I had a photoshoot recently for my Instagram in Bath, where there are so many bookish spots you can’t not think about what you could be posting on your Instagram. I took various photos in front of other humans and yes, occasionally received the odd look or two. So I thought I’d write about the notion of taking photos in public for ‘the gram’.
“Get my better side”
“No wait, I wasn’t smiling enough”
“It’s a little overexposed”
Things you might hear people say when taking photos, maybe things you may roll your eyes about if you overheard it in public. But why is it people judge others for posing for photos in public and silently question their priorities? Could it be they’re jealous of the perfect shot? Probably not. Maybe their lack of care to capture this certain memory? Or perhaps they’d just rather live in the moment and not stop to document every five minutes. Whatever it is, our society is changing.
Where we once had the ability to take 30 photos on a little camera, wait a week to get them developed and printed and then find our thumb was covering the lens the whole time, we now have the ability to capture a moment in an instant and keep it forever, digitally! Social media is most definitely mainstream, filling up the home screen of most smartphones and with that comes a change in our actions and interests. You can be an influencer without being a Kardashian now, you can earn followers and online ‘fame’ by the time and effort you put into your social accounts.
We are all beautiful humans with our unique features, characteristics and personalities, and now we are capturing our individuality via our social media accounts. By taking a photo in front of a beautiful street to post on Instagram, someone is capturing a moment; creating content, possibly making a living and also being proud enough of themselves to put this photo out there for thousands of people to see. Does this sound like something to be shamed? Just because someone is creating this content in public? Is that any different from me snapping a cosy Bookstagram photo in bed?
In an age of vloggers, portable cameras, YouTube, Instagram Stories, are we honestly surprised to see people walking around with cameras in their faces? And do you know why they are doing it? At the end of it all? Regardless of how many followers they have, how many likes they will get or who will see this content? Because it’s fun and they like it… or at least I hope that’s the reason! If you are enjoying creating new and exciting content and you want some of that to be in more public areas, then don’t have any shame about it.
I have begun taking more and more photos outside for my Instagram, or in bookshops and yes, I get funny looks. People aren’t quite sure if they can walk in the background of the photo the girl is taking of a book in her outstretched arm. But something big has happened in my brain recently. I don’t care. I am growing my Instagram every day and I’m also coming up with new content ideas to keep it fresh and interesting. This isn’t going to happen if I don’t suck up some of my self-consciousness and vary the locations I take my photos in.
The people staring at you or giving you a funny look in public, they don’t know why you’re taking this photo. They don’t know anything about you and they will also probably not see you again any time soon. So why do you care? I know it’s easier said than done. But I also know the feeling of being really excited about a photo I’ve taken and knowing it’s the perfect shot and that my audience will love it. It fuels me with motivation, creativity and excitement for my content. I will take that any day for a few minutes of someone randomly judging me for my public display of photography.
Be confident in yourself, take the shot! Let your photography and your confidence empower you, don’t hide your camera away and pretend you’re doing anything but taking a photo. Own your creativity!
It definitely takes practise but taking photos outside is so empowering, especially when the result pays off! Great post.
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I still get embarrassed every now and then, especially when I see someone watching and clearly judging, but I’m working on being less concerned with what others think! 🙂
I’m still learning how to use my Fujifilm xt100 – But I will say using an actual camera makes me feel a bit more empowered and I “feel” like people around me maybe see me as more legit. I am still learning the balance between being intentional when I go out to photograph vs. doing it in the moment, without getting too distracted from living in the moment. It’s a fine line to walk. Sometimes I still like my phone because it’s quick and a bit more camouflaged.