Today, I want to tackle a topic that often sparks debate in the world of photography (and far beyond): social media. So, are they a true source of inspiration or, on the contrary, a trap for demotivation? Small spoiler: the answer isn’t as simple as one might think!
I should also warn you that I’m far from an expert in their use, but the question seems to me more psychological (and I’m not a psychologist either) than related to in-depth knowledge of the platforms.
1. Social media, an inexhaustible source of inspiration
Let’s be honest: social media is a goldmine for discovering new ideas. Whether it’s Instagram (the one I use along with Threads, and which, let’s not forget, was originally intended for photo sharing) or others (Pinterest or even TikTok, I imagine), you’ll find photographers from all over the world sharing their work. And it’s like a visual slap in the face. You come across incredible images, unique styles, and super creative setups. In short, you think to yourself: ‘OK, I absolutely have to try that!’
The platforms also allow you to follow artists whose work you admire, learn from their experiences, engage with them, and even collaborate if the opportunity arises. Challenges and hashtags (#moodygrams, #portraitmood…) push you out of your comfort zone and encourage you to try concepts you might never have thought of. And all of this without leaving your home!
It’s through social media that I started my collaboration with La Boutique du Poster Français. I’m sharing it with you here, and this article will be updated soon with more details on the story.
2. But… the other side of the coin
Unfortunately, there’s a downside: comparison. Yes, on social media, you only see the most perfect version of others’ work. The photos are flawless, the editing is mastered to perfection, everything seems so… simple. And then, disaster strikes. You start thinking your work isn’t good enough, that you’ll never reach that level, and in the end, is it really worth continuing?
And let’s talk about the infamous ‘imposter syndrome.’ That feeling that makes you believe you’re not legitimate in what you do. It’s really disheartening to see people who’ve just arrived getting thousands of likes while you struggle to reach 100. The result: demotivation, loss of confidence, and sometimes even a forced break to protect yourself.
So, you need to approach social media in the right way and see it for what it is: a vast space for sharing, but certainly not a sanctuary of truth or perfection. You need to know how to take inspiration… and stick to that!
3. How to find the balance?
So, how can you use social media as a source of inspiration without falling into the trap of toxic comparison? Here are a few tips:
- Follow accounts that truly inspire you. Not just those that are popular in terms of numbers, but photographers whose work resonates with you. This will help stimulate your creativity.
- Take a step back. What you see is often the end result, not all the work that went into it beforehand. Remember that each artist has their own journey, and one person’s success doesn’t negate your own.
- Set personal goals. Instead of chasing likes or followers, focus on your own projects and challenges. Social media should be a tool to boost you, not an end in itself. Try to observe your improvement and trajectory.
- Disconnect from time to time. Sometimes, it’s necessary to step away from social media to refocus on yourself and your passion, away from external pressures.
- Try to create or join a community. Having a space for sharing and exchanging constructive feedback helps demystify the work of others by making it more accessible.
If you want to improve, don’t forget to use your photos in ways other than on social media and seek feedback through channels that may be more relevant. To learn more, you can check out this article: Improving Your Photography.
Conclusion
Social media can certainly be an incredible source of inspiration, but it can also become a real source of demotivation if you’re not careful. It’s all about balance. Use them to inspire yourself, learn, and grow, but always keep in mind that you have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself.
And what do you think? Source of inspiration or demotivation? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments; I’m curious to hear your opinions!
See you soon! 👋📸