Is it all about Instagram?

As part of assignment we're expected to contribute to forum discussions, offering our input on the topics.

The two forum posts that I commented on ask whether Is it all about Instagram? And Has digital photography devalued the photograph Here are my responses.

Prior to my comments I read 

http://biggerdimensions.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/facebook-buys-instagram-and-why-we.html

From reading James's post on the topic in addition to all those who have offered their opinions I genuinely believe that Instagram is something beneficial and shouldn't be heckled at due to it's popularity. 

I agree at first when I initially heard of the app I was very narrow minded and was unwilling to give it a second of my time for the reason that it's a "new photography craze". As James mentioned Instagram is receiving such masses of popularity that it may draw commercial attention from individuals such as ourselves, however this being said Instagram is still very much premature. It's an accessible app that offers a glimpse of what photography is truly like without the need of analogue equipment and photographic knowledge, it's new and the popularity will die down. 

I personally think it's an amazing app and should be applauded for a number of reasons: 

1) It bridges the relationship between the network of photography and mere image taking. 

2) It offers those a taster, and may encourage those to pursue photography as a career. 

3) It has the potential of bringing people together where those who have more experience can explain how to produce those particular images.

4) It's a digital app that is affordable, many of the people out there may not be able to afford an SLR or DSLR not to mention the expensive photography software such at Photoshop. 

5) In a small way I believe it actually educates people. Some may look at an image that has a tilt shift effect, this may trigger the individual to explore how to produce this and whats the effect of having it. To those considering pursuing photography they'll have some knowledge of photography and they'll understand that every minor detail has a substantial effect on the image.