Why is it a trend to photograph the everyday?

In the digital age, where the immediacy of Instagram defines our aesthetic perceptions, it is understandable that photographic trends are frequently reinvented. One of the most recent is the proliferation of images showing mundane acts such as the bicycle basket; shopping on the checkout conveyor belt or the tray provided at the airport security checkpoint. This trend is not an isolated phenomenon, but an evolution of visual storytelling that seeks to capture the essence of everyday life and responds to a desire to find beauty and meaning in the simplest, most ordinary moments.

This idea is not new; art and literature have explored the everyday for centuries, but social media has democratised this approach, allowing anyone to capture and share their daily lives. Formats like “What’s in my bag” are yet another example of how documenting the everyday becomes a form of resistance to the saturation of perfectly curated content that dominates social media. Whether it’s a Dior Saddle Bag or a tote bag, AirPods or a Walkman, the important thing is to reveal something intimate about yourself, to project how you want to be seen and to share your view of the world.

Another trend that has emerged on social media linked to the search for authenticity is the success of the Messy Bag. The Messy Bag consists of adorning your bag with pendants and other accessories, following the iconic style of Jane Birkin’s Hermès. This phenomenon led fashionistas to add a dash of chaos and personality to their accessories, making each bag tell a unique story. However, as is happening with every trend that comes out, Instagram and TikTok were flooded with bags filled with key chains and dolls, turning something unique into a mere replicable formula.

However, we can’t help thinking that many of the photographs that look like spontaneous snapshots are carefully planned. Users meticulously select which aspects of their lives to show, choosing the best angle, adjusting lighting and applying filters. This meticulous curation may make the photos look natural and effortless, but behind them is a deliberate process that seeks to project a specific image. In this way, they would be constructing an idealised version of their daily lives with the intention of seeking social validation. How far is the limit going to be?

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