Why I Don't Count on Social Media

By: Darby Davenport, Darby Allison Studios

Privacy and Respect for My Clients

The women I work with trust me with something deeply personal: their confidence, their vulnerability, and often a new way of seeing themselves. These sessions aren’t just photos—they’re intimate experiences of self-expression and empowerment. Because of that, I place the highest priority on privacy. Not every client wants their images floating around on social platforms, where screenshots, shares, and misuse are only a click away. By not relying on social media, I remove the pressure for clients to give public permission to share their images, keeping their experience safe and respectful.

The Experience Comes First

Social media thrives on fast content—quick posts, daily stories, trending reels. My work, on the other hand, is slow, intentional, and personal. It’s about creating an experience that lasts far beyond a fleeting “like.” I would rather focus my time on listening to clients, planning sessions, and delivering high-quality artwork than chasing algorithms.

Authentic Connections Matter More Than Followers

Photography at this level is not about mass marketing; it’s about connection. Most of my clients come from referrals, word of mouth, or intentional searches—women who are ready to invest in themselves. By keeping my business off the social media hamster wheel, I make sure every inquiry is from someone who truly resonates with what I offer, not just someone scrolling past a post.

Protecting the Meaning Behind the Work

Intimate portraits are powerful, but they’re also vulnerable to being misunderstood when stripped of context and thrown into the endless scroll. I believe these images deserve a space where they are honored and experienced thoughtfully—not reduced to hashtags or used as clickbait for engagement.

The Option to Share

Each image you see on my Instagram feed (don't use Facebook much), has a signed agreement in place. That way, I am assured that each woman intends me to share her photos on line or in print. Since we are all different women, I appreciate those who would like me to publish their images. After all, that is how I have the opportunity to share my work with others, so they can see how beautiful and special an intimate portrait session is.

Building Trust Through Direct Relationships

Instead of inviting the world to “like” or “comment,” I prefer to build direct, genuine relationships. Whether that’s through my website, a private consultation, or conversations over email or phone, my clients know that when they reach out, they’re connecting with me—not a public feed.

Choosing not to use social media very much isn’t about being “anti-technology” or refusing to grow—it’s about aligning my business with my values. For me, that means keeping client privacy sacred, focusing on personal connection, and protecting the artistry of women’s intimate photography from the noise of the online world.

If you’re considering a session, I’d love to connect with you directly. In our private, personal conversations, you’ll get a much better sense of what I offer than any scrolling feed could ever provide.

:-) Darby

Email: info@darbyallisonstudios.com

Phone: (530) 277-4478