what does it mean to you?

It's a cliche, but it makes me look. We all go about our day in the world. Going out with a camera, you notice things, you look for things. Basically, it makes you think.:eek: A terrible, terrible burden!
 
back alley said:
...................... about telling your story, having a messege and telling it to others...being about what you are trying to say! ................................
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Joe: that is it for me. I used to ask myself your question. I think I deciphered the answer for myself quite a few years ago. Photography is my most effective means of communication about those things I have discovered and believe others should know about. I also want to leave some record of cultures that currently exist but may become history.

I work diligently about communicating to others in the form of print exhibits and via my website. I don't take photos for me, I do it so others can see them. Many cannot understand why I refuse to sell my work but will give it to those who I believe will appreciate it.

This means I have little interest in photographing those other interesting things that most here do. I pretty much only work on long term projects or series that interest me. I don't always have a camera with me. I still stop and appreciate those flowers, sunsets, interesting architecture, or naturally artistic light / shadows. But I seldom photograph them.

Now I did do family photos and still occasionally will do some. I am reasonably good at it but do so only for family documentary purposes.

That also means that cameras and photo processes are merely tools necessary to accomplish my goals. Simpler and cheaper are better if they still help me make the photos I want.

So basically I am not in love with photography or cameras. I really do like the communication abilities that they provide to me.
 
I like it when someone likes a photograph of mine, and I like coming here and I dream of uploading to the gallery here and having one of mine in the weekly Gallery picks. And I like preserving a moment. But more and more I am learning that I really am shooting to produce a picture that satisfies me. Occasionally I achieve a composition that has some taut internal structure that is compelling and I am very pleased to see that. I agree that waiting for film is delicious.

I am reminded of Barnwulf's signature here on RFF, a quote from Giacometti, "I work now only for the sensation I have while working." immersed in exposure, light quality, composition, focal length depth of field is absorbing in itself. Trying to get a shot right is part of the reward even before seeing the result. If in addition I ever get to be in the weekly gallery picks on RFF I will have achieved more than I ever hoped in photography.
 
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