“Are you a photographer if no one sees your work?” This is one of the most important questions for today’s photographers, especially those who don’t make a living out of their craft. In the age of social media and oversharing, how important is online presence and public validation to your creative identity and artistic success as a photographer?
This is the perspective through which Alex Kilbee of The Photographic Eye examined the photography and enigmatic life of Vivian Maier. While her work has been familiar and celebrated in the last decade or so, Kilbee also made sure to include a brief introduction for the uninitiated.
A nanny turned iconic street photographer, much of her profound body of work was unseen during her days until more recent times. Since she mostly took photos for herself — without the intention of sharing with an audience — it’s a strikingly different outlook to today’s social media-centered mindset. Here, we have a photographer who was so focused on what she wanted to document for herself that eventually, her work came to be known as a great example of authenticity that transcends beyond the artist herself. For Kilbee, while there’s nothing inherently wrong about sharing your work on social media, we should still try taking photos without the need for external validation.
What are your thoughts on Kilbee’s perspective of Vivian Maier’s work? Do you feel that you must absolutely establish a social media presence for your work to be valid? Does external validation even trump creative identity, artistry, and personal narrative for you? Share your insights with us in the comments below, or in our group discussion if you’re already part of the Photofocus Community!
I use photography to document my life, the things I’ve done, the places I’ve been. Sometimes my photographs are useful documents for other people or organisations, but that isn’t their primary purpose. My photographs mostly end up on various social media sites, but that’s not so that others will chance upon them — it’s more of an online presence I can access when I need to.
Before addressing the question: (1) What I say is my opinion. It is no more or less valid nor do I argue or criticize the comments of others. (2) I enjoy photography as a private, non-sharing means for how I see the world around me. If you are a professional photographer I think you have no choice but to advertise your images by any means including social media, billboards, showings, displays in public buildings, website, etc. that you feel necessary and sufficient. If you are a person that feeds upon social contact than by all means get out there and… Read more »
A fascinating topic that’s been on my mind for the past several years. A runner is a person who runs. That doesn’t mean they need to compete. A photographer makes photographs. Those photographs can be made for whatever purpose the creator desires. I think Ed points out correctly that if you are a professional photographer then you need to be seen. I can’t just put up a flyer saying “I’m a photographer. Here’s my phone number.” and expect clients. From the other perspective, if I find joy in making photographs then who cares if anybody else sees them?
It’s a nice video with a lot of truly great photos by Vivian Maier. I recently read Ann Marks’ biography “Vivian Maier Developed” It’s a wonderful book and a powerful human story. In the end it’s about a lot more than photography. In answer to the question posed in this post, I have to say yes, you’re a photographer if no one sees your work. I sort of have to say “yes” because I’m getting a lot like Vivian, with ever fewer people to appreciate what I do. I don’t think I’ll stop, though. One obvious question is – if… Read more »
For me street (or preferably) life photography is a true joy, just doing. Been doing this since 1970. Just lately I released a 220 pages book summarizing 10 years of photography in Stockholm. Who cares but me? Not many. I’ve written a few lines about it in my photography blog section SPIMBY – Hans Wahlgren (wbi.se) Scroll down for text in English.
Like the Ephemera- Vivian Maier’s approach and idea was not intended as Art Form as we know it. It only became important as Art form later.
Thanks for this insightful article.