Instagram is such a pretty social media outlet. It's one that truly inspires me, gets my wanderlust bubbling, & let's me see just how beautiful the earth can be. It's been a goal of mine to up date my Instagram every day & that is a journey itself. Sometimes it's fun just to look back on my life according to Instagram.
As with any other social media outlet, you have to realize that Instagram is not fully representative of a person's life. Every photo is handpicked, cropped, edited, & curated to create the perfect Instagram feed. I know how it works because Instagram is my job. Facebook is my job. Twitter is my job. Social media is my job.
If you're sitting at home wishing you were that person eating a really fancy pastry with an expensive cup of cold brew coffee in the middle of Paris, don't worry you can be. After all, you can create a gorgeous photo with a pastry from the grocery store, instant coffee in a cute mug, & a nice outdoor setting. Just remember not to compare yourself when it comes to social media because it's not 100% authentic.
For example, the photo of me & my quadruplets took about 20 shots. It was New Year's Eve & I had gotten dolled up. My hair was looking stupid. My double chin was acting up. I felt a bit discouraged. Finally I got a decent photo & decided to edit the hell out of it. That's the result. Now it's on Instagram.
The photo of the Jo Malone perfume is not from my personal collection. In fact I've never owned a Jo Malone perfume in my life, despite my constant hoping. I was actually in a Jo Malone shop in Paris & decided to take advantage of the remarkable beauty there. The store was basking in sunlight. The white flowers freshened up the place. I took some pictures. Now it's on Instagram.
My pretty Christmas cookie & espresso photo took so long that the chocolate started to melt as the espresso began to cool down. But don't fret I took about 15 photos, carefully placed the cookie, & the photo was created. Now it's on Instagram.
I love Instagram. It is a wonderful place for inspiration, like-minded people, & just exploring what's out there. Just remember that every photo is carefully curated. If you want some insight into a person's real life follow them on Snapchat. Those photos & videos are instant & a bit less contrived. What I'm trying to say is this: don't take social media so seriously & literally. Just enjoy it for what it is.
Do you like Instagram? Do you have any favorite users? What is your favorite social media outlet? :]
Follow me on social media for more fashion, music, & California happenings:
Add me on Snapchat: carmenvarner
Gorgeous photos
ReplyDeleteBut a really important and mindful message that's brilliant to share
It's easy to forget that nobody's life is as picture perfect as it might seem
What Raj Wants
Thanks for reading, Raj. I appreciate it! :]
DeleteI honestly think there is nothing wrong with social media as a job and creating stunning imagery. People need to realize that places like instagram are for artists and creatives, so we are going to strive to take amazing images. I do also think, however, that we should be realistic and approachable as well. I have solved the problem by having two instagrams - one for spontaneous less-than-perfect pictures, and one for my blog and work.
ReplyDeleteRae | Love from Berlin
That's a good idea -- although for me, too much work. :]
DeleteGreat post :)
ReplyDeleteplease follow my blog : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS
Lovely post ! :)
ReplyDeleteplease follow my blog : THE COLORFUL THOUGHTS
Thanks! :]
DeleteI completely agree that Instagram is a social platform amazing beyond words, and yes at the same time more people needs to be aware of just how curated it can be and not use it as a guide to measure themselves but see it as inspiration instead. I appreciate users like the Australian girl IG celebrity (sorry her name escapes me!) that decided to reveal just how difficult it was for her to uphold the image she had. Great post, thanks for the share!
ReplyDeletexo, Alice | Miss Inconnue
I think Insta is awesome. People should just know that other's don't always have a glam team or catered lunches. :]
DeleteHappy 2016 Carmen, may it bring lots of love, joy and dreams come true! <3 I think more and more people need to speak up and beware of the image that is created and how that isn't the full picture. I love to study social media in a lot of ways, I don't have Instagram *My phone is too old school ha!* but I study Facebook quiet a bit and it's fascinating to me why we share what we do and how we've very quickly become an oversharing and self absorbed culture. I start to wonder why does that need to be shared, is there meaning behind this or is there validation truly lying beneath the surface. Don't get me wrong it can be a great place to share what you have been up to with family and friends, be a creative outlet or to help/inspire people or to be inspired/helped yourself. I do however think a lot of us need to stop and think why we are posting something and be fully aware there is more behind the scenes.
ReplyDeletehttp://rainbow-roseblossom.blogspot.co.nz/
Happy 2016 to you too. The meaning of social media ranges per person. For me, it's a means to share bits & pieces of my life as it is. :]
DeleteI adore Instagram more than any other social medias that I have, the pictures are very inspiring and it's also a great place to get to know other like minded people.
ReplyDeleteReflection of Sanity | StayLean Tea Australia Giveaway
Very true. :]
DeleteReally great point. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in the numbers game that is social media, and we lose sight of what it's really for- fun! Love your photos :)
ReplyDeletexo Kiki
http://colormekiki.com/
You're so right! :]
DeleteGreat post. x
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
:]
DeleteNice...true about instagram vs snapchat. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI love both channels for different reasons. :]
DeleteThe photos are beuatiful, and you look beautiful! I love Instagram too. I feel so inspired when I look at other peoples pictures :)
ReplyDeletewww.thesparklingdarling.com
Thanks for stopping by. :]
DeleteYes I have Instagram and I love it :) just follow you.
ReplyDeleteI'm agree with you.. on social media all is so pretty and expensive. All the girls have the same coat, shoes, parfumes and so on. Love this post. Well done.
www.aishettina.blogspot.it
Thanks for the follow. :]
DeleteYou´ve spoken some really wise words here. For me Instagram being "arranged" and highly edited was always a part of it and I only noticed that others don´t take it that ways when the whole thing with Enessa came up. My friends were shocked by how she described Instagram was while I was just sitting there shrugging my shoulders. So it´s a good thing that we all put this out there more.
ReplyDeletexx Lisa | Following Lisa
It's indeed highly edited and also editorial. It shouldn't be shocking but it is. :P
DeleteI love Instagram. Not just because it's Instagram but because I see it as the best place to view creative and unique content + photography. Great post!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Hannie Arden from Missing Wanderer.
Absolutely Hannie. It's so pretty. :]
DeletePretty pics! I love Instagram, too. Although I do like Snapchat because you can share things that aren't picture perfect.
ReplyDeleteJamie
http://www.treatsandtrendsblog.com
Snapchat is one of my favorites!! :]
DeleteThat cookie looks so yummy! Wishing you a great new year!
ReplyDeleteShauna
www.lipglossandlace.net
It was. Wish I had more! :]
DeleteHappy new year! I definitely really love Instagram. I don't post often myself, but I use it as a source of keeping up to date with trends and any inspiration! I love following HONY the most! C:
ReplyDeleteJunniku blog! (What I got for Christmas)
HONY is the best -- I usually stayed tuned with them on Facebook. :]
DeleteGreat photos! Love this post!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Love from www.trangscorner.com {a lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and food blog}
Thanks Trang. :]
DeleteVery nice shots!!!
ReplyDeletekisses
Chiara
http://shesinfashionblog.com
Thanks!
DeleteSuch a fun post! Same situation here! I love Instagram world x Mary
ReplyDeletewww.marypolka.com
It's a cool world. :]
DeleteHaha, this made me laugh because you're so right! Social media is fun, but it is in no way an accurate portrayal of someone's actual life. Great post! :)
ReplyDelete-Court
www.thegoldentabby.com
You're so right! Just gotta enjoy the beauty without having any jealousy. :]
Deletewow that is one gorgeous profile! Love the theme you have created, will definitely follow you on insta hun xx
ReplyDeleteThe Chicster Diaries
I totally agree! I love intagram too!
ReplyDeleteDora www.BangsBang.com
This is a great post! It's so easy to get tied up and caught up in the "perfect" lives of those on social media. It's nice to hear a reality check and realize that not everyone is living the life you think! Thanks for your honesty!:)
ReplyDeleteShannon Sage
And thank you for reading! :]
DeleteI love Instagram!!
ReplyDeleteKisses darling
Bellezza pour femme - fashion blog di Marzia Amaranto
I love Instagram so much! It's actually my favorite social media app! But it's very true, people look at the pictures on someones IG account and think 'wow she must have such a nice life', while in reality they could be having a horrible time. People on Instagram only show the best, the prettiest, the nicest things they see and do. That's why it's so lovely, but that's also why it's so deceiving. Cute pics though!!
ReplyDeleteProject NW | Places I want To Visit In the USA
Instagram is deceivingly beautiful. :]
DeleteInstagram is so inspiring indeed! I love your pictures Carmen!;)
ReplyDelete♥♥♥
Jeanne
http://www.fashionmusingsdiary.com
Thank you Jeanne. :]
Delete