With the increase in social media traffic on various topics and event exhibitions being held, it is inevitable that there will be an increase in documentation needed as publication materials. In addition to the increase in social media traffic and event exhibitions, other factors such as public enthusiasm for social media publication culture such as content making make photography opportunities even more vibrant.

In a digital era that provides easy access to data at hand through smartphones, tablets, and laptops, it is undeniable that as a profession, photography is one of the jobs in demand despite the existence of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This is because some images produced by AI can look unnatural or experience dimorphism (misplacement of body parts) if the prompts are too ambiguous or too specific. AI such as LoraAI and Stable Diffusion if given the wrong image or prompt will produce a less attractive image. NFT (Non Fungable Tokens), which presents AI-made photos, did not develop linearly and eventually began to be abandoned by many users. This is because the photos produced by NFT in the form of ‘Bored Ape’ are the same engineering without any originality.

Manual photography often produces more authentic works than AI-based photography because it involves the photographer's personal skill, sensitivity, and expertise. In manual photography, every element from composition selection, lighting setup, to the film development process represents individual decisions and creativity. This creates works that are unique and reflect the perspectives of both the subject of the photo and the personal vision of the photographer.

With social media as a mediator and accommodating photos as documentation media, the presence of social media is more than just fulfilling information needs. The existence of social media as a self-branding development through photos taken can also be a bridge for young Generation Z creators to generate profit and experience from a hobby. 

Photography is one of the productive activities that is currently prominent, especially among Generation Z. Photography applies elements of art and operational art. Photography applies elements of art and technology operations, because both combinations provide opportunities for freedom in managing image results through the software used such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects or Illustrator. 

The world of photography offers flexibility in employment whether as a freelance worker, journalist, wedding photographer, event photographer, or commercial photographer. In addition, with many event trends that implement certain cultures or trends as a form of aesthetics so that there is an element of authenticity, the demand for visual content will automatically increase. 

One can open a specialised photo studio business or open a photography crew service with some photography equipment. Nowadays, this tends to be more of a preference for young groups because of the popularity of certain events such as concerts and fat events.

If one wants to turn their photography hobby into a passive side hustle opportunity, then there are several platforms that provide a space to turn photography into profit;

1. Shutterstock:

It is no secret that Shutterstock has become one of the platforms favoured by photographers and digital art enthusiasts. Photographers can create an account and post their photography on the platform free of charge. 

2. Getty Images:

Just like Shutterstock, Getty Images has the same technicality in its profit mechanism. On the Getty Images website, it is explained that there is a royalty fee from the purchase of posted works of 15% for photos and 20% for video formats. 

Photography not only captures moments, but is also able to convey stories, emotions, and messages, making it a powerful and influential means of communication in society. In accordance with the advice of one of UNDIRA's Vice Chancellors Dr. Ir. Muhammad Hasan Toyib, M. M. that ‘a photo does not only convey an image, but also the emotions and essence of the person in the photo’. Therefore, for Dian Nusantara University students, taking selfies can be an opportunity not only as a form of work and portfolio enhancer but also as a medium to express themselves.

(Danang Respati Wicaksono / HUMAS UNDIRA)

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Biro Humas & Sekretariat Universitas Dian Nusantara

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