The democratization of filmmaking and photography: a new era of visual storytelling
Showing local kids how to use a camera in Nyamirama, Rwanda on assignment for Shooting Touch
As we enter a new year, it's a time to reflect on the past and look towards the future. In the world of visual storytelling, the past few years have brought about exciting changes with the democratization of filmmaking and photography.
Gone are the days where only a select few with access to expensive equipment could call themselves filmmakers or photographers. Now, with the proliferation of high-quality cameras on smartphones and the abundance of affordable tools and resources available online, anyone with a passion for visual storytelling can turn their ideas into a reality.
This democratization has also led to a diversity of voices and perspectives being represented in the industry. No longer is it just the usual suspects telling the stories - we're now seeing fresh, unique perspectives from all corners of the globe. And it's not just the filmmakers and photographers who are benefiting from this - audiences are also being treated to a wider range of stories and viewpoints.
But the changes don't stop there. The emergence of short form video on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels has presented a new challenge for visual storytellers - how to effectively tell a story in a shorter time frame. However, it's also an opportunity for us to refine our approach and get back to the basics of storytelling - character, plot, and theme. And with the huge user bases of these platforms, short form video has also opened up new opportunities for filmmakers and photographers to reach a wider audience and potentially go viral.
As a professional in the industry, I embrace these changes and am excited to continue refining my approach to visual storytelling in the new year. I plan on using the constraints of short form video to tell compelling stories and staying up to date on the latest tools and resources available to me. The democratization of filmmaking and photography, as well as the emergence of short form video, is a positive development that will lead to a more vibrant and dynamic industry. I can't wait to see all the amazing stories that will be told in the coming year.
