What is your purpose in photography?
Mar 22, 2024 12:55:17 #
Doing something that you've learned to do well can be its own reward. When you know that it's a job well done, you'll feel a sense of achievement. Plus the end product will be a reward itself.
The ultimate is to keep on developing until you've achieved mastery of your chosen style. Ideally your chosen style will be based on your preferences and your aptitudes because then you'll be playing to your strengths. But aptitudes can always be developed as we progress so our starting point doesn't define our eventual limits or the limits of our achievements. And it's possible to achieve mastery of more than one style.
The ultimate is to keep on developing until you've achieved mastery of your chosen style. Ideally your chosen style will be based on your preferences and your aptitudes because then you'll be playing to your strengths. But aptitudes can always be developed as we progress so our starting point doesn't define our eventual limits or the limits of our achievements. And it's possible to achieve mastery of more than one style.
Mar 22, 2024 12:56:52 #
The artist spends years learning to create images no one else could create in a life-time.
Mar 22, 2024 13:01:10 #
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?“
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 take photos too remind me of something I've seen and to remember the past.
I do it for the fun and relaxation. It truly relaxes me. I may (used to but can not anymore) walk for miles and not get tired.
I also enjoy editing for the same reasons.
I enjoy going back an looking at all, or a few, and trying to remember why I took it. It's usually obvious and I don't think too long.
I do print some, and I change out the ones in my slide show viewer periodically.
Mar 22, 2024 13:02:03 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Would it change your level of effort? Your approach and / or level of consideration? Your purpose for raising the camera?
You made me stop and think. No, I don't think so. I approach all my shots with the same level of intensity and, being a "Picture Taker", my only desire is to get the best shot I can.
Mar 22, 2024 13:04:05 #
Mar 22, 2024 13:06:23 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
One should really use their camera as if tomorrow it will be stolen.
That makes more sense to me than "as if it's your last shot.
Mar 22, 2024 13:12:55 #
johnec
Loc: Lancaster county, PA
JD750 wrote:
So I am curious, what do readers here say in response to “What is your purpose in photography?“
To justify the money I've spent on photography equipment
Mar 22, 2024 13:13:13 #
R.G. wrote:
When you know that it's a job well done, you'll feel a sense of achievement. Plus the end product will be a reward itself.
Very true.
In that reach for the end product, some people may be nearly immune to frustration and disappointment marching toward that goal.
Others may need encouragement to not fall victim to the impatience of inexperience.
Others may need encouragement to not fall victim to the trap of complacence.
All need encouragement to patiently, consistently press on with being true to oneself, not trying to please the conflicting voices from detractors, admirers, and unhelpful "advisers" who may or may not be well-meaning.....press on in doing your pursuit of a job well-done within the fullest of your knowlege and skill level, not reacting to the responses of others.
Mar 22, 2024 13:15:47 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
…… Your purpose for raising the camera?
I believe that I raised my camera to be a fine and upstanding contributor to society.
Mar 22, 2024 13:18:39 #
Mar 22, 2024 13:18:40 #
The camera. How it works. With film it was the same. It was about the camera, the film, the darkroom equipment and how they all works. However, somhow I am not much interested in manipulating the images using PS or something like that. I would crop, change the color balance, change the contrast and brightness but no replacing sky, deleting lamp post or something like that.
Mar 22, 2024 13:21:40 #
dustie wrote:
... In that reach for the end product, some people... (show quote)
Good summary of the possible pitfalls - frustration, impatience, complacency, plus a reminder to have clear objectives based on our own idea of what's desirable and what works well.
Mar 22, 2024 13:33:15 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Imagine your photography as if you approached every image as if it were your last.
Agree. At my age and genetic history it very well could be. THUD. LOL
Mar 22, 2024 13:40:50 #
Real Nikon Lover wrote:
Agree. At my age and genetic history it very well could be. THUD. LOL
Changes your thinking, right?
Mar 22, 2024 14:07:52 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Changes your thinking, right?
Having been a paramedic from 1983 to 2022... I value living in the now. Have a super weekend Senor Canon!
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