Do Youtubers and Influencers ruin the fun of photography?
Do Youtubers and Influencers ruin photography?
Over the past decade, social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have completely transformed photography. What was once a niche hobby or professional pursuit has exploded into the mainstream, with millions of people now snapping and sharing photos daily. But with this surge in popularity, a pressing question has emerged: do YouTubers and influencers ruin photography? It's easy to point the finger at these digital creators for cheapening the art form, but the reality is more complex. In this post, I’ll explore whether YouTubers and influencers have truly harmed photography or whether they've just changed it, perhaps for the better.
Why Some People Think Influencers Are Ruining Photography
Everything Looks the Same: Let’s be honest. we all spend way to much time on Instagram looking at other photographers photos. However, you've probably noticed a lot of the same types of photos: moody landscapes, perfectly posed coffee shots, and neon-lit city streets. It often feels like everyone is becoming a sheep, copying what’s popular to chase likes and followers. The fear here is that photography is losing its diversity and originality, becoming more about playing it safe and sticking to trends rather than exploring new creative territory. This uniformity can feel stifling, especially for those who see photography as an art form driven by unique perspectives and personal expression.
Chasing Popularity Over Quality: There’s no denying that social media rewards content that goes viral. Influencers, by nature, are often more focused on engagement metrics, likes, shares, and comments rather than on creating something with lasting artistic value. The pressure to constantly produce content that keeps them relevant can lead to a focus on quantity over quality. This can result in photography that’s more about what's immediately eye-catching and less about what's meaningful or innovative. For those who care deeply about the craft, this can feel like a degradation of photography’s potential.
False information: With the rise of all these young influencers within the photographic genre of social media, we see a surge in false information that can lead to overly complicated workflows, unnecessary purchases, and shooting tutorials that don't follow the basic standard rules of photography; while breaking the rules is a necessary thing. The photographer must have a clear understanding of what they're doing beforehand.
The Obsession with Gear and Editing: Spend a few minutes on YouTube, and you’ll quickly find influencers raving about the latest camera gear or sharing tutorials on how to achieve a certain look in Photoshop or Lightroom. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with this, it can create the impression that photography is mostly about having the right tools or mastering the latest editing trick. This mindset might discourage beginner photographers who don’t have access to expensive equipment, making them feel that they can’t compete unless they shell out a lot of money. It can also overshadow the fundamental skills of photography: understanding light, composition, and storytelling.
The Positive Side of Influencers in Photography
Making Photography Accessible: On the flip side, YouTubers and influencers have made photography more accessible than ever before. Think about it: how many people have been inspired to pick up a camera for the first time because they saw someone online doing it? Influencers share free tips, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content that shows photography to beginners. This has opened the doors for people who might not have had access to formal training or expensive classes. In this way, YouTubers and influencers have democratised photography, making it a more inclusive space where anyone can learn and improve.
Creating New Opportunities Let’s not forget that the rise of social media has created new opportunities for photographers to make a living from their passion. Influencers can monetise their work through sponsorships, brand deals, and even selling their own presets or prints. This has allowed many talented photographers to bypass traditional gatekeepers—like galleries or agencies—and reach a global audience directly. It’s a new business model that has enabled creative professionals to thrive in ways that were previously impossible.
Finding a Balance: Embracing Change Without Losing Tradition
So, do YouTubers and influencers ruin photography? The answer isn’t straightforward, that is for you to decide. While there are genuine concerns about the impact of social media on photography as an art form, it’s also clear that these platforms have brought many positive changes. The key is finding a balance that respects photography’s rich history while embracing the opportunities that the digital age provides.
Traditionalists and modernists can learn a lot from each other. Seasoned photographers can continue to prioritise quality, depth, and originality, while new creators can push for accessibility for the newer generations. Photography, after all, is big enough to encompass both approaches. Instead of fearing the influence of YouTubers and influencers, we should look at how their contributions can add to the art form’s evolution. or don't and just stick to your own lane and continue down it taking good shots.
In the end, photography is about capturing moments, telling stories, and expressing oneself. It’s a medium that thrives on diversity and change. Whether you’re an old-school professional or a new enthusiast influenced by social media trends, there’s room for everyone. The future of photography will be richer and more vibrant if we celebrate all the different ways people engage with the craft and encourage each other to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Now wheres my camera im going to take some pictures.
