Why do you still do it?

[Pukka312]

Because I'm a lefty, and as lefties are apparently known for their creative brilliance, I latched onto photography since I never mastered drawing or painting beyond stick figures.

 

[techniker]

I have always liked taking pictures to document parts of my life. Then I started taking photographs to use as inspiration for abstract artwork, usually in pencil. After realizing the possibilities using manual exposure, I started creating art using my camera in addition to documenting.

Now, it's a release. I never have spectacular subjects to shoot but I try to find creative ways to express things that are normally taken for granted. Behind the viewfinder, I am transported to an world of divine creation, free of pain.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Because I can't imagine not, my camera feels like an extension of myself.

Also at the beginning of hockey season it can give me an excuse to go watch ice freeze - when they first paint lines on the fresh ice. (I'm not sure what that says that I'd find it entertaining to go take pictures of ice freezing...)

But for me it's always been a sideline so maybe that keeps it fresh and fun, it's never been my daily grind. If the wall's getting closer maybe a change of pace, get out one of your old film cameras and throw in a roll; I took a box Brownie once to a hockey game just for the heck of it (more for the weekend events than the game, which was in a historic arena so it seemed to fit the occasion). Maybe you'll find a jumpstart before you get to the wall.

 

[Rick58]

Because I'm a lefty, and as lefties are apparently known for their creative brilliance, I latched onto photography since I never mastered drawing or painting beyond stick figures.

Crap, I'm a lefty. I think someone installed a dimmer switch on my brilliance

 

[BrianV]

It gives me time to slow down, look around, enjoy life, and keep those moments fresh.

 

[bhop]

Lately i've been asking myself the same thing...

 

[Ballistics]

Lately i've been asking myself the same thing...

It's a good question.

 

[Josh66]

Sometimes I don't enjoy it. I take breaks. I think I just have too many hobbies, and I can really only concentrate on one at a time.

Sometimes I think I suck at this whole photography thing and pretty much only take snapshots of the kids - nothing creative.

 

[bhop]

Sometimes I don't enjoy it. I take breaks. I think I just have too many hobbies, and I can really only concentrate on one at a time.

Sometimes I think I suck at this whole photography thing and pretty much only take snapshots of the kids - nothing creative.

Yeah, I think that's what I meant with my post above.. just a more well thought out version.. heh.. substitute kids with cat

 

[pjwarneka]

I like the idea of recording history. Buildings and people come and go. I want people to see my work and have it bring back memories of life at that time. So I guess my answer is that I still enjoy it,but have only been doing it for 12 years, so I have a ways to go.

 

[gsgary]

Part of it is the flooded market, changes in what my long time clients are making, when they get into any kind of financial crunch they drop photography, or cut their budgets to the point where they don't want to pay me to shoot, but look for some local photographer that is willing to shoot for very little. What they don't do is even offer the shoot to me and allow me to negotiate lower fees for them, I can always piggyback other clients on top of most shoots that will work for everyone. The demand for good sports images is still there, but clients are expecting the same quality from inexperienced photographers, so they accept less and justify it by the budget bottom line, with one of those "It's the best we could afford, so it will have to do" mentality. I had one client that dropped me 3 years ago and have been using a couple of amateurs for all their pictures, thing is that they are still using the pictures I shot for them 3 years ago.

The other side and this may not come out right. I've done so much in my career, that I am running out of assignments that really excite me anymore, it is a bit of a burnout factor. I have had the opportunity to shoot most sports photographers bucket lists several times over. I have always felt really fortunate to have had the opportunities to shoot what I have. I still look forward to every shoot that is presented to me, and the work I produce is still at the level that I have personally come to expect of myself. When I get to the point where I can't deliver consistent high quality images from every assignment I will know it's time to walk away.

You will have to take up weddings

 

[gsgary]

I have started shooting film again and bought 2 Leica M4's and love it even more now

 

[Ballistics]

I have start shooting film again and bought 2 Leica M4's and love it even more now

I respect the process, but I could never ever turn to film. I'm too digitally domesticated.

 

[gsgary]

I respect the process, but I could never ever turn to film. I'm too digitally domesticated.

You dont know what you are missing b+w film is pure digital is plastic and throw away

 

[shefjr]

Some days I'm not sure why I do it. I can usually pick up most things without having to work so hard at it. Photography I have found isn't easy at all. When I think I have something figured out, it all goes to hell. I guess the reason I still do it is because it is a challenge. Additionally, I am trying to develop a more creative side.