What is it about photography?

[Tobers]

Why am I so hooked on it. And why are you lot? Why go out in the middle of the night in the rain to take a picture? Why spend loads of money on metal, glass and plastic? And strange bags.

Is it something to do with the ridiculous number of permutations of all the variables like shutter speed, aperture, ISO etc etc. Or is it the endless plethora of gadgetery. There's obviously an arty side which I enjoy as well. Plus there's the PC bit for post-processing which means you get to justify high-end PC kit. Plus there's internet forums full of like-minded people to chat to.

I think for me it is just a fantastically deep hobby that will keep me busy and enthralled for a long time to come.

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

For me it's something to take my mind off the technical stuff I do and the pressure of running my own business. It allows me a form of release.

Gordon

[wabbitt]

A little bit like Gordon, I have a technical job. Not that I hate it, but I don't enjoy it.

I started out wanting to be a graphical designer. Times were toughin good old Sunderland so I took the job as a draughtsman which was the nearest thing to being a graphics designer. Before I knew it I was an engineer caught in the money trap.

I find photography is a way to get back to what I really wanted to be in the first place... something more artistic.

Catch 22 though. Engineering allows me to pay for something I always wanted to be. I've accepted my fate. An engineer who loves photography and will never leave it.

[tontoshorse]

But remove photography and insert golf or fishing etc. Its the same old same old.

For me its a bit of fun. I've said before that I've enjoyed this months comp theme and because of I get out and look at things which I'd never given a second glance.

[onefivenine]

Originally Posted by Tobers

Why am I so hooked on it. And why are you lot? Why go out in the middle of the night in the rain to take a picture? Why spend loads of money on metal, glass and plastic? And strange bags.

Is it something to do with the ridiculous number of permutations of all the variables like shutter speed, aperture, ISO etc etc. Or is it the endless plethora of gadgetery. There's obviously an arty side which I enjoy as well. Plus there's the PC bit for post-processing which means you get to justify high-end PC kit. Plus there's internet forums full of like-minded people to chat to.

I think for me it is just a fantastically deep hobby that will keep me busy and enthralled for a long time to come.

I couldn't have put it better myself.

[Pirate!!]

I'm just a peeping tom and a camera is essential!

[Lawrenzini]

I think it's very Phallic, all about the size of your box and the length of your lens. I know they say it's not what you've got but what you do with it but I bet that if your girlfriends ex had a EOS 1D mkII with a 1000mm lens you'd be intimidated.

Also intimidating people with compacts... "Move over compact boy, this is my photo opportunity"

[onefivenine]

Originally Posted by Lawrenzini

I think it's very Phallic, all about the size of your box and the length of your lens. I know they say it's not what you've got but what you do with it but I bet that if your girlfriends ex had a EOS 1D mkII with a 1000mm lens you'd be intimidated.

Also intimidating people with compacts... "Move over compact boy, this is my photo opportunity"

Of course it is. Any idiot can buy the best gear and not know how to use it though...

[denno75uk]

All good points.
For me it was originally about seeing fantastic things whilst out and about and tryin to capture it and take it home, mainly landscapes or architecture at the time. As I got into it it became more about trying to capture EVERYTHING amazing that I might see.
Then of course your perspective changes somewhat and you start to try and create things to capture, hunt around for a shot that you probably wouldn't just come across.
I have no doubt that the advent of digital has brought in people who were in it for the technology. Mine has the most Mp, longest lens, highest frame burst etc. but I bet even they get bitten by the bug. I've got the best camera money can buy but now I actually want to go and take the best photos I can.
Talking about it is also important. Me and a mate go on alot about cars discussing the superlatives, but when talking about photography it's different. We can go on for ages discussing situations, techniques and gear. I suppose the main difference is that with our motors we're never going to achieve any great feats of speed but even though our DSLRs are pretty modest, there's still a chance we can take photos as good as anyone else.
As my mate puts it, and I quote, "most of whether its going to be a great shot or pap is down to you and your eye and pressing the button."

[Radiohead]

From a personal point of view - it's about capturing a moment that I can look back on for years. Nothing more complex than that.

From a business point of view - it's being given the honour and responsibility of capturing a wedding. Huge pressure because you can't ever go back and reshoot, but worth every moment for the joy on the couples' faces when they see the images.

[RandomLee]

Originally Posted by Radiohead

From a personal point of view - it's about capturing a moment that I can look back on for years. Nothing more complex than that.

I'm really just getting into it as a hobby but that pretty much sums up what I like about taking pictures. Memories.

Only now am I wanting to put a bit more effort in to get some good results.

Lots of learning ahead for me but I'm looking forward to it.

[Liquid101]

For me it was about capturing the images that were in front of my eyes. It quickly became almost obsessive though, and I think I over did it. Eventually I turned my back on it all together. It's only really been in last year or so since I bought a DSLR that I can enjoy it on a personal level again.

Now, it's become more of a technical interest. I enjoy making images that are aesthetically pleasing of course, but I think I enjoy the technicalities of realising my ideas more than the ideas themselves.

I have to say though, I really enjoy this forum. It's totally rekindled my interest

[tyefi]

Not sure exactly, anymore. Photography was something that fascinated me as a kid, had my first 126 camera when i was around 5, then a 110 at 8, and 35mm compact at 11. Once i started work, after the hi-fi, came the SLR. That said i can go for several months taking very few pictures, then other periods where i'm up at 2-3000 shots a month.

[vulkan75]

I used to think all photographers were nerds.But guess what..... Im now a nerd .

I have had alot of intrests and hobbies from DJing,martial arts,football,Av,bodybuilding etc etc but this photography thing has really taken a hold.Ive been a member of these forums for a good few years and I have never visted or posted so much in one section as I have in this forum in the last few months.

I think everyone on this forum are top geezers,and you really get a sense of each individuals personality.

Human beings thrive on recognition,and when some gives you a for a pic yove posted....it just makes you want to post another.

Hope to meet some of you fellow nerds in the flesh one day.

But until then happy snapping.

[senu]

Originally Posted by vulkan75

I used to think all photographers were nerds.But guess what..... Im now a nerd .


Hope to meet some of you fellow nerds in the flesh one day.

But until then happy snapping.

Hi there nerd
I could think of worse pastimes you know , and I think its pretty Human ( not nerdy) to respond to a nice Picture ( either technical or artistic) positively.
As long as you actually keep your photographic eye open and appreciate the processes of looking at a scene , getting out the camera and pressing the shutter button, I think youll find you are in very good company here.

Some photography forums seem to have a pecking order of who owns what kit and how clever you are with polarisers and f stops and Adobe Cs3 beta forgetting the simple pleasures of taking and sharing an image with real or " online" friends.
Whether you have an P& S or Canons latest "flagship", can or cannot perform Photoshop magic, it really all boils down to taking photos , posting and sharing them.
Theses forums seem to manage to keep friendly and enthusiastic without the "nerd" thing in your face