Engagement of Network of Practices in Deepening Interests of Amateur Photographers

Abstract

How do loose social relationships engage one’s deepening of interest? The purpose of this study is to clarify how loose networks of practice, contrasting with dense communities of practice, engage hobbyists’ deepening of interests from the viewpoint of hobby as interest pursuit. Amateur photography in the digital era was selected as a case of hobbies. Interviews about interest and hobby social relationships with 14 amateur photographers in the digital era were conducted. The result shows existence of “inspiring neighbors” and “unspecified audiences” as networks of practice. “Inspiring neighbors” visualize diverse hobbyists who independently pursue their interests “Unspecified audiences” give feedbacks to works. These behaviors of networks of practice become objects of deeper interests or encourage further exploration of deeper interests. While these networks of practice were sometimes formed by SNS, they were also formed by face-to-face activities in the world of hobbies such as exhibitions and photography trips.