has social media hurt my photography?

[@labradorhund7769]

I don't think Instagram is meant for photographers. Teeny tiny images, but no time to take them in. When I started with photography, I had a flickr account. That was social! There were groups where you could have actual discussions or competitions or set goals together. I'm not saying everything was great about flickr. But comments were more than just fire emojis. Also, as a normal person, you have no chance to get your images seen on Insta. It feels like it's so flooded. The algorithm kills all the enthusiasm I once had about showing my pictures. Most people comment with the goal to have you watch their account. I feel like it's a one way street where everyone wants to get their images out without taking time to look or critique others' work. Also, yesterday's upload is already irrelevant. Put out more, more, more. No, I really don't think it's meant to be used like a portfolio. Just quick content, quick responses, superficial.

[@filmismorefun]

I kinda miss Flicker's hey-day. The community in the groups over there was pretty awesome. Now, all of the regulars I would communicate with over on Flicker I just follow on Instagram.

[@ThomasL.116]

Very well said! I used a smaller plarform called ipernity until they had some problems. Then I went to flickr some years ago and I have to say I enjoy it quite a bit. Way more individual photography (not the typical modern style images seen on insta all day long).

[@dianeschuller]

Labradorhund I agree with nearly everything you've written about IG and Flickr. I'm still at Flickr, after taking time off last year. Photos are presented far better there too and the community is a true community. On IG all people do is fire off emojis as they scroll.

[@ryancampbell588]

I didnt know how to put into words how I feel about instagram, so thank you C:

[@elmachomen]

One of the 'issues' I'd say is that really there isn't an attractive alternative to IG for photography-centric social media, unless that I know of. I used Flickr back in the day the same way as you did, but of course, that is gone now... do you know any platform that's really worth it as a 'remedy' to IG? I'd love to hear what you think.

[@chiprock2692]

Quickest way to suck the spark out of photography - post it on social media.

[@TheWutangclan1995]

Yep. At this point I’m just going to post crappy photos as a metaphorical middle finger to social media. What I mean by crappy photos are stuff I like that does not meet Instagram’s algorithm.

[@gryngowho]

these are healthy conversations to have, thank you for sharing your thought process.

[@mattdayphoto]

Thank you for listening!

[@Nostaljikone]

I think social media has truly ruined society as a whole. I mean the twitter's and the facebook/instagram. People acting as if their lives are better than they really are, craving that little bit of spotlight and looking for that dopamine fix generated by likes.

[@joeltunnah]

The internet in general has always been a double edged sword.

[@Ron-sj7ou]

Amen, Brother!

[@samhardy2038]

Matt Thanks for this and all your videos. I lost my wife just before Christmas. You are one small thing that takes my mind off the struggle if just for a short time. You’re doing good for me in a way that helps without ever knowing.

[@EricWortman]

Sorry to hear about that. I lost my 13 year old son this past summer to cancer. Can understand a small part of what you’re going through. Hang in there.

[@samhardy2038]

@@EricWortman Thanks Eric

[@MadisonBPhotography]

I think about it a lot, but I don't think I fully understand my relationship between social media and my work just yet. Think I need time completely off it to fully understand its impact. The biggest shift for me when it comes to KZbin and instgram was to forget about any kind of algorithm and go for quality over quantity, taking my time to create more intentional & focused work. Looking forward to hearing about your goals for KZbin in your next video, thanks for starting these interesting discussions!

[@scenespin]

Long time lurker of your work and words. Really love this post, as I'm someone who has been taking photos for decades but haven't shared much work on socials. Now that I'm starting to, the daily post have always felt intimidating as my audience is normally people who already know me, or searched for one of my prints. This year I'm trying something new too, and thats to large-format print every photo that I post. Sort of an exercise in accountability, where if it's worth it for me to print then it's good enough to post. Would love to see you print more your posts too. Great work, Matt. Cheers.

[@JeffreyFilman]

Genuinely really enjoyed this video and discussion. This has been on my mind for the past year and I'm glad I'm not alone in feeling this way. The unnecessary strain of feeling the need or desire to share content on social media, but also the worry and concern when posting a photo I enjoy and it doesn't perform as well as expected is so disheartening. I love the idea of keeping some photos to myself and not feeling the need to share them. It's an exercise I started this summer when I began working on a new project and I decided I to not share any photos until I can let them sit for at least a year (if that is even possible haha). Thanks for taking the time to explain in detail your purpose and thought process during these times. Always enjoy your insight on things like these Matt!

[@Phototrappeur]

I truly believe that you will never regret this approach.

[@pun1shment]

100% Matt. Everyone wants to blow up or be instafamous. So much work that should normally be viewed large enough to really look at get absorbed in seconds. we need to figure out what makes us happy while we are shooting and how we actually like to see the images. And in return share our images in the same way that we liked to see them.

[@joeltunnah]

100% agree. No comparison to printing your work. Someone should make an app to share/swap prints or zines. Maybe it already exists.

[@pun1shment]

That would be pretty awesome! But the problem lies where everyone thinks their print is worth x amount or won’t value 1 of the other trade for theirs. Does that make sense?

[@thomaskdrums]

Starting watching your videos only recently. I gotta say, it is very refreshing and gives food for thought on how I deal with my photography and social media. Thank you !

[@stevedobbs9427]

Enjoyed your video Matt. Your candour is a nice change from the general shallowness of "most" KZbinrs. Every now and then I go through my KZbin subscriptions and trim them down to people who inspire me to make better pictures, not only buy better gear. You have been a keeper since I found your channel. Thanks from South Australia.

[@andrewmalynowsky5454]

Really happy to hear you changing perspective to focus more on a photographer rather than dad/teacher. You've left a legacy of education from all these past years and look forward to seeing your career grow. Wishing nothing but the best Matt!

[@bradleyrieger1517]

I'm of the "no caption" school also. On Gab, one gentleman expressed his concern that some photos don't have captions and that he likes to know a little about what he's looking at. So much for "one picture is worth...". I've never felt the need to explain any of my photographs. I'm already tired of Gab and am about to abandon ship as I did with Facebook and Instagram. I admire your decision to stand back and determine what's really important to you. Good, timely video. Thank you.

[@ericmontaephoto]

Thanks Matt for always being so genuine and open about your work and process. I always appreciate the work that you create because it's a good reflection of who you are and what you care about. I'm not really good at expressing myself on these platforms because I second guess myself all of the time, but I just wanted to say I really appreciate what you do and the times you help me out when I messaged you. Keep up the great work and I'm looking forward to whatever you decide to do.

[@mattdayphoto]

My dude. Thank you! Appreciate the support all this time.

[@dvstylr]

awesome to hear this! it seems like a lot of people, and not just in the photography space, are reevaluating social media and their relationship to it. myself included. last year in the fall i decided to try and change the way i interact with apps. basically boils down to: scroll less, share more. and I think there’s some power to be found in that. but also i see work from peers and artists I look up to less.. so there’s a downside too. I guess balance is the goal, but it’s hard to find that perfect recipe.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

What I always found great about you matt. That it is your family that you reveal but many it is withheld to have such a great family. Every post gives people joy. You are like a "brother" who shares the most beautiful moments with many. that's just great. thank you for sharing it with us. 🙂

[@alanbeavers1485]

As someone who is starting my film journey with ambitions of growing an audience, kinda makes me rethink how it might not be worth it to post just to keep up with the algorithm and how my consumption of film on Instagram influences how I shoot in a negative light. Make me want to sit more with photos and analyze them, like you said, sit with them more, look towards quality over quantity

[@OboeCanAm]

I quit Facebook in 2019, and it's the best thing I've done for myself in a long time! Every aspect of my life is better now, and I regret ever getting involved in that sewer. I'll never go back, and I will NEVER join Twitter or IG.

[@mattdayphoto]

Facebook for me was the biggest dumpster. Deleted my account and have felt much better since then.

[@travelclimb]

I deleted all except for youtube a few years ago and it’s been the best decision ever.

[@EricWortman]

@@mattdayphoto Same.

[@bscottkillian]

Vulnerability and discernment need to go hand in hand. Such mature insights here, Matt. Thanks for your leadership.

[@RustyTripod45]

I appreciate that you are being realistic and beginning to operate from a foundation of awareness. It is helpful for an individual to work from a consideration of personal integrity and self-accountability.

[@toasto]

Over the past year, I’ve been uploading the same photos to Instagram AND Flickr, and it’s really interesting to see that most of the photos that do really well on Instagram do poorly on Flickr, and vice versa. So to anyone reading this, just don’t judge your photos based on views/likes alone! A lot of it comes down to the audience on the platform.

[@fyzd3r]

Hey Matt! Great video. I am not a great writer but I'll do my best. I have to say that I am kinda touched by the part about your family. I have been shooting for at least 20-25 years for my self and around 15 years professionally and I have never been able to even like social media. I have tried many times, but it seems to not working for me as I can't really understand what it can bring me. That said, I started to look at people doing film photography on KZbin during the pandemic and, obliviously, I discovered your channel. I have to say that the first thing that struck me when I was watching your channel is that you were sharing pictures, and some videos, of your kids/family. Maybe other KZbinrs are also doing it too but I don't know them. Looking at all this stuff with your family was warming mine (I too have 2 kids) but inspired me in a totally different way. Without the desire of being rude in anyway, I personally, with all the contradiction that it could have, am not a supporter of people sharing the lives of their kids on a online platform, because I every time I though of sharing a picture of my kids I think about this family album that I had went I was young and that I never wanted people to see but my mother was always showing. That is my problem. That said, many of your videos and pictures of your kids did change my way of seing my regular-routine-life. I also can truly say that your channel won't be as great, in my eyes, if they were not, your family, in it. Looking at your online feeds, it doesn't make me think that you're spreading their lives all over the internet and maybe that's cause you have a different approach but it kinda intrigue me. You being frank about what you're living and talking about your struggles or highlights moments with 137k behind you ready to judge is just telling me that you have a lot more balls than I would never have. Many people are looking and worshiping KZbin channel or Instagram as they are looking for ''fame'' and I think this kind of video are showing us that it's not easier having that much people around your work. A lot of decisions to think, a lot of decisions to take. Anyway, keep the good work! -John

[@MatthijsLangerman]

I feel like social media has been bad for me. I have days where i spend hours on the socials, and afterwards i feel worse then i did before. You see all those ups in people's lives, without seeing the downs. It hasn't done anything good for my photography, and might even have hurt it at times. I was in a cycle where i just needed to post a photo and get likes. Jumping to the present i shoot mostly film and get everything printed. It is a wonderful way to see a photo you made, and hold it in your hands. The cost of shooting analog is somewhere far in the back of my head, and i shoot whatever i like, but only after thinking how to get the best shot. It has been refreshing and im glad I found this "new" way of making photos.

[@chrislanier6292]

What a thoughtful piece on the intersection of passion & recognition. Once your passion gets recognized & rewarded does the recognition become the passion? Loved this piece and will continue to follow your journey. Thanks Matt!

[@julzstewart3330]

Clear and truthful. A joy to watch my dude.

[@mitchellhughes5180]

I think your photos of your family are by far your best and not just because your kids are cute and your wife’s a babe. It’s really an amazing body of work.

[@KebsCayabyab]

Nice! Thanks for this Matt, it's a good reminder for us. I like the thought of not sharing the photos right away and letting it get 'marinated' - enjoying the photos first before everyone gets to see it.

[@glennkphotog]

Matt, thank you for a superb and insightful video. As to family photos, you are setting the groundwork to be a time traveler in about 30 years, when you look back at those non-repeatable moments. During our lockdown, I have gone back through three decades of film, which are about 90% family candids, milestone events and life at the time. Although I am digitizing select rolls, it's been like looking in a treasure chest. I don't even think about gear. Keep it up. 😊 And as to Instagram and social media, I think those platforms are mainly set up for an attention span of "look for 2 seconds, swipe and move on". Agree, however, that starting somewhere is necessary to perhaps drive traffic to a business platform.

[@ricardomordechaiharyogi9162]

Really appreciate and understand your thoughts, Matt. Sometimes we just need to stop, rethinking, digest and decide what are going to do next. As human we keep on evolving. I think that’s also affecting the way we see our photography from time to time. Currently I am still thinking what should I do next with my photography. 2020 has been a stagnant year to my photography in my opinion. Being stuck at home due to the lock down, makes me think that I need to evolve on how should I make photos, how should I thread the photos I’ve made, the way I share it on Instagram, etc. Well.. just sharing my thoughts man. Stay safe and healthy.

[@BenRipleyPhoto]

Excellent stuff Matt and I’ve been thinking much along the same lines lately. I’d been shooting almost for social media and, coupled with other things, had started to enjoy my photography less. I’m now shooting and posting whatever I want and rarely explaining it. I’ve also archived a lot of photos and may do more. Really enjoyed this, thanks.

[@joaorat7779]

You are a good person matt! this video is more than photography, you create something special with this channel!

[@hannahswift6764]

Stepping away from Instagram is the best thing to do always. I have to do it often or else I get exhausted. Like you said, it’s a marathon sprint. Taking a step back always brings me back to reality and reminds me that my art isn’t a number on a screen and allows me to enjoy the process and share more of photos I like.

[@TheFilmFellow]

Very interesting conversation Matt! I’ve never met you in person but one of the most significant reasons I always enjoy your videos is because you’re so very likable! You’re personable and approachable. So no matter where your journey leads I’m a lifetime Matt Day member! Rock on brother!

[@mchlhth]

As a photographer who left social media altogether 5 years ago, and as someone who never really enjoyed Instagram much after Facebook acquired them, I recognize how difficult it is to get people to care about the “content of the content” in a post. The latter half of your video is a discussion I would more likely have in a classroom in the fine arts department at college than on a social media page. (I’d also never really pigeonhole an artist for one type of work - your photos of your hometown that you include in your videos are pretty great, and I recognize the thought process that went into their composition.) I’m also glad that KZbin creators such as you and George (Negative Feedback), among others, are coming around to the idea where people like me are just as interested (maybe more so) in the photos themselves as the camera you used.

[@CuDerRaGer]

This man is really the Dad of the film community 😁

[@marlon-caballero]

This was an honest look into social media, family photos, and overall reasons for capturing photos. I’ve had the same thoughts as well. When I seen how you handled your ig page I completely understood. Great video as always.

[@owainshaw]

As one of those who requested the video: thanks for the video! Interesting to hear you speak about some things that have gone through my mind as well. I guess we're all still trying to figure out what social media is - and of course that answer will be different for many of us. It's good to reflect on these things, what social media is to each of us, what we want to put into it and what we hope to get out of it - and of course these things can change over time. Today I finally got to share some pictures that I made in late November with some friends who I hadn't seen since then for one reason or another (it isn't always easy to meet up with folks just now, as you'll well know). I had printed the photos and made a little book/album by hand for them - and I hadn't shared the scans via whatsapp, posted them to Instagram, my website or anywhere else - giving them the book today was the first time anyone else had seen those pictures. That was a whole experience, it was something I had looked forward to for weeks, and I got to see their reactions to the pictures and hear their thoughts. It was very much different to posting a picture on Instagram, that's for sure. I say different and not better because I don't want to bash social media for the sake of it, or get into a dualistic discourse of "this is good, the other is bad". Facebook especially started out as a place where we shared stuff with people we knew in real life. Instagram can still be that if that's what we want from it - make a private account and share stuff with the people you choose to let in. There's no rule which says it has to be shared with everyone, with hashtags to attract as many eyes as possible. These are some of the things I've also been thinking over for a while ... sorry, I'm writing an essay on your comments section, though, Matt.

[@CareyBanyas]

Another thoughtful conversation from a great guy. keep up the inspiring work man.

[@ron20074]

Watched this video made me feel lot better about my Journey with my work. Also only post once a day and I have always let my work sit before I post it. And do that I always feel so slow and behind everyone else. And I take break when it become overwhelming for me. Anyway thank you this video. I feel lot better. Love your work.

[@PickledDill907]

Understanding my relationship with my hobbies and social media has been a huge undertaking that I'm no where near close to solving yet. I find it can consume me and leave me feeling lost and alone. It's a steam train you often end up being dragged in the stones by. Chasing that is dangerous, I think the key is to engage with social media at a pace you feel comfortable. I hate the idea of new years resolutions for many reasons. So instead I've given this year a theme, "Contentment". 2021 is the year of trying to be more content with myself and what I can do. If I feel even .1% more content at the end of this year I've succeeded in something. And that's a theme I want to carry through all things. Not just photography.

[@HerbiePabst]

Thank you for your thoughts. I've been creating art, music and taking pictures for most of life. I joined KZbin in 2007 and it wasn't until 2020 that I started posting. 2019 I got divorced after 35 years of marriage then Covid came. There I was in my apartment looking over my life, my creative life and my four walls. A number of years ago an art critic commented of my abstract paintings, which he thought were awesome, he said, "You know when you're going to make it...? When you're dead. They're going to love this work." So last year I started posting my work, for better or worse, because I wanted to interact with the world before I die and social media is the current mode of communications. It's not easy to figure out but I'm giving it my best shot. You make very enjoyable and informative videos. Best. to you. :

[@raffermel81]

Over information is killing us. Creativily speaking.

[@dianeschuller]

It was really interesting to hear your reasoning and I appreciate your candour. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts.

[@waldojpg]

the next biggest trend after social media: needing a 'disconnect' from social media?

[@brandonsaulphoto]

Great great conversation. This year I have started to focus off of gear and film stocks and what not, stick with like two cameras, and then put my head down and work on my photos. I am not really on Instagram anymore and actually just launched my first website! Thank you for this video, as it is a reminder of how Instagram and social can be unhealthy to our growth as photographers and creatives.

[@leniseormsby]

I'm glad you made this video Matt, I think a lot of people are in the same mind about it!

[@caseysykes5273]

This is wonderful man, thank you for sharing 🙏 was already planning to make another account for non-professional work but you inspired me to not do captions or hashtags and let the photograph speak for itself also, if you haven't ever considered applying for a teaching job in the photo department at Ohio U in Athens, I feel like that could be a really great fit (if you didn't have to move). It seems like the types of photographers that go there really look to do more intentional and meaningful work, and usually in the context of journalism, but I think 95% of what you preach still applies to that field

[@thenexthobby]

Time spent on social media (and that includes watching social media content such as IG and YT) is time spent not actually doing anything. Think about it. You’re planning, you’re talking, you’re thinking, but none of that is the same as “doing” anything related to what you’re planning, talking, or thinking about. Basic time management. That’s all. And it’s an age-old challenge.

[@mattdayphoto]

Couldn’t agree more! Even when I’m sitting down with my photo books and enjoying them, studying them, I have to remind myself “as much inspiration that these give me, I still need to go out and MAKE something with that inspiration. It can’t just all live in my head.”

[@federicodecuadro5672]

Totally relate Matt, I'm kind on the reverse path. I have been using instagram as a portfolio for a long time, and I started to take my work too seriously and ended up not posting stuff for months because it wouldn't met the "standard" of stuff I had already posted. And truth is my work is not so consistently good. So I'm deleting all my photos and I'm trying to take myself less seriously and I'm going to try and post at least one photo a week, starting with my archives, but trying to include all my ups and downs.

[@merryvale98]

Great video. I have childhood photos that I truly cherish. I often wonder if my daughters will feel the same way in 30 years about some of the photos I’ve taken of them or is it watered down because it’s been shared ‘everywhere’. I think there is a general watering down of images based on the sheer volume being posted on social media. I appreciate your take and will enjoy looking at your ‘new account’ with an open eye exploring each image in more depth.

[@mattdayphoto]

That’s an interesting thought!

[@zethiel]

I think its important you took that break to look back and all, and I respect what you decided, and what you've done (both sharing a lot, and then deleting it all). I guess if you shared this very personal view and experiences, you also are open to what others have to say in it, so without any harm, I just wanted to say you may have over-analyzed things a bit too much during your break. I would say, try to take things in a more spontaneous way, and what makes you feel good. If deleting those photos and now taking your time to post makes you feel good, go for it, if posting a lot or straight away after shooting makes you feel good, go for it. Do what makes you happy the most, and make you feel better about your craft. Don't turn back from one edge to the opposite and hold to it if you don't feel like. Don't feel forced to look back frequently to compensate those years you didn't take time to look back. Anyways, that's my 2 cents. Again, I mean no harm. I sort of recently found your channel and enjoy your old videos and your newer ones too. Cheers

[@madskrabbefotografi]

Love your videos. Always so interesting!! Keep it up Matt. Hello from Denmark

[@instantkamera]

I LOVE the communities that have cultivated on IG; In two of my main hobbies (coffee and photography) the connections I've made have extended beyond the screen in ways that other social media apps haven't (for me personally). That said, I think it's kinda run it's course for me and I'm yearning for something different - especially for photography. I wish I knew what that was, because I think some sort of social media absolutely has it's place in the day-to-day of a present-day photographer. I'm just tired of the specific workflow. For the time being though, I'm trying to focus on printing a lot more work and maybe getting that out there. Having a single person enjoy a physical print is worth 1000x a 'like' on IG.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Matt thank you for taking time out of your life to share your thoughts on this polarizing subject... Years ago I was on Google + until it’s demise. And since that time I’ve not found anything similar to act as an “outlet” for sharing. On the other hand is the act of constantly posting everything you produce worth the investment in both time and energy. Few people have the courtesy to comment on your works, it’s just the ubiquitous 👍🏼 which is so lame... “Keeping some photos for yourself”, now there’s a novel idea, one that I could really relate to...

[@smodjo]

Very interesting to hear that you changed your opinion about social media. Me, I was always jealous about guys like you, having a nice community and people who adore your good photography. I've always thought about going into instagram (I also do weddings and it works well without social media for me), but never made it in the end. Maybe, I feared that noone would like or comment my photos. Or maybe, I just didn't want to be a guy like many other wedding photopgraphers, sharing nearly every day photos, just to be seen. Therefore I like your idea of just sharing a photo without adding any info to it. I often think about a start with whatsapp. Just put a status photo every day out there. Just to be recognized as someone who can take nice photos and stay in people's heads.

[@AeromaticXD]

I've realised that over time, my Instagram has become such a formulaic thing for me; post a set of 3 photos at the same time, and reap the dopamine... But that's not a sustainable way to post my photos, and it definitely restricts what and when I can post. because of the way Instagram presents things - especially when you want to present things more aesthetically, I've been afraid for that stuff to become out of sync, and that's very much not how I want to continue using Instagram. What a thoughtful video, Matt.

[@joelbenguigui2016]

Hey Matt, great talk. Best wishes for 2021!

[@madieice7138]

Such a good video Matt!! :) I'm definitely going to pause and just really sit with the photos I take moving forward.

[@willmccleland2383]

This is very relatable and I'm glad you have made a video to discuss this! Has given me a lot to think about!

[@NPJensen]

It must be nice to not have to think about hashtags for your Instagram posts. I use them in an attempt to reach more people. That's what it's all about. I remember before digital photography and social media. Getting film developed and printed, putting the prints into albums and bringing them with me to show friends and relatives because it meant something to share the photos with other people. It still does, and I still print all my film photos and put them into albums. Instagram is an extension of that for me, where I get to share photos with people from all over the globe. That being said sharing the photos isn't what motivates the actual shooting for me - it's just an added bonus. A way to communicate beyond words.

[@mattdayphoto]

Remember I started with 0 followers, just like everyone else. Reaching people takes a long time.

[@Xvxv12]

Man I feel this I use to shoot a lot and fell into the Instagram cycle of posting every day and fell out of love not with photography but I no longer shoot to post I keep them to myself

[@matiasdeleon9345]

just one thing: i luv u man :) it was nice hearing you while bulk reloading film

[@Acbaih]

I recently say a KZbin video about Saul Leiter and remember that I was genuine surprised that somebody could develop such a great body of work without sharing it or without feedback. But if I think it through there are many examples out there. And it says more about me or maybe our time that progress without feedback seems a bit off.

[@millerviz]

It probably is more about the time and perhaps your age. For me, as an older photographer, work always is born and grows inside. It has nothing to do with feedback.

[@rapasco8184]

Much thanks for the video! Just getting out of that daily rush from posting and posting and appreciate more of my own work. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@timtsai4698]

Thank you for sharing ! keep doing what you do. Awesome approach !

[@NateReimers]

Man, I feel this. Photo's have been cheapened by social media for sure.... it's a two edged sword.

[@larson0014]

I thought a lot of photographers post on flickr now?

[@mattdayphoto]

I wasn’t aware it was making a comeback! I used it religiously back in 2008 and 2009.

[@stevedylandev]

Thanks for sharing this! I definitely approach IG differently because my following is mostly friends and family, but this provides some excellent perspective and thoughts to chew on as I document my own family. Never be afraid to post stuff like this; we love it, even if the algorithms don't lol 😂

[@JoshuaBoldt]

The best couple months of my life recently were when I quit my job and turned in my cell phone. I didn't have a personal phone. Not carrying around a smart phone for several months was such a breath of fresh air. I got so much more done. But I can't put the new phone down even though I remember how good it felt.

[@ReimannPembroke]

Very interesting talk! Instagram has a place but I don't think that it is the ideal platform for photographers to show, learn from, and enjoy their work.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

Matt, FYI (things can be hard to put in perspective whilst in a vacuum) your future photo books are not devalued by posting them on social media. As you well know, the quality is just not there on Instagram.

[@mattdayphoto]

Very true. I try to not put it ALL out there because I like people to see photos for the first time in print, but even if you’ve seen them all on Instagram, it still pales in comparison to holding them in book form.

[@punkrachmaninoff]

@@mattdayphoto Looking forward to your book documenting these difficult times Mr. Day. Been in the entertainment business myself for a decade (I'm a writer); it can be a pinch me moment when you achieve any semblance of artistic success but I really do think the American masters have nothing on your work.

[@MakersTeleMark]

The single easiest thing that I ever did which improved my photography was to delete my instagram account.

[@GilloKong]

Dude I used to just take photos to post them on Facebook, then I stopped and wondered why, I haven't been near it in 3 year. I have completely slowed down and I only take photos now, that I enjoy, I hear you dude.

[@deophotography4337]

That's my whole style. The Moments, The Wallpaper of the World, things that people don't see. I stan you, Matt!

[@Time_Travelling_Brother_Louie]

I quitted FB and Instagram ages ago and have no lost no business but gained so much more time for other business tasks. I miss certain chats with some photographers but now I am in charge of what work I am viewing. I do understand that at this moment some people need the connection with others though.

[@joemntz]

Love these ideas Matt! Thanks for sharing!

[@mp3remix171]

great insight, been trying to limit my time on the platforms, and been spending more time reading, thinking (about possiple projects and other stuff) and so on.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Big time going through the same feelings and thoughts, great to hear you talk about it.

[@adampanker]

Loved the message of it, made me rethink my opionion about my IG and socials (might archive all my shit as well :D ) But now that we're at the long form content of your channel: do you plan on continuing / bringing back the "Archives" series? Loved it a lot :)

[@andydreadsbmx]

I feel like so many people do it just for the likes and views and might not really have a love for it. Some don't know any other way but yeah I totally feel you with the slowing down. For you personally it is part of your job currently and I can see how it would be a weird mind game with your work.

[@bykth]

As someone who has so little following on instagram, you could say I'm grateful because I don't get a lot of comments at all on the photos I post. Although, I'm grateful for the likes and comments if there are any, but the little to no comments allow me to just post because I genuinely love the photos I post, and not think of any feedback, or relay the love for my photos based on whatever thoughts other people have of it. This may change in the future, but I'm happy with how it is right now :) Also, I definitely agree on letting your photos marinate before sharing them online :) Thanks for opening this kind of discussion, Matt!

[@benjaminwalsh9057]

Social Media has definitely made me more hesitant with photography. I focus way to much on others work rather than focusing on my own.

[@clayfisher3194]

Hi Matt, Thanks for sharing your transparent self!! I've always been inspired by your courage to share your personal life and images of your family. Have you considered creating a separate IG account for your personal images of family and perhaps keep this account for images that support this KZbin channel, business work, projects, and themes of interest?

[@leandrogiolopez]

Slower intentionality seems to be a healthier approach for sure. Glad to hear you as always Matt.

[@sergiogodoym4]

Hi Matt, doesn’t stress you that your job relies on an external platform that can close or shut down your account for any reason? Cheers man

[@VirtualGuth]

Honestly, I view you primarily as a KZbin personality that likes photography - a guy who has a great personality and great presentation skills that also just happens to enjoy photography. You are very good at this. I have no doubt that here are an endless number of people who are envious of your position, but that likely has more to do with the fact that you have hundreds of thousands of subscribers / people watching rather than how skilled you are or aren't as a photographer. This doesn't just apply to photography, pick almost any skill/craft/interest that you can think of and you'll find plenty of examples of what I'm referring to. When I think of a person that is a great photographer that also happens to do the KZbin thing, this guy named Paul C Smith from New Zealand comes first to mind. His videos are actually loaded with lots of examples of his photography itself and discussion what went into capturing those images from the mental perspective - refreshing. But as a photographer first/video personality second, he'll likely never be all that successful here on KZbin.

[@GregTPhoto]

I'm into the 'let the photo marinate'

[@abdullahsharw]

I relatee to you very much but I think I'm not in your place right now and I don't think you would reach this state if you didn't actually take the time to think about what you really want and what adds value to you personally and your work! idk man but I fully support you and your honesty with yourself and all of us the audience

[@audreybarker4215]

Hello :) Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts with us ! 100 % agree with what you say, taking time for ourself is vital, and think our practice will be positively impacted by this. Taking pictures at firts is a passion, not an obligation, let them marinate allow to find again this passion. Take care. Sorry for my english, i'm french ^^'.

[@CarlosRamos-zm4fs]

12:20 What came to my mind was a quote I heard a bit ago of "letting the photo speak for itself"

[@mattdayphoto]

I did a whole video on this, basically asking how much context should we give the viewer. But it’s still something I’m always thinking about and might revisit it again sometime in a future video.

[@Stephie_L]

It's definitely a love hate relationship. I've discovered some cool film equipment/ film stock through instagram...some photos are very inspiring but this whole generation of instant gratification and pumping out content for the sake of notoriety is incredibly toxic so you are right to take a break. I hate how it has affected photography in general. I love old polaroids (eg: peel aparts) and they're discontinuing stock for this because of our 'instant' culture...aka: quantity over quality. But it's not a bad thing to want to share our art, it's part of being human but I do think if you're posting on instagram, less is more. My fav accounts are the more understated ones that don't even post often. I miss the old days when life moved slower.... :((

[@benbowland]

I’d love to do what you’re doing, but do you think this is a viable way for people to grow on Instagram? I feel like we’re being roped into following the pack in order to get off the ground in the first place

[@Incredzible]

Tools like instagram have to be weighed up. It is clear they have benefits and uses (all social media does, otherwise why would it exist!), especially for someone like you where it has become part of your business. The question is do those benefits outweigh the negatives (heh)? The time you spend on the infinity pool of content that are things like facebook and instagram, what else could you do in that time to benefit your own work or happiness? For me I've deleted instagram from my phone and only ever access it on my computer, that at least allows me to disconnect from it when I'm moving around or going places. Just some thoughts :)

[@mattdayphoto]

Time management is everything. 👌🏻

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Dear Matt, IMO opinion you are an okay guy, although I don't always agree with you but in general it is nice and informative to watch your video's. Now let me level with you: I hate it when people bring out this kind of 'sorry" video's and allow me to explain. You started this channel, you gave it your look, your type of photography, your information, your impression, AND NOBODY ASKED YOU TO DO IT. So feel free to do what ever you like, if you want to make it a commercial thing, it's your choice, you will attract a certain kind of audience ( not sure if you like that) or go for only information or showing your photo's, JUST DO WHAT YOU LIKE, DON"T LET PEOPLE DESIDE WHAT YOU DO !!

[@mtcrun]

Thank you for sharing that Matt.

[@anthonybruma]

proud of and happy for you

[@jackbmth7783]

Great video. Interesting that you have chosen to no longer hash tag any of your posts. As much as I can understand your reasoning for it, do you think that you'd have grown the following on Instagram that you now have without using hash tags and your personal insight on a post from your original day 1?

[@rgssaurus930]

If I “like” one of your photos on IG it will be meaningless to you in terms of evolving your photography. I’m not a photographer, I have a terrible eye for composition or moment so I have very little that can be used by you to evolve. A lot of people I know think that likes on IG equals quality of the photo, but it means nothing. Great video on your relation with social media, and a lot of comments here see and agreed with you

[@joeltunnah]

You will also adapt your photography to what looks good at postage stamp size, which is a very strange way of growing your artistic eye.

[@rogerfay6627]

I share your concerns. There is something a bit creepy about strangers sharing one's intimate family life. However, I do understand that for some people, their lives are part of their art practice and providing one's family shares that view (and can a two-year old do that?), then so be it. As a global phenomenon, social media has the capacity to connect people and do good things but the price we pay for that is includes the evil side of social media that promotes hate, violence and division.