What drives you to do this?

Calina

I may regret this...as I try to find the nuancical difference between this and 100 posts before.

Inspired by a comment on one of the C&C threads and loosely linked to the why do you take photographs meme that pops up.

You could take photographs for any reason. Some photographs have wider appeal than others, some less so. Is there one driving force that makes you build one particular photograph? Do you look at potential photographs with an eye on what other people might want to hang on their wall or what you want to achieve with your equipment, or do you try to marry the two of them? Is it a social activity - do you do it to meet people? Or does it vary all the time. How many photographs would you take for purely selfish reasons, safe in the knowledge that they are not for public consumption, are an experiment, are not for display or whatever? Should the only reason to make a photographs be attracting the attention of anyone else? Would it be just for others to hang on a wall somewhere?

I'm guessing for some people - including myself - it's probably some kaleidoscope mixture of the above...but is there one overwhelming force that makes you point the camera one way?

I guess it all depends on how long you've been into photography and how seriously you take it as a hobby.In general as a beginner you're basically just going to aim for shots you like yourself but as you broaden out you'll get the views of family and friends which will most likely differ to your own.Their views in the end may put you off certain creative aspects of photography which is a shame but it happens.This is where the branching off happens.Some photographers will stick to their own "eye" just taking on board some technical advice while most will tailor their photography to suit others.If you want to become a successful photographer this is most likely necessary.If you aim to sell prints productively you must let the general publics view take the spotlight and you may have to subdue you're photographic eye in order to make money.

Looking at the main driving forces behind why people take photographs,there's mainly self appreciation,general appreciation and money.I'd imagine most photographers would strive for general appreciation and may if necessary forget about their own views on their work,instead focusing on others views.I don't believe photographers should put others people views ahead of their own but I guess many have to if they are monetarily driven.The way I look at it you are the person behind the camera,you are the one in control,you shouldn't be taking other peoples preferences into account while behind the camera.Your photography should represent you.

12monkey_Gal

I know I'm only a new comer here, but I have been taking crappy photos for a while. I aint too good at writing, and cant sing or play music. I have no ability to paint, but I sometimes see things in a different way. I like that I can use a camera to preserve that sort of stuff. I know most of my photos so far have been crappy, and I dont edit much, but I like shooting stuff I think is cool, or being able to show something in a different way.

I don't really take photos to have them bought, or hung, but I think if that did happen it would be cool. I take them to take them, and to have them.

Valentia

I find photography a bit like a table quiz.

I go, half expecting that I wont be able to answer a question and am surprised at what I know. Sometimes. like waiting two years and hundreds of attempts at getting a puffin at the exact millisecond of take off, I have a plan but 95% of the time I don't. I don't expect much and sometimes am surprised.

Taking sport now would be a bit different. I have to get out and do some. I have some very definite ideas about the kind of shots I want and thay are not the usual "action" type. Though I would love to get some of those too. I have one particular rugby shot floating around in my brain for years. Maybe someday!

As to why I take them.....I really just enjoy capturing a moment or a feeling. Sometimes the result also appeals to others but every photo I take means something to me. I have thousands of "snaps" that wouldn't be worth showing to anyone else but bring back something to me. I also enjoy fluteing about in PS or Lightroom afterwards. Better than watching some american crap on the telly.

ThOnda

Interesting thread, Calina, thank you.

It goes deep to the swampy-dark bottom of my soul. I like people. (I know, it doesn't look so.) And I like taking pictures of the people around me to show them that every single one is special and it is worth to take picture of her/him. I am trying to create interesting picture, portrait if you are willing to call it that way. The picture must be special for me. Or for somebody else. That's why I post a lot of crappy pictures, just to see, if I am wrong in my opinion. And there are few people with who I like to discuss my photos.

The most important warning in my head is always on - You should listen to opinions, but you don't have to follow them. If you trust in your work, pictures are going to show their quality without verbal persuasion.

And after all that thinking, understanding and leaving pictures to get old, I could say that I would be pleased if somebody wanted my picture in print.

So, Calina, I have to admit, that in most cases, I am trying to shoot to be able to produce pictures that could be shown to anybody.

[MACHO]When I shoot nudes, I even don't have to have film in my camera. The shooting itself is interesting enough :-) [/MACHO]

michelleans

Being a beginner, I assume I'm like most beginners and I like what I like personally. It's nice if someone else likes it too, but if not I'm not bothered. I do appreciate comments on what I could do to make my photos technically better as that is something I need to work on. If someone doesn't like the subject matter/ my take on a situation etc I'm not pushed though.

I don't have any intention to take up photography as anything more than a hobby so I won't be making money from it, unless someone wants to give me some money for a print, in which case why should I say no? But I take photographs for my own personal satisfaction.

Edited to add - it is also something that is the opposite of social for me. I like to go out by myself and take photos. I usually walk the dog with a camera in one hand.