Elitism in Photography: Why It Holds Creatives Back
Photography should be about seeing the world, capturing moments, and expressing yourself. Yet, over time, I’ve noticed a growing sense of elitism in the photography community — subtle, sometimes unspoken, but often discouraging. From gear obsession to style policing, this mindset can make photographers question their work and even lose their creative spark.
In this post, I want to explore elitism in photography, how it shows up, why it matters, and how photographers — both hobbyists and professionals — can resist it to foster creativity and enjoyment.
What Does Elitism in Photography Look Like?
Elitism in photography often manifests in ways that feel exclusionary or judgmental. It can be surprisingly subtle, appearing as casual comments, forum posts, or social media threads. Common examples include:
Gear obsession: “Your photos aren’t serious unless you shoot with the latest full-frame camera or a specific lens brand.”
Style policing: Dismissing certain approaches to photography as amateur or less valid.
Social media hierarchy: Judging photographers by likes, shares, or follower counts rather than the quality or intent behind the work.
These pressures create an invisible standard that defines what is “worthy” photography. Over time, it shapes the culture and can make even confident photographers second-guess their choices.
My Experience With Elitism
I’ve felt the weight of elitism firsthand, not because of the gear I used, but because of the subjects and style I chose to photograph. People have often remarked that I’m a “snapshot photographer,” perhaps because I don’t use a tripod, blend exposures, or adhere to certain technical conventions.
I’ve also noticed that photographers of a certain standing — experienced professionals, for example — can sometimes be dismissive of hobbyists or amateurs, often unintentionally. This isn’t about hostility; it’s more about cultural norms within parts of the photography community that subtly define what’s “worthy” of attention or respect.
Comments like these can be discouraging, as if my approach somehow makes my work less valid. Yet, photography, to me, has always been about personal perspective and capturing moments in a way that feels true to my vision. What excites one photographer may seem mundane to another, and that’s perfectly fine.
Still, I’ve found myself second-guessing my choices at times, wondering if others will take my images seriously simply because they don’t fit a traditional definition of “good” photography. This experience highlights how elitism isn’t just about gear or skill — it’s about limiting creative expression and imposing rigid definitions on what photography should look like.
Why Elitism Is Harmful
Elitism in photography stifles creativity in multiple ways:
Creativity thrives on freedom: When photographers feel constrained by what’s considered “acceptable,” experimentation declines. Many photographers abandon certain approaches — like snapshot photography — simply to avoid criticism.
Communities become closed off: Collaboration is replaced by gatekeeping, and discussions become about proving worth rather than sharing ideas and inspiration.
Engagement and growth suffer: Photographers may stop sharing work publicly, limiting opportunities for feedback, learning, and recognition.
Moreover, elitism can inadvertently reinforce the idea that there’s a single “correct” way to be a photographer. This mindset ignores the fact that photography is inherently personal — every artist brings their own vision, perspective, and style to the table.
Snapshot Photography and Personal Style
One of the clearest examples of elitism in my own experience has been the way snapshot photography is perceived. Because I don’t rely on a tripod or blend multiple exposures, some have dismissed my work as casual or less serious. Yet, snapshot photography allows me to capture life as it unfolds — in real time, with spontaneity and authenticity.
What many people don’t realise is that a lot of what’s deemed “snapshot” photography is actually the result of careful observation and considered composition. The moments may appear effortless, but behind them is thoughtfulness about framing, light, timing, and context. Capturing the decisive moment often requires as much skill and intentionality as more meticulously staged work.
It’s a reminder that technical perfection isn’t the only measure of value. A photograph that evokes emotion, tells a story, or captures a fleeting moment can be just as compelling — if not more so — than one that’s meticulously planned. Embracing your personal style, whether it aligns with traditional notions of “serious” photography or not, is essential for staying motivated and creative.
A travel snapshot or a carefully thought out composition? I observed this scene for 20 minutes and was rewarded when the man popped his head over the balcony. It immediately added intrigue and story to the image for me.
A snapshot, or a carefully thought out composition? The lovely light drew me to this scene but I still had to wait for the right subjects to fill it. The woman with the dress matching the colours of the shop front writing and the Italian style vibe in a UK town drew me to this image. The woman and dog looking in different directions posed a question to me about what were they looking at.. Award winning image? Of course not, but it was still carefully considered before pressing the shutter button.
Breaking Free From Elitism
So how can photographers resist this culture and reclaim their creative freedom? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful:
Focus on your vision: Create images that resonate with you, whether that’s snapshot photography, travel, landscapes, or documentary work.
Embrace experimentation: Try new techniques, subjects, or spontaneous moments without worrying about approval. This is how new ideas and styles are discovered.
Celebrate all forms of photography: Recognise that different approaches, from highly technical landscapes to candid snapshots, all have value. No single style defines what photography should be.
Build supportive communities: Surround yourself with people who encourage creativity rather than enforce rigid rules. Sharing work with open-minded peers fosters growth and confidence.
Learn from criticism selectively: Constructive feedback is valuable, but avoid letting dismissive or elitist comments dictate your style or approach.
By consciously choosing curiosity over conformity, photographers can break free from elitism and rediscover the joy of making images.
A snapshot or carefully thought out composition? This image was part of a set I took trying to tell a story about Matlock Bath, which is synonymous with bikers. I wanted to give a sense of how many bikes there while trying to lead the viewers eye through the image. This wasn’t one of my favourite from the day, but it received the most engagement as it resonated with people who had visited the town.
Final Thoughts
Elitism in photography is real, but it doesn’t have to define your journey. The moment you prioritise personal vision over trends, rules, or other people’s definitions of “serious” photography, your work becomes more playful, inclusive, and rewarding.
Every photographer has a unique perspective, and every style has merit — including snapshot photography. By focusing on creativity and openness rather than validation, we can foster a more supportive community — one where the joy of photography comes first.
Photography should inspire, challenge, and delight. Don’t let elitism take that away.