Change Channels

I listen to radio. A lot. I listen while I edit, while I drive, while I do the dishes. I listen to get inspired and focused.

I flip around for variety: New Wave on satellite radio. San Diego public radio (morning surf report). My favorite podcasts. 1950’s jazz. Some classical. Old playlists on iTunes. I like to be surprised in my feed.

When I scroll through Instagram, I hope for that same sense of discovery and surprise. Instead, I often feel like I’m looking at the equivalent of soft rock, easy listening music. So much looks similar, safe, predictable. All one channel, one genre. I want to see photos that wake me up. I want to have my eyes stretched, to feel a range of emotions, not just the warm fuzzy feeling of two people in love.

If you think of an early medieval ballad, of Muddy Waters blues, Joni Mitchell, Radiohead, Beyonce, these artists write love songs that sound nothing alike.

To me, no matter the genre or art form, the question is does this work ring true? Do I believe it?

How do we expand the definition of a “good” wedding or engagement photograph? Can we create new channels?