Polaroids are for Privacy and Instagram is for Everything Else

Image has always been everything and over the past 30 years that becomes increasingly more true. In the 90’s, it was all about chat rooms and connecting with complete strangers. The objective: to meet new people, learn new things, and figure out what’s really going on with the pulse of people and the trends they follow outside of the music videos and the mannequins in the window displays at the mall. Let’s keep it honest. If your house didn’t have dial up internet, you were going to find out where to go to get some screen time. Let’s not forget the days of the internet cards, timed computer stations and internet cafes. If you were lucky, you had AOL or a best friend with endless computer access. Those were the days, when we as a culture redefined culture because we were forming relationships and creating new realities with people we’d never met in person. The early days of viral were arguably more dangerous, but the excitement and intrigue has always been there. It’s the closest thing to teleportation or time travel that we have so far, if you follow my drift. And wow! Has it evolved.

We are in the most highly documented period of humanity and whether you believe it or not it stays on ‘the cloud’. The internet is all about documenting the experience and getting the photo. Sometimes a photo or video requires no thought; it’s important to capture the moments that matter and define our lives. But if were being honest…we can all think of a few moments where we wish we could remember who has an original photo for the sole purpose of deleting it so that it can never be resurfaced again. It could be anything capturing an embarrassing awkward moment to anything unflattering or just unexplainably goofy, shameful, and weird. So, since that’s the reality of the reality we record and create, culturally we need to start caring more about the images we post, share, tag and pose for. Afterall, if a picture is worth a thousand words. It could be terrifying if the wrong one went viral.

Boutique Beauty Loves Polaroid Instant Photos for Privacy

Recently an oldie but goodie made a comeback and frankly, it’s a Boutique Beauty favorite. Remember Polaroid!?! Rediscover a classic (that never really left) that’s available in stores and online. Don’t shy away from the camera and stop hiding every time someone is ready to take a picture if it’s not on your phone. Aside from the enhanced privacy aspect of instant photos, it’s also a great way to practice how to take a great picture (because we know the best photo’s only come from your selfie angle). Plus, you need to learn how to nail it the 1st time without holding a mini photoshoot every time you snag a photo during an event. Don’t worry. You could always post a pic of your polaroid to your profile or just keep it private.

For those who set new standards and trends across social media feeds kudos. Your perspective, inner voice and awesome angles keep your circle engaged and inspired. However, for those of us who at times feel underwhelmed by our own posts a great way to enhance your posts is to spend more time understanding who you are and how you share your truth. We all have a story to tell. Get clear and concise about the moment in the photo especially if you’re in it. Because let’s face it, social media is here to stay so post with confidence and be intentional.

LIST YOUR TOP FIVE GOALS

Create a top 5 list in the areas of self-improvement and self-talk. It can be a very effective tool in measuring the ways we subconsciously show up for ourselves, our communities and vibes we exude in our photos. Take a mental note. Emotional maturity is the key to completing a realistic list that allows you to make improvements. Reevaluate the narrative that you tell yourself and share with others. Also, welcome the opportunity to debunk any preconceived notions projected by others that limit your potential. Zoom in on your core values to make sure they are where they need to be. Remember, you are an original beauty who has somewhere to go, and people are waiting for you to get there. So, you must always show up in your best form to compliment every occasion. Bravely try something new. Just do it authentically. Stick to the process of reformation and you’ll start to see the undeniable results in your perspective. Before you know it the glow-up will start to flourish in your photos and social media profiles. And remember, there’s no rules for how often you should update your posts.

Additional Articles:

What your social media says about you | MamasLatinas.com

21 Things Science Says Your Facebook and Instagram Feeds Reveal About You | Entrepreneur