Instagram Aesthetics and the Rise of Conformism: Why Creativity Is in Danger

The relentless pursuit of likes and followers is reshaping the landscape of photography, and not for the better

The world of photography has long been a playground for the creative, the daring, and the avant-garde. However, as social media platforms like Instagram gain momentum, the unique visual language of photography is increasingly being diluted by a pervasive aesthetic that prizes uniformity and conformity above all else. In the age of the “Insta-aesthetic,” the once-rebellious art form is at risk of losing its soul.

Once upon a time, the photography landscape was a diverse tapestry of various styles, techniques, and subject matter. From the striking black-and-white street photography of Henri Cartier-Bresson to the ethereal landscape images of Ansel Adams, the medium thrived on the individuality of its practitioners.

However, as Instagram’s grip on the world of photography tightens, the platform’s monolithic aesthetic threatens to engulf all others. The typical “Insta-aesthetic” — characterized by carefully curated color palettes, meticulously staged compositions, and a relentless pursuit of the perfect selfie — is now ubiquitous. The result is a bland, homogenized visual landscape where creativity is sidelined in favor of conformism.

The rise of this aesthetic is, in part, driven by the platform’s algorithms, which prioritize content that attracts engagement in the form of likes, comments, and shares. Photographers who adhere to the prevailing aesthetic are rewarded with increased visibility, while those who dare to deviate risk being buried beneath the deluge of similar-looking content.

This shift towards conformity is not merely a symptom of Instagram’s growing influence. It is also fueled by an insidious “follow the leader” mentality that permeates the photography community. In an effort to emulate the success of popular Instagrammers, many photographers have abandoned their own artistic vision in favor of mimicking the prevailing aesthetic.

In the world of street photography, for example, this phenomenon has led to a deluge of images that prioritize style over substance. Scenes that were once captured candidly and authentically are now staged and manipulated in an effort to adhere to the “Insta-aesthetic.” The result is a slew of eerily similar images that fail to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the street.

Landscape photography, too, has fallen victim to the relentless pursuit of the perfect “Instagrammable” shot. Instead of exploring the world’s vast and varied terrain, photographers now flock to the same handful of locations, all in search of the same pristine image. This trend has led to environmental degradation in some areas, as once-pristine landscapes are trampled by hordes of photographers and tourists alike.

Portrait and fashion photography have not been immune to the conformity epidemic either. Images that once pushed boundaries and challenged the status quo are now eerily similar, with the same poses, lighting techniques, and styling choices seen time and time again. The result is a stifling creative environment where innovation and originality are all too rare.

In an industry that was once driven by the spirit of creativity and individualism, this new era of conformism poses a significant threat. By prioritizing uniformity over uniqueness, the art of photography risks becoming a mere shadow of its former self.

To combat this worrying trend, photographers must resist the urge to chase likes and followers at the expense of their own artistic vision. By embracing their individuality and rejecting the homogenized “Insta-aesthetic,” photographers can help to reinvigorate the medium and ensure that the art of photography remains a diverse and dynamic force for years to come.

It is time for photographers, both amateur and professional, to stand up for the rich heritage of their craft and reclaim the creative freedom that has long been the lifeblood of the medium. This will require a concerted effort to prioritize artistic integrity over the pursuit of online validation, a decision that will not come without its challenges.

Photographers must be willing to accept that, in the short term, they may lose followers and see a dip in engagement. However, by staying true to their artistic vision and consistently producing work that pushes the boundaries of convention, they will foster a more authentic connection with their audience, one that is built on a shared appreciation for the true power of photography.

In addition to individual efforts, there is also a need for collective action within the photography community. By celebrating and promoting work that defies the prevailing aesthetic, photographers can help to create a more diverse and inclusive visual landscape. This may involve supporting fellow photographers who defy convention, seeking out alternative platforms to showcase their work, or even organizing events and exhibitions that champion artistic diversity.

Educational institutions and photography organizations also have a role to play in fostering a culture of creativity and innovation. By emphasizing the importance of individuality and artistic vision in their curricula and programming, these institutions can help to nurture the next generation of photographers who are unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Social media platforms like Instagram must also recognize the role they play in shaping the visual landscape and consider the long-term impact of their algorithms on creativity and artistic expression. By tweaking their algorithms to prioritize diversity and originality, these platforms can help to create a more inclusive and dynamic online environment that celebrates the full spectrum of photographic styles and techniques.

The battle against conformism in photography is far from over, but by acknowledging the threat it poses and taking proactive steps to combat it, photographers can help to ensure that the medium remains a vibrant and vital art form for generations to come. It is time to reclaim photography from the clutches of the “Insta-aesthetic” and celebrate the unique, the daring, and the unconventional. Only then can the true spirit of creativity thrive in the age of Instagram.