This is such an important topic for all of us creatives that are online in one way or another. I’m split with how I feel about “saving” our projects by only sharing them when they are “done” vs. sharing progress and updated work associated with said project on a regular basis. Ultimately, we all work differently and personally I go through periods where I’m sharing so much recent/ongoing work and then I eventually/inevitably go through times where I’m sort of just digging through my archive and/or sharing stand-alone photographs.
Part of me (as of the past few months) sides more with the idea of sitting with a body of work for an extended period of time and letting it marinate in my own head and archive folder. At the end of day, if I like what i’m making then that’s all that matters..
TLDR; Do what makes YOU happy with your creative endeavors. And *try* to not take this social media thing so serious..
Phoenix, you’ve brought up an excellent point, and I’m grateful you raised a sentiment I left out: “Do what makes YOU happy with your creative endeavors. And try not to take this social media thing so seriously.”
I want to clarify for anyone reading — I hope my personal reflections weren’t misinterpreted as some kind of “high horse” stance about what anyone should or shouldn’t do creatively on social media. My point is simply this: for me, it’s about choosing to spend more time making progress on a long-term project out in the world, rather than trying to make progress growing on social.
In the end, the most meaningful path is the one that aligns with your own creative joy and fulfillment. Thanks again, Phoenix, for reminding us of that!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and beautiful images. Since I’m a beginner my actual project is learning. From writing I know how satisfying long-time projects are. These are for yourself.
As primarily a poet I strive to capture the nuances between words, between spaces, that transfix me. Sometimes I think I succeed until I reread what I believed were profound thoughts only to find that they’ve been supported with the crutches of lame phrasings.
I completely agree with what you’re saying here, Benjamin. For me, photography is deeply personal, and for years I did it entirely for myself, without bothering to share my images with anyone. Although I haven’t deleted my FB and IG accounts, I almost never open the apps anymore—I feel they’re a distraction from finding deeper connections and meaning, so my time is better spent on other things. Recently, I’ve been planning a project that explores the area where I live, so your post came at a great time to help motivate me into action. Thanks!
Hi Todd, you have a great handle on your photographic priorities, which is excellent. I'm looking forward to your new project as well. Thanks for sharing, Benjamin 🙏🖤📷
I recently started working on a project around an apartment building close to where I live. Taking for social media only serves the owners of the platform. Your photo/s enrich them, drives traffic for them, makes them profit. Plus it has become a big waste of time for anyone who is creative is already struggling to find time to do their craft.
Looking forward to see this project in the future. Thank you for sharing : )
I try to spend no more time on social media. It is hard, but I'm getting there. Working on long-term projects is so much more fulfilling. I'm currently working on a dyptich project with my half-frame camera, and still shooting for my ongoing Riverlands-project I'm working on for over 4 years now.
Lovely set of images Ben, I'm really drawn to that last one - looking forward to seeing more of this project. I think you're right, IG and FB are a drain on creativity for me - I stopped using both of them so that I can focus on projects and maybe share different work in progress on Substack to test out ideas. My biggest one right now is on the local valley that I've been documenting for the past few years in the hope I can do a photobook or at least a zine.
That is bold! Deleting social is a brave and scary thing for anyone to do in this day and age. 100% on the feeling of deep work. Thank you for stopping in, Erin! 🙏🖤📷
This is such an important topic for all of us creatives that are online in one way or another. I’m split with how I feel about “saving” our projects by only sharing them when they are “done” vs. sharing progress and updated work associated with said project on a regular basis. Ultimately, we all work differently and personally I go through periods where I’m sharing so much recent/ongoing work and then I eventually/inevitably go through times where I’m sort of just digging through my archive and/or sharing stand-alone photographs.
Part of me (as of the past few months) sides more with the idea of sitting with a body of work for an extended period of time and letting it marinate in my own head and archive folder. At the end of day, if I like what i’m making then that’s all that matters..
TLDR; Do what makes YOU happy with your creative endeavors. And *try* to not take this social media thing so serious..
Rant over. 😵💫
Phoenix, you’ve brought up an excellent point, and I’m grateful you raised a sentiment I left out: “Do what makes YOU happy with your creative endeavors. And try not to take this social media thing so seriously.”
I want to clarify for anyone reading — I hope my personal reflections weren’t misinterpreted as some kind of “high horse” stance about what anyone should or shouldn’t do creatively on social media. My point is simply this: for me, it’s about choosing to spend more time making progress on a long-term project out in the world, rather than trying to make progress growing on social.
In the end, the most meaningful path is the one that aligns with your own creative joy and fulfillment. Thanks again, Phoenix, for reminding us of that!
I definitely did not interpret this piece as such! I absolutely agree with all of this. Thanks again for bringing this topic to light :-)
🙌🖤
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and beautiful images. Since I’m a beginner my actual project is learning. From writing I know how satisfying long-time projects are. These are for yourself.
Learning is the best project anyone can pursue! Enjoy the process, and thank you! Benjamin. 🙏🖤📷
As primarily a poet I strive to capture the nuances between words, between spaces, that transfix me. Sometimes I think I succeed until I reread what I believed were profound thoughts only to find that they’ve been supported with the crutches of lame phrasings.
Keep up the quiet rebellion! You echo my feeelings about creative output.
Thank you, Caroline!
I completely agree with what you’re saying here, Benjamin. For me, photography is deeply personal, and for years I did it entirely for myself, without bothering to share my images with anyone. Although I haven’t deleted my FB and IG accounts, I almost never open the apps anymore—I feel they’re a distraction from finding deeper connections and meaning, so my time is better spent on other things. Recently, I’ve been planning a project that explores the area where I live, so your post came at a great time to help motivate me into action. Thanks!
Hi Todd, you have a great handle on your photographic priorities, which is excellent. I'm looking forward to your new project as well. Thanks for sharing, Benjamin 🙏🖤📷
A great write-up.
I recently started working on a project around an apartment building close to where I live. Taking for social media only serves the owners of the platform. Your photo/s enrich them, drives traffic for them, makes them profit. Plus it has become a big waste of time for anyone who is creative is already struggling to find time to do their craft.
Looking forward to see this project in the future. Thank you for sharing : )
Great insight, Richard! Thanks for sharing and good luck on your apartment project as well!. Cheers & thank you, Benjamin. 🙏📷
In addition posting your creative work online only serves to feed the AI monster.
Lovely images Benjamin
Thank you for the kind words, Shital! Have a wonderful weekend.
I try to spend no more time on social media. It is hard, but I'm getting there. Working on long-term projects is so much more fulfilling. I'm currently working on a dyptich project with my half-frame camera, and still shooting for my ongoing Riverlands-project I'm working on for over 4 years now.
Good plan! Enjoy it!
There’s so much I can relate to, so much I recognise. Thank you for sharing your reflections and experience here, Benjamin.
Thank you for taking the time to read. 🙏🖤📷
Lovely set of images Ben, I'm really drawn to that last one - looking forward to seeing more of this project. I think you're right, IG and FB are a drain on creativity for me - I stopped using both of them so that I can focus on projects and maybe share different work in progress on Substack to test out ideas. My biggest one right now is on the local valley that I've been documenting for the past few years in the hope I can do a photobook or at least a zine.
Thanks Lin!!! Great job not using social media so that you can focus on your deep work and the Valley project. 🙏🖤📷
Thanks, Theo. Welcome!
That is bold! Deleting social is a brave and scary thing for anyone to do in this day and age. 100% on the feeling of deep work. Thank you for stopping in, Erin! 🙏🖤📷