“What is art but a way of seeing?” – Saul Bellow
Why do I tell stories with my Instagram and other social posts? I do it more for me than I do for others. It allows me to reflect and remember what was happening when I took the posted photos. One thing I noticed a lot about Instagram is many users do not share what was happening when they took the photos. Typically, it’s one sentence and a bunch of hashtags. I understand everyone isn’t fond of writing, but I think the world would benefit from learning more about where they are when they took the photo. Too often we look for instant gratification and take little time to reflect. I know for me personally writing makes a better person. Writing about the pictures I take makes helps we remember the amazing experiences I had when I took the photo.
I took this photo back in 2019 when I went on my last cruise. I miss cruising. We tried to go on a trip last winter break, but it ended up being cancelled. We thought about trying to try again, but with the pandemic still a thing, we thought it would be best to wait until things calm down. One thing I love about cruising is sunsets. Most evenings I would take a camera and cup of coffee to watch the sunset.
I want to encourage my fellow social media photographers to share more about your experiences. I know I enjoy reading them, and I love learning about new places. While I want to see more of the world, sometimes the best I can do at the moment is check out what others are doing. Please share more than just some hashtags. Write a couple of sentences. Tell the world more about your awesome experiences. You would be surprised at how many people will be excited to hear more from you.
Through Griffin's Lens 
That was one of the reasons I started my blog because I loved the long form of writing and sharing my pictures as well. Our images may be just a passing glance by some but for us they represent special memories and insights into our human experience. Our words enhance add a deeper meaning to what we are seeing and feeling.
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So true. The writing part might be more for my benefit. It helps me remember all of the great experiences I have been able to enjoy over the years. I wished I would have started sooner!
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My blog started out as a bit of a journal for my city friends. But now I want to extend myself a bit more. But I do love the fact that my friends enjoy my photos and stories especially during lockdown. When I go back five years to when I started, I am surprised what changes there has been to our normal lives.
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I like blogging for the same reasons you mention. It is an archive for my latest works going back to 2009. I can look back and see where I was, what I was doing and then go on from there. Pretty sunset images!
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