...Or they just use Instagram as a platform to promote their work. If your content gets shared it's basically advertising but you're assuming that they don't do business other than just posting on Instagram.
Why would an amateur photographer feel that they have to work towards getting their work in a gallery?
Does an amateur baker have to have a stall at the farmers' market, an amateur knitter have to have an Etsy store?
Nothing wrong with just taking photos for the love of it (literally the definition of amateur) and sharing them with your friends because you think they'll appreciate them. Not every hobby has to be taken up with so much effort it's like a second job.
>If you truly cared about your art and wanted it to be seen, you would devote yourself to that and work on getting into a gallery
You've not understood what the word amateur means, at all. It's like suggesting an amateur tennis player doesn't care if he isn't trying to play Wimbledon. Or an amateur runner doesn't care if he isn't top 5% of marathon.
Indeed, I specifically avoid "professional" engagements because I have no interest in being published in a gallery, or in dealing with the art world or with clients. I've been thinking about setting up a stall at the local farmers market with some artist friends but that is about it. Sadly, parent's attitude is quite common among some.
Instagram is used very commonly in the art world and all of the full-time artists I know are on it and use it to promote their work, photography or otherwise.
