A couple of years ago, I wrote a post about my evolving relationship with photography. I had transitioned from being camera-shy to questioning whether I was truly living in the moment or just capturing it. Eventually, I even stopped taking pictures altogether. It’s been quite a journey. I even embarked on an international trip without broadcasting it, which, for someone of my age, is quite remarkable.
Initially, I thought my reluctance to take photos was linked to feeling somewhat depressed and gaining a few extra pounds.
The allure of photography was powerful back then. When I was in Mumbai for college and later when I joined Indiahikes, everything felt fresh and novel to me. I carried my camera everywhere, capturing moments of awe, and eagerly sharing them on Instagram.
But somewhere along the way, I read that photography had become so digitized that its value was lost. I realized that although I took numerous pictures, I hardly ever revisited them. I used to do so after my Indiahikes journeys when I’d write my blogs.
Today, with the proliferation of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, photographs have become a ubiquitous part of our lives. The sheer volume of photos uploaded daily to these platforms drowns out any standards of what we consider exceptional photography. Evan Puschak, in his Ted Talk on “How YouTube Changed The Essay,” touched on this phenomenon.
Now, I’m more conscious about why I’m taking a photo – is it for myself or to show someone else? I appreciate places like Binh Square in Hanoi, Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, where strict protocols like dressing modestly and not taking photographs inside are enforced. It maintains the sanctity of these places and preserves the sense of awe and mystery. Today, everything is served on a platter, with brands relying on influencers for promotion.
Consider the “word of mouth” marketing trend. Take, for example, the trendiest bag, the Uniqlo mini shoulder bag, which topped charts even above Kim Kardashian and Adidas. I bought it after seeing just one Instagram post, highlighting the remarkable marketing power of social media.
Recently, I attended a talk about mountaineers, as June 7, 2023, marked the 70th anniversary of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s historic climb of Mount Everest. The first slide in the presentation carried a disclaimer stating that the pictures were copyrighted and not meant for commercial use. This approach resonated with me as it allowed those who were present to truly feel the moment, maintaining its authenticity.
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