Social media platforms (like Instagram) have changed the scope of experiences and have mobilised significant shifts in the motivations and behaviours of tourists.
Subsequently, there are destinations around the world that have been ‘ruined’ as a result of their popularity on social media. There are several factors that have contributed to the emergence of the phenomenon of Instagrammability, including the evolution of personal photography technology and online peer comparison.
This event featured a keynote presentation from Dr. Lauren Siegel, a leading academic in the area of travel photography and social media, who shared social and behavioural research on the factors contributing to “Instagrammability” and how this has impacted tourism destinations and their local communities.
Following this see a panel discussion featuring three experts on the topic.
The panel will provided an opportunity to ask questions and engage in a conversation about the ways in which social media has impacted travel and photography, and ultimately what it means to be an ethical photographer while travelling.
Speakers
Dr. Lauren Siegel
Dr. Lauren Siegel is a Lecturer at the University of Greenwich. She conducted her doctoral research at the University of Surrey on the behaviours of travellers seeking self-presentation strategies through social media and the impacts this phenomenon has on especially photogenic places. She continues this line of research in seeking to improve the quality of life of local communities faced with an influx of social media-induced visitors. Lauren is widely published in both industry and academic journals. Personally, Lauren has lived on several continents and is an avid traveller herself, which is why this cause is close to her heart.
Sabina Trojanova
Sabina Trojanova is the content creator behind @girlvsglobe, an online travel community with 400k+ followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. She is also the author of #wanderlust (HarperCollins), featuring her original photography from nearly sixty countries. Her work has been featured by The Telegraph, The Independent and the European Commission, amongst others. Sabina is passionate about studying other cultures, has lived in five countries and speaks seven languages.
Chris Coe
Chris a professional photographer with one 30 years experience, photographing landscapes, people, travel, wildlife, architecture, festival, food, gardens and more around the world. He is also a writer and author having illustrated over 50 books, curator over over 20 international exhibitions, lecturer, tutor, mentor and founder of the Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards. Through his own photography, Eye for the Light – TPOTY’s online magazine - and the awards, his focus is on responsible photography, environment and conservation and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Diana Jarvis
Diana is a photographer and writer specialising in sustainable, slow and nature-based travel. She has undertaken both commercial and editorial photographic commissions for a range of clients including Rough Guides, Visit England, National Trust, National Geographic Traveller (UK), GreenTraveller, Cool Camping and Airbnb, among others. She recently completed an MSc in Environment and Sustainability, specialising in travel. She is editor of Eye for the Light from Travel Photographer of the Year and the Sustainability Lead for the British Guild of Travel Writers.