Here's a statement that will make half of you angry: many photography trends are garbage, but the ones that aren't will define your career for the next decade.
The constrictive algorithms, toxicity, and competitive atmosphere of some social media platforms can be a drain on your creativity as a photographer. By contrast, the platforms that foster a sense of community and support can be great portals for photographers to connect and share their work.
As AI tools improve, we all have to ask: What kind of creativity do we value most? Is it the idea? The process? The perfection or the imperfections? That’s not a bad thing. It’s a sign that art is still evolving.
Remember when photography had rules? Not guidelines or suggestions, but actual rules that separated the pros from the amateurs, the trained from the untrained, the serious from the snapshot-happy masses. These weren't arbitrary dictates from some photography ivory tower—they were hard-won principles developed over more than a century of image-making, refined through decades of darkroom experimentation, and codified in countless photography textbooks that gathering dust on our shelves. Then social media happened.
Sarah posted another sunset photo from her weekend getaway, carefully edited with warm filters that made the moment look even more magical than it had felt in person. Within minutes, the likes and comments began flowing: "Gorgeous!" "So jealous!" "Living your best life!" Each notification brought a small rush of validation, proof that her 847 followers were watching, appreciating, connecting with her experiences.
Photography can help improve people's mental health. It’s a mindful activity that brings moderate exercise outdoors, which can help our mood. However, with every advantage in photography, there is always a disadvantage, and the damage photography does to our brains is exacerbated by AI.
Maria noticed it first during her daughter's birthday party. She'd positioned herself discreetly across the room with her camera, hoping to capture genuine moments of joy and surprise. But something felt wrong. The children weren't behaving naturally—they kept glancing toward phones, adjusting their positions slightly when they sensed potential photo opportunities. Even the adults unconsciously angled themselves for better documentation.
Instagram isn't what it used to be, especially if you're sharing your photography. Likes often seem scarce, and the frustration of competing against content like viral cat videos or controversial posts is real.
I’ve had the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses for a while now, and this is what I think of them as a professional photographer, as well as why I picked them up and whether I would do so again. Smart glasses have come a long way from their initial inception many years ago. While there is still a lot of ground to cover—where I’m sure they will become a more portable version of the Apple Vision Pro—for now, this is what we have. But is it worth it?
Instagram was great until it ruined the art of photography. Somewhere along the way, the app that once celebrated still images traded intention for attention, and in doing so, it didn’t just change photography — it helped ruin the art.
Open your inbox and you might see an invitation titled “Referrals.” If you’re one of a small group of U.S. creators, Instagram is offering real money—up to $20,000—for steering people to the app during a six-week pilot that began in mid-May.
On May 17, photographer Edwin Blanco and agency BackGrid USA filed separate suits alleging superstar Jennifer Lopez posted pictures of herself without the permission of the photographer.
The business value of social media can’t be overstated, but not everyone wants to vamp in videos—the common path to stardom. Luckily, you don’t have to, says Janis McGavin, director of marketing and social media for the Los Angeles Center of Photography. “How do I know this?" she said. "I’ve done it.” She took the LACP’s following from zero to 18,000 followers (and growing) without appearing on camera. If you follow a few basic principles, you can expand your audience and your business without stepping in front of the camera (and even more if you do).
Believing that you need specific equipment to be considered a real photographer can seriously limit your creativity. Social media and other platforms often push the idea that certain gear or methods define your credibility, but that's simply not true.
Meta has filed a lawsuit against photographer Daniel Folger, alleging he engaged in an illicit Instagram username resale scheme and account reinstatement service. The lawsuit, filed in a California federal court, claims Folger facilitated high-priced transactions for coveted Instagram handles and worked with a Meta insider to restore banned accounts for a fee.
Prominent rock musician Ozzy Osbourne now faces a lawsuit related to photographs of himself posted on social media platforms.
On February 14, 2025, YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary—a milestone that invites deep reflection on how a single website, originally conceived as a platform for sharing simple video clips, evolved into a global cultural powerhouse. Over two tumultuous decades, YouTube has transformed media hierarchies, empowered ordinary individuals to become creators, and reshaped public discourse on a myriad of social, political, and cultural issues.
Social media has transformed photography—launching careers, shaping trends, and fueling creativity. The question must be asked: Are photographers shaping their vision, or is the algorithm shaping it for them?
Are you fed up with Instagram’s algorithms and TikTok’s endless videos? You’re not alone. There’s a growing movement in the photography community: people are returning to Flickr, an “old-school” photo-sharing platform, in search of a better experience.
In an era dominated by social media algorithms and fleeting engagement, photographers often struggle to reach audiences in any meaningful way. With established social media platforms at saturation point, it’s become harder to reach the people who follow you, let alone new audiences.
In the digital age, information flows at speeds and scales that are unprecedented in human history. Social media platforms, digital news outlets, and personal devices collectively serve as both mirrors and engines of cultural discourse. Within this vast ecosystem, a new frontier has emerged: synthetic media or AI-generated media. And with its advanced outpacing our ability to corral its impact, we are headed for trouble.
In an era when information travels at breakneck speed across vast digital networks, the very act of trying to hide certain data often paradoxically ensures its broader dissemination. This ironic dynamic, known as the “Streisand effect,” encapsulates a critical tension at the heart of contemporary media ecosystems: attempts to suppress or censor information frequently result in that information being shared more widely and gaining even greater cultural resonance.
A social media presence might be essential, but with social media platforms in a state of flux, which is the best one for a photographer to call home? The fast-growing Bluesky platform could be a breath of fresh air for photographers tired of their work being hidden behind a pay-to-play paywall.
Navigating Instagram’s ever-evolving platform is no small feat, especially if you’re trying to grow your audience or showcase your work. Knowing what’s holding you back is essential for improving your strategy and reaching more people.
Social media can be a double-edged sword, especially when it comes to sharing your creative work. Posting your photos online may help build an audience and gain exposure, but the impact on creativity and mental well-being can be surprisingly negative. Lately, some creatives are rethinking their approach to social media, looking for alternatives that don’t rely on addictive algorithms or compromise ownership of their work.
Freelancing as a creative can be exhilarating, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One that frequently pops up is the battle between staying creatively active and managing a busy workload.
Instagram might have sparked your interest in photography, but it could be leading you in the wrong direction. While it’s easy to be drawn in by the idea of getting more followers and likes, this focus on social media can hurt your progress as a photographer.
Isn’t it time we returned to how we used to share photos? There’s little point in creating photographic art if people are not going to see it, and although it reaches a wide audience, there are good reasons to take a step back from social media and consider other options instead.
