Photography
Why?
It’s a simple question that can get quite complex depending on the context on which it is being asked.
The context I’ve often find myself asking this question about is around my photography and why I do it. I’m not a professional photographer, looking to either make it into a profession or a desire to tell a story to the world. There’s no passion, purpose or project behind anything I photograph; no matter how much I’ve tried to come up with one in the past.
A photography podcast I listen to, The Photowalk by Neale James, has focused on this question a lot over the last few years with the various guests of his show. He’s even created a digital photo book around the subject.
With his guests and their extraordinary stories and achievements, it is unsurprising that many are driven by a passion; either to tell the story of others they encounter, places they love, or a subject they are personally impacted by.
However, it is also equally noticeable how many often come up with a similar theme around why they are photographers; which is variations of “because it’s just what I do”.
No goals to influence the world narrative on a topic, or somehow becoming rich and famous as a result. No passion project or specific reason for their photography; just because it is what they do.
Much in the same way I’ve landed on a similar point in my professional career at the moment, I’ve come to the same point in my photography as well. I can’t tell you why I do it, and I don’t have any specific goals or desires around it; only to keep making photos and enjoy the process while doing it.
Annoyingly, much like my professional career, I still hope to find a purpose or defined passion for this somewhere down the line. Until then, I have to mainly focus on not being restrictive in what I can and can’t do personally.
A popular term for this in the personal development world is to have an open mindset instead of a closed mindset. To believe that you can if you put in the effort and learn, rather than defaulting to believing you can’t.
Given my naturally pessimistic nature and tendency for low self worth; this is something I’m actively looking to work on over 2025.
Holiday time (and a reminder to always take the photo)
The lead up to this year’s end of year holiday period has been met with less anticipation than previous years.
After years of deteriorating health, my father was finally diagnosed with moderate to advanced Dementia in October this year. With his mental capacity rapidly falling, he has already needed to enter full time care instead of being at home. As you can imagine, the stress has taken a toll on members of the family.
While I generally take a pragmatic “deal with what’s in front of us” approach to things; I can’t deny there have been times it’s gotten to me too. There is an unspoken yet sober realisation now that this year’s Christmas will be the last for us with Dad where he is mentally and/or physically able to be with us.
While we all understand that Father Time comes for all of us and that there will be a final time for our lives one day; it’s unnerving to know it is a final time before it happens. I’ve knowingly had this experience once before that I can recall.
A couple of years ago, my mum and her sisters reunited at my parents place. Being located across the world, the unfortunate passing of their brother during the pandemic, and the known medical diagnosis of some; it was an unspoken but well known understanding that this was the last gathering.
I’m normally not keen on extended family gatherings if I’m honest, but I had a purpose that night as the amateur photographer in the family; take all the photos.
The night was a success. With dancing, singing and many photos taken and shared since. While I’m generally always the one taking photos at family gatherings anyway, I’m normally hesitant to take many photos of candid moments. But in times of realisation like these final gatherings, they are the ones I want to capture the most.
This year, I find myself having that purpose again. I’m unusually grateful that I even have the chance.
But I mainly write this to implore any of you reading of one thing: Do not wait for your realisation of the final moment. Always take the photo.