Photography & Selfies

 I was intrigued to watch a youtube video that critiqued the way that China/Japan (and Korea)  have embraced  the art of the selfie and it brought to mind my own first experiences of visiting the far eat (early 80's) .

I went to Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong (with a couple of trips into China) and was told that particularly in China Photography was viewed with suspicion by many and this applied especially to those of an older age group, many it seemed considered that the was the possibility of the spirit being caught.

Now many in Japan, China and South Korea have really taken photography to their hearts and tourists from the Far East are noticeable in how they wish to have photo's of themselves in  picturesque locations.

It seems that there are cameras and 'apps' designed specifically to make the most of the market for selfies which help improve one's appearance.

Although it seems the aspect of selfies is pronounced in Asia the phenomenon  is pretty strong in the West too and I suppose it says something about the way connections are now made and maintained - I am not sure if the use will escalate but it's something interesting that I intend to keep an eye on.

  Perhaps part of the reason for the full on attitude of the 'East' with selfies is the accelerated uptake there - indications that the rapid adoption of all photography is still challenging  and with time these countries could become more like 'we' in countries that have had longer to familiarise ourselves with portrayals of ourselves.