The Saving Grace of Instagram

Photography is truly a magical medium, when paired with Instagram. A decade ago, none of us would have imagined that we would be meeting random strangers from the internet to take photos together / of them. While many may focus on the negative aspects of social media, such as how it has led to addiction. Some argue that we have lost the ability to interact with others due to the rise of social media usage. It might hold some truth, but it has also created a new form of interaction. 

Through Instagram, photography hobbyists such as myself have a platform where we are able to find like-minded individuals. Whereas, it was a lot harder before, who would have known where to find other photography hobbyists apart from camera shops? It has also become a lot easier for us to look for models to shoot with when we wish to do portraits. We are no longer limited to just using our friends. With a simple message, we can connect with strangers whom we find are apt for our styles of photography, or have the vibe we are looking for.

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Personally, when I started out, I had a wish of making more friends through this platform, just as many others before me had. Growing up, I was a really introverted kid. As a result, I didn't manage to make many friends. It was a regret for me, and I envied others who had made many friends. The realisation that I wouldn't have much opportunities in life to make more friends came after I graduated from poly.

But over the past two years, I stepped out of my comfort zone time and again. I attended insta-meets, and met a number of like-minded individuals. It was truly liberating to be shooting with other people. Photography didn't feel as alone anymore. I wanted to do portraits, but I wasn't brave enough to meet strangers one to one, so I put that on hold. But in the past few months, I decided to take that one big leap forward. I started asking models for shoots. Of course, it was a struggle at first, being the introvert I am. But slowly, one after another, I built up my confidence to shoot and direct. In the course of shooting, I made many friends along the way. 

Twelve year old me would never believe that I'm meeting strangers from the internet to take their photos. He would never believe that I'd made friends with these strangers. And to me, that is the saving grace of Instagram. That is the beauty of it.

Amidst all the negativity surrounding social media, it's a tiny light that shows that when used right, it can be positively life changing. Just like how it has changed my life, it has changed the lives of many others like myself.

From strangers to friends.

From models and photographers to friends.

From fellow photographers to friends.

There is no need for me to name all of you, but all of you know who you are.