In today’s digital age, photographers are constantly told to share, post, and engage on social media to keep their work relevant. But after taking almost a three-month hiatus from posting photos online, I’ve noticed something surprising—not just in my work but in my creativity, mental clarity, and even in my personal life. This pause has given me some valuable insights, and perhaps it’s time for us all to reconsider where and how we share our art.
Let’s dive in.
Social Media Platforms: Are They Still Worth It for Photographers?
Over the years, social media has been a place where we connect, gain exposure, and showcase our work to the world. But these platforms are now controlled by large corporations whose main focus is profit. Algorithms have taken over, favoring sensational, attention-grabbing content that often has little to do with art or photography.
The truth is, these algorithms are designed to keep us endlessly scrolling, consuming, and reacting. This can be addictive, distracting, and frankly, harmful. Like many, I found myself doom-scrolling through my feed, realizing how much of my time and mental space was being hijacked by content that didn’t add value to my life. Instead of feeling inspired, I was often left drained and, at times, disturbed by the random content thrown at me.
Ownership Issues: Who Really Owns Your Photos?
A particularly disturbing aspect of some social media platforms is their terms of service. When you post an image, you’re often granting the platform a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your work in ways you might not even know about. This includes training AI models, potentially creating images that mimic or even compete with your own. As photographers, we should stand up for our work, our creativity, and our ownership rights. For me, that meant simply walking away.
Realizing the Value of Attention and Discovery
There’s no shame in wanting recognition for your work. We put in hours, sometimes days, crafting images that tell stories and show our visions. But the social media landscape has shifted, and gaining followers doesn’t carry the same value it once did. Platforms are now flooded with unrelated content, ads, and algorithms that don’t favor photography. It’s no longer the ideal space to gain genuine attention or connect with others who appreciate the art.
Recently, I came to terms with the fact that much of my time and energy was being poured into a platform that didn’t return the value I needed. By taking a step back, I found myself focusing on what truly matters in life and in art.
The Benefits of Stepping Away
In the weeks since I quit posting to certain platforms, I’ve noticed three significant changes:
1. More Optimism: Without the negativity and divisive content from certain social media feeds, I feel more hopeful and motivated. Social media often promotes content that sparks reactions rather than genuine connection, and by removing that influence, I feel lighter.
2. Reduced Burnout: There’s an unspoken pressure to create and share content regularly on social media, often leading to burnout. Removing this expectation has allowed me to focus on creating quality work rather than chasing quantity.
3. Rediscovering the Joy in Art: The break has reminded me that true satisfaction comes from creating, not from likes or followers. I’m re-engaging with my photography on a personal level, focusing on the creative process rather than public validation.
Rethinking My Approach to Photography and Sharing
From now on, I’m prioritizing ways of sharing my work that align with my values and allow me to show my art on my own terms. This includes platforms where I have control over my work’s presentation, quality, and audience. It’s a refreshing way to move forward, free from the pressures of the social media machine. That does not keep me from still using those platforms to promote my work but dosing it properly according to my own terms allows me to evolve, improve myself and work on what really matters.
Why the Future of Photography Might Not Be Digital
As a final thought, I believe the future of photography will continue to hold a strong physical component. Printing photos, framing them, and possibly hosting exhibitions create a tangible experience that social media simply can’t offer. Art in the physical world allows people to see the textures, tones, and real stories behind each piece. It’s meaningful, lasting, and provides a true connection between artist and viewer.
The modern world may make social media feel indispensable, but stepping away has been a revelation. If you’re a photographer feeling weighed down by algorithms and constant posting, consider a break. You might find it’s exactly what you need to refocus on what truly matters. Remember, the future is bright, and sometimes all it takes is a little distance from the screen to truly see it.
Wilson Santos 