Why It’s Time to Think Beyond the Clichés
From Selfies to Sunsets, the Drawbacks of Repeatedly Capturing the Same Images
Photography has become one of the most accessible art forms of the modern age, with billions of images shared online every day.
Even if I think that Photography is not directly a form of Art, you don’t necessarily need any skill an artist need, and with the help of software nowadays, you can capture random pictures and in the end the understanding of the photograph that makes the function of the picture itself.
While the ease of taking photos has undoubtedly opened up opportunities for more people to express themselves artistically, it has also led to an oversaturation of certain types of images.
From selfies to sunsets, the sheer volume of clichéd images being shared online has led many to question whether we have lost sight of what makes photography truly meaningful.
Selfies: The Cult of the Self-Absorbed
Selfies have become a ubiquitous part of modern life, with millions of people snapping pictures of themselves every day.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with taking a selfie, the sheer volume of images being shared has led to a culture of self-absorption.
By constantly taking photos of ourselves, we are reinforcing the notion that our appearance is the most important thing about us, rather than our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Take a look at this project below 👇
The Selfie Project by Norwegian photographer Kristoffer Eliassen explores the relations between man and technology through staged photography.
This particular project is concerned with the fact that people now are taking an enormous amount of selfies.
Smartphones move some of our presence from the real world over to the virtual world, and The Selfie Project is about how these new tools have changed our behaviors and habits, especially when it comes to our sense of physical self in the public sphere.
Landmarks: Capturing the Moment or Cliché?
Visiting a new place is often an opportunity to capture a unique moment in time, but this is not always the case.
Many of the world’s most popular landmarks have been photographed countless times, leading to a lack of originality and a disregard for the moment itself.
When we focus on capturing the same clichéd images as everyone else, we miss out on the opportunity to truly experience the location and to capture our unique perspective.
Just choose some Landmarks on Google Images and you will find millions of images that portray them:
Food: The Rise of Overconsumption and Waste
The trend of photographing food has exploded in recent years, with millions of people sharing images of their meals online.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with taking a picture of your food, overdoing it can contribute to a culture of overconsumption and waste.
When we focus on capturing the perfect image of our meal, we can lose sight of the pleasure of actually eating it, leading to a shallow understanding of what nourishes us both physically and emotionally.
“Camera eats first” describes the act of taking a digital or smartphone photograph of a meal before eating, often followed by uploading the image to social media. The term refers to the photographer metaphorically “feeding” their camera before feeding themselves.
Pets: The Limits of Cute and Endearing
Pets have long been a popular subject for photographers, with millions of images of cats, dogs, and other animals shared online every day.
While these images can be cute and endearing, the sheer volume of pet photos can lead to a lack of real interaction with our furry friends.
When we focus on capturing the perfect image of our pets, we can forget to appreciate them for who they are, leading to a shallow understanding of the unique bond that we share with them.
According to a survey conducted by Rover.com in 2018, approximately 65% of pet owners take more photos of their pets than of their significant others or family members, and 63% of pet owners post about their pets on social media at least once per week. Additionally, a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association in 2020 found that 67% of U.S. households own a pet, which translates to roughly 85 million families.
With so many pet owners taking photos of their furry friends and sharing them online, it’s safe to say that the number of pet photos taken every year is quite substantial.
Sunsets/Sunrises: The Danger of the Cliché
Sunsets and sunrises are some of the most photographed natural phenomena, with millions of images shared online every day.
While these moments can be truly awe-inspiring, overdoing it can lead to a lack of originality and a disregard for the moment itself.
When we focus on capturing the perfect image of the sunset or sunrise, we miss out on the opportunity to truly experience it and capture our unique perspective.
While there is nothing inherently wrong with taking these types of photos, it is important to be aware of the drawbacks of repeatedly capturing the same images.
By focusing too much on capturing the cliché, we can lose sight of what makes photography truly meaningful: the ability to capture a unique moment in time and to express our unique perspective.
When we stop relying on these tired tropes and start thinking outside the box, we open up new opportunities for creative expression and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
What are some of your favorite non-clichéd photographic subjects and why do you find them meaningful?
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