Photography obsession - Road to insanity or enlightenment?

[copake_ham]

Many times I wish my eyes and mind could alone be the camera and take all of the shots I see as I go through life.

Unfortunately, that will never be the case - so I use those images to inform myself of what I hope I will see when my camera is to my eye.

My love of photography is not an "obsession" - is a desire to be a "constant observer".

But man, if you could tell me how to turn my "mind's eye" into a camera I'd - heck - I don't know what I'd do!!!

 

[snegron]

I tried staying away from photography for several years, but I got pulled back in with even more intensity! There is an unparalleled feeling you get when capturing a moment in time knowing that, with a little luck, will survive for years to come. That "frozen moment" may someday be the only glimpse of the past people might have. Combine this feeling with the joy of owning and admiring the amazingly technological masterpieces that cameras are, and you have a formula for obession.

 

[Alex Bishop-Thorpe]

I always saw photography as more of an extension of how I viewed the world already, I only have a few big memories from when I was little and they're all of sunsets and trees and light through windows. I guess I'm still to be turned insane by it, but so far it makes me smile at the world a little more, and that's the job of a photographer I guess.

 

[benjiboy]

Obsession, never, we are sane people in a mad World.

 

[rfshootist]

So is this a road to insanity thinking about photography too much?

Oh yes , it IS !! All amateur photogs are gaga. Insanity, that is even a basic condition, you see ?!
Who else would spend so much time and money for so many mediocre photos nobody had asked for ?? Go on thinking and shooting,this sort insanity is sooo relaxing !

Bertram

 

[CGross]

It is nice to see there are so many trying to define why photography is all-consuming. Some of you seem to have a grasp on it. For me, I don't think I could find one word that would truly define photography. I took a very long hiatus and as soon as the shutter clicked 8 months ago, I was bit, again

However, it is defined, I can say for sure that there is nothing like it. And, yes, it's on my mind all day, unless I'm in the bosses office getting in trouble for surfing Photo sites!!!

 

[MattKing]

The only time I'm concerned is when I'm driving. Somehow, attention to traffic conditions, and evaluating light, colour and the layout of the land just don't mix well :rolleyes: .

Matt

 

[Steve Bell]

Matt, you are right. Quite a few times I've been driving and seen a possible interesting shot, lingered too long on it and clipped the kerb. It worries my wife if she's with me.

Getting back to the original question, it's not good to so obsessive to the point where photography, or any other hobby, completely takes over your life leaving no space for any other interests.

 

[wheelygirl]

Photography--an obsession? You betcha!!! Only because, for me, I have had a life-long desire to take photos with a GOOD quality camera [not an instamatic!]--as in the case of my Minolta. Right now, tho in my life, I've got to "set aside" my camera--for awhile, until I develop a routine of my college studies.

 

[Uncle Bill]

I rationalise its safer, not cheaper than drugs.

 

[Black Dog]

Ferris Bueller hits the nail on the head for me too. Also, if you're not getting anywhere with your photography, just go for a walk or do some cooking or something -don't try and force it,use the Force.We all hit blocks from time to time but you just have to be calm and take your time.........listen to that bacon sizzling!

 

[mtbbrian]

I rationalise its safer, not cheaper than drugs.

That's about right!
It's also more productive too!
Brian

 

[Claire Senft]

To me photography was too important to try to support myself by doing it.

I wished to do what I wanted, when I wanted etc and not to be bothered by what others wanted from me and my photography.

 

[David Henderson]

"Road to insanity or enlightenment? "

You need to understand that someone's mixed up the road-signs . If you follow the route to Enlightenment you will without doubt end up insane and you'll fail to recognise that fact until its too late. Only if you recognise the possibility and potential usefulness of insanity, and are prepared to flirt with its outskirts, can you ever reach enlightenment.

 

[BWKate]

To me photography was too important to try to support myself by doing it.

I wished to do what I wanted, when I wanted etc and not to be bothered by what others wanted from me and my photography.

Absolutely!

That's why I don't do portraits on demand or weddings. I don't enjoy it and I want to shoot what I want to shoot. I also consider it a passion and not an obsession although I do on occasion get obsessed about a particular architects' buildings that are located miles away from me! (Yes, the big reason I want to take my son to Disneyland in L.A. is to photograph the Disney Concert Hall)

Sometimes I think we need to get a bit obsessed about photography in order to really push ourselves to click the shutter. I know not everybody works that way but I seem to take better images when I'm in really deep with my subject matter almost to the point of obsession.

The enlightenment comes for me when I'm printing the negative.

 

[jp80874]

…and if it is an obsession and we are all insane, well, we sound happy about it, no one has been hurt, and there seems to be room on this bus for an ever increasing number without crowding.

Enjoy the ride and someone pass the crackers. Perhaps we are the crackers.

John Powers