Seems like the more I listen, the more I hear people talking about the gear, the business of photography, the widgets. Let us not forget the simple love of photography.
I understand why there’s so much rhetoric in our industry about the business of photography and the gear and the gadgets. There is the common stereotype that most creative people aren’t good business people. There is fear. Gear is easier to talk about than vision. Exposures are exact, the camera dials have numbers. There is a ‘right’ answer to many of these questions.
But where is your love of pictures? Where are your actions that back this up?
Can you pick up a book of photographs and get lost in it?
Can you walk around with your iPhone or Android or your point and shoot or whatever and take 100 pictures knowing that they’ll never be for a client or a portfolio?
Do you love hunting for pictures?
Will you stay up late or get up early for pictures?
Do you sometimes ‘see’ life as a photograph?
It’s different for all of us, but when you can take a break from all the chatter, remind yourself–as often as you can–why you love photography.
♥
well said.
Thanks.. You have described perfectly the passion of photography. I put 12 years of work in a box and changed careers because of the “business” of photography. Met someone last night who pointed me to your site and glad I looked. I still have the passion and now have a renewed perspective. Funny, always thought pictures where more powerful than words, yet your words motivated me to make a comment, which is the first time I’ve ever made a comment. Anyway, thanks..oh and I love using my Droid’s camera, lots of fun!