Photo Bombs

By: Jonathan Seidel

Phone photography and wedding photographers: quantity vs quality (Barthes, 91)

Apple has launched new iPhones each year and their most prized innovation is always the camera. Whether customers purchase the new model for its camera or because its new thing is debatable. Yet apple continues to modify a portion that has little do with the phone’s actual use. 

Apple has improved many of its technical aspects. Advancing their CPU and GPU among other important aspects. Yet these are rarely discussed. Presumably because they would bore the customer. Advertisements would be dull. Instead, what does fascinate is the camera. Everyone knows what a camera is and how it works. The innovative camera is a reflection of the rest of the phone. This is a cop out failing to generate true innovation. The camera seems to be the last of what people desire but it actually is the opposite. The emergence of snapchat, instagram and TikTok has only boosted this camera advance. At the beginning of the 2010s posting pictures was a necessity to keep up with the social trend. Videos began flourishing on vine and then more popularly on YouTube. The phone became a gadget not of verbal communication but visual communication. Not through speech but through images. Fascinating in its own right, iPhones were a one-way tool to accessing pictures and uploading them to social media. Quick snap on the go and update. 

A leave of privacy has emerged in communication. Not privacy in a sense of hiding information but in delayed responses. Someone may be busy so send a text and they’ll answer when they are ready. In the texting format, it doesn’t matter if the person is online or not (though if their phone isn’t on they receive it until they turn on their phone). While we may hope the person responds immediately, texting has provided that distance to permit space to reply. It is takes away all the confrontational components. There is no encounter. A message sent without experience. The phone acts as belated conversation. Transition that to images posted is in a similar format. Feeling like posting this picture and feeling like liking this picture. It’s delayed gratification but out in the public on record. An update tool encoded forever. Though the intent of delayed communication has frizzled. A text intended to notify is now a conversation starter. The strategic element exploited. The photographic enterprise feeds right into the coddling of the fluid mind. A picture taken immediately to be posted and liked. Scrolling through hearting pictures of friends and interests. Hidden behind a screen but duly interested in the matters of the world. The gadget keeps people in the rat race. 

Gratification is important so pictures need to be perfect. Without professional equipment, the camera phone is inferior and the picture ugly. If the picture can’t be posted it can't be admired then it can’t be liked so no one will acknowledge. The ease of the gadget is a virtue communicative device. The camera completes its function. If there is no camera then no pictures can be posted. The camera acts as a key appliance of the iPhone. The phone can call, text, take pictures and surf the web. While other phones can do most of them, the ability to link camera to internet is critical. Able to quickly move pictures from the camera roll to the social media profile page. The camera is so important in an age of constant photo blogging. Updating galleries and illustrations to notify the world. It is a communication skill. A display of fun and enjoyment in the moment. Those pictures taken with friends celebrating the evening can be whisked onto social media for friends to comment how lovely and jealous they are. The ease is simplistic and cordial. Post the fun and rejoice in the praise. Only good pictures can make it to the feed, a good camera is crucial to ensure the post looks damn good. 

Posters on social media are photography novices. While some may boldly claim to be amazing at it, most are subpar at the art. No editing schools nor any idea of how to balance the camera setting. The hope of the iPhone is that it does all the handiwork for you. The picture doesn’t look good because you are such a good photographer but because the iPhone’s camera is advanced. The selfish pride that follows the praise is stolen from the technological aid doing most of the heavy lifting. You moved your legs but your father carried you to the end of the hallway. There was some activity on the photographers part but it was overwhelmingly the phone’s credentials. If people are so concerned with their images all the time, then a superior camera must be developed to meet this demand. To reduce all the editing and regrets, a stupendous camera is modified. Each year outdoing the year before. To perfect an art so desired (though men could probably do away with the entire function instead focus in a different direction—making a gendered phone). Assisting the amateur is the primary goal of the update. Making sure at the end of the night they are satisfied with their pictures. 

These pictures are taken on the go. Mobile images are more likely to seem out of place, spontaneous and at times bunched in a large crowd. There isn’t time to set up a nice canvas nor set down the tripod for more scenic imagery. The iPhone camera is for quick snaps. Most of the time putting the flash off to swiftly get the pic and move on. It may take a few to satisfy but the hope is to reach immediate satisfaction. For the technology to make up for the depressing skill. The interest in professional technology is to be the photographer. For anyone to compliment the skill. For the iPhone to be picture perfect every time. Even if an awkward stance the photo will make up for it. It as if it has its own intelligence to ensure the best quality. A replica of the Barney Stinson picturesque perfection. No matter the situation or the angle, the image will do the job. Gradually improving on the technology each year. Each new iPhone attempts to outdo the camera of the old. To reach that peak of picturesque perfection. The mobile attire promises security in the heat of the moment. For a passerby to pick it up with ease. Amateurs are to feel like professionals. 

Memories are made on the go. Instead of packing equipment, memories can be stored in the camera roll. Social media is an added bonus but it is not the primary use. A phone is the top priority to be handled. A device that ensures safety and simple communication. It is never left at home. Whether a trip to the city with friends or a solo journey in the hilltops, a phone will be placed in the pocket. On these ventures, the phone acts a multi-tool gadget. It can capture the novelty and enjoyment of the adventure. The camera is a simple tool on the phone but recalls the memories of the moment. Awed by the experience record the event for memory. The camera is special as it is self communicative device. It is not to contact others but to record oneself. The gadget handles well. Pulling out the cellphone to remember the sunset or the drinks from the bar. No extra equipment necessary. A mobile device in the palm of the hand. The power to remember and the power to capture the present. The phone part has been continually perfected but that is to be expected. The camera gives more depth to the phone. Electrifying its utility and encouraging its variety of qualities.

Apple’s improvements have been synonymous with advancing cinematography. Social media definitely plays a role in desiring a direct link between the picture and post. To be able to upload the image swiftly. It also acts as a gadget of sorts. An electronic leatherman that has various uses. The camera is a part of the gadget that is enthralling. Capturing moments and loading them to the memory. The readily updates are publicly desired for that medium, for the gadget to be perfected to its greatest utility. 

Unelected Intellects

By: Jonathan Seidel

With society’s overwhelming dystopian power people’s familial values are desperately in danger of oblivion. The internet has spread its wings cultivating a global audience at its fingertips. Displaying its information as the valued lifestyle. Pushing this on the masses influences them toward a mentoring agency in the direction of uniform values. 

Social media affects everyone and then trying to fit in conform to unbelievable standards. They resulting effort is an overwhelming agitation to meet the standards. Stressful insulation melts in the hearts of wishful thoughts. Hoping to break into the mould. This is no longer an exclusive popular crowd sitting alone in the cafeteria but a global mentality. The normative is the neighbouring assimilation. The outcast is he who rejects this new order. We look down on those who perceive the internet as a wrongful violator. The devil is not the informational monster but the monstrosity unwilling to concede to the master. The external wave of ascension declares its statutes genuine. The embellished narratives exploit the environmental bubble. The internal youthful empowered self is met with criticism. That is old archaic ideals. For a bygone time that will get you nowhere. Nice guys finish last. Cinematic dramas are a fantasy, a fable labeled for slave mentality. Instead be dangerously ruthless in self prioritisation. 

An Orwellian oversight that persistently supplies its narratives at every corner. Like a song repeated on every pop station forced to listen to the country station for some diversity. To break from the mould for some difference. A uniform measure is spread on society to grasp and hold onto tightly. The floor is lava according to the internet gurus. Methodically traverse on tables and benches to survive. Pushing others down to achieve your goal. Yet it is all imaginary. The floor is not actually lava but the prefrontal cortex accepts the external information as fact and accepts instantly. It is coming from the gurus, the successful, it must genuine. Creating a frame that is focused at almost every angle. There are subtle rebels but are lost in the later google searches, drowned from closer contact. Surrounded by routine mottos formulating a thematic jargonist ideology. It pierces the soul and identifies as the truth beyond the self’s own introspective capability. Trusting his rational mind over his reflective instinct.  

Totalitarian information is translated in every crevasse of human society. Gathering a monopoly on begotten knowledge. There is no escape. Why escape? Life is free and exhilarating. It is tough but follow these easy steps and life will drastically improve. Listen to the internet and it will provide the necessary changes to elevate a troubling existence. The gurus made it, their knowledge will aid the public to eclipse the slavish mortality. A few hacks will alter the course of a cowardice lifestyle. These elites are nothing short of ivory tower talking points. But their experience should speak for itself. They wouldn’t deceive the public for their own gain. They would not promise the public for self interest. An already greedy society has a select few who have superseded such sinful desire. The fool harks on every word. They do care, he exclaims. They are saying important things to keep in mind all the while stuffing their own pockets. Manipulating the public for their own gain.

A few courageous rebels have published themselves attempting to expose the false prophets. Accepting the beating protesting to their last breath. Even when banned, they cunningly seek alternatives to convince the public of the illusionary hand. They understand the contemporary mind. If people only accept eternal information, then we will provide that service. Provide a scepticism for critical thinking to reemerge. For people to rethink their values and direction of life. Though at times watered down in order to avoid detection. Committing their secrets to morse code, an esoteric formulation to get the message across without proper decoding by the algorithmic discrimination. A system set with values that will cancel that which it finds harmful to the societal plane. Speaking out against the regime, the fuelling ideology is testament to blasphemy. Punishment is cancelation and ban.   

More than the cancelation is the brainwashed supporters to actively repel those attempting to portray another position. Social media does its role of voiding disagreed points but their constituents do their dirty work. They have gathered an army under their banner and ridicule those who they disagree with. Violently expressing their distaste and gruesome desires. Whether they take to the streets or not, the hurtful statements in vulgar language are only the beginning. There is an echo chamber open for ruffians to run onto the field but guards will escort them out. Now the average Joe will in his service grab the trespasser. Designated guards are still relevant but the people have become a militia of their own. A patriotic unity in favour of a monolithic ideal. The people will act under the internet’s command to quash the rebellion. Acting mercilessly to kill the impending viral attack attempting to overthrow the prophetic voice championing salvation. 

Much of these protests fall on deaf ears. While these rebels make a name for themselves as the underdog and the protesters are portrayed as a vicious parent beating a defenceless child, the story doesn’t always last. The power for change is not newsworthy. The next story has hatched and the event long forgotten. The internet carefully continues its dominance of disseminating its message to cover of the mess made by its servants. If rebellious attempts are less impactful another avenue must be assumed lest diversity cease to exist. Lest humanity fall prey to the illusionary matrix. Disassociation is the first step. Spending less time on the internet galloping for inspiration and direction. Self empowerment must emerge from the depths of the self. Once engulfed in the internet matrix it is mightily difficult to divert from its prowess. It is the all-encompassing exposed externality. It is all around and all that everyone else is partaking. A step back for a moment will realise the negligent apparatus of media appeal. Yet this informs an incredible question, if the individual is willing to be a rouge. If he is willing to be an outcast even if silently. People will catch up and he will be ousted. 

A grave decision as removing the self from social media is not easy. For those traditionalist groups who abhor the dangers of the internet, it is embedded in their system to revile the internet. Yet those who peek through the crack so sheltered their entire lives will feel liberated from their bubble for the calming matrix. No longer a marginalised individual outside the matrix. Moving from chess to checkers. From one echo chamber to another. The lack of critical thinking on both sides is dangerous. To combat the internet dangers extreme action is taken to ensure peace. No balance is pure ignorance and phobic otherness. While the exposed are caught up in the daily routine and unaware of the habituated personnel. Reading books and meditation are two examples of alone time transcending the internet ideology. Fiction and self reflection display valued portraits of what can be. What is need not be what ought to be, nor should be. Personal time is measured by introspective clarity. To reach this level of enlightenment takes considerable self esteem. To be willing to walk down a path different than everyone else. There are other like minded individuals but few and far between. A risk for one’s own convictions. It does not promise a better nor more fulfilling life. Just one that boldly defines one’s soulful ecstasy.                                                                  

    

Escaping the matrix of social coercion is bilateral. It requires self reflection and self isolation. In order for the self to properly examine itself it needs to steer clear of the pressures constricting any advances. Recognising these social pressures may happen upon the self on a lengthy hike in the mountains or during a semester abroad. The irregularity and newness shifts perception. Looking from the outside in battles the merited pillars people hold so tightly. While the internet is with you more or less wherever you may be, in a foreign area the mind eclipses the matrix and inquires of the self’s purpose. The isolating experience harks back on the group identity and if fit in. Spatial proximity advances a level of difference in emotional alienation. Yet the superior level is self reflection. Able to juggle complexity around the group. Disallowing the pressures to pierce the reflective shield. Able to fend off the devilish wolves hellbent on capturing and torturing the rogue for his treachery. Keeping a clear mind despite the raving attacks trying to compel uniformity. 

An exercise transforming into a lifestyle. Beginning to see the world differently. Feeling evermore as an outcast. Not fitting in, a bit suicidal wishing to live thirty years in the past. A bygone heritage that better relates to the current sensation. This lone wolf attitude is a prideful endeavour. One of lonely but empowered self respect. A different minded individual sticking to his chops in a sea of sharks. The more reflective, the more honest and humble the more thicker the skin. It can only break if you let them. Do not let the shield wall fall into disarray. Keep fighting back. Do not feel bad to lose the battle as long as the war is still waging. The war is only over in blatant surrender. Retreat recover and retaliate. Stay true and fight the matrix. Share your views but careful they may go unheard as well as pushed back and polemically nourished. Yet the convicted individual will not back down from a fight. He may lose but he will rise with a bloody nose and black eye not out yet. The mind can only be conquered by autonomous concession not forced fear.