Is Instagram A Creative Outlet?

I’ve mentioned it before, but I love Instagram.

I’ve been posting so much on it lately and, although I do think I need to take a break from it every now and again, I really enjoy it! In fact I use it so much, I kind of consider it a hobby for me now.

I’ve always loved taking photographs and capturing memories, but now thanks to this app I now have a platform for my work. Yes, I’m calling the pictures I take on a daily bases ‘work’ as they’re something I’ve made.

I’ll admit, photography and Instagram doesn’t really seem creative in the typical sense – picture oil paints, blank canvases or open notebooks – but when you actually think about it, it really is.

Wherever I go, whatever I’m up to I want to document it. Now we all have access to cameras thanks to our smart phones, taking pictures is the easiest and most effective way to document a place, person or event. Instagram is merely the platform I share it on. Like a very basic gallery for my best bits.

I will take photos of anything and everything! Even the smallest thing will be photographed and shared as it makes me happy. Scroll through my feed and you’ll see so many photos of hot drinks, books and pretty trees. Although it’s basic and small, these are the things that make me happy in the moment, so why shouldn’t I document it and share?

No matter what kind of day I’ve had, if I’ve managed to capture a small happy moment, then you can expect to see it on Instagram.

I know that posting too often is problematic and sometimes I have had to force a break from Instagram on myself, as I find that I become too preoccupied with what angle I need to capture, what filters I’ll use and how best to caption the scene instead of just being in the moment and enjoying it. This is certainly some I need to work on, but for the most part I don’t think Instagram is a bad thing or something to be ashamed of having as a hobby.

I don’t think my posting on Instagram will stop anytime soon! Call me a typical millennial who’s obsessed with her phone, but I love documenting and sharing my days. Truly everything I post online, from Instagram to this blog, is for myself primarily and because it makes me happy, I don’t want to stop.

Of course getting feedback and likes is great and something I enjoy, but I’m trying to not focus on that bit and instead just enjoy the creative process.

After going through some tough times with my mental health in the past few years, looking for the good in everyday – no matter how small! – is so important. As basic as it may sound, Instagram is helping me to look for these good moments and for that reason I don’t want to stop using it.

What social media do you love the most?

Speak soon,

Rachael.