Photographer Scans 5,000 Public Instagram Accounts And Recreates Their Photos In A Controversial Project

Instagram is a huge part of many people's lives - sharing memorable, fun or unique moments has become a norm and it's getting harder and harder to surprise anyone with the things you share.

LA-based photographer Reza Bahram started her project "ReCognition" to "re-create some of the craziest moments of people’s lives". She looked through around 5000 public Instagram accounts and chose the most creative, dramatic, and authentic photos. The artist explains that she wanted to show the real emotions hiding behind the shared filtered selfies.

“I want to be more authentic on social media and follow more human stories,” Bahrami said to PetaPixel. “People often find it uncomfortable being themselves on Instagram and I want to move beyond the fakes selfies and challenge others to express their tears, anger and the idea that we don’t need to be superhumans."

Even though some people loved the idea and the message behind the project, others were fast to point out the lack of creativity and talent, accusing the author of copying the ideas of others. Also, using pictures of other people without them knowing might be a potential threat to one's privacy.

Nevertheless, Reza is continuing with the controversial project and is planning on recreating many more crazy and real moments.

More info:  Instagram (h/t PetaPixel ; Medium )