... do you take pictures?
This is a question my four year-old granddaughter asks all the time, "DotDot, why do you like to take pictures so much?" And I always tell her so I can capture the memories of today for her to have tomorrow.
That is the reason I started taking pictures but since that beginning my reasons for taking pictures have evolved into something else altogether. Oh, yes! I still take pictures today to remember tomorrow. But I also take pictures today to tell stories, to evoke emotions and to create whatever kind of art I might be able to make. I also take pictures to challenge myself to get better, to learn more about my camera and my photography. In doing this, I've also learned more about myself, others and the world around me.
Sometimes it's possible to combine memory making and creating art. The photo above was taken on a family vacation in 2010. My granddaughter and son-in-law were sitting quietly in the surf watching the waves come in, absorbed in a special father-daughter moment. During post processing, I desaturated the image, applied a bit of guassian blur and two Kim Klassen textures to give this image a dreamy quality that would say, "This is a special moment." Today it is a canvas print that hangs in their home.
By now I'm sure you know my question of the day: Why do you take pictures? Tell us, show us. Stop by with your comments and photos. We love hearing from you because we're inspired by your words and photography even as you are by ours.
19 comments:
Another great post! It's the big question, is it not? The "why" of it all. I take pictures because it comforts me and often it delights me. That's the long and the short of it. On that note, camera up... into the day. Happy new week to you all.
I take photos for almost the same reasons, and to be able to slow myself down so that I enjoy and appreciate the moment. To notice the details. Thanks for reminding us how important it is to get those photos off our computer and to display them in a place where all can love and remember. Have a great week.
I suppose we all have a lot of the same reasons for taking pictures -- several of mine have already been mentioned. Love that you talk about the "art" side of photography, Dotti. I love that too. But, for me, the most important reason is being able to capture one moment in time, as you will read more about tomorrow ;).
I also photograph for most of the reasons everyone else has mentioned but I aslo do it to "get away" from my "logical" side. Being an engineer (and a Scorpio), I tend to be very logical in thought and deed. Photography allows me to be creative and think "out side the box". This was especially true back in the days when there was only film and a lot was done in the darkroom. I like the fact that digital photography helps me to "remember" where and when I took a photo...no more notebooks.
I have a strong urge to 'create'. I need to create something everyday. That's why I take pictures - to create art or a memory for tomorrow.
Sam, I see you still have a logical side to your photography. First notebooks, now digital notes. Thanks for visiting!
Hi Dotti,
Your photograph is lovely. Many times I take photos for a blog post idea. I'll see the photograph opportunity, snap the photo, and think about what I might write about it.
Karen
Wow, I should have been first to comment then I would be original. I take photographs for all of the above reasons, mostly the creative side of me loves the whole process. The capture, the "artistic" photoshop piece, and finally the result. Trying to find something new and different each day, and to leave a lasting impression of each day through the lens, that is my continual quest.
Dotdot... :) love that! And, love your photo. It's timeless. As far as your question re: "why do I take photos?" it's simple. When I take a photo it's an extension of me, of how I see something at that particular moment. It's creative, fun and I adore it! It makes me happy. And I'll take 'happy' any day. It's a way of capturing a moment in time for future reflection, of special moments. Also...adore the camaraderie of friends with the same passion. Life is short. Capture it! :)
I love that , Sam - it does just give you an escape from your head!
I humbly say "ditto" to ALL of the above!
What a question! Why do I take photos? because it gives me joy! Like Susan said I feel like it's such an extension of me, a little glimpse through my eyes of the beauty that surrounds us. Plus I have a terrible memory so I need photos so I remember all the wonderful things that happen in my life! I also am a photographer because it helps me to be present, to be in the here and now and notice the details. With so much technology around us I always find myself trying to multitask as much as possible and when I do that I forget to slow down and enjoy life. My kids will only be young once and I want to participate!
Dotti,
I really love not only the pose you have of your lovely family but the way you finished it is charming.
It touches my heart as I look at it and it certainly tells a story.
For me, I love to tell stories and even though I may not be near someone -- posting a photo I love helps me share the stories of my life and others.
Dotti - what a sweet, sweet photo! At first glance, the photo looks like it is right out of the 1960's! Great processing!
I take photos because I want to capture a moment in time and remember the stories of my family. I also take them because it satisfies a deep creative need in my soul!
Great post! I'd put that picture in my house too! Great shot and I bet it's full of lovely memories for everyone!
I used to take pictures to record events. Snapshots, they were. Now I take pictures to satisfy a creative side. I will try to record events and to add something unexpected. An unusual shot or some creative processing, something to make the ordinary events a little more extraordinary.
I started taking pictures, or snapshots as Linda calls them, to remember special family times. But, in the last year, I learned so much about photography. Now the beauty of nature, it's shapes and details draws me in! I love to capture a little bit of nature I've never seen before!! Yes, I still take family shots, more now than ever before since I know how fast time is passing!!
Once I finally joined in on the "facebook frenzy" several years ago I think taking photos became an opportunity for my friends to have a window to my world and me theirs. I am just an amateur photographer with my little digitial camera but just ask my kids how I'm always capturing those "moments" in life. For me it's those photos on facebook that keep me connected to others. Your photo is so calming to look at.
Hi Dotti, just now catching up on your wonderful blog. I just love the picture and the way you have made it more than a picture. I take pictures in hopes of capturing a just a bit of that special moment in time. Thanks again for inviting me to "focusing on life"!
It is important to me as the air that I breathe. Ever since my father handed me a camera, or as he said - I took it from him, and he gracefully "gave" it to me offically three years later - I have never been without a camera or two or three. In my senior years, I am never without at least two, one on my phone and my point and shoot. My big girl comes out when I know my interest in going to be strickly my camera and I - so I don't have to worry about being socialable as my husband likes to calll it!
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