Finding your “Why” in Photography
There are many reasons to pick up a camera. Some do it in the hope of achieving fame and glory, while others practice the craft to pass the time. In truth, a person’s motivation to do photography may evolve over the years. However, to avoid becoming disillusioned with the craft, you must know why you choose to practice photography.
Many artistic people are guilty of being overthinkers. I know I certainly am. Maybe I like to romanticize, but I have the belief that people who choose to create do so because of a deeper purpose they’re trying to find within themselves. Many of us struggle to find that deeper purpose, or we lose sight of it, leading to us becoming stagnated.
The problem in today’s society is that we have access to so much data. Each day we’re constantly filling our minds with the actions of others. We’re lost in the success, the failures, and the self-promotion of those around us that we seldom take time to reflect on ourselves. They’re doing this–and I’m not– means something must be wrong, seems to be a common thread of thinking in today’s society. The photography community isn’t spared of that either.
Why is this a problem? Well, constant analysis of what other photographers are doing leads to an endless stream of comparison. When you see others succeed or tell you how great their photography journey is going, if your story doesn’t mirror that, you may feel like a failure. The reality is that’s likely, not true; you’ve just lost the reality of why you were destined to make photographs in the first place.
Becoming Disillusioned in Photography
At the midpoint of my photographic journey, when the online world was really starting to boom, I thought that to have any worth in the photo industry I’d need to attain millions of followers on the likes of Twitter and Instagram, all of whom would tell me what a hero I am on a daily basis. I’d wake up to notifications, messages, and emails, “how are you even this amazing…” “Every day I exist just to be like you..”
Things didn’t work out like that. Instead, I enjoyed a modest amount of positive feedback through writing on multiple photography sites and talking about something I love. The truth is, I’m extremely happy things didn’t go the way a younger, more self-involved version of myself hoped they would. Nothing wrong with those getting lots of success online, however, for me and my mind, having such intense affirmation from others would never have ended well.
But there was a point when the millions of hardcore fans didn’t flow in, that I became disillusioned with the craft. In truth, I had lost my “why” and I had to go on a journey of self-discovery to find it. After a couple of years, I finally understood why I practice photography so much (daily, without fail.)
My Why in Photography
Below is a summary of why I practice (and love photography.)
Photography encourages me to walk daily.
Photography allows me to document those closest to me to a high standard.
Photography serves as a great ice breaker when meeting new people.
Photography lets me reflect on the past through imagery and improves my mental health and remembrance of past events.
Photography (and writing) allows me to support a community that’s given me so much, especially over the past five years.
Photography gives me purpose.
The last point on the list is especially important. I believe that we can only truly enjoy life when we have a purpose to live it. We need a reason, beyond fear, to get up every day and live in this world. The younger me would overcomplicate my purpose, but today I realize I live simply to create photographs–and that’s a wonderful thing.
Of course, my friends and family are part of my purpose too, as are a handful of other areas of life. But if you ask anyone what makes up my identity and reason to be alive, photography will be at the center of their response.
Today, I seldom compare myself to others. I no longer feel bad about where I am in terms of my photographic journey. And, most importantly, I receive nothing but joy when out and about making photos.
Your Why in Photography
If you’re feeling a little stagnated or disillusioned, I encourage you to put your phone down and close your laptop. While it’s wonderful to gain inspiration from viewing the work of others, too much can quickly become toxic.
Go away for a couple of days, and leave the camera at home. Ask yourself: “why do I love photography” and make a note of what you come up with. Not everything has to be about fame and admiration (but it’s okay if it is and that’s your path) and not everything that we do needs to become a career.
Improving mental health, engaging in physical activity, and the simple joy of doing can be just some of the “why’s” when we think about the reason to practice photography. Your “why” is unique, and something that you should own and never feel ashamed of. Remember, above all else, the reason to practice photography is to enjoy it: you should find your reason for that to happen.
Why do you practice photography? Are you happy with the current status of your photographic journey? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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