The fallacy around ‘The decisive moment’ is killing photography. Focusing on the one perfect photograph. The image that captures it all. A photograph that not only says a thousand words but a narrative too is in truth, a unicorn, a fallacy, a dream. So why is the decisive moment killing photography?
Recently I came to the realisation that my work doesn’t have a consistent style. My images are cohesive, recognisable but not consistent. I was looking at artists I admire and seeing there work and thinking that their photographic style isn’t consistent either. Many photographers body of work is generally all over the place from project to project. When comparing old master photographers to current photographers I liked, the newer photographers work was more consistent, recognisable and stylistic. But Everything I just thought was wrong, I was so wrong here’s why.
First off it’s not you, it’s Instagram. It comes down to a few very simple things, that can be summed up in three words and two reasons, chronological order and saturation.
Is Instagram dying? Here is a quote a fellow photographer shared with me.
“Although I feel Instagram offers a really beautiful opportunity to connect with others, share art and reach people on a large scale on topics that deserve recognition and attention, I’m finding that it’s becoming harder and harder to feel excited, stimulated or inspired scrolling through my feed.”
I don’t want to be another Instagram photographer because your images are only seen in the context of a social media feed. The images on Instagram are pathetic when compared to the printed equivalent. Even seeing a photo essay on a website or blog is better than Instagram. So why am I against the grain with this so called platform for photography?
What I’m getting at is that the internet is most likely the course of your impotence when it comes to productivity. How many people pick up their smartphones and check something online or in an app in the morning. Instead of picking up a camera and getting a sunrise.
