Videos And Photos On The Internet

I was compelled to use this image!  (click to enlarge)
Olympus E-M5, Panasonic 14-45mm fs/3.5-5.6 lens @ 14mm; 1/30th sec. @ f/3.5; ISO 1000

This is somewhat of rant, or more like a comment on a minor irritation.  Maybe not even an irritation but a lack of understanding.  Stop here if you want photographic content only.  Just sayin'...

I have learned so much about photography and what good photography looks like from reading about and looking at the images of some of the great photographers of the 19th and 20th centuries. I have looked at these images in monographs, galleries, museums, magazines and, more recently, on the Internet.  Additionally, I am a regular You Tube viewer and really enjoy it as I find very interesting and informative videos, both instructive and entertaining, from which I feel I derive benefit.  However, there are some types of videos on You Tube as well as photos on the Web, that leave me baffled as to why they exist.  

I will highlight two examples.  Specifically, it makes no sense to me to see photos of what some anonymous individual ate for lunch today, yesterday or whenever.  I really don't understand why one would photograph one's lunch, then post the images on the Internet for others to see.  Does anyone else really care what you had to eat?  Maybe your doctor? Who else?  What gives with this trend of photographing one's meals?  I really don't understand and it seems to me it is everyone's waste of time and bandwidth.  And...I'm talking about ordinary food, not delicacies that are rare and expensive that are consumed in a posh establishment. Why would you do that?  Can someone explain it to me?  

I can't remember any of the most notable photographers of the last two centuries photographing their meals.  I'm sure some may have for a specific artistic reason, but not routinely set up their camera on a tripod, get out a 4" X 5" film holder and make a photograph of their linguine.

Second, "unboxing" videos.  Again, I'm baffled why anyone would want to look at another person opening a box with camera gear, an iPad, a dinner plate, a saw or anything else. Opening a box?  Do the makers and viewers of "unboxing" videos have such a poor and valueless life that they have to make and/or watch someone open a box?  We already know what is inside.  All of the contents are listed in the information when you buy the item before it is shipped. Sometimes all of the contents are also listed on the box.  There won't be any surprises, believe me.  The company is not going to throw in an extra camera just for a surprise.  I don't understand why someone would first, record opening the box and second, why another would want to waste their time watching that person open the box.  Maybe the make is trying to make his or her audience jealous? "Look what I have and you don't!"  Longing for the same equipment, maybe?  Longing for a birthday gift?  I don't understand.

Maybe it is just my advanced age or my generation.  I've tried to make the correlation of opening a birthday (or holiday) present, but presents are typically gifts given by someone close to you who greatly cares or loves you.  Not you buying your own presents and opening them.  It is almost cruelty as "unboxing" videos could be a way of making others jealous and showing off!  Who knows?

I'm not criticizing those who engage in these endeavors.  I'm sure they are good people with good intentions.  I just think it is silly and meaningless when compared what they could be doing with their time, photography and resources.   They could be trying to make a difference in making images with that gear that can positively impact others.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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