Hello dear reader!
Welcome to another issue of this newsletter. This week, I want to talk about algorithms.
In this issue:
- Social media and algorithms
- Trying to escape the optimization game
- Photos around Amsterdam
The State of Social Media
Do you remember the early days of instagram? Those square photos with heavy filters, when it was all about simply sharing a photo. No hashtags, no captions optimized for engagement, no fighting for a position in the feed, no pushing video at all cost.
It was about sharing a visual experience. One photo, one format, done.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the game is entirely different. Even if we follow certain accounts, we are constantly shown content from people and brands we don’t follow.
As creators, we are rewarded for certain content, while other work "underperforms”. The algorithm dictates what we share, when we share it, and who gets to see it. There are even entire guides (another, one more, some other one, and if you google you will find way more) trying to explain how the algorithm works and how to "beat" it.
As consumers, the algorithm serves us posts designed to keep us hooked: things we have liked before, or content similar to what our friends engage with. Sometimes it even feels like the algorithm knows us better than we know ourselves.
During the last 15 years, the platforms have evolved to keep us engaged and consuming. To keep scrolling into echo chambers where we feel comfortable. But when was the last time you saw a post that truly challenged you? Offered a perspective different from your own? For me, it’s been a while.
Building Relationships Outside the Algorithm
All of this is to say: I’m trying to step away from the algorithm. That’s one of the reasons I write this newsletter.
Instead of competing with millions of posts, and tailoring my content for Instagram's reach, I can share directly with you. No mediation, no filter. Every email I send gets in your inbox. On Instagram, a photo I post might only reach about 5% of my followers. That's a huge difference.
Sometimes we all need a break from social media—this newsletter is mine.
As a photographer and creator, I'd rather build direct connections with you. I want to share photos, ideas, engage in a conversation; not to play a never-ending optimization game.
At the end of the day, my focus is on creating: taking photos, thinking, writing, and engaging.
Let's talk
I'd love to hear your thoughts:
- What’s your take on social media, especially Instagram?
- Have you changed your habits recently?
- How do you prefer to consume creative content?
- If you are a creator, how do you share your work?
I’m genuinely interested. Drop a comment or hit reply to this newsletter and let me/us, know about your take. Let’s build a space outside the algorithms.
✨ If you enjoyed this issue, consider forwarding it to a friend who might like it too. Word of mouth is the best way for this community to grow.
