Podcast Police - a podcast to poke the inner bear.

Hello for anyone that has been here before and welcome to those reading for the first time.  These are my ramblings and although I have taken a bit of time to get some regular writing done, I feel I have taken a positive step forward for the first couple of months of 2023. 

A podcast I listen to and have made positive reference to previously is the United Nations of Photography (UNF).  I like the conversational style of the podcast and respect other people just thinking out loud with no real script, as it can provide a cathartic experience for the presenter and a thought provoking one for the listener.  As part of the series Grant Scott discusses various topics monthly with Bill Shapiro, both are people with specialist knowledge in the photographic and publishing world and speak a lot of sense from a position of authority.  The episode 1st February 2023 tackled the subject of websites, all said and done there were points for reflection on user experience and helpful reflections on what makes or breaks a website for visitors.  I did take issue with the point made that only commercial photographers requiring a website for marketing purposes should go down the route of having a website.  When I headed over to the podcast website, another listener had asked that they consider the hobbyist which the response was they had!  Suggesting social media platforms may be best suited to their needs as websites are marketing tools.  Not incorrect but is this really the only reason to use such a resource I thought?  As a result of the ability to do so many websites offer a commercial feature, do all utilise them?  Can a website not be for information sharing?  I have to say I agree with the other listener and thought the discussion on websites being for commercial purposes only, short sighted and displayed a naivety as to the numerous reasons why amateur photographers would prefer this over social media platforms. 

In a digital age there is desire to develop a portfolio and after years of trying this on social media platforms I have become tired of the algorithms, advertisements, and requests to send to @Icantbebotheredcreatingmyowncontentpages.  Then there are the spam messages and people who simply do not have the social skills to act with humility toward others.  Don’t get me wrong there are also benefits to social media, however the interaction and experience is different.  All these reasons found me developing my own site and have enjoyed building, I feel it is a continuation of the creative process in which I contemplate what I am trying to say and do with my photography.  It has become my personal journal without presenting as such and within a space which I feel safe, which would not be the case on a social media platform.  I hope that my images presented on the website will be a more enjoyable viewing experience for people, although I welcome people’s thoughts, I am not affected by likes or the lack of that you get drawn into on social media.  Likewise, my visitors are not under any expectation to like, comment, or share through some algorithmic driven pressure to stroke my ego.   

I have not been affected by social media in ways that others have that ultimately impacts on their mental health, but I have had to find a way of taking some of that control back.  A website allows me to do so, I don't require it for marketing, I do welcome collaboration through it, but mainly it is for me and anyone who want to follow my photographic journey to do so away from social media platforms.  Thinking out loud here – I do share the news of any new blogs on social media, do I need to address this?  I mentioned collaboration, I have been navigating my way to doing more meaningful project work and this is the main reason behind my website as for projects you need access.  I may be wrong, but a website provides a level of authenticity that social media does not, it also displays my work without distraction, and it allows people a safe way to interact with me.  All very basic but in my mind good reason for a mere “hobbyist” to have a website that is not for commercial purpose.     

I may not be an authority on photography, however, I do deal with the psychological impact of social media platforms and internet generated harm. Any and all steps that photographers take to remove themselves from that potential harm and improve their mental wellbeing by being involved in a therapeutic activity such as photography can only be a good thing. The take away for the discussion on websites is be clear what your intention is with your website, this will allow people to take an interest or move on inter search for a “commercial photographer” then again they may just stop and think this is a new and fresh opportunity to collaborate with a human being.

Thanks for the podcast and putting the effort in, this one gave me development ideas for my site but please reconsider why "hobbyists" would consider a website in the digital age of 2023.

Take care.

Scott