PERFECT SELFIES AND POSIES
I don’t know what photographers like Tish Murtha or Richard Ellis would have made of social media, particularly perfect selfies and posies. They really are the biggest challenge facing real photographers wanting to photograph real people.
SELFIES
Many people have a presence on social media. Most people post some type of selfies.
Some people post only self-portraits, some post selfies with important people. Others portray themselves as one of the “cool cats” by posting group shots, showcasing group affiliations.
Some people post selfies of themselves first thing in the morning, with no makeup. That’s super rare eh? Others heavily edit their selfie by adjusting colour, lighting and applying smoothing filters. So what does it all mean?
Posting on Facebook does not immediately mean you are a narcissist. You earn that title through what you post. What you want others to know about you? You have finished a long run, finished your homework, eaten a big breakfast? It’s all about you! Alternatively, are your posts about other people, celebrating their achievements, giving encouragement, promoting good causes? It’s all about others and not me! me! Me!
ALTER EGO, ALTERED IMAGE
Previous research suggests that photo editing and related activities facilitate superficial behaviour and self-promotion. Narcissism may become more common due to social media image editing.
SELFIES VERSES POSIES
The verdict of a recent study was that people who post more selfies, as opposed to “posie” photographs that others have taken of them, are perceived to be less likeable, less adventurous, less outgoing, less dependable, less successful, less confident, and, if that wasn’t enough, more likely to be a bad friend? Blimey, that’s a bit heavy !!!
The study found that even when two feeds had similar content, such as depictions of achievement or travel, feelings about the person who posted selfies were negative and feelings about the person who posted posies were positive (Credit to Chris Barry, a psychology professor at Washington State University and the lead author of the study).
TOUGH FUTURE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
It looks like a tough future for photographers out there trying to document ‘real’ people. It’s my guess that people in the 21st century with an online presence generally don’t really want to be depicted as they really are. They much prefer their online, filtered, alter ego.
In the 22nd century, imagine sitting down beside your solar powered heat source and looking back though old images from the 2020’s on your portal. “Wow, everyone had perfect skin, perfect teeth and plump top lips”
So, to finish. Imagine a photographer like Tish Murtha in 2022 approaching a window cleaner? Wanting to capture an image of someone going about their gritty day job.
“No, no way, I’m not a window cleaner going from house to house. I’m a freelance vision technician with skin like a perfect peach, just check out my social media pages!!!”.
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Need some professional commercial photography? We’re the professional commercial photographers of choice based in the North West. What do we do? Well, Graeme Cameron Photography has worked for several years with many of the big nuclear companies and agencies. Sellafield Limited is just one of these companies. Graeme Cameron Photography provides event photography, VIP visit coverage, seminars, specialist photography, training, advice and consultancy. It’s been busy for many years with several of our biggest nuclear customers. That’s just how we like it. Professional commercial photography is very much ‘our thing’.
CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Please contact us to discuss your unique photographic requirements or if you just want some further information. There’s still the option of e-mail and telephone but there’s now the inclusion of an on-line enquiry form. It’s for those on the move that just need to make that initial enquiry and perhaps check out dates and availability.
