Social media has changed the way we view tourism. It’s about capturing the perfect shot to prove we were there, rather than living in the moment and understanding why we’re there in the first place. I decided to do a Martin Parr inspired photoshoot focused on the people viewing the palace, rather than the palace itself to witness this occurrence. Because if you didn’t take a selfie, did it really happen?
Selfie or it didn’t happen
Capturing vs. experiencing Versailles
Last week I had the opportunity to visit the Palace of Versailles. I was amazed and overwhelmed by the paintings, the gardens, and the sculptures. There is a clear theme of ultimate power that is seen through the all the extravagant details in the architecture.
But, instead of documenting the palace, I placed my focus on the people viewing the palace. Social media has changed the way we view tourism. It’s about capturing the perfect shot to prove we were there, rather than living in the moment and understanding why we’re there in the first place. Why is Versailles such an iconic and important city to France and the world? How did it shape world history? And do tourists even care?
Selfie or it Didn’t Happen
“Selfie or it didn’t happen”, The notion that if one did not take a photo of the event and post it on social media, it did not happen. Do all of our experiences need to be documented and interacted with to be validated? This phrase is usually used as a joke and is said as a challenge to back up your story or experiences. However, in my opinion, the phrase proves that media is essential to our sense of reality. Our being and the way we interact with the world around us is only as valid as the response we get on our socials. It’s the idea that our world can only be understood under the umbrella of social media.
Like these teens snapping a mirror in the hall of mirrors…
I had a Martin Parr take in mind and wanted to showcase how we live in a more candid way. Observing the tourists, I noticed their interactions, their poses for the perfect shot, and their moments of awe and distraction. It was a reminder for me that while photos can capture a moment, they can also distract from the experience itself.
These girls making sure they get the perfect angle in The Mercury Room…
Or this person taking a selfie when the view of the Royal Chapel is right in front of them…
My Own Experience
Now, I will not sit here on my high horse and pretend that I do not do the same thing, or say that taking pictures of places you go is a bad thing. I can see the benefits and problems of sharing a life on social media. This summer, I have had the amazing opportunity to live abroad in Paris and work as an intern at Anti-museum. Before I left California, almost all of my friends and family told me the same thing, “take lots of pics!” and I would respond with “just follow me on Instagram!” The constant documentation of my days has been an internal struggle that I’m sure a lot of people may relate to. I’ve been grappling with finding the right balance between documenting my life and truly living in the moment.
There are days when I get upset if I don’t capture the perfect picture for social media. Sometimes, I feel like deleting all my accounts entirely because I’m too focused on showing others that I’m having a good time, that I end up not genuinely enjoying myself. There are even days where I have found myself enjoying looking back at old photos I have taken, and kick myself for not taking more.
I like to think that there is a balance to this. As I continue my journey here in Paris, I want to find a harmony between documenting memories and living them. At the same time, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the history of the places I go to. Above is a photo I took of myself and my friends during my visit to Versailles (because were we really there if I didn’t snap a selfie?)
- Selfie or it didn’t happen - October 27, 2026
