Amateur Photographers - Why Do We Do It ...... Really

[Tropicalmemories]

For the Professionals it's a job, and probably a passion too, but I'm curious about what motivates the rest of us?

We buy new equipment based on reviews that highlight a 0.02 second focus speed improvement or an extra 2 megapixels, we nearly come to blows over DSLR's vs Mirrorless or film vs digital, we travel back to the same place to capture a stunning landscape image, invest in lighting and backdrops to make the perfect portrait, sit in drafty hides to capture birds in flight and arrive early at sporting events to comandeer the ideal vantage point ...... but why?

Our friends prefer selfies on their phones, hosting sites like Flickr or Instagram are filled with other photographers trying to atteact 'likes', and almost nobody bothers to comment on other peoples images, and the few active critique sites are dominated by people who seem to feel that every image needs to follow their very specific rules for the genre, or its just wrong.

The Photo Forum is a little oasis in this ocean of selfishness and rudeness that comprises the wider photographer's social network.

So why do we do it?

Is it just for our enjoyment?

 

[smoke665]

Is it just for our enjoyment

Pretty much. Why do you think it's any different then other pastimes. There was a time when I had quite a bit of money sunk into golf clubs, cart, etc., to play a game with others just like myself who would never play professional. It was for the enjoyment, a chance to step out of the daily grind.

With photography there's an added benefit of satisfying the creative urge that most people have. For me it fits in well with other pastimes like woodworking, carving, and colored pencil drawing. It fills a niche.

 

[zombiesniper]

Myself I began a long time ago to preserve memories. Once I managed my first couple of okay wildlife images however that changed. It became a goal to learn more to be able to get the next best shot. Now that again has taken a slightly different turn. I now try and ensure my photography skills are becoming more proficient in areas that I don't normally shoot such as macro, landscape, astro etc.

I happen to be motivated by self learning. It's how I learned to weld, build CNC machines, play music etc. So when a new challenge that i'm interested in presents itself, I love to tackle it. Since it's for fun I have no timeline so I can learn as I wish to.

I would generalize that most get into photography for the want to be able to create/capture something beautiful. As a friend says only some photographers are self loathing enough to one day say "I think I should make money at this." lol

 

[Tropicalmemories]

Yes, same for me - I also started by trying to capture memories of events and travels, primarily for myself and family.

Recently I started posting more images to several social sites, but realised that with a few notable exceptions, complete strangers are not generally interested in other poeople's images (no surprise really), so I've retreated to a very few sites and only post if I want specialist expert feedback to help me improve, or to take part in a fun themed thread.

Having said that, I do enjoy looking at other people's images myself, especially if they mention the equipment used and a background story.

But I think there's a risk that getting recognition on social media can become the primary aim, leading people to lose sight of why they take photographs.

 

[Braineack]

We buy new equipment based on reviews that highlight a 0.02 second focus speed improvement or an extra 2 megapixels, we nearly come to blows over DSLR's vs Mirrorless or film vs digital, we travel back to the same place to capture a stunning landscape image, invest in lighting and backdrops to make the perfect portrait, sit in drafty hides to capture birds in flight and arrive early at sporting events to comandeer the ideal vantage point ...... but why?

same reason a mechanic buys a torque wrench.

 

[limr]

Because I love art but can't draw.

 

[RVT1K]

We buy new equipment based on reviews that highlight a 0.02 second focus speed improvement or an extra 2 megapixels, we nearly come to blows over DSLR's vs Mirrorless or film vs digital, we travel back to the same place to capture a stunning landscape image, invest in lighting and backdrops to make the perfect portrait, sit in drafty hides to capture birds in flight and arrive early at sporting events to comandeer the ideal vantage point ...... but why?

same reason a mechanic buys a torque wrench.

Professional or shade tree mechanic?
I've been working on my own cars since my first car and have a pretty significant collection of tools (including two torque wrenches) but I'm not a pro.

I've been interested in photography for a long time, I consider myself an avid amateur. I like to capture images that I find interesting, I don't know how else to define it.

 

[Original katomi]

For lots of reasons for the fun, for the achievements of capturing the moment creating something meeting and chatting even via here to like minded others being a hobby I can say, to hell with the rule book unlike some hobbies which are so tightly regulated. The ability to do my own thing, regardless of how basic/old my kit is. And yes that moment of wow I have achieved what I was trying to do

 

[CherylL]

Because it is fun, the short answer. I enjoy learning new things like editing techniques and shooting. The cold winter months are good for watching CreativeLive videos. I've been the family video person for 2 decades starting with converting old tapes. And now moved into photography. My grandkids are well documented. Plus it gives me something to interact with them. Hopefully they will want to take up the hobby.

As to sites like Flickr, I have a core group of schnauzer lovers. I like their photos and they like mine. If you are going on those sites to build your brand that is a different story. You have to give in life to receive. Get in a group that has your same interests.

The FB photo groups are more of just a "Like" fest. People don't want actual critique.

 

[Braineack]

We buy new equipment based on reviews that highlight a 0.02 second focus speed improvement or an extra 2 megapixels, we nearly come to blows over DSLR's vs Mirrorless or film vs digital, we travel back to the same place to capture a stunning landscape image, invest in lighting and backdrops to make the perfect portrait, sit in drafty hides to capture birds in flight and arrive early at sporting events to comandeer the ideal vantage point ...... but why?

same reason a mechanic buys a torque wrench.

Professional or shade tree mechanic?
I've been working on my own cars since my first car and have a pretty significant collection of tools (including two torque wrenches) but I'm not a pro.

I've been interested in photography for a long time, I consider myself an avid amateur. I like to capture images that I find interesting, I don't know how else to define it.

I own two torque wrenches as a shade tree mechanic. I'm not putting a cylinder head back on without one...

I'm not going to try to shoot a decent portrait session using the wrong tools.

Our friends prefer selfies on their phones, hosting sites like Flickr or Instagram are filled with other photographers trying to atteact 'likes', and almost nobody bothers to comment on other peoples images, and the few active critique sites are dominated by people who seem to feel that every image needs to follow their very specific rules for the genre, or its just wrong.

my friends also call me when they need above-par images taken...

 

[Soocom1]

Photography
Target shooting
Art
Music
cooking
Auto repair
woodworking
metal lathe work
chicken husbandry
gardening
hiking
camping
history
motorcycle riding
4x4ing


These are few of my favorite things...

Why?

'cause...

 

[SquarePeg]

For the Professionals it's a job, and probably a passion too, but I'm curious about what motivates the rest of us?

We buy new equipment based on reviews that highlight a 0.02 second focus speed improvement or an extra 2 megapixels, we nearly come to blows over DSLR's vs Mirrorless or film vs digital, we travel back to the same place to capture a stunning landscape image, invest in lighting and backdrops to make the perfect portrait, sit in drafty hides to capture birds in flight and arrive early at sporting events to comandeer the ideal vantage point ...... but why?

Our friends prefer selfies on their phones, hosting sites like Flickr or Instagram are filled with other photographers trying to atteact 'likes', and almost nobody bothers to comment on other peoples images, and the few active critique sites are dominated by people who seem to feel that every image needs to follow their very specific rules for the genre, or its just wrong.

The Photo Forum is a little oasis in this ocean of selfishness and rudeness that comprises the wider photographer's social network.

So why do we do it?

Is it just for our enjoyment?

I’m not sure what my motivation was when I started this hobby. I’ve always been fascinated by a really good photo and being able to create that type of photo myself makes me happy. These days, I enjoy the process of seeing the photo in my mind and figuring out how to make it happen. While I’m a fairly social and friendly person most of the time, there are days where I’m a bit of a lone wolf and this hobby satisfies my need for solitude and quiet. For me there is nothing more refreshing than a few hours out alone with my camera.

As far as social media and photo sharing sites go - there are supportive groups out there. You just need to be really selective. I’m not looking for a group where everyone “likes” everything but I do appreciate a group where the goal is to help others grow and not one that’s full of people who make themselves feel superior by attacking other’s work.

A comment is so much more valued than just a “like”. I think you get back what you put in on social media.

 

[Grandpa Ron]

Photography is one of several hobbies I have acquired over the years. They are all pleasant pastimes and quite diverse. The common denominator is I enjoy perusing them.

 

[Derrel]

The desire to create something that will live beyond me.

 

[Jeff15]

I have always loved wildlife and for me with my photography, turned it into a serious hobby since my retirement.