Has anyone ever wanted to show you all their vacation or new baby photos? Scene after scene of things they thoroughly enjoyed experiencing that may not evoke the same feelings in you?
Or have you been the one sharing the images?
Chances are at some point we’ve all offered up more photos than people may want to view. It is a natural urge and something to be aware of.
The process of taking photos stimulates our nervous system and that feels really good. That is one of the reasons we love photography. Later, when we see our images we feel that stimulation again though muscle and emotional memories.
The thing to remember is that unless the viewer was in the scene or was part of the event, she never experienced that stimulation and has no memory of it. Your photos are her first exposure.
When you share your photos, you are asking for someone’s attention and they may give it to you. If your photos are compelling they receive something in return. If not they tire. Their attention wanes. They get viewer’s fatigue.
Remember that more is not better. 500 photos of something may be an impressive show of shutter pushing prowess but unless every photo is different and well crafted, very few people will ever look though every one. You need to be the one to spend your attention on you photos first. Look at them, judge them and jettison every single one that does not make the cut.
People’s attention is valuable and belongs to them. Earn it and spend it sparingly.