The Intentional Lens: Crafting Books vs. Disposable Digital Displayed Images

In the vast and ever-expanding world of photography, two distinct approaches often emerge: those who shoot with the deliberate intention of creating a physical book, and those who capture moments primarily for digital consumption – a scroll, a like, a fleeting glance on social media or a personal website. While both pathways offer a platform for visual expression, the underlying intent profoundly shapes the creative process, the body of work produced, and ultimately, the legacy a photographer leaves behind.

I have always printed, and taken the process of photography full circle, to a point where the image is where it should be for long term satisfaction. This can be printed images for hanging on the wall, images for including in a photo album, images printed on Instax film or ultimately completing a project and creating a well produced book. Anyone can pick up a camera and take photos and then share them on the internet, there is little to no thought involved in that process other than what I will describe below. However, time, patience and intent separates a photographer making disposable internet images, compared to those who make physical images. As mentioned below again, neither process is wrong, they are just a very different mindset.

The Bookmaker’s Journey: A Marathon of Meaning

For the photographer embarking on the journey of a book, the act of taking pictures is just the first step in a much longer, more deliberate process. This isn’t about isolated “hero shots” designed to instantly grab attention. Instead, it’s about building a cohesive narrative, a visual essay that unfolds page by page.

• Intentionality from the Outset: The bookmaker often begins with a concept, a theme, or a story they want to tell. This pre-visualisation influences every frame. Locations are scouted with the book’s flow in mind, subjects are chosen for their contribution to the overarching message, and even the lighting is considered for how it will translate to the printed page. This isn’t to say spontaneity is absent, but it’s often framed within the larger structure.

• Curating for Cohesion: Editing for a book is a rigorous exercise in curation. Thousands of images might be culled down to a select few dozen, each chosen not just for its individual aesthetic merit, but for how it interacts with the images preceding and succeeding it. The photographer becomes an editor, a storyteller, meticulously arranging sequences to create rhythm, tension, and resolution. The negative space between images, the interplay of light and shadow across a spread, the subtle progression of a series – these are all critical considerations that extend far beyond a single image post.

• The Tangible Legacy: A photobook is a physical artifact, a testament to a dedicated body of work. It demands a different kind of engagement from the viewer – a slower, more immersive experience. Holding a book, feeling the paper, turning the pages, allows for a deeper connection with the photographer’s vision. It becomes a lasting record, a tangible legacy that can be passed down, cherished, and revisited time and again, transcending the ephemeral nature of digital feeds.

The Digital Sharpshooter: The Sprint for Attention

In contrast, many photographers today operate within the instant gratification paradigm of social media and personal websites. The goal is often immediate impact, a quick connection with an audience, and the constant feeding of new content.

• The Allure of the Single Image: Here, the focus often shifts to the individual image. Each shot is a potential standalone masterpiece, optimized for maximum impact within a scrollable feed. The emphasis is on capturing that perfect moment, that stunning composition, that “viral” potential. While a powerful single image is undoubtedly valuable, the context and narrative often take a backseat to immediate visual appeal.

• Rapid Production, Rapid Consumption: The digital landscape encourages a high volume of output. Photographers are constantly creating new content to maintain engagement, keep algorithms happy, and stay relevant. This can lead to a less deliberate approach to each individual image, with less time spent on deep curation or thematic development. The cycle is fast: shoot, edit quickly, post, and move on to the next.

• Ephemeral Engagement: While social media offers an unparalleled reach, the engagement is often fleeting. A photo might receive hundreds of likes and comments, but within hours, it’s buried under a fresh wave of new content. Websites, while more permanent, still rely on active viewership and navigation. The lasting impact can be harder to quantify, and the body of work, though extensive, may feel fragmented without a unifying structure.

Bridging the Divide: Can Both Worlds Coexist?

It’s important to note that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Many photographers successfully navigate both worlds, using social media as a platform to share glimpses of their ongoing book projects, or to test out new ideas before committing them to print.

The rise of self-publishing has also blurred the lines, allowing digital-first photographers to curate their best work into physical books, often after they’ve already garnered an audience online. This allows them to capitalise on their digital following while still achieving the tangible legacy of a published work.

The Power of Purpose

Ultimately, the key differentiator lies in intent. The photographer who aims for a book approaches their craft with a long-term vision, a commitment to storytelling, and a deep understanding of how images interact within a structured sequence. Their work is a carefully constructed journey.

The photographer who primarily shares online, while capable of producing stunning individual images, may prioritise immediate engagement and broader reach. Their work is often a collection of impactful moments.

Neither approach is inherently “better.” Both contribute to the rich tapestry of visual culture. However, for those seeking to create a lasting, cohesive, and deeply immersive body of work, the intentional pursuit of the photobook remains a powerful and profoundly rewarding path. It transforms individual clicks into a compelling narrative, a collection of moments into a timeless story, and a photographer’s vision into a tangible work of art.

Projects Coming To Life: Conclusion

Back in July I announced I had a new project that I was working on titled “Prom People”. There I shared early images of the project, and I am happy to announce that I have now completed the image, and I have just completed the layout and ordered a premium bound professional quality book of the images. I will share more about the book when it arrives (it is due here on the 10th November). I am excited as I decided to splash out on the premium pages with luxurious glossy finish and a premium hard back. It cost me quite a lot of money, but it was a project I worked hard on and I wanted something tangible at the end of it. So, get inspired and start completing your photography. You will not regret it!