How Social Media is Changing the Way We See Photography

Social Media photography
Photo by Kerde Severin: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-person-using-iphone-x-1542252/

Photography is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has always been a powerful form of communication and expression. In recent years, with the advent of social media, it has become even more powerful. From Instagram and Snapchat to Facebook, Twitter, and beyond, social media has revolutionized the way we experience and consume photography.

Social media offers photographers unprecedented amounts of exposure. As Instagram gained traction, many photographers embraced it as a way to showcase their work to a much wider audience. With its huge user base, social media platforms are ideal for promoting and selling photographs to potential buyers. Additionally, Instagram and other platforms have been great sources of inspiration and collaboration for photographers.

For photographers, social media platforms have made it easier to connect with a wider variety of people and share their work. They can post photos, gain feedback, and even find job opportunities. Photographers can also use Instagram and other platforms to expand their network and build relationships with influencers, fellow photographers, and potential clients.

Social media has also changed the way that people view photography. While traditional ways of shooting photographs are still appreciated and celebrated, the rise of Instagram and smartphone photography has made the bar of photography a lot lower and more attainable. The overwhelming majority of people now have access to cameras of some kind and can share photos of their own for the world to see with just a few clicks.

The rise of social media has also impacted the way that people view photography as an art form. While some are resistant to the idea that photos taken on a smartphone can be considered art, others champion its accessibility and the wide range of artistic styles it can encompass. Recently, this has led to a great push for democratization in photography, where anyone with a smartphone has the opportunity to produce amazing works of art without thousands of dollars of professional equipment.

Social media has also been a disruptive force in professional photography. While some photographers may see it as a challenge to their traditional craft, others have embraced its opportunities. According to Adobe’s 2019 Photographers Social Survey, 84 percent of photographers believe that social media has been a positive force for their career, with 26 percent saying that it is the primary driver of their business.

By connecting photographers with clients, providing more platforms for financial gain, opening the door for more forms of artistic expression, and making photography more accessible than ever before, social media has had a profound impact on the realm of photography. Regardless of whether one views the role of social media as a blessing or a curse, there’s no denying that it has changed the way we see photography forever.