What is your purpose in photography? (Page 6): My photography is just a form of hunting for me. I have been a hunter for 68 years but when I turned 66 I had a lot of retired time so I...

Ed Atts

My photography is just a form of hunting for me. I have been a hunter for 68 years but when I turned 66 I had a lot of retired time so I took up hunting with a camera. I especially enjoy the spring migration of waterfowl so I go out in the spring in my solo canoe, put out decoys, and photograph ducks and geese as they come in. I also canoe into different osprey and eagle nests and wait for the birds to return with food for their young. Running the shore line of many lakes early in the morning gives many opportunities to photograph shorebirds and warblers.
I keep my best photographs on my computer and get a number enlarged on glass or metal, or on stretched canvas. These are put on the wall of my den and remind me of all the great mornings I have had out enjoying nature.
When hunting with a camera I do not have to be concerned with seasons, bag limits, or protected species.
I also have nothing to throw out from freezer burn when we clean the freezer each spring. I still hunt in the fall
but hunting the rest of the year with my camera helps keeping my 81 year body young. I just wish I would have all these photographs when I was teaching science classes.

issa2006.

I want to capture people at a moment in time when they are reacting with other people on an emotional level or with their environment -mostly event and street photography.Sharing these photos with others and hoping they feel some connection is my goal.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

JD750 wrote:

I have asked myself this recently and I am reading a book that among other things, promises to “ and finish with how to find your purpose in photography.”

That is a bold claim and something I have asked myself more than once. There is no single answer of course, because it is subjective subject.

So I am curious, what do readers here say in response to “What is your purpose in photography?“

I was a professional photographer for over 45 years. In retirement we live in Florida 6 months. I take wildlife images and post them on facebook for my northern friends. I am a top contributor to the Wakodahatchee website and I post here daily.
When my wife and I come to Florida in November my northern folks start asking for images.
I also run a free photo tour business. Well, I guess because it's non profit I can't really call it a business, I guess I will call it a hobby.
I also have a gallery at the Gatehouse Winery in Jamestown Pennsylvania that takes up most of my summers.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

julian.gang

Just Fred wrote:

I think Linda said it best. I shoot photographs to capture memories, and try to do it in artful and creative ways.

I agree with that!...Julian

sanhuberto Loc: Miami

To recall people, moments and places that bring back happy memories

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

Making memories...capturing special moments that will never be created again...the fun of looking at ourselves during days long past by...the joy of our first child/grandchild, the first 'home'...moments captured today to enjoy tomorrow. Beautiful scenic of places never to be visited again...wildlife each uniquely different in its own way. Need I say more.

Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb

Thanks for asking. I never thought of that. I got serious back in the early 1950's while being stationed in Libya. It was to record what was around me, I guess.
Now it seems to be the challenge to record what I see in a way that some one else will enjoy as will as help other photographers learn.

leftj Loc: Texas

JD750 wrote:

I have asked myself this recently and I am reading a book that among other things, promises to “ and finish with how to find your purpose in photography.”

That is a bold claim and something I have asked myself more than once. There is no single answer of course, because it is subjective subject.

So I am curious, what do readers here say in response to “What is your purpose in photography?“

Mine is to have fun.

ronpier Loc: Poland Ohio

JD750 wrote:

I have asked myself this recently and I am reading a book that among other things, promises to “ and finish with how to find your purpose in photography.”

That is a bold claim and something I have asked myself more than once. There is no single answer of course, because it is subjective subject.

So I am curious, what do readers here say in response to “What is your purpose in photography?“

To preserve memories of life events that may never be repeated in the same form. Plus: It’s fun.

srt101fan

User ID wrote:

First reply so far that approximates my own personal purposes in using photography. But acoarst my day to day purpose was simply getting paid for it. The best times are when theres some overlap permitted or welcomed.

If I remember correctly, you said you sometimes use your phone camera as a "sketchbook". How does that fit into your overall photography process?

dbrugger25 Loc: Raleigh, NC

I started out at the age of 9, in 1953 with a Kodak Brownie. I started developing b and w film and making prints at the age of 11. My father allowed me unlimited use of his Rolleiflex 2.8D, which I still have, and I never stopped. I am intrigued with the technology, the capturing of events and things I regard as beautiful. When I was 14, I saved enough money to buy a Crown Graphic 4X5.

I later moved-on to color photography and started using commercial processors, then, on to every stage of digital photography.

Now, I have just completed the full restoration of a Crown Graphic Pacemaker camera and am going back to b & w processing. I am having the old Rolleiflex restored as well. I am 79 and fully retired. I wish I could regain my youthful energy. Restoring old cameras is far cheaper and potentially more successful than restoring my old body and brain.

At least, I have wonderful memories and a very tolerant wife. Only a living saint could put-up with me.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

lyndacast wrote:

I ask myself the same question often…I am a hobbyi... (show quote)

Although there are times when I ask myself, “What’s the point of my photography?” I couldn’t have said it better, Lynda.

Stan

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

To avoid doing The Better Half's "Honey Do" projects.😁

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

[i]"What is your purpose in photography?"[i]
To meet and/or exceed my client's expectations...
Nothing else really matters shootings commercial gigs.

My role model? Linda Evangelista One of the most accomplished and influential Fashion Models of all time.
In the Fashion paradigm currency is Published Tear Sheets. Linda has over 700 magazine covers.

Quoted here from an October 1990 issue of Vogue...
"We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."

Linda "Gets it"
I suggest others here might consider reflecting on Linda's ethos...

Rather than making Photo Kit vendors wealthy maybe increase your on net worth instead...
Just a thought...

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

Toment wrote:

Hobby-learn-enjoy

👍👍👍!!!