I take photos because it helps me alter the way I look at the world.
At times I feel the need to work to keep culture a part of my life that is jumbled with numbers and commerce. Everyone should do this. A connection to art is a connection to our roots and a whole half of our world that sometimes gets lost. We need to stimulate both sides of our brain.
Through a required class I probably would not have taken otherwise, I formed an interest for studio art in Highschool with drawing and painting; opening a door to creativity and learning. This outlet led me to photography in college, a medium I didn’t think I would prefer until I was behind the lens.
Being behind a camera and in a darkroom (or even Photoshop) stirs excitement for me. Photography is such an experiential art. It makes you to stand knee deep in a stream trying to get the ideal angle of water, forces you to brush off judging stares as you grab decisive moments and has you recruit friends to have their bodies painted black for a shoot.
In other words, experiences I mostly likely would not have if photography were not my hobby.
As a photographer your eyes and mind begin to observe the world in a different way. I notice every passerby and unique wrinkle on his or her face. When I look at trees I see shadows and light. Something ugly always has beauty in a photographer’s eye. I never want to lose this.
That is why I take photos.
