Hidden Pleasure in Snapshots Unseen: Escaping the Digital Spotlight
In a shift from his former life as a professional sports photographer, Sebastian Oakley, a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, is now dedicating his time to personal photography. For nearly two decades, Oakley has been capturing the essence of equestrianism, but now, he is chasing light and moments that speak to something quieter, more personal.
Oakley, a member of Nikon NPS and a long-time user of Nikon equipment, has left the world of professional sports photography behind. In the digital age, the pressure to stay visible online and feed the algorithm can rob joy from photography. But Oakley is no longer chasing hearts, likes, or shares. His images do not need to impress anyone but himself.
The photographer's new approach to photography is akin to a writer keeping a journal or a musician humming a tune into their phone. He makes personal photographs because they need to. Currently, he is creating a quiet, documentary-style work around his local region. Some images do not need to be posted; they just need to be made.
Photographing the things that matter to Oakley, even if no one else sees them, is encouraged. He now takes pictures for personal enjoyment, not for clients or clout. The shift from professional to personal photography has changed the way he sees. There is no deadline or editor for his personal photography.
To find inspiration for personal photography projects, Oakley suggests exploring new perspectives by experimenting with different gear (like macro or wide-angle lenses), genres, or lighting techniques. Engaging in themed projects, such as photographing specific subjects (e.g., hands, reflections) or challenging conditions (night photography, rain), can also stimulate creativity.
To reduce pressure from social media engagement, Oakley uses platforms as tools for inspiration and learning rather than validation. He follows photographers with varied styles to open his eyes without comparing harshly. Participating in challenges for fun and growth but avoiding over-fixating on likes or feedback is key. Emphasizing sharing work for constructive feedback and community connection rather than metrics helps maintain joy in photography without social media stress.
Overall, focusing on one's own creative process, trying fresh approaches, and seeking inspiration beyond social media can help one stay motivated and reduce pressure from online engagement. Oakley is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. In his spare time, he spends using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2, shooting Street/Documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
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- Sebastian Oakley, who was once a professional sports photographer, is now focused on personal photography, using gear like macro or wide-angle lenses to find inspiration for his projects.
- Oakley now prefers to take photographs for his own enjoyment rather than for clients or to gain clout, and he finds peace in the quiet, documentary-style work he creates around his local region.
- Chasing light and moments that speak to something personal, Oakley embraces a more relaxed approach to photography, eschewing the pressure to stay visible online and feed the algorithm.
- Oakley's former life as a Nikon NPS member and long-time user of Nikon equipment has led him to explore various cameras, including Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar, for his personal work.
- To reduce pressure from social media engagement, Oakley recommends following a diverse group of photographers, participating in challenges for fun and growth, and seeking feedback that fosters community connection and enriches his photography lifestyle.
