Between Mistakes, Photos, & Algorithms

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A down-to-earth look at the ups and downs of chasing a passion.


 Photography, technology, and a long digital journey

I've been photographing as a hobbyist for over 20 years, but I make a living from my 9-to-5 job in tech and IT. With my background in this field, I’ve ventured into the digital world in many ways over the years. I once had my own photography website and domain, with dynamic Flash content I created myself. I started blogs, participated in photography forums (where I learned a lot), and explored various platforms — always without much success or recognition.


From motorbikes to Instagram

I had a YouTube channel where I posted motovlogs, driven by my love of motorcycles, but eventually abandoned it due to low engagement. I shifted my focus to Instagram, where I’m more active today. My small account @luismsaguiar (with about 1100 followers) features photos and short videos — captured with my Insta360 — about life as a biker on the island. At the moment, it’s the peak of my online presence.

I’ve never made vlogs about photography or gear, mostly because I don’t feel comfortable in front of a video camera. Perhaps that’s why YouTube never became a serious path for me — but it might be for you. It’s undeniably a platform with much higher visibility that can elevate any creator’s online presence.

EDC: A new shared passion

Recently, after acquiring new photography gear (explained in more detail on the blog post "A Fresh Start"), I also decided to create another Instagram account — this one born from a long-standing fascination with pocket knives and everyday carry tools (EDC). My exposure to modern EDC culture in the U.S. deepened this interest, and I began to expand and diversify my collection, which I now share on @edcbikerclub.

EDC is a small community worldwide — and even smaller in Portugal — but very tight-knit and friendly. This presence also connects to photography, as showcasing the gear requires visual presentation. Since my collection is limited and the market is almost entirely international, creativity becomes essential when reimagining how to present each set.

Photography was never left behind

Photography has always remained part of my life. I’ve gone through phases of shooting more or less, but my Lightroom catalog steadily grew. I mostly shared images with friends on Facebook. With the new photo setup, I had to upgrade my computer — both hardware and software — and rethought everything.

Among family photos, artistic shots, and landscapes of the island, I felt the time had come to share what I’ve done and what I’m currently doing. So I created the Instagram @islandmenphotography, along with this blog. The goal is simple: to share experiences and photographs, with no monetary intention behind it.

Recognition on social media: a tough road

Gaining recognition (or monetizing a hobby) nowadays is hard work. It demands consistency, dedication — and even a bit of courage. Living on an island in the middle of the Atlantic, in Portugal, far from major urban centers, adds logistical challenges. On top of that, the type of photography I do — more artistic than commercial — makes the journey less straightforward.

Product reviews are one of the most effective ways to attract sponsorships and partnerships, but that path only opens up once you already have a decent follower base or use popular gear with large communities eager for tips and tricks.

Moreover, social media algorithms often prioritize content based on location and even the type of gear used. It’s clear that an iPhone typically gets better reach than, say, a mid-range Samsung device.

The harsh reality behind online success

In today’s world, even for someone working in IT, succeeding on social media is tough. There’s a trend of many young people wanting to become YouTubers or influencers, but few realize the dedication required — the countless hours, the constant content creation, the engagement with followers, and all the factors that come into play. On top of that, a little bit of luck is always necessary. It’s not just about posting videos or photos; it’s a full-time commitment with many unseen challenges.



Photographing for passion, not obligation

All of this is to say that my online presence is driven purely by passion — and maybe a bit of stubbornness. This might sound like a somewhat pessimistic perspective, but it doesn’t mean others haven’t found success from the island. What I can say is that my motivation is deeply personal — and if anything positive comes from it, I’ll be incredibly grateful.

If you’re interested in any project or collaboration, feel free to visit my portfolio or reach out via the contact page or by email: islandmenphotography@gmail.com.

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