Are photographs the main reason you photograph?

[Dave in Kansas]

I do photography for several reasons. Like 2F/2F, I don't go to galleries or buy books, although I appreciate what others do.

I like the fact that it gets me outside to look at things, and my favorite subjects are the old things - buildings in small towns, old bridges, steam locomotives are great - those things that capture well in black and white and make timeless images. I enjoy looking back at them occasionally and remembering how things looked, and often my photo subjects have been changed or erased by history. As time passes, many of them bring back memories of good times, especially those taken of family and friends and events.

Taking the photograph is fun and I enjoy that most out away from everyone else, unless there's someone else also taking pictures. I always feel a little self-conscious taking pictures in town with hundreds of people driving by, some probably wondering what the weirdo is doing with the funny looking camera and wondering "Why is he taking a picture of "that"?".

The darkroom time is enjoyable too as long as it doesn't get to be a chore. It can be quite relaxing.

Last and not least is the fact that my cameras are somewhat mechanical and i like mechanical things.

[David William White]

With me, shooting is hell. The logistics, equipment, weather, permission, wrangling folks, etc. are things that need to be dealt with to get the imagery, but it's often a struggle making everything come together. I am totally at peace in the darkroom, finally making the print I wanted in the first place.

My theory is that if I keep trying, I'll get much better and more confident at the shooting part.

[Christopher Walrath]

I think the main reason we all photograph comes out in our subject matter. Sure we all have photographs of just about anything. But we tend to roll with a theme.

For me it is solitude. Those quiet places away from the hustle and bustle. As evidenced in my predominantly landscape and macro imagery.

[keithwms]

Has it changed you as a person and your philosophies and experiences in life?

I believe that photographers generally develop more sensitivity to time and to light and its many nuances. Overall, I feel much closer to subjects after I photograph them.

What most motivates my photography is learning how to see... beyond the superificial level of whether a subject will make a catchy photograph that may or may not print well or get noticed or whatever.

I confess that I tend to avoid shows etc. as I typically find them to be too much to take in all at once. I do enjoy leafing through books from time to time but feel that certain photographers spend/spent too much time exerting influence on how others see.

[brian steinberger]

I agree alot with Dave above. For me it's more about just shooting when I'm out enjoying myself, seeing and exploring new things. I do love the act of photography and sometimes find myself out shooting, knowing that the light is horrible or that this entire roll is going to be wasted, but I do it simply because I like how I feel doing it, composing and pressing the shutter.

As far as prints, I do enjoy printing, but only photographs that are truly my best work. Scanning film is nice in the fact that I can view my photos on the computer for weeks and see if an image grows on me before I print. But once I make a great print, it is enjoyable to view. And alot of my work brings back memories and feelings of not just that day and place, but of how I was feeling, and where I was at in my life at the time. I think that might be the strongest reason I photograph, to view my life looking back and to see where I'm going. It is truly a powerful art.

[BobNewYork]

My brain really is hurting - more now than earlier

I'll be back!

Bob H

[TA-Reiland]

Interesting questions - got me to thinking.

I enjoy it all, within limits. If I spent all my time at it, I know I wouldn't enjoy it so much.

First, I'll readily admit to being a gadget freak. I figure that some who read my introduction probably felt that I was being somewhat boastful. Okay - maybe I was. Sorry if that was off-putting. But, I'm not into photography just for the machinery.

I'm also a process freak. I like the darkroom work. That's also what makes me good at what I do for a living.

I love to look at photos - old family photos, well-made B&W's, and old photos such as those on shorpy.com. Galleries and showings are few around here. I do go to them because it's usually work by local folks, and it's interesting to see how they see the part of the world we share. It also helps me realize how I'd like to see my own photos - I find that I'm drawn to detailed, tack-sharp B&W photos without any image manipulation other than dodging and burning.

I love to make photos. Last Saturday morning, I was out along the river near my home. I wanted to catch some morning light with one of my MF's, but I wasn't particularly in the mood for it until after I had begun exposing some film. But, then I got into that focused (pardon the pun), meditative state - "in the groove" if you will - wherein the rest of the world falls away, and the photos begin to find me. I've also begun carrying a small 35mm rangefinder just about everywhere so I can "document life," or a small part of it anyway. For some reason, that is important to me just now. I'm looking forward to seeing if I can make interesting prints from some of my grab shots.

So, I find joy in all of it. Like Steve Smith, I think of music (I play fiddle and highland bagpipes). Many times, when playing music or making photos in public, I have to go out of my comfort zone. I have to push myself and really think about what I'm doing. Not so much with the music because there's a lot of muscle memory involved, but it's still such a different thought process that challenges me. I'd like to think that it makes me a better person. I'm also my own worst critic, which I suspect many of us here on APUG are.

Great thread - thanks 2F/2F for starting it.

Thomas

[Cheryl Jacobs]

For me, it's not at all about the prints, or even about having a creative outlet. I photograph people, and I do it because it's my way of empathizing and understanding those around me, and presenting them as unique individuals to those who may view my images.

What I love most about photographing people is that it is a tangible way to tell them that they are important, that they matter, that they are "good enough" to be remembered just as they are.

- CJ

[SilverGlow]

The print is everything, for me. The prime directive; the whole point of it.

There is nothing better then looking at my own print. It's the "climax" of this sex we call photography.

Still, the journey is half the reward...the process of making the picture can be very satisfying too.

In other words, photography without the print is like sex without the climax. Otherwise, you're just a masterbator....

[keithwms]

In other words, photography without the print is like sex without the climax. Otherwise, you're just a masterbator....

I have to say, I certainly wouldn't characterize someone is such terms even if our opinions differed!

Look, we all know folks who gush effusively over poor and inexpressive prints just because they were done with some exotic process. There are plenty of examples of people, er, pleasing themselves in that way as well.

There is an apt Russian phrase, kazhdi drochit kak on khochet, which means (to translate it politely) everybody pulls the way he wants....