What's the point of photography?

[Reality4711]

We've all seen thousands of forum posts declaring photography dead.
We've all seen thousands of tweets by people who don't think that awe-inspiring shot of the Grand Canyon is quite grand enough.
We've all heard millions of people tell us to 'get a real job' or to 'not quit the day job'

But somehow, every time my daughter smiles, it is a magic moment worth preserving.

Never lose that sense of wonder when you see something or someone truly special. The whole "the world isn't really that impressive because I am just so damned cool," never worked for me. Looking at ruins built by humans 1000 or more years ago is just amazing. Will something I've made still be around to impress people in 10 centuries? How can you look at Yosemite and say "meh?" I would HATE to be the person that was so clueless that this seemed reasonable.

Photos are a way that I can share experiences. Sometimes it is a place, like the meteor crater, that not everyone visits. Sometimes it is a time, like my son's baseball game. Sometime's its a story, like the vacation in 2010. Every picture is a part of a story about something, and the pictures help tell the tale.

Not everyone is 'clueless' when little impresses them. Some of us are just a bit different and don't see things the way you do. You are lucky in that respect and I am glad for you and respect your POV. but, well I never will be a happy, clappy, chappy so will never know that feeling.

Photography is now a reason to be out there, like dog walking or going shopping. Without that reason I do not go anywhere on my own because that is the way I am. To hold the camera up between myself and the world gives me an opportunity to look fearlessly; not at the time but later in the safety of my home. So not clueless, just me.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Not everyone is 'clueless' when little impresses them. Some of us are just a bit different and don't see things the way you do. You are lucky in that respect and I am glad for you and respect your POV. but, well I never will be a happy, clappy, chappy so will never know that feeling.

Photography is now a reason to be out there, like dog walking or going shopping. Without that reason I do not go anywhere on my own because that is the way I am. To hold the camera up between myself and the world gives me an opportunity to look fearlessly; not at the time but later in the safety of my home. So not clueless, just me.

I agree. Photography is a reason to be out and about.

 

[TVreporter]

Remember, the world is not a static thing; the world changes & evolves. Plus, camera equipment evolves and can get better pictures.

We've all seen a thousand images of castles & temples in Japan.

Buildings can get knocked down & built

Stumbled upon this thread and saw this quote... never more true than today.

I find photography helps me remember more - I’m documenting my young family, only wish my parents had done more as photos are limited.

But here’s something - do people print photos much anymore?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Stumbled upon this thread and saw this quote... never more true than today.

I find photography helps me remember more - I’m documenting my young family, only wish my parents had done more as photos are limited.

But here’s something - do people print photos much anymore?

Not much to be honest. But that is the best way to ensure your photos are there for the next generation.

 

[Micky Do]

Not much to be honest. But that is the best way to ensure your photos are there for the next generation.

Will the next generation care? For me, photos document events, some of which may be relevant a few weeks, months or even a year or two on, but most are forgotten within a few days.

 

[Lee_Bo]

I got into photography many years ago when my son was in the high school marching band and I observed all the football photographers were always pointing at the field and never the band or the students. So I bought a used camera and a couple of lenses from a photographer friend and started shooting Friday night football games, but I focused more on the band and the parents / students than on the game.

Several years later my son has graduated high school and went on to college and I really got into nature / landscape photography. Then, for me, it became more a part of my spiritual journey. I've been to places and seen things that most people will never see. I've taken hundreds of the "in the right place at the right time" shots and love the feeling I get when I can share those photos with other people.

I've never made a dime from photography in the 10+ years I've been doing it, and I'm ok with that. (the wife not so much based on time and $$$ invested LOL). I never got into it to make money. I do it to share the experience.

 

[TSE]

Here are some photos I took in the class that I took to re-energize my interest in the hobby. I am really enjoying using my new camera again with vintage lenses - Canon FDs are great! What do you guys think?

 

[steveash]

Great to see you found a way forward and rediscovered the passion. I hope some of the comments here were inspiring, they were for me.

 

[Reality4711]

Here are some photos I took in the class that I took to re-energize my interest in the hobby. I am really enjoying using my new camera again with vintage lenses - Canon FDs are great! What do you guys think?

Was just going to ask which camera you had behind the FDs. Then noticed 'Sony'?

My FDs still sit on a Canon AE.

Film motor drive failed years ago but occasionally put a roll of XP through just to frighten the minilab when they see Mono negatives.

Oh quite like the photos.