Circling back to the question, "what's the point?" I hope it's obvious that the point and purpose is supplied by the artist, not the viewer, not the subject, not some art critic, and not the general public. Aside from commercial photography, the usual pursuit is self expression and self interest. Who doesn't spend time looking at their catalog and ruminating?
Only speaking for myself here, but I look at my photographs as a constant source of education, amusement, inspiration, and just blowing off time, the way many people listen to records (radio) or read books. My own photographs reveal my own nature over time. I see phases of interest I had and I see how they evolved. I see strangers I've met and recall their stories. It all is part of the fabric of life. There are no universal truths about photography or art. The truths are created by the artist, not "others." Ergo, when you ask, "what's the point of X, Y, or Z?" you've already discovered your own truth about the subject.
Only speaking for myself here, but I look at my photographs as a constant source of education, amusement, inspiration, and just blowing off time, the way many people listen to records (radio) or read books. My own photographs reveal my own nature over time. I see phases of interest I had and I see how they evolved. I see strangers I've met and recall their stories. It all is part of the fabric of life. There are no universal truths about photography or art. The truths are created by the artist, not "others." Ergo, when you ask, "what's the point of X, Y, or Z?" you've already discovered your own truth about the subject.