Would You Still Photograph IF....?

[Cheryl Jacobs]

I will disagree that you wouldn't have accomplished anything.

I do agree that the process of learning to see, and expressing a thought improves me as a person. Opens my eyes and makes me more aware. That's why I would continue making these photographs even if no one saw them but me.

But I should clarify my statement. Let's change it to "I wouldn't have accomplished what I feel that I want and need to accomplish." I would see it a bit like spending a lifetime gaining wisdom and insight, gathering wonderful experiences and learning volumes from them.... and never sharing any of it with another soul. What a loss that would be!

 

[SteveGangi]

Yes, with no regrets. I do it to please myself first and foremost. If someone else likes it, that is just an extra.

 

[bjorke]

To the first question: No.

I consider the person I will be in a week, a month, a year, a decade -- to be a stranger to the person I am now. That unknown person is my #1 client, and if I couldn't send him anything I wouldn't bother.

 

[George Losse]

OK, Would you still create photographs if you knew no one would ever see your work? In other words do you make photographs for yourself or for everyone else?

The short answer...YES!

I shoot for myself. When the work shows and/or sells thats great but that's not why I shoot.

There is no better feeling in the world then how great I feel when I'm creating an image.

One thing I would point out though is that photography is a visual communication between the photographer and the viewer. If no one ever sees your work, then there is no communication and something is lost.

 

[joeyk49]

The reason for making photographs depends on the one doing the making. Does one want to make photographs? Or, does one need to make photos?

I believe that people want to make photographs to remember an event or a person, etc. The person that needs to make photographs falls somewhere on Mazlow's hierarchy, albiet bent to the world of mage capturing...

Where you're at on the hierarchy dictates why you make photographs...and impacts the result...

Bartender, one more, please...

 

[Adrian Twiss]

Yes. I don't need an audience although discussion and critique amongst a close circle of knowledgeable friends helps me improve.

Many years ago I worked as a part time wedding photographer. Worst thing I ever did. Permanently nervous until I handed the prints over to the bride and groom. Ever conscious of the fact that I had one chance to get it right and a continuous effort not just to play it safe. Never again.

 

[Black Dog]

Making work that you like is what really counts and anything else is a bonus- photography for me is like breathing. It's not a matter of life and death, it's MUCH more important than that.

 

[rjs003]

That is what I have been doing for the past fourty years. I have done some commercial work, but most of my really good work is displayed on the walls of my home for my enjoyment. I guess I really don't care what somebody else thinks of my work.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I would photograph just the same if everyone was dead: it's not about others.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I photograph for my own enjoyment and for the enjoyment of others. While I like to share my work, I am content to enjoy it alone.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Yes. And would I still reply to a thread even if it's 19 years old?

 

[Chan Tran]

OK, Would you still create photographs if you knew no one would ever see your work? In other words do you make photographs for yourself or for everyone else? Know where I stand...wondering how everyone else here at APUG feels.... :whistle:

I never intend to show my work to anyone else. Not that I never did but I did that because people asked for it. I have no desire to show them.

 

[ic-racer]

Would you still photograph knowing no thing out side our atmosphere to the edge of the universe will ever detect you even existed?