Facts, Fun, & Fiction

This is a continued posting of yesterdays Enough Already. Why we photograph and not just how we photograph. Here is the link.

As eluded to yesterday, we are inundated with what to shoot with, where to shoot, with whom to shoot, but not so much on why to shoot. This is a very important element that can go missing in action for the photographer. More so today than ever before with manufactures promising perfect pictures if you buy their product. Hmmm... Even an actor can produce a wedding shoot with a point and shoot. Sorry, I don't think so!

So what is it that drives us to capture images. I stumbled on this thought while rambling on in yesterdays post and is the sole reason this went into to days. I believe we shoot for one or more of the following reasons. To get the facts, for fun, or for fiction. Let me explain by using some examples.

A photojournalist by their very definition is an image fact gatherer. They must not change a thing. The National Press Photographers Association Code of Ethics is very clear and has caused the dismissal of more than one photog for violation of the code. On the other hand a wedding shooter is also capturing facts. In this case they are not only allowed to, they are expected to enhance the images into fine pieces of art.

We all take pictures for fun. Family events, parties, and such. The fun I am speaking of here provides a deeper satisfaction. This is more an emotional enjoyment and I be is what drives most photographers to do what they do. First the introverted aspect; When out shooting and the perfect shot is captured, you know that with every step of the process (capture, post, display, and print) you will return to that emotional connection you had the moment you pressed the shutter. The external fun is when you are capturing an image of another person. You have a connection with that person that is the result of trust and satisfaction. Here again from the photographers aspect, the joy comes from the process of that connection, to the investment in time spent in post processing, to the joy seen by the person when they see the final images. To know that another person is willing to display your efforts in their personal space is quite satisfying.

Fiction on the other hand covers a vast area of photography. None the less though is its as inspiring to the viewer as motivating to the creator. Photographic Artist, Digital Artist, what every category you want to place these shooters, they spend an enormous amount of time on the final image. It may be a composite of numerous images, or vector graphics from Indesign, but do not be fooled, these people are true creatives. Each project is motivated my its own end vision of the creator while giving themselves total latitude to adjust, change or revamp that image in their mind.

No doubt there is much more to the why of photography, but this was my little encapsulation this broad and much ignored subject.

Hey all go out and have a great weekend.

Cya... Doug