Intro

In today’s digital age, it often feels like our existence hinges on the daily act of posting online. If for some reason you don’t post anything for a day, you simply do not exist. Like that something may have happened to you.
Social media are designed to be fed every day with our personal moments and thoughts, and when you don’t “feed” them, they tend to forget about you.

Of course, this applies to the photography world as well, and in terms of professional work it might be even worse, as if for some reason you don’t post your photos/work regularly the algorithm will punish you, resulting not only in followers loss and decreased number of likes, but also potential new clients and so on.

This leads most creators nowadays to be trapped in this vicious cycle which can lead to other consequences as well, and with this long article my goal is to explore some of them, both from the psychological as also the creative side, and how these can affect a photographer (presented in no particular order of significance, although some are inherently more impactful).

Before delving further, I have to make two important notes:

1. The topic of online addiction is a VERY SERIOUS global phenomenon which affects most people in our time, no matter their age, ethnicity, etc and I’m not qualified to speak about it. Despite the efforts and studies of World Health Organization and other mental and health organizations, we as society need more extreme actions if not to turn the table, at least to put some boundaries and limits that will help our children in the coming years.
2. This article is written from a photographer’s perspective and these are just my personal thoughts on the topic, and they may not necessarily be universally right or wrong. Everyone is entitled to their own perspective. If this topic doesn’t interest you, feel free to stop reading now and save your time. However, if you’re curious to hear my thoughts, I encourage you to continue, and even better to let me know your thoughts on the topic by leaving a comment at the end of the article. 

Also, there will be no photos in this article, hope you understand.

The Instagram Look or How Replicating the Trends Result in Losing Your Voice

Have you ever heard the term “Instagram Look”? In the vast sea of social media, a troubling trend emerges: the homogenization of photography.

It’s become an all-too-common sight to scroll through our feeds and encounter eerily similar images, captured in different corners of the globe yet bearing an uncanny resemblance in style, tone, and composition. It’s almost as if there’s a collective agreement among photographers to mimic each other, resulting in a bland sameness that stifles creativity and individuality.

But why is this happening? The answer lies in a complex interplay of social validation, insecurity, and the allure of success.

Consider this common scenario: a budding photographer eagerly shares their work on Instagram, hoping to receive validation and recognition for their artistry. However, the likes trickle in slowly, mostly from friends and family, with a few sparse nods from strangers. Doubt creeps in – perhaps their photos aren’t good enough, perhaps they lack the elusive X factor that garners attention in the digital realm.

In search of answers and validation, they turn to the profiles of established photographers – those with large followings and impressive engagement metrics. What they find is a formula for success: a distinct style characterized by specific color presets, compositions, and visual narratives. It’s a winning formula, evidenced by the abundance of likes and followers.

Driven by a desire for validation and recognition, our budding photographer makes a fateful decision: to emulate the style of the successful few. They abandon their own unique voice and perspective in favor of a more palatable, marketable aesthetic. And thus, another voice is silenced, another perspective diluted in the sea of conformity.

But at what cost? While the replication of successful styles may yield temporary gains in likes and followers, it comes at the expense of authenticity and originality. The rich tapestry of human experience, as captured through the lens of individual perspectives, is diminished in favor of a homogenized facade.

Every individual is unique, and so too are their thoughts. Photography, as an art form, serves as a medium for expression. It allows us to convey not only our thoughts but also our emotions. When we mimic the work of others, we limit our ability to express ourselves authentically, and at the same time we cannot separate ourselves from other creators.

Low Overall Quality

One of my all-time favorite photographers, the Master Ansel Adams, once said that “12 good photos in a year is a good crop”. What he probably meant was that focusing on creating a small number of exceptional images can be more valuable than producing a large volume of mediocre ones.

Some might say that these words and thoughts were said at a very different time from ours, and although I can understand that, please allow me to disagree.

I cannot say that it is impossible, but I will say that it is very, very difficult to post photos and/or videos of great quality every day. That would require a tremendous amount of daily work only for that, which eventually at some point in the future will reach a dead end.

So, to post different photos not only every day, but even within different times of the same day, the quality of the work we see is not the best, or to rephrase it, is not ideal.

At the same time I can also understand that some people feel the need to post daily and establish themselves as very good creators (which of course some of them might be, while others might not even hit the base in terms of quality and technique..), or maybe they just feel the need of reassurance, but in my opinion these people miss the point.

Although it’s quite a challenge to find the exact number of daily posted photos in all social media platforms, it is estimated that it is more than 4 billion….
So, in this chaotic number, a single shot is only 1 piece of sand among the universe.

Is it possible to change this, and if yes how?
Well, the answer lies behind a simple word: Time.
Creators need more time, as also their work. More time to be discovered and evaluated.

By reducing the frequency of our posts, we give our friends and followers more time to truly engage with our work. Instead of mindlessly scrolling past yet another image, they can pause, reflect, and appreciate the details of each photograph.

That will result in more meaningful interactions. Instead of generic comments like “Wow”, “Great shot!” or a string of emojis, followers and viewers can provide genuine feedback. They can share what they liked about the composition, lighting, or subject matter, fostering deeper conversations and connections.

When we prioritize quality over quantity, we have more time to curate our content carefully. Rather than rushing to meet a daily posting quota or a viral trend, we can focus on selecting our best work and presenting it in a way that truly showcases our skills and creativity.

(Creative) Burnout

Do you ever feel like you’re pouring your creativity into your social media feed day after day, only to find yourself feeling drained and uninspired? If so, you’re not alone. Many photographers experience creative burnout after consistently posting their photos on social media platforms.

Creative burnout can manifest in various ways, from feeling uninspired to create new content to experiencing a lack of motivation to pick up your camera, or even question your abilities as a creator. It’s essential to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to address it before it affects your passion for photography.

Take a break: Sometimes, the best way to overcome burnout is to step away from social media and give yourself time to recharge. Take a day, a week, or even longer if needed, to focus on other activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

Change your Routine: If you’re feeling stuck in a rut, try switching up your routine. Explore new locations, experiment with different photography styles, or challenge yourself with a creative project outside of your usual niche.

Self-Care: Remember to always prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities that nourish your body and mind. Taking care of yourself will help replenish your creative energy.

Boundaries: Setting realistic boundaries is also very important. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to constantly produce content for social media. Always remember that in the end quality is more important than quantity.

Unfortunately, burnout can also have consequences in your personal life as well.

If you are a professional creator and you start questioning yourself, feeling not capable of doing valuable work, this can result in serious issues like loss of money, personal problems and even depression.

This is not something that is mentioned for the first time.
The World Health Organization has released strategies regarding this issue, and it is worth your time to check them.

Reclaiming (Quality) Time

In today’s digital age, being constantly tethered to our devices has become the norm. We find ourselves compulsively checking notifications, scrolling through feeds, and responding to messages, often at the expense of meaningful interactions and productivity. It’s time to acknowledge the detrimental effects of this addiction to online connectivity and reclaim the precious moments we’re missing out on.

The reality is that our incessant online presence comes with a hefty price tag. We sacrifice valuable time that could be devoted to work, family, and personal growth. As we become increasingly absorbed in the digital realm, we risk losing sight of our priorities and failing to meet important deadlines and obligations.

This isn’t merely a personal struggle; it’s a widespread phenomenon with serious implications for mental health and overall well-being. It’s crucial that we take heed of their recommendations and take proactive steps to curb our online usage.

Personally, I’ve found solace in utilizing smartphone tools and applications designed to limit screen time. By setting boundaries on my daily usage, I’ve been able to carve out more time for meaningful endeavors and safeguard my focus from the distractions of social media and endless scrolling.

It’s time to break free from the shackles of online addiction and reclaim control over our time and attention. Let’s prioritize quality interactions with loved ones, meaningful work, and personal fulfillment. By embracing mindful technology usage and fostering a healthy balance between the digital world and reality, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and enriching life.

A Closing Note

Reflecting on the preceding thoughts, one might assume I harbor animosity towards social media, or worse.

Contrary to this assumption, I maintain that social media remains a pivotal tool for professionals and amateurs alike. It serves as a platform through which creators can showcase their work to a broader audience. What troubles me, however, is the specter of addiction. I refuse to see my creations reduced to mere cogs in the machinery of a platform.

I hate the notion of platforms disrespecting creators, solely driven by profit margins and algorithmic whims, transforming themselves into advertising pedestals.

In my view, a creator’s social media page should resemble a gallery, where the timeless essence of their work can be seen. Remember that the value of a photograph does not diminish with the passage of time; creators should always exhibit their finest creations, regardless of their date of origin.

For this reason, I strongly believe that every creator’s digital sanctuary should be their personal website, their headquarters for showcasing their craft.