Are you excited about photography?

[heathercaptures]

So I have been down in the dumps lately with the obstacles that have been thrown in my way lately. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, but lately it just feels like I have been set back further and further from my goal of developing as a photographer.
Anyway I was reading this today Are You Excited About Photography? Photofocus it really lifted me up, and made me wonder what gets, gave, or gives you excitement about your photography? Was there something you kept telling yourself, or something you did that kept you going in the beginning of your dream? What gets you pumped about photography!?

That hope – that belief that something positive will come out of the journey — is what keeps me excited about photography.
-Scott Bourne

This said it best for where I am at right now.

[Tom]

I am a pretty self-motivated person. I want to be the best. Doesn't matter what it is. I want to be a expert at all different facets of photography. I also love watching myself grow by looking at the work I have done in the past and comparing it to what I am doing now.

[Bobby C 01TA]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

I am a pretty self-motivated person. I want to be the best. Doesn't matter what it is. I want to be a expert at all different facets of photography. I also love watching myself grow by looking at the work I have done in the past and comparing it to what I am doing now.

well said!! I'm the same way.. Its always good to be good at everything!!

[dmcantrell]

I enjoy the process of learning, and I enjoy the physical act of taking pictures.

[lscottpht]

Seeing a mom cry when she sees her daughter's bridal portrait for the first time. Also, every time my bride writes to me telling me how amazing the images are. Those things keep me going and keep me giving them images that are great, and not just good. There's a big controversy over whether or not the bride would notice the difference between great and good, but I believe in giving them the best work you can, and not just for a few images. Yes, it takes me longer, but when I get all of their awesome emails/cards etc, it is so worth it in the end.

[Truckman]

I'm just the friendly local lens collector and I'm happy with that...If I ever get to the point where I can take a picture that I'm proud of, I'll be even happier......Ben

[donlfaulkner]

Originally Posted by Truckman

I'm just the friendly local lens collector and I'm happy with that...If I ever get to the point where I can take a picture that I'm proud of, I'll be even happier......Ben

+1 I like the feeling of the camera when I snap a picture and the mirror moves to expose the film. Almost like shooting a gun..."I almost got that one"

[miffed67]

At the moment, it's about the learning experience for me, since I'm still fairly new. When I get to a more comfortable "zone" with my photography, I imagine it will become more about trying to get the shot that I can envision in my mind. It's the challenge that I like!

[Hanky]

i may capture a gem one day
ya never know

[toverman]

Photography is part of my job, but it's one of my favorite parts. Being able to tell stories with words (when applicable) and images is personally rewarding, too.

One of the main obstacles of many people starting out is the learning curve, but also the expense of getting more serious gear. Even an entry-level DSLR is often north of $800, then there are all the accessories and then equipment to process, store, print, whatever. Among the best advice – repeated here often by others – is to use what you have. Be motivated by the act/passion within rather than the gear, because the gear will eventually become familiar or fail.

[texxter]

Photography for me is two things - (1) a tool to communicate what I see and what I care about, and (2) my creative outlet, as I am not trained in other arts such as music, painting, etc. What gets me excited about photography is not so much the equipment - I don't like carrying it, setting it up, caring for it... what I really enjoy is the visual problem solving required to create good images, the human interaction required to create good portraits, and the artistic work required to create a compelling final image.

[heathercaptures]

All great reasons to be excited!