I signed up to Instagram in January 2021, convinced by some friends, to post my nature photographs. Probably also to make myself known to users who shared the same interest as me, for photography in general, and for nature and macro photography in particular.
As of October 30th, META's social platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, now require payment to avoid advertisements. Personally disengaged from Facebook, my visual storytelling relies on Instagram, sharing original photos daily since September 2020, recently intensifying to twice a day. Crafting, selecting, and validating images demands substantial time, a precious and scarce commodity. While appreciation varies, my Instagram presence embodies a creative endeavour. The shift to a paid model imposes a weighty consideration, as the time investment for my creative output faces a new dimension. Instagram's evolution challenges not just preferences but the intrinsic value of creative expression within a monetized social sphere.