Non Pros - Why do you enjoy photography?

[KobraCarry]

Just thought I'd revisit a great topic. I'm sure there are so many anwswers to follow. Some here are artists, some enjoy nature, some enjoy capturing a moment in time. When I think of all the money and time spent on something with no serious monetary return, it makes you think. Must be the OCD acting up.

[texxter]

For me it is a creative outlet, a way to communicate, and a way to have fun. I used to be excited about the gear, but now the excitment comes mostly from the work and the images.

[lsosa]

I always have enjoy doing photography. now that I'm retired I have pick it up again, and have learn to do post processing in photoshop, now I don't just take the photo, but I can create a beautiful picture. the way I see in my head. which make me feel good and make me feel that I'm contributing something to the world

[oldfotopro]

Because I spent a lot of money on camera equipment and now I feel I have to use it all. I should sell everything and get $200 cash and go to Winstar !!

[tc95]

LOL...David...

I like the diversity and objectivity of photography...with Digital...you know what shot right then and there...so you can make adjustments...a little easier to pull off a great shot...

[janikphoto]

As a full-time pro shooter, I can guess that the ability to shoot whenever you want and whatever you want, without an art director or editor looking over your shoulder... well, that must be a great thing! I'd say the amateur/casual photogs have that artistic spirit flowing inside them, and it hasn't been trampled upon by a bunch of restrictive rules and guidelines set up by your client.

Of course, I'm looking at this from the outside, since I haven't been in an amateur shooter's shoes for over a decade. I may be totally wrong and out of touch with their perspective...

[biggin]

Something I have never thought about, being very much an amateur and no desire to do it as a living, pretty sure this sums up exactly why I would not make it. Good perspective.

Originally Posted by janikphoto

As a full-time pro shooter, I can guess that the ability to shoot whenever you want and whatever you want, without an art director or editor looking over your shoulder... well, that must be a great thing! I'd say the amateur/casual photogs have that artistic spirit flowing inside them, and it hasn't been trampled upon by a bunch of restrictive rules and guidelines set up by your client.

Of course, I'm looking at this from the outside, since I haven't been in an amateur shooter's shoes for over a decade. I may be totally wrong and out of touch with their perspective...

[Tom]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

As a full-time pro shooter, I can guess that the ability to shoot whenever you want and whatever you want, without an art director or editor looking over your shoulder... well, that must be a great thing! I'd say the amateur/casual photogs have that artistic spirit flowing inside them, and it hasn't been trampled upon by a bunch of restrictive rules and guidelines set up by your client.

Of course, I'm looking at this from the outside, since I haven't been in an amateur shooter's shoes for over a decade. I may be totally wrong and out of touch with their perspective...

+1

I still shoot for myself some. But what I shoot for myself varies a lot.

I still love doing panoramas of different things. Here is one I did this week.

That's my wife all bundled up - it is about 35 degrees there. Sunrise over Haleakala volcano crater in Maui. 23 pics with the 5DII. 57" by 17" at 300dpi. The roof and building you see on the right and left are two sides of the same structure.

[Murph]

Stress relief, and I just enjoy photography.

[KobraCarry]

Great answers so far! Someone told me once that if you want to stop enjoying a hobby you should turn it into a career! I love the outdoors and photography gives me another reason to be in it! I still don't love post processing, but I'm slowly coming around. :) I would love to make money taking photos and maybe one day that will happen, but not at the risk of losing my passion!

[David_3]

It's something to do. And every once in a while, I get a picture I like.

[ngc_bob]

I guess I'm a little selfish. It is my theorpy. And once in a great while, I find some feeling or emotion that I want to share.

[Jusselin]

i enjoy the beauty of it....if i can capture a moment and make the beauty of that moment last a lifetime, well then i have done my job.

[Imagebuffet]

I photograph for memories, both nostalgic and practical. My memories help me revisit my past, my life. I have no life-long companions, no one to share my memories with me. My photos help remind me of what my life was.

I also photograph the details in my life, to help me remember practical information. I want to mark where the sun falls in my garden and how fast my plants grow. I could use a measuring tape and a write it down, but a photo is much easier and faster.

I also have memory issues. Sometimes, I completely and permanently forget things that happen. Other times, I remember things that haven't happened. I am concerned that I may be accused of a crime, and won't even know if I did it. My photos are my daily record of where I was and what I did.

Among the memories that I capture are images of beauty and wonder. The photos rarely come out as impressive as the actual events, but they are notes.

So, in several ways, my photos help me preserve my humanity.