The Rise Of Aesthetic Photography: Why People Love It?
Aesthetic photography, the art of capturing visually pleasing images, has roots stretching back to the early days of photography in the 19th century. Early photographers, inspired by classical art, aimed to create compositions that went beyond documentation, reflecting beauty, harmony, and emotion.
The Pictorialism movement in the late 1800s emphasized this artistic approach, blending photography with fine art principles. Over time, as cameras became more accessible, aesthetic photography evolved into a medium for self-expression, leading to its widespread popularity today.
Aesthetic photography allows individuals to express themselves and find beauty in everyday life. The process of creating an image includes selecting the right lighting, angle, and subject. Sometimes it can be both meditative and creative for photographers. Many people are drawn to aesthetic photography because it offers a way to tell stories visually.
A single image has the ability to evoke emotions, nostalgia, or provide a sense of escape. For some, it’s about crafting a curated representation of their lives that aligns with their aspirations or personal brand. Additionally, aesthetic photos can be a source of pride and confidence. Sharing a visually pleasing image often brings validation through likes, comments, and shares, enhancing a sense of accomplishment.
What Sets Aesthetic Photography Apart From Other Types?
Unlike other types of photography, such as documentary or journalistic photography, aesthetic photography prioritizes beauty and emotional resonance over factual accuracy. Its focus is on creating an experience rather than just capturing a moment.Aesthetic photography often employs artistic techniques such as color grading, minimalism, and symmetry to create images that feel harmonious and captivating.
The subjects can range from simple objects like a cup of coffee to breathtaking landscapes, but the emphasis is always on presentation.This genre’s uniqueness lies in its adaptability as it blurs the lines between photography, art, and design, making it accessible to anyone willing to explore their creative instincts.
Social Media Influence on Aesthetic Photography
Instagram plays a crucial role in shaping contemporary aesthetic photography. Its “like” system serves as a measurable indicator of aesthetic appeal, as researched by Thömmes and Hübner. Their study analyzed 15,073 images across various genres, including architecture, dance, and landscape, and found a strong correlation between “likes” and users’ aesthetic preferences.
This system not only reflects public opinion but also influences creators by rewarding specific visual styles and compositions. As Instagram’s algorithms prioritize engagement, photographers adapt their styles to align with trends that attract more attention, creating a feedback loop. This dynamic highlights Instagram’s significant impact on the perception and production of beauty in photography.
Aesthetic photography helps people find beauty in everyday life and express their creativity in unique ways. By turning simple moments into art, it inspires us to see the world from a fresh perspective.
References:
| [1] | K. T. a. R. Hübner, ” Why People Press “Like”: A New Measure for Aesthetic Appeal Derived from instgram data,” p. 18, 2020. |
| [2] | H. E. a. N. R. Robert, Britannica, 18 november 2024 . [Online]. Available: https://www.britannica.com/technology/photography/Perfecting-the-medium-c-1900-c-1945. |
Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab
Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita
