Why do we take pictures?

[mark greenhill]

Were you ever one that rose at dawn to photograph the sun’s first kiss of a mountain top, or to capture an ephemeral river scene before the fog had lifted … well I once was. To my internal shame I must confess that as much as I wanted to wander off to the Casino last New Year’s Eve at dusk to get some great fireworks shots, I chose instead to stay with my Chardonnay and watch it all on telly. That said, I find that I can still bring myself to camp out in the wilds every once in awhile just to capture a sunrise or a full moon glistening on some distant lake or bay with a kidlike enthusiasm for taking pictures.

My love affair with photography began just after the end of WWII when I was given for my twelfth an Ensign 2 ¼” square format reflex camera and a couple of rolls of Kodak film. In those austere times my parents reasoned that as my birthday falls so close to Christmas one pressie should be enough for both. I thought it was grossly unfair as my siblings’ birthdays fell during the middle of the year.

On Christmas Day of 1946 my family had dinner at the then ultra modern Hotel Lufra at Eaglehawk Neck and by Boxing Day the “EXPOSED” seals on both rolls of film had been licked and sticked! I can still remember the very first picture I ever took from the lookout overlooking Pirate’s Bay. I could scarcely wait to collect the glossy B&W prints from Ash Besters who throughout the year and years to come made a fortune out of me. Indeed, my system became so full of exposed film gum that many a sweet young thing became helplessly stuck on me.

My interest in amateur photography developed throughout my teens, and some years spent as a graphic arts student taught me something about light, colour and composition - it led to a career in graphic design and commercial wedding photography.

So, why do we take pictures? Speaking for myself, I think I do so in an attempt to preserve and to share a beautiful moment. It makes no difference to me whether that moment is the transient lighting of a landscape, the fleeting expression of a child, the glow of a lovely bride, dew on a clothesline, magnificent architecture, the unsuspecting subject of a paparazzi shot, or just a family happy snap.#

At 18, I was a complete idealist, and at 75 a cynic!

 

[Stumpy]

Cracking post Mark, best on here for ages. (Nice shot as well, EXIF???).
I'm not as old as you but I too know the taste of gum and the endless wait for the return of our prints! These young pups bought up believing photography started with digital, bah. Humbug!:nuts:

 

[POAH]

lets me see naked chicks that arn't my wife TBH :|

 

[Azure]

I take photos simply to quieten the "noise"

There is a lot of 'noise' and pain in my life - however, when I look thru a lens I see and hear nothing except what is in front of me. There is no peripheral distraction, no sound, no pain - it's simply just quiet, peaceful. What I see, I don't expect anyone else to see - so it's more of a personal thing for me shooting pics. Saying that, I often love to share the moments I capture - but sometimes I just shoot and no-one ever sees them. Each pic is a feeling; I shoot a lot to stop the noise.

 

[mark greenhill]

Cracking post Mark, best on here for ages. (Nice shot as well, EXIF???).
I'm not as old as you but I too know the taste of gum and the endless wait for the return of our prints! These young pups bought up believing photography started with digital, bah. Humbug!:nuts:

Thanks for an extravagant compliment, Paul.
What irritates me most about gen y is this minimalist thing in which everything is nothing and nothing is everything ...

lets me see naked chicks that arn't my wife TBH :|

Now seeing chicks in the altogether is another matter altogether.

I take photos simply to quieten the "noise"
There is a lot of 'noise' and pain in my life - however, when I look thru a lens I see and hear nothing except what is in front of me. There is no peripheral distraction, no sound, no pain - it's simply just quiet, peaceful. What I see, I don't expect anyone else to see - so it's more of a personal thing for me shooting pics. Saying that, I often love to share the moments I capture - but sometimes I just shoot and no-one ever sees them. Each pic is a feeling; I shoot a lot to stop the noise.

I think that most of us would agree that photography is great therapy whenever we are stressed. And speaking personally, I find peace in it also.

 

[lexie]

I take photos simply to quieten the "noise"

There is a lot of 'noise' and pain in my life - however, when I look thru a lens I see and hear nothing except what is in front of me. There is no peripheral distraction, no sound, no pain - it's simply just quiet, peaceful. What I see, I don't expect anyone else to see - so it's more of a personal thing for me shooting pics. Saying that, I often love to share the moments I capture - but sometimes I just shoot and no-one ever sees them. Each pic is a feeling; I shoot a lot to stop the noise.

that makes a lot of sense to me and i can relate to it. there's been a lot going on in my life this last year and lifting a camera lets me disconnect from it all.

i've always wanted a creative outlet but struggled to find one, i only lifted a camera 'in anger' at the start of the year and wish now that i had found my love of photography when i was a child. but maybe it's the events of the past year which made me appreciate it more-who knows?

 

[viewfromthenorth]

I used to enjoy the creative stuff at school, but chose instead to pursue an education in engineering, which I've also got a knack for, and have enjoyed and never regretted pursuing it as a career.

However, I turned to photography as a creative outlet and as a way of expressing myself. I'm no good at drawing and don't know how to paint, so my escape from the rigour, routine and logic of working in a large engineering organisation is photography. I do enjoy my day job, but in photography I'm not bound by procedures, rules, standards and specifications. I can try different things, in my own timescales, research places to go and feel the elation of nailing a shot I've had in my mind for some time. I've no-one to please (or placate) but myself.

 

[srichards]

I can't draw for toffee but at least with a camera I can explore shape and colour and record fleeting moments that I'd know I'd forget otherwise. Also after going digital and having a decent camera phone I'm taking more photos than ever. I think it is almost a compulsion... luckily the ever changing skies out of the window or birds in the hedge offer something to take pictures of while it's too cold to venture out.

 

[mark greenhill]

I used to enjoy the creative stuff at school, but chose instead to pursue an education in engineering, which I've also got a knack for, and have enjoyed and never regretted pursuing it as a career.

However, I turned to photography as a creative outlet and as a way of expressing myself. I'm no good at drawing and don't know how to paint, so my escape from the rigour, routine and logic of working in a large engineering organisation is photography. I do enjoy my day job, but in photography I'm not bound by procedures, rules, standards and specifications. I can try different things, in my own timescales, research places to go and feel the elation of nailing a shot I've had in my mind for some time. I've no-one to please (or placate) but myself.

I think you made the right career choice, Andy. I may have chosen engineering too had I known one end of a spanner from the other and not skun my knuckles whenever I meddled with my motor car.

I can't draw for toffee but at least with a camera I can explore shape and colour and record fleeting moments that I'd know I'd forget otherwise. Also after going digital and having a decent camera phone I'm taking more photos than ever. I think it is almost a compulsion... luckily the ever changing skies out of the window or birds in the hedge offer something to take pictures of while it's too cold to venture out.

The digital age has certainly impacted on all of us in many ways. The digicam put more people into pro photography than it forced out. I was lucky enough to have embaced computers (and what they could do to images) early enough as not to be made redundant as many of my colleages were.

Before I could talk or walk imagery was my first language.

 

[crusher]

Were you ever one that rose at dawn to photograph the sun’s first kiss of a mountain top, or to capture an ephemeral river scene before the fog had lifted … well I once was. To my internal shame I must confess that as much as I wanted to wander off to the Casino last New Year’s Eve at dusk to get some great fireworks shots, I chose instead to stay with my Chardonnay and watch it all on telly. That said, I find that I can still bring myself to camp out in the wilds every once in awhile just to capture a sunrise or a full moon glistening on some distant lake or bay with a kidlike enthusiasm for taking pictures.

My love affair with photography began just after the end of WWII when I was given for my twelfth an Ensign 2 ¼” square format reflex camera and a couple of rolls of Kodak film. In those austere times my parents reasoned that as my birthday falls so close to Christmas one pressie should be enough for both. I thought it was grossly unfair as my siblings’ birthdays fell during the middle of the year.

On Christmas Day of 1946 my family had dinner at the then ultra modern Hotel Lufra at Eaglehawk Neck and by Boxing Day the “EXPOSED” seals on both rolls of film had been licked and sticked! I can still remember the very first picture I ever took from the lookout overlooking Pirate’s Bay. I could scarcely wait to collect the glossy B&W prints from Ash Besters who throughout the year and years to come made a fortune out of me. Indeed, my system became so full of exposed film gum that many a sweet young thing became helplessly stuck on me.

My interest in amateur photography developed throughout my teens, and some years spent as a graphic arts student taught me something about light, colour and composition - it led to a career in graphic design and commercial wedding photography.

So, why do we take pictures? Speaking for myself, I think I do so in an attempt to preserve and to share a beautiful moment. It makes no difference to me whether that moment is the transient lighting of a landscape, the fleeting expression of a child, the glow of a lovely bride, dew on a clothesline, magnificent architecture, the unsuspecting subject of a paparazzi shot, or just a family happy snap.#


At 18, I was a complete idealist, and at 75 a cynic!

Elequently put Mark

For me, much simpler..............after leaving the RN after 30 years I suddenly realised I didn't really have any hobbies! I had also missed a great deal of my children growing up - moments I couldn't get back and had no record of. I had also travelled the world..........but had got virtually no photographs of anything I had seen or experienced.

Apart from anything else.......I am determined to ensure that my grandchildren do not grow up without me taking as many photographs of them as I can

So, a late starter, but enjoying it and thoroughly hooked - in no small measure due to this forum and the inspiration and encouragement I've had from people I've met through it - some of whom I now consider good friends! You know who you are (I hope)!

 

[smartidog]

Fistly to say to Mark, as already said, an excellent post, glad you raised the subject as I and maybe plenty of others have pondered over this question from time to time, interesting to read replies.

I take photos simply to quieten the "noise"

There is a lot of 'noise' and pain in my life - however, when I look thru a lens I see and hear nothing except what is in front of me. There is no peripheral distraction, no sound, no pain - it's simply just quiet, peaceful. What I see, I don't expect anyone else to see - so it's more of a personal thing for me shooting pics. Saying that, I often love to share the moments I capture - but sometimes I just shoot and no-one ever sees them. Each pic is a feeling; I shoot a lot to stop the noise.

WOW! you may have something here, certainly rings a bell with me, but may not have thought about it like that before. It is escapism, I believe, and very personal at times as only you know what you are trying to capture with that image(hopefully), and it may never mean anything to anybody else and doesn't have to.

Jon

 

[mark greenhill]

Fistly to say to Mark, as already said, an excellent post, glad you raised the subject as I and maybe plenty of others have pondered over this question from time to time, interesting to read replies.
Jon

Thanks Jon - I am gob-smacked at the amount of interest this topic has generated.

 

[specialman]

I originally took up photography because I was training as a wildlife illustrator so preferred to use my own source material.

I then did it because I could create or capture things that were of individual importance to myself..

Now I do it because it's my job and it pays the bills. I still love creating images for myself but I'm no way as prolific as I was when I was younger....

BTW, I'm fortunate to have had my initiation into photography using film, devving my own stuff and having to wait to see the fruits of my labour. I love digital now but sometimes I do hanker for a session with a 5x4" camera just get back to where I started and remember what it was like.....

 

[Les Key]

A really interesting post Mark and yes so true for many of us. Myself included.

Having had a workahilic husband I used to video my sons equestrian events so his father would see his son growing up. Son grown up horses gone, then death of my husband back in 2001.
I too had no real hobbies and now a lot of time on my hands, Im not a people person. too shy to join clubs, dont have the lifestyle to have a dog to take out for walks, So my camera has become my companion and hobby, possibly obsession. but this makes me go out and about instead of sitting at home.
I'm not a crack of dawn person but do enjoy the challenge of capturing what I see. I have become more aware of what is around me in the way of nature and its wonders. Now I dont just drive from A. to B. I am taking in the whole of it whatever the weather.

Life for me now has a future again instead of an existance, so I fully understand what others are finding in their photography.
Finding this great site has helped me to learn so much as well as improving my hobby. Many Thanks TP and evryone.

 

[rizla01]

Hi Mark.

A very interesting insight.

Now, as a fellow cynic I would like to pose another thought which could go a long way to answering the initial question.

How many photographers would take those shots if no-one else was ever going to see them?

 

[srichards]

Hi Mark.

How many photographers would take those shots if no-one else was ever going to see them?

No one else sees the majority of my photos anyway. Don't think it would make that much difference.

 

[rizla01]

Anyway, where else can you take something with no fear of recrimination, shoot someone with no fear of prosecution and where exposure is not a dirty word.

 

[Les Key]

Anyway, where else can you take something with no fear of recrimination, shoot someone with no fear of prosecution and where exposure is not a dirty word.

Lol never a truer word

 

[mark greenhill]

I originally took up photography because I was training as a wildlife illustrator so preferred to use my own source material.
I then did it because I could create or capture things that were of individual importance to myself.. Now I do it because it's my job and it pays the bills. I still love creating images for myself but I'm no way as prolific as I was when I was younger....BTW, I'm fortunate to have had my initiation into photography using film, devving my own stuff and having to wait to see the fruits of my labour. I love digital now but sometimes I do hanker for a session with a 5x4" camera just get back to where I started and remember what it was like.....

Sadly, the days of film and silver bromide are well and truly gone. This week I saw on TV that Kodak has stopped making chemistry to process Kodachrome.

A really interesting post Mark and yes so true for many of us. Myself included. Having had a workahilic husband I used to video my sons equestrian events so his father would see his son growing up. Son grown up horses gone, then death of my husband back in 2001.
I too had no real hobbies and now a lot of time on my hands, Im not a people person. too shy to join clubs, dont have the lifestyle to have a dog to take out for walks, So my camera has become my companion and hobby, possibly obsession. but this makes me go out and about instead of sitting at home. I'm not a crack of dawn person but do enjoy the challenge of capturing what I see. I have become more aware of what is around me in the way of nature and its wonders. Now I dont just drive from A. to B. I am taking in the whole of it whatever the weather. Life for me now has a future again instead of an existance, so I fully understand what others are finding in their photography. Finding this great site has helped me to learn so much as well as improving my hobby. Many Thanks TP and evryone.

Thanks Les - I agree with your sentiments and that this is a great site to interact with other like minded.

Hi Mark. A very interesting insight. Now, as a fellow cynic I would like to pose another thought which could go a long way to answering the initial question. How many photographers would take those shots if no-one else was ever going to see them?

It is difficult to imagine just shooting for the sake of it. Photography is art and art is communication.

Anyway, where else can you take something with no fear of recrimination, shoot someone with no fear of prosecution and where exposure is not a dirty word.

Australia.

Lol never a truer word

g'day Les!

 

[Vic]

Speaking for myself, I think I do so in an attempt to preserve and to share a beautiful moment. It makes no difference to me whether that moment is the transient lighting of a landscape, the fleeting expression of a child, the glow of a lovely bride, dew on a clothesline, magnificent architecture, the unsuspecting subject of a paparazzi shot, or just a family happy snap.

I think this is really beautiful, definitely a much better way to describe photography rather than technology talk.

Sadly, the days of film and silver bromide are well and truly gone. This week I saw on TV that Kodak has stopped making chemistry to process Kodachrome.

I wouldn't count on it. Still a very big film market, especially in high end commercial and editorial markets. The contemporary scene is the majority film as well.

 

[Daryl]

1982 sat under a electrical Pylon looking up through the girders to the sky on a hot summers day. Took a shot looking up. someone asked to have a large print of it.

'b****r me!' I thought there's money in this lark. and what a great way to meet women......(Photographing them, not sitting under pylons)

And so since then College and worked as a tog ever since.... Payed for a hobby! Beats working for a living.

 

[mark greenhill]

I think this is really beautiful, definitely a much better way to describe photography rather than technology talk.

I wouldn't count on it. Still a very big film market, especially in high end commercial and editorial markets. The contemporary scene is the majority film as well.

Thanks, Vicky.

Thinking over what I said about Kodak dropping Kodachrome, that may not be true. The TV segment was saying that the last pro Kodachrome lab in the USA shut down this week and apparently a client from AZ sent 1,000+ rolls for processing.

 

[Vic]

Thanks, Vicky.

Thinking over what I said about Kodak dropping Kodachrome, that may not be true. The TV segment was saying that the last pro Kodachrome lab in the USA shut down this week and apparently a client from AZ sent 1,000+ rolls for processing.

Yes the Kodachrome was a bit of a blow, have you seen Steve McCurry's last roll of it that he shot: Link

 

[smartidog]

'b****r me!' I thought there's money in this lark. and what a great way to meet women......(Photographing them, not sitting under pylons).

Damn, now I know where I am going wrong!

Joking aside, this is a great thread, very more-ish, worse than peanuts!

 

[mark greenhill]

Yes the Kodachrome was a bit of a blow, have you seen Steve McCurry's last roll of it that he shot: Link

Thanks Vic.

Sensational transparencies of exceptional brilliance in Steve's blog, End of an Era, 1935-2010 which holds a special significance for me as I was born in 1935.

Hopefully I still have a few more media cards left in me before I hang up my cameras.:shrug:

 

[Russ77]

As a kid I would always "borrow" my parent's camera and get a few cheeky shots whenever possible

Got my first digital camera in 1999 which was a 1.3MP "brick" that at 4AA cells faster than anything known to man

A couple of cameras later I ended up with a Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 which really fuelled the photography fire as it let me control a lot more of the settings and the zoom was immense.

I'd been hankering a DSLR for a little while and my (now ex) wife having an affair with a bloke we worked with and subsequently leaving me coincided with me having some disposable cash and buying my first DSLR in December 2007 as retail therapy. Photography changed for me and as other’s have said, it was a way of forgetting everything that was crap in my life and trying to capture moments in life, sometimes random, others not so random.

At the beginning of 2009 I was at a real low point, ended up getting signed of work with “stress”, one sunny day I went for a walk with my camera in an area that I’ve lived in for most of my life but I ended up in places that I didn’t know existed. They’d only just been opened up due to the MOD de-restricting certain areas (Shoebury Garrison for anyone that knows the area).

Got some decent shots that a lot of people seemed to like and just gone from there really. I’ve ended up taking some family portraits and while the who “formal” stuff isn’t my thing, it’s still a nice challenge from time to time. Got thrown in at the deepened being volunteered by my Dad to shoot a work colleague’s wedding, which again was a challenge and not something I’d put my hand up for in the future

What I really get a kick from is capturing special moments, mainly at family events and through a series of photos telling the story of the day/evening/party. As a result of the pictures I took (mainly under the influence )of our family New Years Eve party, I’ve now been “booked” to cover a friend of a friend’s party for her Mum’s 50th Birthday.

Not quite sure what the future’s going to hold for me and photography but I’m going to keep learning and enjoying it for as long as I can