Garden State. In Garden State, the characters come across a massive hole in the ground. It’s discussed and named the Infinite Abyss. If you were to throw something down it, it would simply fall forever.

Forever. Lost, falling into the Abyss. You might catch a short glimpse of the image(s) before you can’t see them anymore. And this is how I am starting to look at Facebook Photo Albums: As an Infinite Abyss.

I love photography. I enjoy looking at many photography websites, photoblogs and portfolios. But I tend to stay away from the Abyss that is Facebook and Photography.

Please don’t confuse that statement as me saying that I don’t agree with any photos being uploaded to Facebook. I fully believe that everyone should share their photographs within the Facebook Community. Now here is the problem and why I see it as an “infinite abyss” – People upload a memory card worth of photographs at once. Go on a vacation recently? Might as well upload all 200 photos! I even catch a glimpse of some that need rotating still. I’ve tried to look at pictures and find I can’t keep clicking next after the first few.

So what do we do about this?

Most people will probably do nothing. Most people will continue to barf photographs up for no other reason than the fact that they can. But, you? Hopefully you’ll take a moment and think about the photographs you’re going to share.

Take a moment and really consider which are the best photographs. Show you’re favourite images; images that you took a few extra moments to clean up and show you care about them. I know that not everyone has Adobe Photoshop, but there are programs now that you can take a few moments to improve the image. I’ve seen commercials on TV with 4 year olds doing it. You spend a paycheck on that digital camera and I really believe that you’ll be adding value to Facebook if you only upload the images you care about. You don’t add just ANY photograph to a tangible photo album, so pick the best.

If you want to go a step further, step out of Facebook for your images. If the images are of you doing something you’d regret someday, don’t show it. Remember the quote I used from Chris Brogan about not everything stays in Vegas. Your Online Presence is important! Even if you’ve “protected” your Facebook profile, I am sure there is still away for an image to be leaked.

Consider Uniqueness, Personality, and Creativity

What I mean by stepping out of Facebook is to create a photoblog. Creating a photoblog allows you to have a bit more control and you can link your photoblog to Facebook, so that when you show some photographs off, your Feed will be updated. I do it now and I find it way better than uploading to my photo albums.

I strongly suggest people consider this option because who knows if Facebook will be around forever. Having control over your images online, gives you a way to truly display your photographs like they deserve. Facebook is notorious for degrading images of mine. The benefits go on and on for using a photoblog instead of Facebook for housing your photos. A big one is RSS Subscription or E-mail Subscription. Whenever the photoblog would be updated, you’d get an e-mail with the images. Pretty simple to keep in touch.

Creativity and uniqueness has become priceless these days.  I would hope if you’re adding photos to a photo album for your living room, you’re going to try and find something you can personally stand seeing everyday on your coffee table.  You want something unique, interesting, and with personality to hold your treasured memories.  This is how I view a photoblog online as well. Consider the photo below. What a freaking cool photo album!

Rise above the status quo and look at ways to show off your photography, your family, and the great experiences you have in your life. Give yourself permission to take control of your online presence.  My Online photo albums are getting a makeover next week and I’ve never been so excited.

This article is intended to raise your creative awareness. There are so many tools, and ways to enhance your experience online. I know Facebook is great for some things and social sharing, but you can still do that but gaining greater artistic freedom through a blog or photoblog.

What are your thoughts? Is Facebook just a place to contribute to the noise? Upload and spew as many things out as you can? Or become selective?