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Why do you do photography?
This isn’t a typical how to article. I decided to wax poetic here and ask you
why you do photography? Why any art for that matter? I just wanted to get all of
you thinking a bit. Sometimes a little careful reflection is good for the soul
and especially good as it relates to art, any art.
So why do you do photography? I won’t go into the
details of why I do what I do, that’s on my web site. But I’d like to you think
about why you practice photography. Are you “just” the family photographer? Are
you sure? Think about it, you’re not “just” the family photographer. You are a
preserver of cherished family memories. That is an important job. I remember
when I first got into photography I was quickly dubbed the “family photographer”
that was fine I was enjoying myself. The odd thing was as I became really good
at what I was doing suddenly I was dubbed “just the family photographer” or talk
to Kelly she’s just a photographer. At first I didn’t realize how everyone had
trivialized what I was doing. Amazing how when you get really good at something,
making it look easy, everyone suddenly thinks it must be easy, when it’s not.
Don’t let this trivialization bother you. You’re
not “just” anything. And honestly if they start putting the word just before
your name you’ve probably become quite good at what you do, or at least better
than them.
My point is that even the family photographer is
important. Think of archeology, paintings, frescos, and sculptures. Think of
those very rare personal effects they discover of the everyday person and how
those things are a window into that past time, place, and culture. What things
do you think are going to survive for future generations, photographs. So those
images that you’re capturing are not “just” your personal memories. They are a
window into this time and place, this culture.
So the next time your photograph your child’s
birthday, a family picnic, or the holiday season. Remember to not just pose
people. Capture moments, capture memories, and capture a piece of your life.
Copyright 2006 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting
nationally and internationally. She started her own business Kelly Paal
Photography. She has an educational background in photography, business, and
commercial art. Please visit www.kellypaalphotography.com for more FREE how to
articles.
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