Tosin’s Images & Anecdotes (TIAA) is my self-assigned photography challenge of 2022. The immediate objective is to select one image from my inventory (a cityscape, landscape, portrait, oddity, etc.) each week and write something about it. This “something” could be the story behind the photo, a triggered memory in relation to the photo, or simply a reaction or reflection based on the subject matter featured. The long-term objective is to encourage myself to add more content to “La Vue Atypique”, which celebrates its first decade in publication this year.
What can I say about the photograph above?
We were having a beautiful autumn day in Seattle when this photo was captured. The weather conditions convinced me that it might be advantageous to visit one of the city’s most popular parks at sunset for some photography so I decided to drive to Kerry Park, which I often avoid because it’s so commonplace for what I was doing.
Nevertheless, it was a good decision.
I think I managed to obtain some of the most attractive cityscapes of the Emerald City as a result. For this week’s photo, I decided to share an image that features the quintessential view of the Seattle skyline alongside a couple (for whom I was very patiently waiting to exit my composition — this amazing light would be gone in less than 10 minutes). This week’s choice photo is based on the counsel that I received from a National Geographic photographer that travel images almost always draw more attention when there’s a human element. There are times when this recommendation is spot on, and there are times when the travel image is more profound without people featured. It’s completely subjective, in my view.
Here is a timelapse video that I managed to capture on the same evening when the featured photo was captured. You may enjoy seeing the transition from the gorgeous, golden ambiance to a somewhat moody, cloudy overcast, and concluding with a romantic, illuminative blue hour scene.
2022 has been a difficult year for TIA — perhaps the most difficult since its inception nearly 13 years ago. I am trying to make some changes to the way I present my work in anticipation of ending what I really hope is just a very exclusive and extraordinary outlier out of all the years in my small business.
During the few occasions when people have expressed interest in my work this year, one specific question that has come up frequently and emphatically is multiple variations of “How can you not be on social media?” In most of these cases, I either provided my business card to the bewildered source of the question when posed in person, or I provided a direct link to my website when inquired via email. Clearly (and unfortunately), it’s still evident after many years that my official website is still not enough for showcasing my efforts. I have several reasons why I no longer feature my work on social media. Given recent news, Twitter could possibly flitter (and flutter) away any day now, but I stopped using that platform at the beginning of the year long before the 4th quarter chaos reported ubiquitously. I don’t plan to resume activity on Twitter as it’s been a colossal waste of time, energy, and money since I initiated the account in 2009. I had a small inkling of hope in 2020, but that’s fluttered away as well.
My sister is much more savvy with what folks are using in terms of social media platforms. Last week, she recommended that I give TikTok a try when I complete the renovation of my official website — or even open an account and start posting my work in advance. The way she explained it sounded promising for resurrecting my small business. Although I’m skeptical to create yet another account on a social media platform, I have promised myself to remain open-minded. It sounds like TikTok doesn’t have all the shenanigans and bullsh*t that inevitably resulted in my decision to delete my Instagram account two years ago.
I’m still researching TikTok, but I remain reluctant. There has to be a much more effective and meaningful method to promote my work without subjecting myself to the nonsense that turned me off from most social media platforms in the past. On first impressions alone, the TikTok website and app both look like complete chaos in terms of where to focus one’s attention — but this probably means I don’t understand it, so I will try to learn about it to see if it’s truly worthwhile. (Right now, I’m literally sighing in cynicism at the thought of this). Maybe the eighth or ninth different platform in 13 years is a charm?
Alright. This week’s entry certainly appears to be a “thoughts rolling through my head as I type” post.
I need to start thinking of the project I would like to assign to myself for this blog in 2023. This blog is literally the only form of social media that I can manage independently and invest any confidence.
Until next time, take care.
46 articles down for the TIAA challenge. 6 remain!
Like this week’s featured photo, your words grant us the opportunity to wander into your consciousness. I’m happy to hear you’re considering other ways to promote your work. Keep going!