“Rare aesthetic: going on a cool vacation before you were cool.” This caption has accompanied several videos on a popular TikTok trend where users post photos of themselves on a picturesque holiday — the comedic part being that their physical appearance at the time didn’t allow for them to capitalise on the aesthetic photo opportunities that were available. The popularity the trend has gained is down to the relatability of the experience. Before going on a holiday, most of us will scroll through videos and photos of others, likely influencers, enjoying the same or similar destinations. Our feeds are filled with candid shots where it appears that nobody is aware of the camera, with a perfect golden sunset on the horizon, or perhaps a famed landmark shot where, conveniently, there are no other people in the back in awkward positions or ruining the composition.
When we’re on our travels, we remember to scout for the best photo opportunities for our own social media. But what are the average results after posing in front of the camera? Usually, a photo including, but not limited to, unflattering shadows, grey lighting, an awkward smile, and an old man in the background standing directly in front of the sight we wanted to include. For me, when a trip ends there are maybe three photos at most that I am completely happy with, and a handful of others I just settle with to post. Looking back on photos of old trips, it is easy to be overly critical of yourself. We want the photos from our trips to convey a very specific message; that we had spontaneous fun and didn’t try too hard to actually take perfect photos. Isn’t that what everybody else’s photos say? When your pictures come out with you looking awkward and imperfect, it is frustrating to say the least.
The online ‘cool vacation’ is polished — rooftop panoramic views, authentic dining, and candid shots of the whole group laughing at a perfectly timed joke. The trip IRL is being seated near the toilets, frantically googling ‘authentic local dining near me’, and every group photo having at least one person with their eyes closed. Not to mention that budgets can get in the way of portraying the perfect holiday aesthetic, especially when we travel with friends. Trying to look perfectly relaxed when you’ve been kept up all night because you’re sleeping in a hostel isn’t realistic.
It is important to look at our experiences like trips with perspective — while our photos might not be influencer grade, it is a privilege in itself to be able to spend time with friends and family and experience different cultures, even if it is imperfect or messy.
Photo by Benjamin Voros on Unsplash.