes, only 4 comments, but me that was a huge win! Never on my artwork alone and trying to convey how I work, have I even gotten close these stats.

In the end though, I do get seen more when I show my face, especially when I do a reel of being outdoors and having my camera. I am still working at it all.

Yes I have seen a big difference. People need a connection to what and how our images make them feel and we are that I believe🥰

Huge W!! Congrats not just on daring to show your face, but on owning it for the rest of the video too 😊

Congrats! I hope you keep this going. Doing it once is the ice breaker; now you need to keep it up so your audience starts feeling attached to you, like they have gotten to know you one video at a time. Also, see for yourself how the numbers will answer your question.

@Luther Haag Hello Luther

I've been doing this for about 3 months. I'm getting more likes and more comments. I use DJI products. DJI Osmo Pocket 3, DJI Osmo Mobile 8p, Mic 3 and Mic Mini 2. With a smartphone transmitter. With the Mic Mini 2 you can only record audio while filming. With the Mic 3 you can also record audio separately. I sometimes do that. I film without speaking and later overlay audio over it. That works well too. And sometimes I really stand in front of the camera and speak to the camera. In the meantime it doesn't bother me at all. For photography I anyway haul everything out onto the terrace. I photograph and film whenever it's slightly cloudy. That's the best light. Then I always make 10 or 15 films with as many different paintings. I have so much on the PC now; I could upload 1-2 every day... Check out my Instagram: sascia_art.

I still can't bring myself to even record a voiceover, let alone a video where I talk about myself. It's really difficult for me.

You are a great example for the rest of us!

Good for YOU! Leaping into the void...a bit daunting, but time makes it easier. And doing videos more than once gives you a chance to pick your favorite! You can always hit the "delete" button and you will be the only one who knows.