In a world where our artistic worth is often measured by likes, followers, and social media popularity, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters in our photographic journey. As artists, we’re always seeing someone else who we think has it better than us causing us to think what we have is not good enough.
Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that our value as photographer goes far beyond the numbers on our screens. Each click of the shutter, each frame composed, is a reflection of our innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Our authenticity is our greatest strength, and it’s what sets us apart in a sea of digital noise.
In this blog post, I make an argument why we must move beyond social media likes and follows, and just focus on creating amazing work. In a world where your success is often determined by the results (almost instant) and your ability to keep replicating that result time and again, I am here to argue why you must enjoy the process of creation, more than the results, embrace failures as part of your journey and eventually discover your artistic self, through trial and error.
Framing Authenticity: The Heart of Photography
As photographers, we are visual storytellers, capturing moments that speak volumes without words. Whether we’re exploring landscapes, documenting life’s candid moments, or experimenting with light and shadow, our photography is an extension of who we are. It’s a reflection of our unique perspectives, passions, and interpretations of the world around us. When we shoot from the heart, our authenticity shines through, captivating viewers and forging genuine connections. Let’s not compromise our vision for the sake of likes or followers—let’s stay true to ourselves and capture with unwavering authenticity.
As photographers, our true masterpiece lies not in the applause of others, but in the sincerity of our vision.
Nearly every corner of the world has been captured through photography. Yet, it’s only when you infuse your unique perspective into your photographs that they have the potential to stand out amidst the deluge of digital imagery.
The most valuable advice I can share is to continually immerse yourself in inspiring content—movies, songs, plays, books, and places. Allow your subconscious to blend these influences into a concoction that is uniquely yours. Then, when you’re behind the lens, your individualistic style will naturally emerge.
I found Sean Tucker’s video particularly relevant in this context, “How to be Authentic in your Creative Work“
You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.
― Ansel Adams
The Pitfalls of Chasing Social Media Metrics
It’s tempting to get caught up in the pursuit of social media validation, especially on platforms like Instagram with its erratic, ever-changing algorithm. You feel inadequate comparing your raw, unedited shots with everyone else’s curated feeds. When we see others gaining likes and followers, we feel the pressure to measure up. But let’s not forget that social media metrics are just numbers—they don’t define our true worth as an artist. Social media is training us to compare our lives, instead of appreciating everything we are or have. Comparing ourselves to others only breeds self-doubt and stifles our creativity. If we allow social media to affect the way we feel about our work, it will be a never-ending cycle of struggle. Instead of chasing after fleeting popularity, let’s focus on honing our craft and expressing ourselves authentically. Our true value lies in the emotional impact our photography has on others, not in arbitrary numbers on a screen.
Focus on the source of feedback. If it’s from a seasoned professional, it’s worth considering; if it’s from an unverified or random source, it’s safe to disregard.
I found yet another video of Sean Tucker which explains this point better, “Why no one cares about your Photography“.
The reason we struggle with insecurity is that we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.
– Steven Furtick
Developing Creativity Through Experimentation
Photography is a journey of exploration and discovery—a constant process of growth and evolution. Yet, the relentless pursuit of social media validation can stifle our willingness to take risks and experiment with new ideas, especially in the face of Instagram’s unpredictable algorithm changes. William Klein embraced experimentation while shooting on the streets, trying various techniques and embracing uncertainty, finding joy in the process. Let’s break free from the constraints of popularity and embrace the joy of experimentation. Let’s push boundaries, try new techniques, and fearlessly capture moments in ways we never thought possible. It’s through experimentation that we uncover our true artistic potential and leave a lasting impression on the world.
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
– Scott Adams
By refraining from viewing your work solely as content for social media, you liberate yourself to explore and innovate without fear of failure. Embrace experimentation, indulge in trying out unconventional approaches, and relish the creative journey itself.
How Social Media Killed My Creativity
I understand, striking a balance between experimentation and consistency poses a real challenge here. Yet, without experimentation, you’ll struggle to discover your photographic voice and personal preferences.
Don’t let others dictate what experiments you
– Eric Kim
“should” do and “shouldn’t” do. Follow your own voice, and be your own mad photography scientist.
Conclusion
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each of us has a distinct photographic voice and perspective—a story that only we can tell. The power of your uniqueness is your ability to see the world through your own lens, with fresh perspectives and endless possibilities. Let’s not be afraid to embrace our uniqueness and share our truth with the world, despite the challenges posed by social media’s ever-changing algorithm. Our authenticity is our greatest asset, and it’s what sets our photography apart. Whether our images resonate with one person or a million, their impact is immeasurable. Let’s shoot from the heart, stay true to ourselves, and trust that our authenticity will shine through, capturing the beauty of life in ways we never imagined. Remember, your uniqueness is your magic. Embrace it. Use social media to impact lives, not impress others. Let me know what you think in the comments.
My Social Media Story
With just around twelve hundred followers on my personal Instagram account, mostly friends and colleagues, and a humble hundred, but dedicated, followers on my other accounts for street, fashion, and wedding photography, I used to let the numbers get to me. Comparison blues had a way of dampening my spirits. But then, I made a conscious decision to break free from the unnecessary pressure of chasing social media popularity. I delved into the right books and educational videos, enlightening myself on the futility of fixating on numbers.
I realized life offers only a limited bandwidth for focus. Instead of obsessing over the aftermath of my creations, I redirected my energy towards honing my craft and exploring new ideas. An artist should never cling too tightly to their work. Thus, my Instagram accounts serve merely as swift portfolios or visual diaries of my diverse photographic endeavors, tailored to specific genres.
To maintain a refined feed and steer clear of distractions, I curate my follows meticulously, only connecting with photographers whose work resonates deeply with me. Threads have become my preferred platform for meaningful conversations, surpassing Instagram.
Reading the book “100 Lessons From The Masters of Street Photography” by Eric Kim, I learned- “Being famous in photography or life is overrated. Fame can often add unnecessary pressure, anxiety, and stress.” Van Gogh’s legacy of posthumous recognition serves as a poignant reminder for why we should persist in our art solely out of passion, not for wealth or fame. Now, I create art for the sheer joy of creating, not to please algorithms of any social media.
“I spent a great deal of my life being ignored. I was always very happy that way. Being ignored is a great privilege. That is how I think I learnt to see what others do not see and to react to situations differently. I simply looked at the world, not really prepared
– Saul Leiter
for anything.”
Here are some compelling videos and documentaries worth watching:
How craving attention makes you less creative.
Social Media has Ruined Creativity
Netflix Documentary: Social Dilemma
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