How the Idea of Being Famous Has Changed
- Marco Squassina Photography
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 20
The meaning of “being famous” has shifted dramatically over the past few decades, and perhaps nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the world of photography. To understand this change, we need to go back 20–30 years, into the golden era of the 1980s and 1990s—the time of the so-called “supermodels.”
Fame in the 80s and 90s: The Gatekeepers of Photography
In those years, photography was a highly selective profession. Equipment was expensive, access to prestigious magazines was limited, and the publishing world had clear gatekeepers. Only a small group of photographers had the opportunity to work with iconic models and secure placements in top fashion magazines. Their names—often mentioned alongside the most celebrated supermodels—became part of cultural history.
To be a famous photographer at that time meant visibility in print media, strong relationships with agencies and editors, and a reputation that could span across decades. Importantly, the scarcity of photographers at the top amplified their fame: when only a handful of people could do the work at that level, each name stood out powerfully.
Fame Today: A World Flooded with Images
Fast forward to the present. The situation is radically different. The democratization of technology—mirrorless cameras, affordable studio lights, and even smartphones capable of professional-quality shots—has made photography accessible to almost everyone.
Today, becoming known in photography often has less to do with gatekeepers and more to do with visibility in digital spaces. Social platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have turned photography into an ocean of constant content. In this ocean, standing out is no longer about being one of the few; it’s about being louder, faster, and more strategic than thousands of others competing for attention.
The paradox is striking: there are more photographers than ever before, but less long-lasting fame. Viral visibility may last for days or weeks, but it rarely solidifies into the kind of career-long recognition that existed in the 80s and 90s.
Why Yesterday’s Icons Might Struggle Today
If many of the great names from the golden era were to start their careers now, it’s doubtful they would achieve the same level of recognition. Not because they lacked talent, but because the ecosystem has shifted:
Oversaturation: Millions of people worldwide produce high-quality images every day. Even exceptional work can drown in the flood.
Algorithmic visibility: Success is often dictated by social media algorithms rather than editorial approval. Talent alone is no longer enough; one must also master digital marketing and audience engagement.
Short attention spans: In a fast-scrolling culture, the iconic power of a single photograph is less enduring than it was when images lived on magazine covers for weeks.
extremely difficult to stand out😬
totally agree about it