Relationship with the Camera

The Evolving Relationship with Photography

In my work I’m constantly made aware of the different personalities that arrive in front of my camera and it’s difficult not to notice how these personalities can be boxed into different generation. I’ve been noticing the comfort and excitement my younger clients have in front of the camera, in comparison to people my age and the reluctance and sometime discomfort they bring to the lens.

Each generation's relationship with photography has been shaped by the technological landscape and cultural trends of their time. In this blog, I want to explore how Gen Z's approach to photography contrasts with that of Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers, highlighting the unique influences and practices of each group.

1. Baby Boomers

Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, primarily experienced photography through film cameras. The process of capturing, developing, and printing photos was a more deliberate and expensive endeavor. For many Boomers, photography was a special occasion activity, often reserved for family gatherings and significant events.

Photography for Baby Boomers has traditionally been about preserving memories. Family photo albums and framed pictures are common, capturing significant life events. While many Boomers have adapted to digital photography, they often approach it with a focus on important occasions rather than everyday life.

2. Gen X

Born between 1965 and 1980, Gen X experienced a unique blend of analog and digital photography. They grew up with film cameras and witnessed the emergence of digital technology in their adulthood. This generation often values both the tactile experience of printed photos and the convenience of digital storage.

Gen X's relationship with photography is characterised by a mix of nostalgia and practicality. They appreciate the traditional aspects of photography, such as printed photo albums, while also embracing digital formats for their convenience. This generation often uses photography to document important life milestones and family moments.

3. Millennials

As the first generation to experience the transition from analog to digital, Millennials were early adopters of digital cameras and smartphones. They witnessed the rise of social media, with platforms like Instagram playing a pivotal role in shaping visual culture. The availability of affordable digital cameras democratised photography, making it accessible to more people than ever before.

Photography for Millennials serves as both a creative outlet and a means of documenting life events. They are known for their focus on aesthetics, often curating their online presence with a blend of personal and professional content. The rise of "influencers" and personal branding is a testament to the importance of visual identity for this generation.

4. Gen Z

Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z has grown up in a world where smartphones with high-quality cameras are a staple. This generation's access to advanced technology from a young age has made photography an everyday activity, seamlessly integrated into their lives through social media platforms.

For Gen Z, photography is a multifaceted tool for self-expression, communication, and social activism. The prevalence of social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram has made photography an essential part of their daily lives. This generation uses photography not only to capture moments but also to create and curate their online personas.

5. And it boils down to….

This then explains the comfort in front of the camera. Gen Z’s grew up with firstly a camera in their face and then a camera in their hand, making it super easy to be captured and also to capture their own lives on a daily basis. In contrast the Baby Boomers only got to experience the camera maybe once in a month on very special occasions which doesn’t give you much time to get comfortable with the idea of creating a permanent image of yourself. Also with this, the Gen Z’s and Millennials are used to seeing pictures of themselves, which gives them more information of what they look like, what looks good on them and this gives them a natural confidence as they know what they’re going to get. The Baby Boomers and to some extend the Gen Xs did not get the same amount of practice and that uncertainty of not knowing the result can edge over into a discomfort and insecurity in front of the camera. Lastly, digital is disposable, you can take a thousand images and throw them all away without any cost. Baby Boomers are not used to this concept, making it essential for a photograph to work. So while the Baby Boomer will feel the pressure of getting it perfect, the Gen Z will easily try the shot, knowing if they don’t like it, they’ll delete it, and take another.

I’ve also seen these characteristics travel across generation so non of these boxes should be taken too seriously. Mostly, what I would like you to walk away with is a better understanding and compassion for the other generations ways.