Someone asked me today why I take photographs?

I like the way photography records history.
One of my favorite books is "New York Changing - Revisiting Berenice Abbott's New York".
Douglas Revere photographed the same scenes in New York City from 1997-2003 that were taken by Berenice Abbott in the 1930s using an identical 8x10 camera.
It is remarkable how some scenes have changed and others haven't.
With every photo we take, we have saved a little history.
 
I am a photographer because there is no other medium that I can express myself as well as I can express myself with a photograph. I have something to say and I have the tool to say it with. it really is that simple. I am a photographer because I have no other choice. I have no other marketable skills and when it comes to my personal work I have no other way to express my feelings and emotions better than the way I can do it through a photograph. And I the fact I still love it after all these decades tells me it is right for me.
 
johnny scarecrow said:
In reference to Winogrand's widely quoted statement in the original post, the more I have read about Winogrand, especially from John Szarkowski and Tod Papageorge, the more I have come to believe it was pretty much a throwaway line. Winogrand was a man who thought very deeply about the world and was acutely aware of the various forces that drove him to continually take photographs. Having said that, the phrase itself might well contain the inscrutable code by which he hoped to decipher those drives.
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I'm of the same mind. It's the kind of answer that you know it's been carved in the street, for the street. 'Why did you take my photo?' -- 'I didn't take your photo, I took my photo'. And so on. When on the beat, he must had developed a keen sense when/how to frustrate further conversation, stave off the curious, the aggressive, the agenda-driven or the attention-seeking. His photography was not personal although it was always of persons. How do you explain that, off the cuff, in the middle of the street? Especially if you've tried a good few times, to no good end. 'I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed.' -- 'Huh? OK. You 're a nut, you know that? We're all nuts here.'. It's not an insencere answer either, I think. Previsualization or experience or what not, there's still pleasure in making and looking a photograph. Otherwise why photograph at all? Once you reach the point where you can previsualize consistently you may lay down your gear and carry on with other stuff. But he also kept saying how his photography didn't have messages and it was all about the photograph, not reality. What a big red herring. Nothing mattered to him more than the thing photographed. Maybe it was a bit unfashionable to admit as much, even then. Who knows.

.
 
My reasons for photographing have shifted over the years. I should try to break it down:

In the 1950s I took a couple of pictures with my parents (and grandparents) cameras. Nice introduction, but I cannot remember my motivations.

In the 1960s I photographed because it was something I was just becoming old enough to understand and I enjoyed the cameras.

In the 1970s it was because it was easier than painting. I was a hippie/student/entrepreneur. What can I say?

In the 1980s I photographed because it paid the bills. From 1976 to 1986 I was a successful commercial photographer, and business owner. However in 1987 I had a crisis of faith, and became an educator, which I have been ever since. Photography eventually became a hobby, but I left it for 10 years, and mothballed my darkroom.

In the 1990s I rarely photographed, but I did revive my painting. Over 100 acrylic paintings and hundreds of drawings. In 1999 I got my first serious digital camera (Nikon Coolpix 950.) Soon, I was back to button pushing with gusto.

In the 2000s I photographed because I was learning something new (digital photography) and because I was intrigued by the possibilities, which seemed endless at the time. I also explored hybrid photography as I got my first scanner, and un-mothballed parts of my darkroom.

In the 2010s, ... ok, it's a habit. I make pictures, always have. I do photography for personal enjoyment and the occasional 'art' exhibition. I keep my real job.

Now I play with the idea of the occasional commercial job, but I get the best motivation by taking the "portfolio development' class at my school. It costs me only $15 , so why not, eh? I get support and critique for a new project every time.

When I break it down, I photograph because it is something that I enjoy. Do I really need another reason?
 
I meant that in jest. Sorry if it gave the impression of being in anger or offensive.
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I imagine that it only gave offence to those who wished to be offended.

As I hope I've already indicated, I thought it an appropriate response. (Yes, I did take it as you meant it) :D
 
I like fondling my cameras, to hell with the pictures ;)

^typically we expose the film, but sometimes you forget about the cap >.<
 
Didn't stick with photography when trying out digital photography. The iPhone 4 got me going tho, felt unobtrucive. Discovered the soviet cameras whilst surfing the cyberwebz and thought it would be fun to try out film photography.

Little did I know it would become one of the few ways avaliable for me to beat my anxiety.

Feel like ****? Unexplainable feeling of stress eating you up from the inside forcing you to implode? Grab an old film camera and go on a hunt for a couple of hours. Try with all your migth to learn something, accomplish something or try something crazy. Go home and develop, scan.

Better than any therapy, drug, legal or illegal there is ;)
 
finguanzo said:
Ive said this before, but I photograph because I need something to do while out walking, also as I attempt to quit smoking, need something to occupy my hands.
;)
half kidding...
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Fidel, I hope your work gets noticed, so I can see this quote in an interview. :D
 
I photograph. Therefore I am.

Also to test old, cheap, crappy gear. You have to wonder how much we'd shoot if we only used new gear that worked correctly and shot the same every time. Questionable eBay cameras have made film companies a lot of money!
 
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