Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Photography is my passion - Yes
You have invested a lot of money - Yes
Family has survived many GAS attacks - Yes
you have several camera bodies and a trio of “L” glass - 1 body several lenses, none cost more than $1k
you shoot a thousand shots a month - No
spend hours in post processing - No
Where do all of these images go? - I have 6 grandchildren that are my main subjects. I give each of my children a portable harddrive with all of their photos from 18 years ago. Memories are made of this.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

I have thought about what pictures I really like and realized that:
1. I will never shoot better ones than many of those posted here (and PS, my son's better already than I am);
2. I really don't need all the equipment that I now have;
3. After scanning many old photos to assemble some albums, I realize that I most value the ones with people and relatives - past and present - that I know;
4. Sometimes good vacation pictures but for the purpose of good memories; and
5. I could probably do all I want with a good compact zoom camera. But selling what I have would not be cost effective and I might change my mind along the way.
So, I'm just a snap shooter and that's enough for me. I've done the expertise thing in other hobbies and I don't need that to scratch any itch I have.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Ha! I like that! To be honest, I am past the hardware and into the memories...

Cheers!

aellman Loc: Boston MA

It's the same for any serious hobby or occupation that involves equipment. Before I go to old, I was a windsurfing addict. Whenever I was with a group of adherents, all they talked about was their equipment.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I guess it is what ever others think is unusual. I do have two 4x5" View Cameras, a vintage wooden folding field camera and a studio rail camera. It has been a while since I've shot 4x5" film, but the Omega 45F drew a few looks back in the 1980s & '90s. I did not own the old field camera then. What did get a lot of looks and questions was the Asahi Pentax 6x7 I once had but with only two lenses (a 135mm Macro and a SWA 45mm), I never had the more "normal" 90mm or 105mm. I had little money back in those days. Since pretty much 1969-ish any 120 Format film camera seemed like a giant.

These days I get some weird looks just for shooting Pentax! Ha. And most of the time toting around a small (short) 50mm f/1.4 or 35mm f/2.8 lens. I have 30+ lenses but those are what I use the most. Seems most everyone else has either a SmartPhone or a Nikon or Canon with a bulky in the ranges of 10mm to 300mm zoom lens. Only the truly initiated know to use a 85mm Prime. Some of my Pro Friends, especially those who shoot video have Sony cameras.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Perhaps you could call this a subtle way of bragging? Gee, at my age, I've been around hundreds of people who brag about their trucks, cars, electric guitars, golf clubs, etc. I, just don't let it bother me.

Robg

Clearly, different folks differ greatly in "why photography".

Gadgets and equipment don't do it for me any more. I no longer have a collection of lenses, bodies, etc., but can understand why that is important for some.

I admit my ego loves getting compliments on my photos, but that's not why I do it, but, again, can understand why that's important to some.

Improving a skill and the learning that accompanies it is also of great value to me, but not my primary motivation.

Principally, my reward comes when I see my older photos and briefly relive the moment when I took the image.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Satisfaction,,,,,,,when the photo "works" as I had visualized it.

u4ea

Quixdraw,

You are spot on!

"Journey, not Destination"

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

I shoot a lot. Just shot 2000+ images on three weekend outings to capture fall colors. Some of these will be submitted to a magazine publisher. Some are upload to POD sites. All are enjoyed by me and the memories I have of the captured moments.

I feel at my most relaxed when out shooting even though I want some saleable images to pay for my trips. Even then I would still do it if it did not pay. I have books printed every year of my personal favorites and all images are backed up just in case. I find photography to be good for my soul.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

Enlightening and enjoyable, to read most of these. Joy is good, eh.

GlenBose Loc: NE Florida, formerly Limerick, PA

I don't know if there were assumptions but the rest of your comment is where I am. I know I'll never be a pro but I like taking the shot and even the second or third to see if it's better. But, hell, I was able to do it. That's the goal.
Larry

aellman Loc: Boston MA

I have all my negatives from 40 years ago. Unlike your situation, when I look at them I am forced to ask myself, "What in the world ever possessed me to think this would make a good photograph?!" My ratio of good shots to bad has improved markedly in my old age. That gives me great pleasure. >Alan

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