Snapping Our Stories: How Social Media Reshaped Photography (and Maybe You!)
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Do you recall the film roll era? Where we used to worry over each picture clicked, anticipating the return of the prints, and hoping you managed to capture that one unique moment? Those are now distant memories. Today, we all carry a smartphone, continuously recording our lives. However, the proliferation of photography goes beyond practicality. Social media has completely transformed the way we create, edit, and use photos.
The Democratizing of Photography
The days of photography being a specialized pastime or career are long gone. With the help of a smartphone and social media sites like Instagram, anyone can now own a camera and a small editing suite. A new generation of visual storytellers—people who may not have previously identified as photographers—has been encouraged by this accessibility.
The Ascent of Visual Communication
With so much visual content available these days, images have become the main communication medium to engage the audience. Since photos are the lifeblood of social media, photography is crucial for anyone hoping to be noticed and recognized. Attention, aspiring designers! Whether you're looking to improve your social media presence or pursue a career in multimedia, a Bachelor of Design (B. Des) is a solid foundation in visual communication that is essential.
The Instantaneous Age of Beauty
An abundance of editing tools, filters, and presets! With just a tap, images on social media can be instantly enhanced. This is a creative haven, yet it can also result in styles that are all the same. With its emphasis on composition, color theory, and lighting, design education makes you stand out from the crowd and helps you create a distinctive visual voice.
Going Beyond the Ideal Post
Never forget that social media is an edited highlight reel, so refrain from giving in to the pressure of leading a flawless life. The real power of photography is in its ability to tell tales, evoke strong feelings, and capture authentic moments. The next time you grab your phone to take a picture, think about the angle, lighting, and narrative you want to convey. Photography may now be more widely available thanks to social media, but it's still up to us to utilize it creatively and not just to get likes.
Now it’s your turn! How has social media influenced your photography? Share your thoughts and favorite photo-sharing accounts in the comments below!
The School of Design at Presidency University, Bengaluru, is the perfect destination for aspiring designers to pursue the B.Sc. Multimedia program, offering the opportunity to enhance their skills and creativity.
Blog Editor — Ms. Arghamita Sen Sarmah (Assistant Professor) - Presidency School of Design