Desire, Identity, and Rhizomatic Analysis of Social Media’s Role in Shaping Wedding Photography Trends

Abstract

Social media acts as a catalyst for the spread of popular wedding photography trends, shaping the desire and mentality of couples’ choices in celebrating their nuptials (Holzar, 2022). Especially, Instagram and Pinterest had played a greater role through its hashtags and collaborative features. This paper dives into the intricate relationship between social media dynamics and evolving trends in wedding photography. Over the last few decades, there have been big changes in how people hire wedding planners, use technology and social media for weddings (Maheshwari, 2018). Deleuze and Guattari’s (1985) Rhizome Theory is underpinned within this research to examine the non-linear connection, multiplicity and heterogeneity of controversial wedding photos in social media. The technical parameters i.e., costume, location, special effects, and properties are considered in arousing desire and identity among the couples. This study also investigates how social media assists in getting wedding photos controversial and the ways in which these controversial photos are recreated from 2020 to 2024 in Kerala.