Thank you to everyone who has watched and also given some feedback about the audio. I have watched this video on a number of devices, and everything is fine on my playback(s). Nothing has been changed from my set-up from the recordings done tail end of last year.
Audio is clear, as always. No issues on my end (watching on laptop, listening with AirPods). Keep up the fabulous work! I come back to the Simon Sinek "start with why" concept on a regular basis. It's so important to stay centered in your core motivation for making art.
Photography is my release. I’ve fallen into the cliches and found myself not enjoying my efforts. Like most people I enjoy the praise from others when I hit the special shot. I enjoy it immensely when I feel that connection to a photo. Making other happy with your work is good, making yourself happy with you work is the ultimate goal.
At 14 I wanted to be cool like the upperclassmen school photographers. Once mom and dad delivered me a camera that Christmas something else happened. The camera soon became my armor, a sort of shelter to hide behind. It was a tough time in my house back then. My older brothers hard drug use and shenanigans along with a crippling recession and financial worries almost broke my parents marriage and made for me an atmosphere of constant anxiety and dread. Home was a place of great turmoil with lots of shouting and the occasional overturned dinner table. Later on the camera would get me away and into places I otherwise wouldn’t have gone or even been welcomed. As for my why, it’s still the same at 56. Make pictures that I’m pleased with and be alone and safe in my own head.
I'm so pleased that you get joy out of sharing your own 'why' of photography with us. Big thanks to your father for encouraging you to bring your photographic results to him, and to discuss them. No wonder your star has risen so quickly on TH-cam: your talks are heartfelt, and a living tribute to him.
I want to materialize a vision, a feeling, an idea. With music, with photography, with images etc. I want to build projects that speak my own style and touches others. I love to observ the world and photograph the people in it and capture what I've felt at the moment. That warmth, that reassurance in tension draws me. I loved to take beautiful pictures of the people around me. And today I still make portraits ☺️
Just discovered this channel at a moment in which I was extremely questioning myself about my work as a filmmaker and photographer and was exactly that "why" I was asking myself for. Thanks a lot!
Never understood why but it was in my gut to do it. I worked at an art and design college and always wanted to learn photography. When the pandemic hit, I decided to buy a camera and teach myself and I have been shooting every since. I just get a joy out of going out and taking shots of wildlife, macro subjects and landscape. I just love it! Probably won't ever make a living out of it but it was never my intentions to do so. I just do it for me and my mental health. It's been a great journey so far, and I love learning about different cameras and how to operate them. Not a big fan of reading manuals (lol) but it is a must. I am just enjoying the ride of shooting photos, printing them (I bought a printer so that I could print my own images) and sharing them with family and friends. Expensive hobby but well worth it to me.
For amateur, hobby photographers like myself, the “why” is hard to define. I take pictures because I find something interesting in a particular scene or object - what it is that I find interesting I leave to my eye; let’s just say it’s instinctive -- and when I like the image that I capture, I may be motivated to share it on social media. I’ve read and watched interviews of famous photographers, and when the interviewer asks them why they take pictures, their answer is almost always also ambiguous, variations of George Mallory’s reply to a reporter who asked him why he wanted to climb Everest - “Because it is there.” This doesn’t mean that asking yourself why you take pictures, or a particular picture, is of no purpose. It matters. But most of the time, the “why” comes after the “what”, in the same way the Existentialists insist that “existence precedes essence.” OK, I am walking down the street one morning, and I spot a particular scene that catches my attention, and I take a picture of it. When I get back home, I review the image that I took and realize that I should have taken it in another way so that the arrangement of the elements in the picture is how it should be, and not how it is. The problem is that no amount of cropping or editing will be able to bring it to the condition that I think it should have been. When confronted with a scene, you don’t ask yourself why you think it is interesting before taking a picture of it. If you ask “why,” most likely the “what” will be gone before you are able to press the shutter. You just trust your mind that it is interesting enough to take an image of. In this sense, the “what” always comes before the “why.” Of course, there are instances where you are in a position to manipulate a scene to conform with your preconceived idea of how the scene should appear in the image, such as in the case of still life or studio photography. There is also Cartier-Bresson’s “decisive moment”, wherein he positions his camera towards a particular scene, and wait for another element to enter the scene to complete the picture before clicking the shutter. But even in such circumstances, the unplanned element, the unforeseen moment is what makes the picture interesting. This, in fact, is the joy of photography - to be able to hold still a moment in time and behold it long after it is gone.
Honestly I was editing a picture while you where talking and I had to cry about your message. I had so many travels in my mind back and forth. Thanxs for sharing this very important inside. 😊 Peter
Photography helped me so much when I had depression and also through the pandemic lockdowns. My Why about taking photography is because it makes brings joy to my life and makes me happy. Of course I love the creative aspect of it, but I usually take photos thinking of what interests or attracts me, not to get more Instagram followers (I don't have many at all..).
"By accident almost, I came back to my why." rang true for me. Thank you. My ah ha moments are usually out of the corner of my eye when I'm not focused directly on them. I obviously don't understand Zen Buddhism, quite sure that no one does, but there's something in their stories about moments of surprise that seem to make sense. Also, it's perhaps possible that the question "Why" is both a path and a destination. "Why am I doing this?", "Why do I want to photograph this?", "Why am I bored photographing this?", "Why do I never photograph that?", etc. are all little moments of potential disruption that can reveal a bit more of the hidden, "Oh perhaps that's part of the reason why I love photography..."
For me the “why” is to share my inpressions off moments and places with others, and to refresh my memory regarding those moments and places years later.
Memory does seem to play quite a large roll in a lot of peoples ideas about why they photograph. Myself included. Thanks for the comment and for watching
I so needed to hear this! I am encouraged to continue not because my photos are great or to a lot of likes, but because I love people and enjoy capturing how wonderfully and uniquely they are created!
For me, a Charlie Waite lecture offered a lightbulb moment, when he explained that photography was about making an image, as opposed to simply taking it. It's an immersive process that requires body, soul and intellect. Creating art that reflects the wonder of our amazing world is my ultimate goal. The process itself is immensely pleasurable. Sharing images is a sheer privilege.
Thank you. Of all the questions I ask myself on my direction in photography, I never thought to ask myself “why?”. So thank you. When I answer ‘why’, then I expect all the other questions I have will be answered in short order.
I don't know how but unconsciously I take photos of things around me and family friends places... And here u r saying the same thing... Kinda feeling proud of myself... Thank you so much...
Photography to some is a bread basket with benefits. To others, it is more than passion but an obsession. For me, it is a beast that lies deep in my belly not to be disturbed by trivia. It awaits in silence, sometimes dormant for decades . . . then one day the pressure becomes so intense it just has to explode, and what magical symphony of images erupts to reality. Fortunately, for me, the 'why' was never a topic of concern.
After seeing your profile of Ezra stroller and then this, I think I’ve finally found a direction. Having gone from iPhone to my new, second hand Olympus mft camera, the idea of human made buildings etc, but without human element, portrays an emptiness feeling that I relate to my childhood. Something many would want to forget but i think it’s a very important aspect not to forget your past, whether good or bad. It’s hopefully going to help not worrying about pointing a camera of people, where I’m not really enjoying my new hobby. A massive thank you for your part in helping me realise a direction I’ve needed.
I appreciate you explaining you motivations as a photographer and how photography is integral to your childhood and your relationship with your father. I come from a family of troglodyte who foolishly believe they are "cultured". Every comment was tearing something down and rarely building anything up. Calling yourself a "artist", you would be mocked. BUT! That all being said, I see beauty, greatness, wonder and sorrow laid out before me in so many ways on a regular basis. I grew up in the mountains of BC and I have always tried to live in remote communities with lots of nature and few people. I find incredible views of places off the beaten track. I know my why, I want to catch images of the magic that surrounds me. After recent mortality issues I have decided to pursue creative works. I don't expect much hassle from my family, simple because I will not be inviting them along. The world is interesting and there is immense beauty in the most mundane scenes. I don't expect any real money from this but I am going to follow my curiosity. When your time might be getting short, your perspective on what is truly important can shift. I worked for 17+ years as a nurse and I never met one person on their way out who told me they spent too much time on art, beauty or following their curiosity.
Thanks for this Alex - I'm really glad you've found your why and that we are a part of that. I love that you have a capacity to have conversations about photography, the underneath stuff, the thinking stuff, the brain stuff of it. It would have been a great connection to share with your Dad growing up. It's one that is there in small ways with a couple of my own children. We can each take an image and share that "oh wow" moment as we share the image with each other while out with cameras in hand. It is truly special.
I’m just glad there’s a channel out here who doesn’t waste time talking about gear. I’m sick to death of it. You’re a good egg, old boy, keep cracking.
Three things that go with the why are position, perspective, and context. I use these in nonfiction writhing, and they apply to my photography also. They're so important I have them posted on the wall next to my computer to remind myself.
I have been studying and shooting photography for 2 years now. I have not found my style yet. But, I find inspiration in your videos. Thank you! Jim from Georgia.
I just realized that photographing sunlit pictures happened because I grew up in northern Canada, where snow, and long, cold winters with short days were prevalent. It was mostly a time of black and white images with shades of gray. We moved to California and now I rejoice in the light and want to share it, and record it for my future. That's my 'why'.
I started in the days of film, my father had a camera/photographic shop and was an avid photographer, it was always there, there were always cameras, photos everyday it was just part of our life. As I grew my dad showed me the basics in the darkroom and the process of printing completely captivated me, watching an image emerge in the developer was a delight. Later years I learnt more in school, the science behind cameras and the processing. 50+ years later still learning, love the progress that has come with digital but still awed by the magic of the darkroom and the process of creating an image from concept to print using vintage cameras and film. Getting it right and enjoying what I create myself, seeing others seeing and appreciating the prints on the wall that's what brings me back every time..
I had to reinvent my why when many films and papers disappeared from the market. Early on I found joy in the darkroom. I liked the bromoil process , making salted prints and developing sheet film. I do not like computers and their short shelf life compared to my 100 yr old 5x7 view camera. I have learned the digital aspect and am now unwilling to pay the excessive price for film. I am relearning where the joy is and still searching. I do know there is something because after taking a break I returned to photography.
I'm a visually impaired person with a camera and people have always been wondering how I make images and also, off course, why. And ultimatly I am fascinated by the proces of 'perception' (it's the brain and not the eye) and photography is my favourite 'how' to explore this. That is 'why' I keep doing it.
@@ThePhotographicEye The thing is: I don't know. Ultimatly I can't compare because I only have my own eyesight. I only have people's reactions to my photographes. And as any photographer I see things that others don't. Which is always the case off course with a photographer. Perception comes mostly from the mind. But I'm wondering about 'the other side' just like any able eyed person.
I have enjoyed dipping into you channel from time to time and this episode was very well timed for me - It's the grey time here and Its easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless interesting photos from attractive places that you can find on t'web. "My photo's will never be any good because my town isn't pretty!" Definitely time to consult my inner self!
Alex, this was so apposite! I've hit a photographic roadblock of late, just can't get it together, and this really brought home to me the fact that I'd lost sight of the "Why?". I've been living in Russia for nearly 5 years now, I used to love the stuff I produced in Siberia (the beauty, the strangeness of it all) but it just dried up. Why did I take images? Partly to show to other people the wonder around me, partly to remind myself in later years of the lived experience I have had, partly to create beauty, partly to document a place and a time. I seem to have lost sight of these objectives of late. So, thank you, it's a stimulating post as always, best, j
Thanks Julian. It's hard when you 'live in a postcard' because you get at first overwhelmed with the oppertunity, then it becomes second nature. So part of you figures you should be doing more of what you did when you first got there, but mostly you've moved on. At least this was my experience when I lived in Edinburgh right next to the castle for 3 years.
Taking pictures My pictures dont have a voice It is not a matter of ability or choice I just dont have a why behind it all Endless waiting for an idea to me to fall But inspiration happens in the nick of time When you are trying to make life rhime Try again and again, and you will see What your picture is meant to be
Always wonderful! I grew up in Miami and I always wanted to be a fashion photographer. I had a couple of girlfriends that I shot pictures of and that was great. In my mid 20s I did it an older lady that was very beautiful and had an a lot of modeling, acting and a showgirl. I shot her a bit and I loved it. And then I did it a woman that I fell in love with. I had a lot of pictures of her, and when that didn’t work I shot summer women in the sexier industry. And that was seldom easy and seldom filling. For quite a few years now I’ve been shooting real estate in an area of Florida where it’s just mediocre in the price of the service in Florida is less than mediocre. I really need to make some changes! anyhow, I’m sick and tired of watching camera, reviews, and many people that are just narcissistic TH-camrs. You are one of the best! I really enjoy Flickr as far as inspiration. I think peoples collection of favorites says a lot about the photographer.
You present a lot of questions but this was the easiest to answer, Why? For a long as I can remember I suffered by not being able to record something I saw that I believed was important perhaps beautiful, historic, or whatever. I tried graphic art (painting, drawing etc) but I could not master or even achieve competence. Poor "motor" skills, impatience (probably), it was pure frustration. The camera was the answer. Art classes taught composition and it was easy to combine with photography. I like what I create and others give positive feedback. It is very satisfying.
Hi Andrew. So similar to me I found trying to do traditional artistic things painting drawing and what have you so difficult. Possibly that’s why I like you I was drawn to the camera that it was something that I was able to do with a modicum of proficiency at the beginning and get what I considered to be good results straight away. Thanks again for watching
Hi Alex and thanks again for a your video. Recently I've been trying to do exactly what you're talking about.. trying to figure out the 'why' I take photographs in the first place. I'm relatively new to the hobby. It's only been about four years, despite the fact that I'm nearly 50! But already I'm struggling a bit to try and find inspiration. Ever since taking up this hobby of ours, I've tried to hang on to a quote that has inspired me throughout the whole time I've been taking photos. It's this.."Never overlook the miraculous nature of seemingly ordinary things." My photography has certainly been very 'nature' oriented. I love trees, birds, flowers, water, anything colourful. But recently I've just been running out of ideas and inspiration. I've thought that maybe it could just be the time of year. I'm always more inspired to go out with my camera when spring arrives and all the new growth and the flowers start sprouting up. Macro photography has always fascinated me! I love photographing the tiny little details in things that people often overlook. As you can probably tell, I don't really stick to one particular genre. When I'm out and about with my camera, I try to set myself little goals or projects, either for just that days shooting or for the coming weeks or months. This has to change quite frequently though because I do find that I become bored easily. Anyway this is rapidly becoming not just a comment, but an essay! So I will finish there before I start rambling any further. Kind regards my friend.
Hi ash. Thank you for watching. Yes nature photography especially as you’re based in the UK where the winters tend to be kind of a bit dreary can be quite a rollercoaster. There is no harm in taking little breaks from time to time in your photography or putting the camera to Side from time to time. So pleased you found your way here to the channel I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2022
Happy New Year Alex, I have noticed the sound on your mike is a bit low had to turn up my sound to hear you clearly. My WHY it a release I get from my disability. I hated just sitting around indoors. I would rather be out and about as much as I can on my good days I still have to use walking aids to get about. My dad also done film photography and he had his own darkroom, my dad gave me my first camera. I had just started to show my dad how to use digital and it brought us closer until he died. Love all the thoughts to WHY subject, very deep thoughts.
Hi Bob and a happy New Year to you too. Yeah I’m not sure what is up with the sound because it sounds fine on my side but quite a few people have mentioned it so I’m going to look at it and see what’s going on
Why? It is something deep inside of me, it doesn't matter if it is people, landscape or wildlife or architectural, it is shadows, lines and form, it is the elements that come together to make a picture a picture with feeling.
Thoughtful video. I inherited my love of photography from my father and began taking pictures of family. I really became involved with it when I left the navy. I was a Diver and always noticed the underwater life around me and for awhile it was my main purpose - what's under here? Since then I have become interested in other facets particularly black and white imaging. My "why" is about sharing pics of where I live which is on Vancouver Island, a beautiful and rugged part of west coast Canada. Often it's rainy, sometimes foggy etc and black and white allows me to portray and share those seascapes, shorelines, forests and objects that have strong detail, tones and contrasts and for me make that image powerful and that is my "why". I hope others will look at my pictures and learn from them and enjoy their surroundings.
Hello John, one of my colleagues is planning to go to Vancouver Island for his Honeymoon, to see the whales and to enjoy the amazing scenery. I'm sure he'd love to see some of your pictures, can we find them somewhere on the "interweb"? Many thanks! Graeme
How fortunate you are to have been actively supported and encouraged by your parents in your creative journey. Many others have to slog on, on their own.
As a wildlife photographer first and foremost I want to share my experiences. My landscape images I share so people will appreciate nature more and stop wrecking it. But all of my photograph is about educating others.
The more ruthless you are in distilling the "why" of your photography (or any artistic endeavor) the more peaceful your mind will be as you do that endeavor. The secret is to never accept that you've answered the "why" question, ever.
Absolutely James, it seems that the closer you get to the WHY The harder you have to scrape away at the surface. So of course the more that you do that the more your artistic creativity becomes honed
Great video. This is actually a question that I actively sought to answer for myself last year. If you see a coin on the ground, you pick it up because it has value. If I see a scene before me, whether grand or intimate, literal or abstract, that I feel has added value to my experience of life on this planet, I take a picture of it. I hadn't realized that in years past and lost my way without knowing it because often, I was collecting memories for others and not myself. In the "learning" of photography, I was unconsciously taking on the "why" of the teacher because it is so often tied to the "how".
I have found that if you follow others and what they think would make a good photo that never works for me. I have to find those shoots for myself. Thank you and have a good day.
I have been in a rut since Covid. As an 8 year nomad that shoots mostly nature and travel photos, it's not really fixable. I can't safely hitchhike to desired locations. Now I bounce from city to city. I've started doing some street photography but I don't have the passion, I am trying to grow it. I'll often never even take my camera out of the bag when I go out in the cities. I know my problem and don't have a plausible solution. I even bought a full frame camera a year ago. I love it and am happy, wanted it for a while, just was able to afford it at the time. It wasn't bought to reignite my passion, I don't think I knew I was in a rut at the time. I plan to climb Mount Etna soon and maybe Stromboli Volcano too(Sicilia, Italia). That should be some good therapy and I expect the passion will be immediate.
@@ThePhotographicEye the new aloro, because of a broken algorithm. I climbed Mt. Etna Wednesday which was amazing! Thursday she blew, I didn't know. I went today for shorter hikes. But on the bus up I saw the entire south side had collapsed. It was awe inspiring! Where I was standing 12 hours before the eruption was burried under a landslide! My passion is burning as hot as it ever has now! I'll be watching the monitors now and will probably go again soon.
Very interesting to hear your thoughts on WHY. There were many factors as to WHY I took up photography as its been in my mind for 40 years and only touched upon as a hobbie in the past 12 months. I'll happily admit that photography is making me a healthier person in body and mind.
Whoah. This is my story, exactly. Early fifties now and I fantasized about photography since I was an early teen at the library poring through photo magazines. I only started pursuing it just a couple months over a year ago, and no lie, it has awakened in me something I was afraid I had lost. I'm in a _much_ better place because of it!
This is what everyone needs to hear, but so hard to navigate. The whole time while listening to it, I keep trying to remember over my 40yrs of shooting, they WHYS. Context was there during times, but in a nutshell, the WHY was far too general to really have a valid point. The sound bite on Avedon (one of my favorite) is very insightful, but it got me thinking.. HOW.. How is a person to really find the reasons why, especially when the subject matter is Vast. In the end for me, its about the craft and trying to make the best picture of the given subject. Lighting, composition, Color, etc... Ive never bored of it, but Ive struggled with that esoteric DETAIL..
The insight of keeping focused on the 'why' is the insight most tend to lose sight of. And corollary insight that 'why' is very individual is also very important. Too often, others will try to tell us what we should photograph instead of listening to us explain our unique 'whys'.
Very much agree with you Jay. So much of what we tend to see specially on TH-cam these days is people telling you how to do something very specific. That’s why I’ve kind of tended to stay clear of technique style videos and focus more on these aspects that are very important but nobody seems to really discuss very much
I didn't need that "Why?" at the moment (motivation is still strong ;-)), but definitely something to ponder! Until now, if someone would've asked me the "Why?" question, I would've answered without thinking "Because it's fun!" - but after you've told your story about doing photography to have something to share with your father (and now with us ;-)), I wondered if this could also apply to me. It is not as straight-forward, but I think my preference for nature and landscape photography (with a bit of interest for still life) is somewhat influenced by my father. Nothing as straight-forward as your story, but there are some clues here and there - and a landscape oil painting he did in his youth, at the brink of WWII. It was his only surviving painting from this time, with minor damages, that he later restored and that hung on the wall. Thanks, Alex, for sharing all your insights!
Thanks for sharing this introspection, this is a deep subject with so many reasons maybe most of us are just afraid to ask "why" to our subconscient. In a quality system, the 5 why method brings you to a response, maybe it's more convenient or easier to press on the button and be hide by the camera. But why...
As always Brilliant 😀 perhaps the only channel that adds value in the thought process of photography. For what it’s worth, as photographers we add to the circle of life.. images reach out to all that can see, are effected by your image and for some people this is a lasting effect. Love from Australia.
You made me think about my why and funny as it may seen the only reason I photograph is to make my vision of the world, how I look at it, in every sense , permanent. I´m son of someone of a man that love take photos for the sake of making some kind of document and now , as he passed away, some of them are real testments. I guess that I follow his path and I enjoy a lot! I have already made money with my photos but it´s not and I doubt the sometime will be my motivation to keep shooting. Thank you for making me ask why. It was an wonderful jorney. Regards from Brazil.
Really great video, and very thought provoking. I'm now thinking back over my favorite images over decades of photography. And WHY they're my favorites. What inspired me, what was I trying to capture... I'm left wondering: If I took 2-3 dozen images from those decades of shooting, and showed them people, would THEY be able to discern MY "why"?
You speak about the Why and relate it back to the photos you enjoyed, that didn't relate to me as I trekked on Skye and the views made me buy a camera. All my photos were rubbish (film) and cameras never lasted long but I always wanted it to work. Then came digital and thinking on my Why, its to explore beautiful scenery and capture it. So my "Why" is the scenery, arty stuff is secondary! Thanks for making me think.
@@ThePhotographicEye Ps! Remember that Kierkegaard always encourages us to embrace despair, as only despair can lead us in the right direction. A very important lesson for photography!
My "why"? I take candids and portraits because I learned from my dad and my aunt that there is always the possibility that for one reason or another it will be the only physical representation or memory I will have documented of the individual for myself and to share with others whether in candids, family reunions, or spontaneous shots. Best example: my aunt's 100th birthday party in Puerto Rico that evolved into a family reunion two years before Covid struck. Not my best work but I always remember David Bausch's question: "Don't worry too much about composition and sharpness. Did you get the shot?"
You're right. I started taking pictures because I trusted photography as a way to change reality, to change things, to inform the people what was going on in some parts of the world: despair, war, refugees… After 4 years I had to give up this way. Nothing changed, I discovered media were more concerned about earning money than doing journalism. And my bank account started to have red lights. After that photography continued being my passion. But in other way. I pass from "What" to "How". I had two children and the only time I had to taking pictures was during our family holidays. And I started to taking pictures of… other families touring. Street photography I guess. And some of my family. Then I started to be fed up of being always looking as a photographer; photography became a jail, not a way of freedom. 'Till now. Now I feel free to take pictures. I realice that it's not worth making an extraordinary effort but only enjoying. All and all taking pictures when my eye says I can take a picture. This is my "why". Thanks for sharing your feelings about photography.
@@albertoperezpuyal3740 I really hope more people remember that its no supposed to be a chore (which occasionally it can feel like, especially as a 'working' photographer)
I noticed a certain reticence to use the word art there. And it's common with photographers to shy away from this word. But as somebody who paints in oils, draws and sculpts I can tell you that photography is art. We have been scared by so-called elites controlling what is deemed art, and we shouldn't be. We don't hesitate to call a stick figure on a cave wall, painted by early humans art, so why should we be so scared of calling photography art. If you put yourself into it, then call it what you like. It's not pretentious to call it art, it's merely descriptive. Very glad to see TPE back in my subscriptions again, btw. Thank you for another inspiring video.
It's an interesting conumdrum in photography. I flit between two camps - on one hand it's very much art, and on the other, not. Perhaps I tend to shy away in this case from the word art, is that its too easy to call ones self an 'artist', and leave it at that.
Alot of our 'Why's tend to be the need for Affirmation. The ironic thing is that once you get past this need, you then realise, most pursuits lose their appeal/reason for doing them
@@ThePhotographicEye Hello Alex. I like your videos a lot. They make me think, and make me look at photography from a different angle. I often try to get better, make images which are liked by the viewers. But the original WHY is, to make a picture of what I like, and to freeze it, the best way I can. And in fact, it doesn't matter what, because I believe everything has an angle from which a nice image can be taken. The hard thing is to find it. I always look forward to your thoughts. Baie dankie
First I watched the videos from Ted Forbes and learned a lot. I like this guy! Then I found your channel and understand even better, because you put it straight to the point! Thanks an keep it up 📷
An interesting one this, the answer to this very question came to me on a quiet night quite recently, it went something like this. Why do I like taking portraits of people? The stock answer is "because you look lovely". Or perhaps; "you just looked in that moment very good and I would like to capture that". I have been questioning those answers for some time, because they are not right. I think for me the answer to the problem was. I take photos of women (and men) across all ages because they have influenced my life in some way. They have enriched it visually sometimes by just straining a tea bag on the side of a cup, or the expression while trying to explain a point of view. Another was a man who in a classical way just looked hard as nails with the background of mountains behind. I could go on, but thats why. It's a more honest reason for me than just saying to someone, "I want to take your picture because you look beautiful". Thanks for the video!
As user experience designers we also start with why when we design products for people. To create products people find meaningful. Camera companies would also benefit from starting with why. Leica is one company that i would say start with their why.
Thank you so much for this! I love your channel and have been watching since the beginning 🙏🏻 your videos are so interesting and helpful. I have lost my why which has led to lack of motivation and a “why bother” attitude that I can’t seem to break out of. I am ready to give it all up. I have been asking myself why do this just for a few likes on social media. This is what it’s come down to but I know that’s not the real reason I’ve been doing this for the last 10 years. It’s time for me to dig deep and find my why again 🙏🏻❤️ Keep these wonderful videos coming 😊
To be a bit mean: This "why", "purpose" or "goals in life" is soo much 1990s "self improvement" talk, where people had to be efficient, cost saving and productive, else they are "useless". Of course there is a point in every ideology, even this one. Hardly anyone takes pictures just to waste time and money. My why is to be inspired and to go where my inspiration this day might take me, knowing I will get some results I like the next day or year. Trust your inspiration, don't ask why! Tip: Shoot film, it slows you down and gives you more time to think about why and if you should take this specific picture Just firing away on digital at 10 or more fps isn't the answer (unless you are a sports photographer and your "why" is to just earn money, they sent you there and one of your 1000 pictures will be accepted by them). Anyway: Keep up the good work, it will also inspire people when they don't agree!
Why I take photos is as complicated as why do anything optional. (Breathing is not optional) I have been fascinated with some of the iconic images important during my lifetime: Earthrise, Ali over Liston, The running naked Vietnamese girl refugee, and others. These are images that cause virtually everyone to pause, not just because they contained an incredible story, but because the image is so striking. It would be great to make images like that, though the goal might be a bit lofty. So, at my core I want to be Daguerr, or Adams, or any number of other pioneering artists. I want to make an impact. To be famous? Maybe. Yeah, a bit lofty, but it helps to have a high bar even if I never get over it. Did I say it was my passion?
This is helpfull on a deeper level - thank you so much for sharing this with us. I personally feel deep satisfaction in finding order in the chaos of everyday life and the world we live in. I find that in my personal life, in the work I do, and perhaps this closely relates to the why you talk about. I'll let this simmer for a while....
I am not really a photographer, well certainly not yet. Its recently come into my life as an adjunct to my drawing and art as opposed to point and click happy snapping. I took a quick intro course and couldn't understand why I enjoyed street photography around the city which is possibly the antithesis of my usual self. Ive also recently had to accept I may be on the spectrum and this has really helped connect the interest in street photography and that questioning of understanding from the potentially autistic influence. I struggle to fit or feel part of this environment and now wondering if my WHY is by way of distancing and analysing so I can understand or feel some connection and security in a place that feels like another planet most days.
My why is the scene or subject must evoke an emotional response in me that makes me to want to express it as a picture. No matter how beautiful or geometrically interesting it may be, if I can't 'feel' it I won't shoot it.
I have a question that I hope you will reply to. I watch many old B&W movies and noticed that they are quite sharp front to back. I assume this is attributed to the Cine lens they use. Are cine lenses that much better than prime or higher end lenses? I have some bare root lenses and 2 good lenses. I have my eye on a cine lens if it's what I think they are.
@@ThePhotographicEye This might be true, but i am living 10 years into the same place. I do know my hometown best, and from architecture and everything else here, it's mediocre. Well, my birthplace town is worlds being better from everything, than this location, anyway.
Why? It just draw me in. I put a photo on the wall and it makes me smile. Why? No idea, no “origin story”. Just signed up for it at school because it seems like something I might enjoy. 🤷♂️ Still calls me to make images 40 years later. There is no why. Wish I had more walls though. 😁 By the way. Love the new warm coloured set.
My why has always been to capture the existential nature of reality in what I see in the moment I am in…then to move on. It is pictures of nothing like Stephen Shore, William Eggleston do so well. Perfect, pretty pictures bore me to tears. I find it incredably difficult to do because it doesn’t have any handles to grab onto, or a box to put it into. Many photographers find it banal-oh well.
Thank you to everyone who has watched and also given some feedback about the audio.
I have watched this video on a number of devices, and everything is fine on my playback(s). Nothing has been changed from my set-up from the recordings done tail end of last year.
The audio is a little on the bassy side. Needs more treble to be clearer, as it sounds slightly muffled
Like the new logo and thumbnail 👌. Audio is good for me, not sure why you mentioned feedback about it.
Well on my TV I have to pump up the volume, that was not the case before
Audio is clear, as always. No issues on my end (watching on laptop, listening with AirPods). Keep up the fabulous work! I come back to the Simon Sinek "start with why" concept on a regular basis. It's so important to stay centered in your core motivation for making art.
Was quiet but good quality.
My two favourite photography channels on TH-cam, have nothing to do with gear. They are Sean Tucker, and this one. Keep on keeping on.
Photography is my release. I’ve fallen into the cliches and found myself not enjoying my efforts. Like most people I enjoy the praise from others when I hit the special shot. I enjoy it immensely when I feel that connection to a photo. Making other happy with your work is good, making yourself happy with you work is the ultimate goal.
At 14 I wanted to be cool like the upperclassmen school photographers. Once mom and dad delivered me a camera that Christmas something else happened. The camera soon became my armor, a sort of shelter to hide behind. It was a tough time in my house back then. My older brothers hard drug use and shenanigans along with a crippling recession and financial worries almost broke my parents marriage and made for me an atmosphere of constant anxiety and dread. Home was a place of great turmoil with lots of shouting and the occasional overturned dinner table. Later on the camera would get me away and into places I otherwise wouldn’t have gone or even been welcomed. As for my why, it’s still the same at 56. Make pictures that I’m pleased with and be alone and safe in my own head.
I'm so pleased that you get joy out of sharing your own 'why' of photography with us. Big thanks to your father for encouraging you to bring your photographic results to him, and to discuss them. No wonder your star has risen so quickly on TH-cam: your talks are heartfelt, and a living tribute to him.
That’s great to hear Dave I really pleased that you’ve got a lot from watching this video.
@@ThePhotographicEye Selamat Anda Udah Berkunjung
I want to materialize a vision, a feeling, an idea. With music, with photography, with images etc. I want to build projects that speak my own style and touches others.
I love to observ the world and photograph the people in it and capture what I've felt at the moment. That warmth, that reassurance in tension draws me.
I loved to take beautiful pictures of the people around me. And today I still make portraits ☺️
Just discovered this channel at a moment in which I was extremely questioning myself about my work as a filmmaker and photographer and was exactly that "why" I was asking myself for. Thanks a lot!
Never understood why but it was in my gut to do it. I worked at an art and design college and always wanted to learn photography. When the pandemic hit, I decided to buy a camera and teach myself and I have been shooting every since. I just get a joy out of going out and taking shots of wildlife, macro subjects and landscape. I just love it! Probably won't ever make a living out of it but it was never my intentions to do so. I just do it for me and my mental health. It's been a great journey so far, and I love learning about different cameras and how to operate them. Not a big fan of reading manuals (lol) but it is a must. I am just enjoying the ride of shooting photos, printing them (I bought a printer so that I could print my own images) and sharing them with family and friends. Expensive hobby but well worth it to me.
Thank you ever so much for watching and for contributing to the conversation
For amateur, hobby photographers like myself, the “why” is hard to define. I take pictures because I find something interesting in a particular scene or object - what it is that I find interesting I leave to my eye; let’s just say it’s instinctive -- and when I like the image that I capture, I may be motivated to share it on social media. I’ve read and watched interviews of famous photographers, and when the interviewer asks them why they take pictures, their answer is almost always also ambiguous, variations of George Mallory’s reply to a reporter who asked him why he wanted to climb Everest - “Because it is there.” This doesn’t mean that asking yourself why you take pictures, or a particular picture, is of no purpose. It matters. But most of the time, the “why” comes after the “what”, in the same way the Existentialists insist that “existence precedes essence.” OK, I am walking down the street one morning, and I spot a particular scene that catches my attention, and I take a picture of it. When I get back home, I review the image that I took and realize that I should have taken it in another way so that the arrangement of the elements in the picture is how it should be, and not how it is. The problem is that no amount of cropping or editing will be able to bring it to the condition that I think it should have been. When confronted with a scene, you don’t ask yourself why you think it is interesting before taking a picture of it. If you ask “why,” most likely the “what” will be gone before you are able to press the shutter. You just trust your mind that it is interesting enough to take an image of. In this sense, the “what” always comes before the “why.” Of course, there are instances where you are in a position to manipulate a scene to conform with your preconceived idea of how the scene should appear in the image, such as in the case of still life or studio photography. There is also Cartier-Bresson’s “decisive moment”, wherein he positions his camera towards a particular scene, and wait for another element to enter the scene to complete the picture before clicking the shutter. But even in such circumstances, the unplanned element, the unforeseen moment is what makes the picture interesting. This, in fact, is the joy of photography - to be able to hold still a moment in time and behold it long after it is gone.
Honestly I was editing a picture while you where talking and I had to cry about your message. I had so many travels in my mind back and forth. Thanxs for sharing this very important inside. 😊 Peter
Photography helped me so much when I had depression and also through the pandemic lockdowns. My Why about taking photography is because it makes brings joy to my life and makes me happy. Of course I love the creative aspect of it, but I usually take photos thinking of what interests or attracts me, not to get more Instagram followers (I don't have many at all..).
"By accident almost, I came back to my why." rang true for me. Thank you. My ah ha moments are usually out of the corner of my eye when I'm not focused directly on them. I obviously don't understand Zen Buddhism, quite sure that no one does, but there's something in their stories about moments of surprise that seem to make sense. Also, it's perhaps possible that the question "Why" is both a path and a destination. "Why am I doing this?", "Why do I want to photograph this?", "Why am I bored photographing this?", "Why do I never photograph that?", etc. are all little moments of potential disruption that can reveal a bit more of the hidden, "Oh perhaps that's part of the reason why I love photography..."
For me the “why” is to share my inpressions off moments and places with others, and to refresh my memory regarding those moments and places years later.
Memory does seem to play quite a large roll in a lot of peoples ideas about why they photograph. Myself included. Thanks for the comment and for watching
I so needed to hear this! I am encouraged to continue not because my photos are great or to a lot of likes, but because I love people and enjoy capturing how wonderfully and uniquely they are created!
For me, a Charlie Waite lecture offered a lightbulb moment, when he explained that photography was about making an image, as opposed to simply taking it. It's an immersive process that requires body, soul and intellect. Creating art that reflects the wonder of our amazing world is my ultimate goal. The process itself is immensely pleasurable. Sharing images is a sheer privilege.
100% Agree!
@@ThePhotographicEye thanks for your inspirational work. Great to see and hear a different approach. Kind regards.
@@davidmcculloch8490 My pleasure - glad you enjoyed it
Thank you. Of all the questions I ask myself on my direction in photography, I never thought to ask myself “why?”. So thank you. When I answer ‘why’, then I expect all the other questions I have will be answered in short order.
Glad you found it helpful Paul. This idea of thinking about our why is so important to pushing ourselves as photographers.
Thanks for watching
I don't know how but unconsciously I take photos of things around me and family friends places... And here u r saying the same thing... Kinda feeling proud of myself... Thank you so much...
Photography to some is a bread basket with benefits. To others, it is more than passion but an obsession. For me, it is a beast that lies deep in my belly not to be disturbed by trivia. It awaits in silence, sometimes dormant for decades . . . then one day the pressure becomes so intense it just has to explode, and what magical symphony of images erupts to reality. Fortunately, for me, the 'why' was never a topic of concern.
Thank you Peter for that very interesting comment
After seeing your profile of Ezra stroller and then this, I think I’ve finally found a direction. Having gone from iPhone to my new, second hand Olympus mft camera, the idea of human made buildings etc, but without human element, portrays an emptiness feeling that I relate to my childhood. Something many would want to forget but i think it’s a very important aspect not to forget your past, whether good or bad.
It’s hopefully going to help not worrying about pointing a camera of people, where I’m not really enjoying my new hobby. A massive thank you for your part in helping me realise a direction I’ve needed.
Thank you for watching, glad it helped you
Your father encouraged you, you encouraged me. Thank you for that
Thanks Honkler. Glad to hear I'm encouraging you
I appreciate you explaining you motivations as a photographer and how photography is integral to your childhood and your relationship with your father. I come from a family of troglodyte who foolishly believe they are "cultured". Every comment was tearing something down and rarely building anything up. Calling yourself a "artist", you would be mocked. BUT! That all being said, I see beauty, greatness, wonder and sorrow laid out before me in so many ways on a regular basis. I grew up in the mountains of BC and I have always tried to live in remote communities with lots of nature and few people. I find incredible views of places off the beaten track. I know my why, I want to catch images of the magic that surrounds me. After recent mortality issues I have decided to pursue creative works. I don't expect much hassle from my family, simple because I will not be inviting them along. The world is interesting and there is immense beauty in the most mundane scenes. I don't expect any real money from this but I am going to follow my curiosity. When your time might be getting short, your perspective on what is truly important can shift. I worked for 17+ years as a nurse and I never met one person on their way out who told me they spent too much time on art, beauty or following their curiosity.
One of your best. To think of the why for myself, yes scary but a path that I will explore. Thank you for mentioning this is your Saturday Selections.
Thanks for this Alex - I'm really glad you've found your why and that we are a part of that. I love that you have a capacity to have conversations about photography, the underneath stuff, the thinking stuff, the brain stuff of it. It would have been a great connection to share with your Dad growing up. It's one that is there in small ways with a couple of my own children. We can each take an image and share that "oh wow" moment as we share the image with each other while out with cameras in hand. It is truly special.
So pleased to hear that Denise. It’s great to have you here and to be able to share these videos with you
I’m just glad there’s a channel out here who doesn’t waste time talking about gear.
I’m sick to death of it.
You’re a good egg, old boy, keep cracking.
Three things that go with the why are position, perspective, and context. I use these in nonfiction writhing, and they apply to my photography also. They're so important I have them posted on the wall next to my computer to remind myself.
I have been studying and shooting photography for 2 years now. I have not found my style yet. But, I find inspiration in your videos. Thank you! Jim from Georgia.
I just realized that photographing sunlit pictures happened because I grew up in northern Canada, where snow, and long, cold winters with short days were prevalent. It was mostly a time of black and white images with shades of gray. We moved to California and now I rejoice in the light and want to share it, and record it for my future. That's my 'why'.
I started in the days of film, my father had a camera/photographic shop and was an avid photographer, it was always there, there were always cameras, photos everyday it was just part of our life. As I grew my dad showed me the basics in the darkroom and the process of printing completely captivated me, watching an image emerge in the developer was a delight. Later years I learnt more in school, the science behind cameras and the processing. 50+ years later still learning, love the progress that has come with digital but still awed by the magic of the darkroom and the process of creating an image from concept to print using vintage cameras and film. Getting it right and enjoying what I create myself, seeing others seeing and appreciating the prints on the wall that's what brings me back every time..
That magic of seeing images develop in front of your eyes something I really miss
I had to reinvent my why when many films and papers disappeared from the market. Early on I found joy in the darkroom. I liked the bromoil process , making salted prints and developing sheet film. I do not like computers and their short shelf life compared to my 100 yr old 5x7 view camera. I have learned the digital aspect and am now unwilling to pay the excessive price for film. I am relearning where the joy is and still searching. I do know there is something because after taking a break I returned to photography.
I'm a visually impaired person with a camera and people have always been wondering how I make images and also, off course, why. And ultimatly I am fascinated by the proces of 'perception' (it's the brain and not the eye) and photography is my favourite 'how' to explore this. That is 'why' I keep doing it.
I am also a legally blind person who enjoys photography. I take photos to, in some way, try to capture and share how I perceive the world.
The question of why is fascinating isn’t it. It’s so unique to each of us.
I love that idea.
How do you see the world how you perceive it must be so different to an able eyed person
@@ThePhotographicEye The thing is: I don't know. Ultimatly I can't compare because I only have my own eyesight. I only have people's reactions to my photographes. And as any photographer I see things that others don't. Which is always the case off course with a photographer. Perception comes mostly from the mind. But I'm wondering about 'the other side' just like any able eyed person.
@@petervanriet5389 Funny how we all think we see the world as it really is to everyone else, but we don't actually.
Stumbled onto you channel and now binge watching. Although I’ve been shooting for years your presentations are great and down to earth. Thank you
I have enjoyed dipping into you channel from time to time and this episode was very well timed for me - It's the grey time here and Its easy to feel overwhelmed by the countless interesting photos from attractive places that you can find on t'web. "My photo's will never be any good because my town isn't pretty!" Definitely time to consult my inner self!
Your videos are so insightful. I feel like I’m back in college studying photo journalism and you are one of my professors! Thank you 😊
That’s great to hear thank you ever so much for being here enjoying these vids
Alex, this was so apposite! I've hit a photographic roadblock of late, just can't get it together, and this really brought home to me the fact that I'd lost sight of the "Why?". I've been living in Russia for nearly 5 years now, I used to love the stuff I produced in Siberia (the beauty, the strangeness of it all) but it just dried up. Why did I take images? Partly to show to other people the wonder around me, partly to remind myself in later years of the lived experience I have had, partly to create beauty, partly to document a place and a time. I seem to have lost sight of these objectives of late. So, thank you, it's a stimulating post as always, best, j
Thanks Julian.
It's hard when you 'live in a postcard' because you get at first overwhelmed with the oppertunity, then it becomes second nature. So part of you figures you should be doing more of what you did when you first got there, but mostly you've moved on. At least this was my experience when I lived in Edinburgh right next to the castle for 3 years.
Loved this, thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Thank you!
My pleasure
It seems so obvious now that you've pointed it out, but I never directly considered the why. This was a blindspot, and thanks to you I can see it!
Taking pictures
My pictures dont have a voice
It is not a matter of ability or choice
I just dont have a why behind it all
Endless waiting for an idea to me to fall
But inspiration happens in the nick of time
When you are trying to make life rhime
Try again and again, and you will see
What your picture is meant to be
Thank you for sharing this
@@ThePhotographicEye your welcome, your video inspired me to write it, thanks
@@OleMadsen-evangeliet That's awesome! Thank you so much.
Always wonderful! I grew up in Miami and I always wanted to be a fashion photographer. I had a couple of girlfriends that I shot pictures of and that was great. In my mid 20s I did it an older lady that was very beautiful and had an a lot of modeling, acting and a showgirl. I shot her a bit and I loved it. And then I did it a woman that I fell in love with. I had a lot of pictures of her, and when that didn’t work I shot summer women in the sexier industry. And that was seldom easy and seldom filling. For quite a few years now I’ve been shooting real estate in an area of Florida where it’s just mediocre in the price of the service in Florida is less than mediocre. I really need to make some changes! anyhow, I’m sick and tired of watching camera, reviews, and many people that are just narcissistic TH-camrs. You are one of the best! I really enjoy Flickr as far as inspiration. I think peoples collection of favorites says a lot about the photographer.
You present a lot of questions but this was the easiest to answer, Why? For a long as I can remember I suffered by not being able to record something I saw that I believed was important perhaps beautiful, historic, or whatever. I tried graphic art (painting, drawing etc) but I could not master or even achieve competence. Poor "motor" skills, impatience (probably), it was pure frustration. The camera was the answer. Art classes taught composition and it was easy to combine with photography. I like what I create and others give positive feedback. It is very satisfying.
Hi Andrew.
So similar to me I found trying to do traditional artistic things painting drawing and what have you so difficult. Possibly that’s why I like you I was drawn to the camera that it was something that I was able to do with a modicum of proficiency at the beginning and get what I considered to be good results straight away.
Thanks again for watching
Thank you for being YOU in all the inspiring videos ..
It means a lot .Keep up the good work ..
That’s fantastic thank you ever so much
Passion comes from getting rewarded or success from what one does...
Hi Alex and thanks again for a your video. Recently I've been trying to do exactly what you're talking about.. trying to figure out the 'why' I take photographs in the first place. I'm relatively new to the hobby. It's only been about four years, despite the fact that I'm nearly 50! But already I'm struggling a bit to try and find inspiration. Ever since taking up this hobby of ours, I've tried to hang on to a quote that has inspired me throughout the whole time I've been taking photos. It's this.."Never overlook the miraculous nature of seemingly ordinary things."
My photography has certainly been very 'nature' oriented. I love trees, birds, flowers, water, anything colourful. But recently I've just been running out of ideas and inspiration. I've thought that maybe it could just be the time of year. I'm always more inspired to go out with my camera when spring arrives and all the new growth and the flowers start sprouting up.
Macro photography has always fascinated me! I love photographing the tiny little details in things that people often overlook.
As you can probably tell, I don't really stick to one particular genre. When I'm out and about with my camera, I try to set myself little goals or projects, either for just that days shooting or for the coming weeks or months. This has to change quite frequently though because I do find that I become bored easily. Anyway this is rapidly becoming not just a comment, but an essay! So I will finish there before I start rambling any further. Kind regards my friend.
Hi ash. Thank you for watching. Yes nature photography especially as you’re based in the UK where the winters tend to be kind of a bit dreary can be quite a rollercoaster.
There is no harm in taking little breaks from time to time in your photography or putting the camera to Side from time to time.
So pleased you found your way here to the channel I look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2022
Happy New Year Alex, I have noticed the sound on your mike is a bit low had to turn up my sound to hear you clearly. My WHY it a release I get from my disability. I hated just sitting around indoors. I would rather be out and about as much as I can on my good days I still have to use walking aids to get about. My dad also done film photography and he had his own darkroom, my dad gave me my first camera. I had just started to show my dad how to use digital and it brought us closer until he died. Love all the thoughts to WHY subject, very deep thoughts.
Hi Bob and a happy New Year to you too.
Yeah I’m not sure what is up with the sound because it sounds fine on my side but quite a few people have mentioned it so I’m going to look at it and see what’s going on
Why? It is something deep inside of me, it doesn't matter if it is people, landscape or wildlife or architectural, it is shadows, lines and form, it is the elements that come together to make a picture a picture with feeling.
Thoughtful video. I inherited my love of photography from my father and began taking pictures of family. I really became involved with it when I left the navy. I was a Diver and always noticed the underwater life around me and for awhile it was my main purpose - what's under here? Since then I have become interested in other facets particularly black and white imaging. My "why" is about sharing pics of where I live which is on Vancouver Island, a beautiful and rugged part of west coast Canada. Often it's rainy, sometimes foggy etc and black and white allows me to portray and share those seascapes, shorelines, forests and objects that have strong detail, tones and contrasts and for me make that image powerful and that is my "why". I hope others will look at my pictures and learn from them and enjoy their surroundings.
Hello John, one of my colleagues is planning to go to Vancouver Island for his Honeymoon, to see the whales and to enjoy the amazing scenery. I'm sure he'd love to see some of your pictures, can we find them somewhere on the "interweb"? Many thanks! Graeme
Thanks for watching John and for sharing that background.
I’d also like to visit Vancouver one day so it will be awesome to see you guys there maybe
Loved this video. Loved the personal touches. Thanks for sharing
How fortunate you are to have been actively supported and encouraged by your parents in your creative journey. Many others have to slog on, on their own.
As a wildlife photographer first and foremost I want to share my experiences. My landscape images I share so people will appreciate nature more and stop wrecking it. But all of my photograph is about educating others.
The more ruthless you are in distilling the "why" of your photography (or any artistic endeavor) the more peaceful your mind will be as you do that endeavor. The secret is to never accept that you've answered the "why" question, ever.
Absolutely James, it seems that the closer you get to the WHY The harder you have to scrape away at the surface. So of course the more that you do that the more your artistic creativity becomes honed
Great video. This is actually a question that I actively sought to answer for myself last year.
If you see a coin on the ground, you pick it up because it has value. If I see a scene before me, whether grand or intimate, literal or abstract, that I feel has added value to my experience of life on this planet, I take a picture of it. I hadn't realized that in years past and lost my way without knowing it because often, I was collecting memories for others and not myself. In the "learning" of photography, I was unconsciously taking on the "why" of the teacher because it is so often tied to the "how".
Thank you for that very insightful comment. Great to have you here sharing these videos with us
I have found that if you follow others and what they think would make a good photo that never works for me. I have to find those shoots for myself. Thank you and have a good day.
I have been in a rut since Covid. As an 8 year nomad that shoots mostly nature and travel photos, it's not really fixable. I can't safely hitchhike to desired locations. Now I bounce from city to city. I've started doing some street photography but I don't have the passion, I am trying to grow it. I'll often never even take my camera out of the bag when I go out in the cities. I know my problem and don't have a plausible solution. I even bought a full frame camera a year ago. I love it and am happy, wanted it for a while, just was able to afford it at the time. It wasn't bought to reignite my passion, I don't think I knew I was in a rut at the time. I plan to climb Mount Etna soon and maybe Stromboli Volcano too(Sicilia, Italia). That should be some good therapy and I expect the passion will be immediate.
Sorry To hear that you have been in a rut, But hopefully you will be able to get back out there photographing again soon
@@ThePhotographicEye thanks!
@@ThePhotographicEye the new aloro, because of a broken algorithm. I climbed Mt. Etna Wednesday which was amazing! Thursday she blew, I didn't know. I went today for shorter hikes. But on the bus up I saw the entire south side had collapsed. It was awe inspiring! Where I was standing 12 hours before the eruption was burried under a landslide! My passion is burning as hot as it ever has now! I'll be watching the monitors now and will probably go again soon.
I do it for walking and I had a social anxiety and street photography helped me to encounter that.
That is wonderful to hear Mike thank you for sharing that with us
Very interesting to hear your thoughts on WHY. There were many factors as to WHY I took up photography as its been in my mind for 40 years and only touched upon as a hobbie in the past 12 months. I'll happily admit that photography is making me a healthier person in body and mind.
Whoah. This is my story, exactly. Early fifties now and I fantasized about photography since I was an early teen at the library poring through photo magazines. I only started pursuing it just a couple months over a year ago, and no lie, it has awakened in me something I was afraid I had lost. I'm in a _much_ better place because of it!
This is what everyone needs to hear, but so hard to navigate. The whole time while listening to it, I keep trying to remember over my 40yrs of shooting, they WHYS. Context was there during times, but in a nutshell, the WHY was far too general to really have a valid point. The sound bite on Avedon (one of my favorite) is very insightful, but it got me thinking.. HOW.. How is a person to really find the reasons why, especially when the subject matter is Vast. In the end for me, its about the craft and trying to make the best picture of the given subject. Lighting, composition, Color, etc... Ive never bored of it, but Ive struggled with that esoteric DETAIL..
The insight of keeping focused on the 'why' is the insight most tend to lose sight of. And corollary insight that 'why' is very individual is also very important. Too often, others will try to tell us what we should photograph instead of listening to us explain our unique 'whys'.
Very much agree with you Jay. So much of what we tend to see specially on TH-cam these days is people telling you how to do something very specific.
That’s why I’ve kind of tended to stay clear of technique style videos and focus more on these aspects that are very important but nobody seems to really discuss very much
Thanks for posting this. I'm going back to cityscapes once more after a 5-year hiatus. And am excited to see what I can find.
Let us know how you get on Ben. be great to see
How valuable your channel is ! This one resonates in me ! Thanks for that ... I think I will rethink about it a lot .....
For me you are a preacher or guru of creativity/photography. I really appreciate your wisdom and experience - your view. Thanks for the insight!
Thank you John! That’s very kind of you to say so
I didn't need that "Why?" at the moment (motivation is still strong ;-)), but definitely something to ponder! Until now, if someone would've asked me the "Why?" question, I would've answered without thinking "Because it's fun!" - but after you've told your story about doing photography to have something to share with your father (and now with us ;-)), I wondered if this could also apply to me. It is not as straight-forward, but I think my preference for nature and landscape photography (with a bit of interest for still life) is somewhat influenced by my father. Nothing as straight-forward as your story, but there are some clues here and there - and a landscape oil painting he did in his youth, at the brink of WWII. It was his only surviving painting from this time, with minor damages, that he later restored and that hung on the wall.
Thanks, Alex, for sharing all your insights!
Thanks for sharing this introspection, this is a deep subject with so many reasons maybe most of us are just afraid to ask "why" to our subconscient. In a quality system, the 5 why method brings you to a response, maybe it's more convenient or easier to press on the button and be hide by the camera. But why...
As always Brilliant 😀 perhaps the only channel that adds value in the thought process of photography. For what it’s worth, as photographers we add to the circle of life.. images reach out to all that can see, are effected by your image and for some people this is a lasting effect. Love from Australia.
Thank you so much James that’s awesome to hear and thank you for watching
You made me think about my why and funny as it may seen the only reason I photograph is to make my vision of the world, how I look at it, in every sense , permanent. I´m son of someone of a man that love take photos for the sake of making some kind of document and now , as he passed away, some of them are real testments. I guess that I follow his path and I enjoy a lot! I have already made money with my photos but it´s not and I doubt the sometime will be my motivation to keep shooting. Thank you for making me ask why. It was an wonderful jorney. Regards from Brazil.
“My vision of the world “, Excellent.
Really great video, and very thought provoking. I'm now thinking back over my favorite images over decades of photography. And WHY they're my favorites. What inspired me, what was I trying to capture... I'm left wondering: If I took 2-3 dozen images from those decades of shooting, and showed them people, would THEY be able to discern MY "why"?
You speak about the Why and relate it back to the photos you enjoyed, that didn't relate to me as I trekked on Skye and the views made me buy a camera. All my photos were rubbish (film) and cameras never lasted long but I always wanted it to work.
Then came digital and thinking on my Why, its to explore beautiful scenery and capture it.
So my "Why" is the scenery, arty stuff is secondary! Thanks for making me think.
My pleasure Andrew thanks ever so much I can imagine how Skye Would have inspired you!
This is photographic existentialism at the highest level. Søren Kierkegaard would have loved you. Thanks:-)
Thanks :D Never been compared to a philosopher before!
@@ThePhotographicEye Ps! Remember that Kierkegaard always encourages us to embrace despair, as only despair can lead us in the right direction. A very important lesson for photography!
My "why"? I take candids and portraits because I learned from my dad and my aunt that there is always the possibility that for one reason or another it will be the only physical representation or memory I will have documented of the individual for myself and to share with others whether in candids, family reunions, or spontaneous shots. Best example: my aunt's 100th birthday party in Puerto Rico that evolved into a family reunion two years before Covid struck. Not my best work but I always remember David Bausch's question: "Don't worry too much about composition and sharpness. Did you get the shot?"
What great reasoning. I often wonder why and realize I photograph for me, and everyone is not going to see my vision.
You're right.
I started taking pictures because I trusted photography as a way to change reality, to change things, to inform the people what was going on in some parts of the world: despair, war, refugees…
After 4 years I had to give up this way. Nothing changed, I discovered media were more concerned about earning money than doing journalism. And my bank account started to have red lights.
After that photography continued being my passion. But in other way. I pass from "What" to "How". I had two children and the only time I had to taking pictures was during our family holidays. And I started to taking pictures of… other families touring. Street photography I guess. And some of my family.
Then I started to be fed up of being always looking as a photographer; photography became a jail, not a way of freedom.
'Till now. Now I feel free to take pictures. I realice that it's not worth making an extraordinary effort but only enjoying. All and all taking pictures when my eye says I can take a picture. This is my "why".
Thanks for sharing your feelings about photography.
Thank you for watching Alberto and for sharing your thoughts. That freedom that you feel to take photographs is so liberating isn’t it
@@ThePhotographicEye Sure!! It is. And I think that's the goal.
@@albertoperezpuyal3740 I really hope more people remember that its no supposed to be a chore (which occasionally it can feel like, especially as a 'working' photographer)
About half way through Simon’s book, really great hearing those ideas being applied to photographers.
Thanks! Very inspirational, as always, and something that really struck home.
Thank you very much Kyle!
I noticed a certain reticence to use the word art there. And it's common with photographers to shy away from this word. But as somebody who paints in oils, draws and sculpts I can tell you that photography is art. We have been scared by so-called elites controlling what is deemed art, and we shouldn't be. We don't hesitate to call a stick figure on a cave wall, painted by early humans art, so why should we be so scared of calling photography art. If you put yourself into it, then call it what you like. It's not pretentious to call it art, it's merely descriptive.
Very glad to see TPE back in my subscriptions again, btw. Thank you for another inspiring video.
It's an interesting conumdrum in photography. I flit between two camps - on one hand it's very much art, and on the other, not.
Perhaps I tend to shy away in this case from the word art, is that its too easy to call ones self an 'artist', and leave it at that.
@@ThePhotographicEye Again, I think we've been convinced that that's somehow pretentious but it needn't be.
I very much enjoyed this video. It reminded me of similar conversations I had with my father. Thanks!
Love your honesty and personal view of photography, there is so much for us to learn.
And I learn a lot from you guys as well Eric, thank you for watching
Alot of our 'Why's tend to be the need for Affirmation.
The ironic thing is that once you get past this need, you then realise, most pursuits lose their appeal/reason for doing them
Great video! Enjoy listening to your perspectives! Thank you for so much more than the typical TH-cam “how to”.
Thank you so much Caitlin! Great to have you here
Thank you again for another interesting thought. Have a lovely evening
Thanks Heinz. Great to have you here how did you enjoy the video? Did it provoke any thoughts about your photography you hadn’t thought of before?
@@ThePhotographicEye Hello Alex. I like your videos a lot. They make me think, and make me look at photography from a different angle. I often try to get better, make images which are liked by the viewers. But the original WHY is, to make a picture of what I like, and to freeze it, the best way I can. And in fact, it doesn't matter what, because I believe everything has an angle from which a nice image can be taken. The hard thing is to find it.
I always look forward to your thoughts. Baie dankie
First I watched the videos from Ted Forbes and learned a lot. I like this guy!
Then I found your channel and understand even better, because you put it straight to the point! Thanks an keep it up 📷
An interesting one this, the answer to this very question came to me on a quiet night quite recently, it went something like this. Why do I like taking portraits of people? The stock answer is "because you look lovely". Or perhaps; "you just looked in that moment very good and I would like to capture that". I have been questioning those answers for some time, because they are not right. I think for me the answer to the problem was. I take photos of women (and men) across all ages because they have influenced my life in some way. They have enriched it visually sometimes by just straining a tea bag on the side of a cup, or the expression while trying to explain a point of view. Another was a man who in a classical way just looked hard as nails with the background of mountains behind. I could go on, but thats why. It's a more honest reason for me than just saying to someone, "I want to take your picture because you look beautiful". Thanks for the video!
My pleasure John I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you ever so much for watching
As user experience designers we also start with why when we design products for people. To create products people find meaningful. Camera companies would also benefit from starting with why. Leica is one company that i would say start with their why.
Possibly it’s because like I have stuck to that aesthetic more than the camera manufacturers over time.
@@ThePhotographicEye Thank you for your answer! Love your channel!
I enjoyed this. Thank you.
Good info . . . as usual !
Keep 'em coming.
Will do!
Thank you so much for this! I love your channel and have been watching since the beginning 🙏🏻 your videos are so interesting and helpful.
I have lost my why which has led to lack of motivation and a “why bother” attitude that I can’t seem to break out of. I am ready to give it all up. I have been asking myself why do this just for a few likes on social media. This is what it’s come down to but I know that’s not the real reason I’ve been doing this for the last 10 years. It’s time for me to dig deep and find my why again 🙏🏻❤️
Keep these wonderful videos coming 😊
It’s my pleasure Norma. It’s so great to hear that these videos by helping you rediscover your passion and joy of photography
Norma, delete your social media - especially the wretched Meta. I’ve done so, and it’s worked wonders for my outlook, motivation and output.
Thanks@@coryhultquist580. I have seriously thought of doing that. I might just take on your advice 🙏🏻
To be a bit mean: This "why", "purpose" or "goals in life" is soo much 1990s "self improvement" talk, where people had to be efficient, cost saving and productive, else they are "useless". Of course there is a point in every ideology, even this one. Hardly anyone takes pictures just to waste time and money. My why is to be inspired and to go where my inspiration this day might take me, knowing I will get some results I like the next day or year. Trust your inspiration, don't ask why! Tip: Shoot film, it slows you down and gives you more time to think about why and if you should take this specific picture Just firing away on digital at 10 or more fps isn't the answer (unless you are a sports photographer and your "why" is to just earn money, they sent you there and one of your 1000 pictures will be accepted by them). Anyway: Keep up the good work, it will also inspire people when they don't agree!
Thank you for watching and for sharing your thoughts. Have an awesome 2022
Why I take photos is as complicated as why do anything optional. (Breathing is not optional) I have been fascinated with some of the iconic images important during my lifetime: Earthrise, Ali over Liston, The running naked Vietnamese girl refugee, and others. These are images that cause virtually everyone to pause, not just because they contained an incredible story, but because the image is so striking. It would be great to make images like that, though the goal might be a bit lofty. So, at my core I want to be Daguerr, or Adams, or any number of other pioneering artists. I want to make an impact. To be famous? Maybe.
Yeah, a bit lofty, but it helps to have a high bar even if I never get over it.
Did I say it was my passion?
This is helpfull on a deeper level - thank you so much for sharing this with us.
I personally feel deep satisfaction in finding order in the chaos of everyday life and the world we live in. I find that in my personal life, in the work I do, and perhaps this closely relates to the why you talk about.
I'll let this simmer for a while....
Glad it was helpful!
I am not really a photographer, well certainly not yet. Its recently come into my life as an adjunct to my drawing and art as opposed to point and click happy snapping. I took a quick intro course and couldn't understand why I enjoyed street photography around the city which is possibly the antithesis of my usual self. Ive also recently had to accept I may be on the spectrum and this has really helped connect the interest in street photography and that questioning of understanding from the potentially autistic influence. I struggle to fit or feel part of this environment and now wondering if my WHY is by way of distancing and analysing so I can understand or feel some connection and security in a place that feels like another planet most days.
Thank you Alex for another great video.
Thank you so much for watching it Leanne!
kinda have a feeling that thisis gonna be one of my favored channels...
My why is the scene or subject must evoke an emotional response in me that makes me to want to express it as a picture. No matter how beautiful or geometrically interesting it may be, if I can't 'feel' it I won't shoot it.
That’s great to hear Gordon channelling into that inner feel as you say is exactly what we’re looking for
Beautiful Inspiring and informative . Thanks
Thank you
Great channel, very valuable content, thank you
I have a question that I hope you will reply to. I watch many old B&W movies and noticed that they are quite sharp front to back. I assume this is attributed to the Cine lens they use. Are cine lenses that much better than prime or higher end lenses? I have some bare root lenses and 2 good lenses. I have my eye on a cine lens if it's what I think they are.
I understand that quite well, Alex. l do often struggle with myself - my city is being so boring, what to shoot, and when, and especially - why?
Funny how everyone says their own environment is boring, when someone from out of town may find it the most exciting environment
@@ThePhotographicEye This might be true, but i am living 10 years into the same place. I do know my hometown best, and from architecture and everything else here, it's mediocre. Well, my birthplace town is worlds being better from everything, than this location, anyway.
Why? It just draw me in. I put a photo on the wall and it makes me smile. Why? No idea, no “origin story”. Just signed up for it at school because it seems like something I might enjoy. 🤷♂️ Still calls me to make images 40 years later. There is no why. Wish I had more walls though. 😁
By the way. Love the new warm coloured set.
A very good and helpful episode.
My why has always been to capture the existential nature of reality in what I see in the moment I am in…then to move on. It is pictures of nothing like Stephen Shore, William Eggleston do so well. Perfect, pretty pictures bore me to tears. I find it incredably difficult to do because it doesn’t have any handles to grab onto, or a box to put it into. Many photographers find it banal-oh well.
Thank you a lot !
Great show!
Great discussion thanks