Home › Forums › Photography Q&A › Why do you take pictures?
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James Staddon.
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August 10, 2023 at 9:22 pm #80949
David Tremain
ParticipantAfter taking the Lenspiration training, I’ve been thinking about why I take pictures. It seems to be mostly related to seeing something I like, and trying to capture it. My career was in computers – which I loved. But, arguably, it is a primarily left-brained activity. One of the reasons I took to photography was to exercise the right-brain creative side as much as possible – striving to maintain some semblance of balance. When I was at Taylor University, they had a saying: High Tech, High Touch – I like that. I seldom try to shoot for mood or message. My motive is more documentation that expressing emotion.
I’m pretty sure there isn’t a right or wrong answer, but I’m just curious about why others take pictures.August 11, 2023 at 1:48 pm #80959Allison Estabrook
ParticipantThat is a really thought-provoking question! I hadn’t really thought about why I take photos, but now that I think of it, I enjoy the challenge of getting a good photo. For example, I like bird photography. Birds can be quite challenging to get in normal-looking positions, so I enjoy taking a photo of a bird, figuring out ways to improve the photo, and then trying again.
A lot of times the Shoot to Serve Lenspiration photo assignments will involve people as subjects. That is another challenge– working with people and being able to explain what they need to do for the photo. And I enjoy that challenge as well.
I also enjoy, as you said, taking photos of things that I want to remember, such as a sunset, a flower, or any part of God’s creation, so that I can share it with others!
August 12, 2023 at 5:03 pm #81000Warrior Princess
Participant@dotremain What a good thing to think about…
I would list these things as the reasons why I take photos:
1: Ultimately to glorify God by using my gifts and talents for Him
2: To capture and preserve the beauty I find everyday
3: To save precious memories for years and generations to come
4: To fulfill the desire God has given me to explore and travel
5: To enjoy life more by looking specifically for the good things in the world
6: To be a shining light and witness of God to others in the photography world through the silent speech of my photosAugust 17, 2023 at 11:01 am #81047Lydia Bennett
KeymasterWhat a great discussion topic! 🙂
I seldom try to shoot for mood or message. My motive is more documentation that expressing emotion.
I’m exactly the opposite! I find photography to be a a fantastic way to capture and share beauty, and appreciate the means of communication that it gives me.
I think it’s really neat the variety of reasons that people enjoy photography, and what there is to like about it. It’s amazing the way God made each of us to think and operate, and how our unique giftings can provide us the opportunity to bring Him glory.
August 22, 2023 at 4:37 pm #81088James Staddon
KeymasterWhat a neat discussion!
That question really makes me think. I’m sure there’s more to it, but right off, two things come to mind.
First, I like a good challenge. I’m kinda competitive. 🙂 I’m really looking forward to the solar eclipse coming up next April because I want to shoot it better than I did last time. 🙂 I’m always trying to beat myself. Find a better angle. Capture a more stunning sunset. Create a more beautiful waterfall photo than I’ve ever created before!!
Secondly, I really enjoy having a collection of beautiful pictures. I love going back and looking over my favorite photos. I love adding to my collection, organizing my collection in different ways, sharing my collection with others. That’s probably why I enjoy making my calendars so much every year. The “dominion mandate” applied, I guess. 🙂
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