I have a few questions:
1. What Is Aesthetic in Photography—and Who Gets to Decide?
In today’s world, almost anyone can be a photographer. With a smartphone in nearly every hand, the barriers to entry have all but vanished. You no longer need a DSLR or years of formal training to create powerful, meaningful images. But this democratization of photography also raises important questions: What makes a photo aesthetic? Who decides whether it’s beautiful or not? And is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?
Photography Is No Longer Just for “Photographers”
There was a time when photography was seen as a specialised skill, reserved for those with expensive equipment and technical know-how. But not anymore. Today, people from all walks of life are using their smartphones to capture the world around them—moments big and small, spontaneous and staged.
This shift has sparked a quiet revolution: everyone is now a potential visual storyteller. Whether you’re documenting your travels, capturing street scenes, or framing the sunlight on your morning coffee, you’re engaging in an aesthetic act. And that brings us to an important point…
2. So, What Is Aesthetic in Photography?
Aesthetic in photography is about more than sharpness, lighting, or textbook composition. It’s the way an image speaks to our senses and emotions. It includes elements like:
• Composition – How objects are arranged within the frame
• Light and shadow – How illumination affects mood
• Color and texture – The feel and harmony of tones
• Emotion and meaning – What the photo makes you feel or think
• Style and intent – Whether it’s raw, polished, moody, abstract, or documentary
An aesthetic photo doesn’t have to be technically perfect. It just needs to connect—with a mood, a story, or a moment.
3. Who Has the Right to Say a Photo Is Beautiful?
This is where things get interesting.
Traditionally, critics, curators, editors, and judges held the authority to define what was “good” or “beautiful” photography. They set the standards for what appeared in galleries, books, or magazines.
But that’s changing.
Today, platforms like Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and online photo communities have shifted power to the people. What resonates with an audience now matters just as much—if not more—than what a critic says. A photo shared from a smartphone, taken in a fleeting moment, can go viral and move millions. Beauty, it seems, no longer wears a name tag or carries a portfolio.
“Beauty Is in the Eye of the Beholder”—Still True Today
This timeless proverb is more relevant than ever. It reminds us that beauty is subjective. What you find beautiful might not appeal to someone else—and that’s okay. Photography is a deeply personal medium. A blurry photo of your grandmother’s hands might not win awards, but to you, it holds profound emotional beauty.
A street photo taken in poor light might tell a powerful story about urban life. A poorly framed shot of a sunset might still stir longing or peace in a viewer’s heart. That’s the beauty of photography—it’s not always about perfection. It’s about presence and perception.
Final Thoughts: Your Smartphone Is Your Lens—Use It Well
Don’t let anyone tell you that your photos don’t matter because they weren’t taken with an expensive camera. The best camera is the one you have with you—and for most of us, that’s our smartphone.
What matters is your vision, your perspective, your voice. Photography today is not about equipment or approval. It’s about how you see the world—and how you choose to share it.
So go ahead. Frame the ordinary. Capture the fleeting. Tell your story. Because yes—you are a photographer.
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