Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Motivation is a very personal thing. I have encountered photographers who were strictly in the business to make money. Others I ran across seemed to crave fame and recognition for their work over compensation. Yet again, others had reasons I never dreamed of. Would you care to share your reasons for striving to be the best photographer you can be?

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tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Purely relaxation and self satisfaction.

cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

I like to see an emotional response from others viewing my work. I suppose that is the same as recognition.
I never really wanted to be famous, I would rather be the "fly on the wall" and see someone admire my work without knowing who I am.

By the way, what is your motivation?

ncribble Loc: Albuquerque, NM

If I'm going to take photographs then make them the best that I can. Whom am I trying to impress? Myself.

Red Sky At Night

I shoot for the memories, the feeling I get from seeing experiences in frame. My grandchildren, my dogs, a favorite place I’ve been to. What I remember when I see a moment frozen in time.

JimmyTB

I enjoy the journey of learning. That could be said of many vocations and hobbies but I'm also drawn to the opportunity to create the occasional image that I can be proud of. Hopefully 2021 will give me more time to pursue my hobby. 2020 threw me too many issues that took too many hours out of my work week to allow me time to take many photos.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

I only consciously strive to be the best photographer when I am working; when doing it for someone else who is expecting and compensating my effort.

Otherwise I'll just be doing my own thing, whatever makes me happy or tickle my inquisitiveness. If it makes me the best photographer, cool, but that is not the objective.

Primarily I'm an artist and there are times only a camera can help record what I see. Specially fleeting moments so it is just a matter of using the right tool for the job. Otherwise I would be sketching. It's not that hard but it takes longer.
To be truthful, even though I have been into photography for a very long time, it is only a small part of my interests. Unless I am using it at work, I consider it playtime when I am doing photography.

The catch is, pretty much all of the other activities I do requires perfection thus giving it my best shot has become my personal default and I carry that mindset over to photography.
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Wiring a Solar-Hybrid control panel


Netgrab, our rocket fuel of choice when designing, building & flying micro rockets.


I also love carpentry


I still ride when I can


Love guns too


I'm a 2nd Dan Blackbelt of PHILKADI. We practice Kickboxing, Aikido-Dijitsu & Modern Arnis


Climbing & photography goes well together


Did some time with planes and stuffs


I sketch when bored... This is left & right hands.


Most of all, whatever I do, I don't stop learning.

fchretdet

It just doesn't seem to make any sense to me do something and not try to do the best job that you can.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

What tradio said.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear tradio...Can't beat relaxation and self-satisfaction for motivation. Thank you for responding.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear cmc4214...Being a fly on the wall can allow one to observe others responses that are both "natural" and "Informative." Much helpful information can be learned by watching and listening. My motivation comes from my deep appreciation for everything visually beautiful and everything intellectually stimulating. As a small boy I recall studying and enjoying thinking about Norman Rockwell's paintings as well as National Geographic and Life magazine images that were intellectually stimulating. The concept of capturing a split second in time forever has always fascinated me and motivated me to photograph epic moments. I just posted one of my favorite pictures of the wonderful soccer player, Chico Borja, on Facebook because he just past away. In my heart, my image of Chico is my tribute to the spirit he showed the world when he played for the Wichita Wings Professional Indoor soccer team over forty years ago.

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joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

When I take a shot that is really noteworthy (usually accidentally), it makes me feel great and gives me the desire to continue

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear ncribble...The personal satisfaction of reaching a long range goal can't be beat. Thank you for your input.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear Red Sky At Night...Taking pictures and viewing them years later allows us to relive and feel wonderful experiences from years gone by, that cannot be achieved exactly the same way by just visiting with friends. That is why everyone gathers around when grandma gets out her old photo album! Thank you for your sharing.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear joe...Nothing motivates like success! Success feels so good, we want to do it again, only better! Thank you for sharing.