Most social media platforms have farmed out the job of Arbiter Elegantiae to algorithms, and I wonder whether or not AI will soon be the judge of merit, elegance, and taste for the photography that we experience on the internet.
I am still tempted to do another night class with you but I've wanted to learn waves and seascapes, and so that's why I picked Gales. While there are types of photography I am NOT interested in, my interests to learn a variety of types led me to the classes I am taking with you next year.
Thanks for another thought provoking article. I frequently find my social media feeds frustrating ( gotta watch those clicks and pauses or else lol ) and it has caused me to leave Instagram but I kept Facebook. I do find myself missing those I followed on Instagram. I really enjoy your work and I was particularly drawn to the photo of the twisted roots ( I love tree roots that are exposed and am always trying to find interesting ways to photograph them ). Someday I hope to take a workshop with you. Have a great couple of weeks.
Your point is very valid, and one I had not considered. Clicks beget click, so the algorithm is in the driving seat of engagement cascades. Thus if it’s purely algorithm driven and not follower driven the consequence is the algorithm is a self fulfilling prophecy, you will see what it believes will driven engagement and thus it will drive engagement as that is all that will be seen.
If photography is a part of a revenue source for an individual then this becomes exceptionally challenging. But it does raise the question why post anymore (for the rest of us) the psychology of the red dot of responses is a powerful manipulator of our behavior. Perhaps posting on Instagram should no longer be a part of my future photography journey. Instead I wonder if sticking to more intimate places like Substack is my future? I want to break the grip of caring about engagement.
I am still tempted to do another night class with you but I've wanted to learn waves and seascapes, and so that's why I picked Gales. While there are types of photography I am NOT interested in, my interests to learn a variety of types led me to the classes I am taking with you next year.
Intresting read
Thanks for another thought provoking article. I frequently find my social media feeds frustrating ( gotta watch those clicks and pauses or else lol ) and it has caused me to leave Instagram but I kept Facebook. I do find myself missing those I followed on Instagram. I really enjoy your work and I was particularly drawn to the photo of the twisted roots ( I love tree roots that are exposed and am always trying to find interesting ways to photograph them ). Someday I hope to take a workshop with you. Have a great couple of weeks.
Your point is very valid, and one I had not considered. Clicks beget click, so the algorithm is in the driving seat of engagement cascades. Thus if it’s purely algorithm driven and not follower driven the consequence is the algorithm is a self fulfilling prophecy, you will see what it believes will driven engagement and thus it will drive engagement as that is all that will be seen.
If photography is a part of a revenue source for an individual then this becomes exceptionally challenging. But it does raise the question why post anymore (for the rest of us) the psychology of the red dot of responses is a powerful manipulator of our behavior. Perhaps posting on Instagram should no longer be a part of my future photography journey. Instead I wonder if sticking to more intimate places like Substack is my future? I want to break the grip of caring about engagement.