Why do people post on social media and what visual cues can we harness to communicate identity online? Here, we unpack how to select authentic images that align well with social media psychology.
The images we select and post on our social media channels reveal and shape our visual identity. These collections of photos, stories, and experiences tell people who we are, what we value, and what we represent. We are—in varying capacities—image curators.
From a professional standpoint, you might be responsible for strategically searching and collecting visual content that develops your company’s brand and establishes an attractive online presence. In a world saturated with visual content, image curation is essential for any online business. It sets your company apart from the crowd and helps to retain your customers.
From a personal standpoint, you could be simply managing your own social media account. Research suggests that curating images of your online self is a form of self-expression or self-idealization.
Whether the images we depict convey who we really are—or who we aspire to be—is a topic we’ll save for another day. The question we’ll be answering here is how we convey our identity in photos.
With endless photos to choose from, let’s unpack how we can identify compelling photos that tell a striking story about our identity.
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But First, What Is Identity?
It’s more than just your name and what you look like. Identity is everything from the hobbies you have, your political viewpoints, your religion, ethnicity, nationality, the music you listen to, the food you eat, your taste in fashion, and so on.
A Stanford study perhaps defines identity best. They say that identity refers to either:
- A social category, defined by membership rules and (alleged) characteristic attributes or expected behaviors
- Or, socially distinguishing features that a person takes a special pride in or views as unchangeable, but socially consequential
Identity not only refers to how you see yourself, but also how others perceive you. Photography is a powerful medium used to construct—or represent—identities. And, in many cases, representation has proven to be a powerful tool that’s been used to impact communities negatively.
Representation isn’t just rooted in our social identity—it’s how we see the world and internalize it. That’s why image curators must consider complexities of representation and identity in the images we use.
License these images via Maskot Images and Westend61 on Offset.
Creating Your Visual Narrative
When creating your own visual narrative, it’s essential to consider how the photo reflects who people are. Every photo you share tells a story.
When selecting images, ask yourself what emotions you want to evoke from viewers? What kind of feelings do you want people to associate with your brand?
Once you’ve identified the types of messaging you want to communicate, it’s time to show off those ideas in the images you select.
Share Photos That Convey Authentic Identities
We are complex, multifaceted, and diverse beings—on the inside and out. This means that there are a multitude of ways we can convey identity in photo selections.
One person might choose to depict their family, religion, or interests. Meanwhile, a different person might choose to emphasize their race, neighborhood, and job as important parts of who they are.
Ultimately, the photos that resonate most all share one thing in common: Authenticity.
Staged or overproduced photos can feel unrealistic, performative, and out of touch. Alternatively, candid-looking photos can reveal identity authentically and connect with your intended audience.
As is often the case in photography, the most compelling photos pay attention to the smallest of details. Photos that hint at one’s identity, rather than play into the cliched visual tropes, tend to have far more visual impact.
- Visual cues like flags, pins, and religious symbols within an image can communicate to others who you are.
- Photos can depict food delicacies of your home country or subculture.
- Photos can show off experiences only you and a small subset of the community have shared.
- The clothes we wear and our body language can serve as visual cues that indicate the etiquette and customs.
- Subtle gestures—such as placing your hand on your heart and bowing—can indicate a person’s origins or religion.
- Wearing traditional garments, jewelry, and accessories can represent one’s culture and traditions.
We are a product of our own environment. Photos that depict our surroundings all paint a picture of the different layers of our identity.
These images could depict the natural world, a sports stadium, a religious temple, or a busy street full of food vendors. Beyond people and their own accessories, photo settings can speak volumes, too.
License these images via Cavan Images – Offset, Aaron Joel Santos Images, and Kerry and Luis.
Be Inclusive and Natural
When people see themselves represented authentically, they feel valued and have a sense of belonging. As image curators, it’s important that we evoke multiple dimensions of diversity.
Ensure that the photos you choose to share on social media include people of variety of . . .
- sexual orientations
- religions
- genders
- mental health experiences
- abilities and disabilities
- cultural backgrounds
Inclusive images create stronger connections with audiences, making everyone feel seen, heard, and represented. As the popular social media saying goes, “If you know, you know” (iykyk).
Make sure that your photo curations aren’t over-the-top.
For example, when selecting inclusive images of coworkers, choose images that have a variety of people within them. If someone is in a wheelchair, for example, don’t make that the main point of focus. Instead, select images that include this coworker naturally, fully incorporated into their friend group.
These subtle references can evoke memories, emotions, and nostalgia from people who identify with you.
A more pointed approach to fostering a sense of belonging is sharing images of diverse communities interacting together.
By fostering a sense of belonging to the people or culture you identify with on your platform, you have created a safe space for like-minded individuals to connect and engage with you. By curating images of diverse individuals, your brand is saying that you welcome everyone.
Your platform could, in turn, encourage and nurture your follower community’s growth and development. By depicting human connections in your photos, you ultimately drive more connections between yourself and your followers.
When selecting images, ask yourself if viewers see themselves in the image. Ask if your photos evoke your values and those of people within your community? If so, you’re on the right track.
License these images via Maskot Images, Halfpoint, and Maskot Images.
Nurture Relationships Through Photos
To question who we are challenges us to pause and think about our beliefs, perspectives, experiences, values, and how we make sense of the world around us. Our identity is reflected in almost everything we do. Therefore, our social media posts serve as extensions of our identity.
Image-focused posts connect the dots on who people and brands really are. Subtle nods to various identities help connect these dots, showing off something more profound and personal in each image.
The right image choices reinforce and strengthen our brand identities as authentic, real, and relatable. And selecting the appropriate stock content is vital.
If you’re ready to access more great stock content, check out Shutterstock Flex, our FLEXible licensing plan. With Shutterstock Flex, you’ll have all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the flexibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time.
And, thankfully, Shutterstock’s licensing makes it easy for our customers to find the best, most beautiful, most authentic images available. Want to see which plan is best for your unique creative needs?
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