Why do you do Photography?

[bholliman]

It's my form of artistic expression. I can't sing, paint or write poetry, but I can take good pictures.

I started getting serious about photography three years ago, but was taking mostly landscapes when we were on vacation. I didn't shoot much unless we were someplace with breathtaking scenery. That's evolved over time to include just about everything, every day. When our 12-month-old son came along last spring, I became very interested in documenting his young life, so have been working hard at my portrait and indoor photography skills.

As others have said, photography has expanded the way I look at everything. I notice more details. I'm more aware of the light, it's sources and direction. I see beauty in things I didn't even notice before. Even when I don't have a camera with me I think about how I would shoot a certain scene if I did.

Photography is a way to relieve stress, but at the same time it's challenging. In addition to the artistic aspects, I love working with high tech equipment and figuring out how to use it to its full potential. I enjoy the challenge of composing and executing a shot in difficult light, or of trying to capture the beauty and feeling of a place and time.

 

[Kristofgss]

For memories. I only have a few pictures and wirtten cards of my grandparents and little memories, their graves have been removed and I so often wish I had more pictures of how their lives were and wished I could hear their voices one more time. So when my wife and I had children, I started taking pictures of the thousands of little things that attracted my attention and video fragments of their family and grandparents so that when they grow up, they can look back on them.
I also shoot lots of other stuff, but that's the prime reason. When we're no longer around, at least some of the pictures will be. They will probably not be that good or special, but it's like memories which you can still touch or see moving.

 

[Dylan777]

I have two kids(4&2yrs). I want to capture all the memories with the best tool that I can afford, since they only grow-up one.

 

[J.R.]

I have two kids(4&2yrs). I want to capture all the memories with the best tool that I can afford, since they only grow-up one.

+1 ... Same here

 

[2n10]

I do photography to record my other hobby, aquariums, and because I enjoy it and want to remember things that I found interesting.

 

[Dylan777]

To me, photography is just like golf. One good shot keeps me coming back for more.

I earn money for side jobs; however, I would still have all of my gear if I were never compensated for it.

+1...I use to play 2-3 time a week. Now with 2 kids, there is no most no times left in the day for anything else.

Still keeping my Taylormade R7 TP driver & fairway woods, Taylormade Rac TP MB irons and all time fav. ScottyCameron Newport2 putter(1st version) though

 

[ksuweh]

It started out as a trial, got my 7D for personal use and didn't think anything about it. Then I thought, I _have_ to learn this stuff as it would be embarrassing going around with a 7D on Full auto. So I got a few books and was hooked, things just sort of escalated from there and now it's earning some money as a side job.

I agree with previous posters, good stress relief and I enjoy it, plus, there's always some new thing I want to get out and try. A lot of inspiration comes from the likes of flickr et al. "Whoa! How'd they do that? I want to try it too." -sort of thing.

My story is exactly the same right down to the 7D as my first body for personal use! I just fell in love with photography! I even sold my BMW motorcycle (another expensive hobby) to buy more photography gear!! Its such an addiction!!

 

[pdirestajr]

I'm a professional visual artist. Photography is just another form of expression.

 

[ecka]

Life seems to be so short, mostly because we don't remember every precious moment of it, while trying to forget all the worst that had happened to us. Photography helps to remember everything , the good, the bad and the boring (unfortunately).

 

[Pakman]

I like photography because it clears my head when my only aim is to get that shot. I also like the feeling of satisfaction I get when I get a shot that I like. I personally think its quite the deterrent to becoming complacent in everyday life, or falling into a boring day-in-day-out routine.

 

[distant.star]

.
This is stunningly perfect. Surely the most profound thing I've ever read on this forum. I can't imagine I'll read anything better this day!

Thanks!!!

Photography is like a conversation with someone who lets me ask lots of questions. But I usually only get a good answer when I ask a good question.

 

[ChilledXpress]

It makes me happy, plain and simple.

 

[Rocguy]

Ummmm....because I can't draw or paint very well?
;D

This.

It forces me to slow down and look around me. Even when I don't take a pic, I'll admire the view or the lighting or the architecture just a bit differently.

But also this.

 

[Don Haines]

I do photography because it is a good excuse to go canoeing. I go canoeing because it is a good excuse to do photography.

 

[Hugo Fisher]

For the money.

I love money.

 

[Lurker]

'cause I can't draw, paint, sing, play a musical instrument, or cook outside a box. :-\

 

[ksuweh]

There are way less people on this forum that are do photography for $$$ (either full or part-time) than I would have guessed!! I make a little money on the side. I have done two weddings so far, family & senior pictures & have sold some landscape prints as well, but I still do it more as a hobby than anything. I say its mostly a hobby because I don't make NEARLY enough money with the photography to pay for all the gear I own & buy on a regular basis.

I just thought that there would be more guys on here doing on the side.....I mean most of you guys have some very nice kits & have a lot of money invested to not make a little extra on the side.

 

[mrsfotografie]

Because it relaxes me.
Because it gives me something to do whenever I go somewhere.
Because it is a reason to go out and see stuff.
Because it is something I can take my girlfriend along with (unlike mountain biking).
Because it allows me to express myself artistically.
Because I like the technology.

 

[stilscream]

It's a little of all these answers. I plunged $37k into a hobby because I enjoy tech and seeing what the different lenses or bodies do better. I started it as an ice breaker to meet girls at fetish balls, but when I got married, I got more serious. My parents died of cancer andleft me a lot of $$. They were into photography when they first met, though film was too complicated for me at that time.

I was bought a 7d by my fiancee as an engagement present. My sister shoots Nikon, but Canon seamed easier to understand and 7d was my 1st love. 8fps! Now, I have a 1DX. And it's mostly for adoration from friends. My wife cannot play pool to save her life, which was my last obsession.

I would have zero problem selling many of my lenses or bodies if and when I need to. In the meantime I get to capture my life to relive at a later time. One day I may make money off of it, but I wouldn't know what to charge. Besides, there are more to learn out there.

 

[wako]

Now, I have a 1DX. And it's mostly for adoration from friends.

A 1DX for a hobby? Now i feel a lot better about my 5D but those are some amazing pictures.

Wow when i made this thread i was really expecting most people to be full time or part time photogs. Seems a lot of us are the same, willing to spend (a lot) money for a hobby. Cool