Does Social Media Negatively Impact Creativity?

by Aaron on August 9, 2009

This whole bog focuses on social media and photographers. We talk about tools and techniques to stay connected with clients and peers. But what if that connectedness comes at a cost? Photographer Steve Eshom suggested that I write about whether always being connected to tweet or blog might take away from one’s creativity.

It’s a great question to consider. Since we only have the capacity to focus on a limited number of things, if one is focusing on Twitter or blogging or Facebook or email, is one neglecting the creative side of the profession or hobby? Here’s my totally weaselly non-answer: possibly.

I think it’s possible to get too obsessed with social media and the technology. A photographer needs to focus on the core business of photography. All of the social media tools in the world won’t help a photographer flourish if the photographer isn’t exploring the field and delivering quality results. Hobbyist photographers have a bit of an advantage in that they don’t need to worry about the business aspect; professional photographers must be cognizant of the financial situation. While social media tools can be considered as part of the marketing/advertising/networking arsenal for a professional, the professional can’t neglect the photography itself.

What about the issue of being “always” connected? This is more clear cut to me: if one is trying to stay online constantly, photo opportunities and situations will be missed. Dedicated time should be spent learning new photo techniques, and that time souldn’t be interrupted by technology every few minutes. While working, ignore the connection for a bit. When I’m working to photograph an event, my Twitter posting or other online activity is pretty minimal.

It’s a balancing act. Professionals need to engage in social media activities, but don’t let that engagement overwhelm the creative and practical aspects of photography. How do you work to maintain the balance?

Photo by kevindooley, used under Creative Commons licensing

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Tagged as: creativity, steve eshom

Guy McLaren

How much is too much is basically what I am hearing. I too balance by leaving all connections in the office. While on a job I focus on the client. I don't connect with mobile devices. I only use my mobile for phone calls, does that make me a dinosaur?

Quality output is important, getting business is important, Social networking has not been the best source of work for me, but my web site has brought me business. Does social networking help drive traffic? I am not convinced because it's mainly geeks and togs in my nets. They are the early adopters and they are not my client base.

So in my case Twitter is to see what other peeps are doing

Steve Eshom

Thanks for addressing my question and I think you did a good job of addressing the issue. This statement "All of the social media tools in the world won’t help a photographer flourish if the photographer isn’t exploring the field and delivering quality results." I think is the driving force. Social media is useful to a pro photographer when they want to connect with clients and potential clients. If the photographer is not producing quality output then the connection is irrelevant as the clients still won't be there.

As an amateur photographer the social media aspects are not as key to me for business. My connections are primarily friendships that I'm working on maintaining. That said when I go photographing I still don't carry a device that allows me to access the internet (gasp) and participate like I do when connected. This allows me to focus my energy on one task at a time. When I'm home or near an internet connection then I participate. That's how I balance.