What Do You Love About Photography???... The Non-Obvious Reaons

[SrisonS]

Such, we all love the chase for that perfect shot. But what are some of the non-obvious reasons you love this hobby??? For instance: bonding with friends/family, hiking out to that perfect spot, the pre/post research for your historical subjects, etc................

For me, I just love to be outdoors. I wouldn't say I'm the super adventurous, outdoorsy guy; but give me some good weather, and I'd prefer to not stay inside.

And if you've seen some of my photos, you'll know that I don't shy from the crowds. I kinda like being in the mix of all that chaos and confusion. Star Wars Weekends.... Check!!! Celebrity autographs hunts..... Check!!! Jonas Brothers fanatics...... check

 

[zackiedawg]

Getting outside like you is preferable to sitting inside, so photography is certainly an excuse to do so - sometimes just in my own backyard shooting birds or flowers rather than sitting on the couch.

Most important though is to appreciate the beauty of the world around me, and to revel in the finest, smallest details of everything. I find it funny when I hear the occasional comment that a person should put down the camera so they can actually see the world happening around them rather than always living through the tiny viewfinder...the irony of those comments is that photography has allowed me to better appreciate beauty in things oft overlooked or not considered by most people. It has forced me to look around more, studying not just an obvious subject, but really analyzing the textures, the colors, the light and shadow, the history, the geometry, the depth, or the emotion. Photography can let mundane or even neglected things take on a new, special beauty and power. Photography is the specific reason I see and appreciate so much of the world around me, and continue to enjoy every moment of every place I am in the world, no matter the conditions or appearance. I slow down, take everything in, and then appreciate that moment by capturing it with photography, in the way I want to remember or convey it.

It has other perks as well - the afformentioned 'getting outside', as well as the exercise (I walk many miles a day, trailhiking, carrying large packs sometimes, for photography), the social aspect (sometimes photography takes me away from people into far-off areas, while other times it gives me a commonality with others with the same interest - an automatic conversation-starter over our shared hobby), and the personal improvement (aspiring to be as good as one can possibly be at something, which improves both my photography as well as my self-satisfaction).

 

[Pea-n-Me]

As a non-artsy type, it's nice to know that I can use this hobby to enjoy that side of myself with some level of success. I can't draw to save my soul, lol, I "dabbled" in some crafts but never really enjoyed it, etc. Photography has allowed me to be artsy without actually being artsy, if that makes sense.

I always wanted to learn to use an SLR but, for many reasons, I never did. I did have it on my Bucket List, though, and after a bout with cancer I decided that "now was the time". I made a pact with myself that I was going to see it through, and I did. I still have a long way to go, but at least I'm over the hump (somewhat!). I'm proud of that success within myself, especially that I learned completely on my own.

I really enjoy breaking away from the group wherever we go (as a family) and being my own little world for a while to take photographs. It's peaceful and enjoyable. When shooting I try keeping everything I've learned in my head, but sometimes I forget, or can't quite figure it out, or make a mistake, etc, but that's the time I learn best, so even though it can be frustrating, it's rewarding at the same time, as well.

I like talking photography with others into the hobby, or even those just curious about it. I find that walking around with a camera is sort of like walking around with a dog, or a kid - it's a conversation starter and you wind up meeting people you wouldn't have otherwise talked to. I enjoy meeting and talking to people so that's also something I like about photography. But even without a camera anywhere in sight, photography is a fun subject to talk about with others also into it. In my work I meet lots of people into photography and it's fun to talk shop with them; it can be therapeutic, too (I'm a hospital nurse).

Neat thread.

 

[mom2rtk]

For me, photography started as a way to freeze time in my kids lives. That continues to be my number one reason.

Over the course of the past couple of years though, it really has evolved into a full-fledged hobby and creative outlet for me. I am immensely enjoying looking at photos online and trying to find ways to recreate the looks I see. I love looking through Flickr and examining EXIF data to sort of figure out the pieces of the puzzle. I love that I've been able to have a number of "ah-ha" moments in figuring it all out.

Did I need a new hobby? Not really. I sew, I scrapbook. I have lots of creative outlets already. Combine that with the fact that most days I barely have a moment to call my own. But it has added a very satisfying new pursuit to my life, and I look forward to the day I will have more time to devote to it.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Not sure if this makes any sense at all but I'll try and put down my thoughts.

I love photography because when I look at the picture, I get to see a snapshot of my perspective from the outside in; rather than from the inside out. And I get to keep this outside in snapshot so that when I get to look at it again at a later date, I get a visual reminder of what I was thinking and who I was at that point in time. It keeps me constantly thinking about my personal growth.

We also have a rather active calendar (who doesn't, with kids?) and the camera provides an outlet for me to "escape" if I want to; yet still be with the group. It's amazing how many parents are more friendly to chat with when I'm snapping (and sharing) pictures of their kids. And they also leave me alone so that I can take pictures.

Before having my child, DH and I loved going for bushwalks and getting into the country. It just seemed too hard when DS was little and we just never got back into the groove of going bush when he was older. Since getting the dSLR, we're heading out more and going back to the bush a lot more.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I bought my first Canon Rebel in 2004 when the DSLR broke the $1000 barrier. I bought that brand because that's what they had at Sears! They were the same price everywhere, but I wanted to buy from a store with a full return policy with no restocking fees, if I wasn't happy with the quality of the photos. I ran home, snapped a few frames, and ran to Walgreens to have them printed. I was completely sold and completely in love with that camera from then on.

I had a film SLR up until then, but was running out of room to store photos and negatives. I love taking pictures of the kids and scrapbooking, and wanted to find a way to keep taking the photos without having to add a wing onto the house!

I had seen digital cameras, even had a small 3mp Kodak, but the shutter delay was a dealbreaker for me since the boys were both in sports. When I saw the first DSLR with no shutter lag just under $1000, I was in!

I've had several other Rebel models through the years, because I kept it under an extended warranty from Sears and they replaced it with a new model any time anything small went wrong. Seems they aren't too much into fixing stuff......... so they just replace it with what's available!

I was very happy with my DSLR, but never moved out of program mode. I wanted to learn, but didn't have anyone around me I could ask questions of, and with 3 little kids, didn't really have time for classes. A couple years ago I found the DIS photography forum, and it has opened up a whole new world for me. I love that I have been able to get my questions answered in a non-threatening environment.

I now have the T2i and LOVE the higher ISO capabilities it offers. I do wish it had more FPS, so that will be a priority next time I upgrade.

So, I'm in Canon because that's what there was in 04. But it works for me. Just know that while you're not married to a brand your entire life, the odds are that once you start acquiring lenses and accessories, you'll want to stay with that brand. So check them ALL out at the start!

Did you mean to post this on the other thread?

 

[oogieboogieman]

I was looking for a hobby that was cheaper than golf and hunting. Here's a news flash. IT'S NOT!!!

I love being outdoors and that explains my thousands of photos of bugs, birds, and flowers.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

I love that you can forever capture moments that you wouldn't be able to capture inmediately in any other way (with the exception of video). It can be a nice family moment, an event or anything out of the ordinary.

Finding a new perspective in things, changing the way you see things and observe the world around you and finding beauty even in the most ordinary everyday things is challenging at the beginning but I'm already in love with my new-found hobby

zackiedawg said everything I would have said so I don't want to be repetitive

You can reflect real life as it is from your angle of vision, or you can reflect your view , your feelings and your sensations about a subject with lots of artistic effects and different compositions right there at the moment or do it afterwards with editing.

I didn't need a new hobby either, and this one is quite expensive lol... I guess it was inevitable

 

[mom2rtk]

Did you mean to post this on the other thread?

Sure did! I hit submit, then ran out the door and saw what I did when I got back! I had seen both threads and was meaning to post on both........... I thought both would be very interesting to read along with!

 

[Iwant2BAprincess]

I am a competitive person, so I love the challenge to top myself-if that make sense. I also love the fact that I think you see the world differently when you see it thru a camera-you aren't just looking for the perfectly planned shot-your are taking in everything around you

 

[Chikabowa]

For me it's the rush of taking the image that I see in my head and putting it, for lack of a better term, onto paper. The camera acts as an extension of my eye... and being able to make something out of nothing is a rush.

Another reason... capturing the tinniest little moments. Knowing exactly when to click to get that expression, reaction, that story. It's pretty fun.

 

[YesDear]

Nothing is a compelling as a quality photograph. Done right it will bring a smile, a laugh, a tear, a fear, an emotion faster than even the event itself because the image is frozen in time. Memories will fade but a photo is the capture of our life.

To learn how to capture that second in time is just cool to me.

 

[photo_chick]

I'm a darkroom junkie. I got my first taste in there way back in junior high and I still do a little happy dance when I pull the film out of the tank and see those negatives for the first time. But I love the entire process. From setting up the shot to hanging the print and everything in between.