Compromised by doing too much photography?

[Sirius Glass]

I started out that way (not that long ago) and then realized that photography (for me) is a way to document and celebrate my life; my experiences, my loved ones, the important events in my life...etc. I changed from trying to make good photos to trying to make photos that mean something to me. Photos that I can pull out of a shoe box in 20 years and relive moments and relive relationships.

Nobody will care that I got that perfect Eiffel Tower shot like thousands upon thousands of others, nobody would care that I took the perfect sunset shot...but to me, I will always cherish the images of my Mom's 87th birthday party last year, and I will always cherish the images of my wedding day...etc.

So the answer for me is: yes...take a camera with me at all times but forget it's there. Experience life first! Take pictures second.

+1 I photograph for myself and my enjoyment, not someone else.

 

[rayonline_nz]

For you guys, is photography something that works alongside of your other interests? For example one may enjoy travelling, wildlife, flowers insects (macro), they might enjoy going to events or concerts or even the local farmers market, or they might enjoy the outdoors, going fishing or sports or around food and people and family. Or is photography something by itself.

How would photography be for you if you didn't do much activities, stayed home and just wandered around your neighborhood or the local township and just did photography? Ie instead of eating out and spending with people you came home and cooked and ate, no more attending concerts or sport events or going travelling ....

 

[TheRook]

I believe in enriching and balancing one's life with multiple hobbies and interests. If you look at the biographies of famous people - artists, scientists, musicians.... even photographers - many had other interests/hobbies outside of what made them famous. And there's nothing wrong with taking a break from photography if you have reached a point where you feel burned out and no longer inspired. Focus on other activities until the inspiration returns.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I believe in enriching and balancing one's life with multiple hobbies and interests. If you look at the biographies of famous people - artists, scientists, musicians.... even photographers - many had other interests/hobbies outside of what made them famous. And there's nothing wrong with taking a break from photography if you have reached a point where you feel burned out and no longer inspired. Focus on other activities until the inspiration returns.

All of the top engineers, physicists, chemists, and mathematicians I met each had several totally unrelated interests outside their fields.

 

[jvo]

those muesli bars are a black hole of pictures for photographers!!!!

seriously though, i wish i was more "selfish' about my picture making while traveling... i'd love to stop, tell the folks "move on", then wait/wander/look for that decisive moment - i haven't really done it. I take the shot, (two, three, etc.), and move on with the family.

sometimes i wish i was more photographically demanding, but i'm not. if YOU are, i say mazel tov! enjoy! that's your contribution - your vision! thank you!