“Taking pictures to me is like tiptoeing into the kitchen late at night and stealing Oreo cookies.”
~ Diane Arbus ~
Taos, NM
A few weeks ago, a friend politely asked, “Why do you take so many photos?” Initially, I thought he was joking. After all, the question is right up there with ‘do you breath on a regular basis? Or ‘Is food a staple in your diet’? Once I got past the surprise of his question, I thoughtfully responded with the following:
Photography has always touched my soul… It’s a deep-seated passion that courses through my veins and compliments the daily rigors of life. It makes me pause; acknowledge the moment and captures a piece of history.
Photography is a creative outlet… The world at large is chaotic and my job is to subtract everything that doesn’t matter. It’s not so much the creating of a scene, but more the curating of the moment. The old expression, “What to leave in and what to leave out” is always vital to the final image.
If we take this a step further; let’s explore WHY photography matters(?)…
1. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
Historical Preservation: Photographs freeze moments in time, providing invaluable visual records of events, people, places, and cultures. They help us understand the past, learn from it, and ensure that important moments are not forgotten (e.g., space exploration, wars, civil rights movements).
Personal Memories: From family snapshots to travel photos, images allow us to revisit cherished moments, relive emotions, and preserve our personal histories. They are tangible links to our past and the people we love.
Proof and Validation: In many contexts, photographs serve as evidence, validating what has happened or what is currently happening. This can range from real estate listings to journalistic reporting.
2. Communication and Storytelling:
Universal Language: Photography transcends language barriers. A powerful image can convey complex emotions, ideas, and narratives to anyone, regardless of their native tongue.
Dissemination of Information: In an increasingly visual world, photographs are crucial for sharing news, educating, and raising awareness about various issues, from environmental concerns to social justice.
Artistic Expression: Photography is a powerful artistic medium. It allows individuals to interpret the world through unique perspective(s), evoke emotions, and create beautiful imagery.
3. Impact on Well-being and Personal Growth:
Creative Outlet: For many, photography serves as a vital creative outlet, allowing them to explore their artistic vision, experiment with techniques, and find satisfaction in the process of creation.
Mental and Physical Health: Engaging in photography can be a highly immersive and fulfilling hobby. It often encourages outdoor activity, promotes mindfulness, and can be a healthy way to cope with stress and improve overall well-being.
Connection and Social Interaction: Photography can foster social connections through clubs, photo walks, or simply by sharing images with friends and family.
4. Shaping Our Perception and Understanding:
Raising Awareness: Photographers often act as "eyes to the world," drawing attention to things we might otherwise miss, both in our immediate surroundings and in distant corners of the globe.
Inspiring Action: Powerful images can provoke empathy, stimulate understanding, and motivate people to take action on important issues.
Challenging Perspectives: Photography can offer new viewpoints and challenge our preconceived notions, helping us to see the world more broadly and deeply.
