THE DEEPER WHY: UNVEILING THE TRUE PURPOSE OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY
MOONRISE OVER HOKKAIDO
The magnetic pull towards working with the camera manifests in all of us photographers, but in unique ways. It may be the thrill of exploration, the ability to freeze a moment in time, or the sheer joy of creating something beautiful. While these motivations are entirely valid, they merely skim the surface of a more profound question:
"Why make photographs?"
Photography is more than a medium—it's a language—a language we use to express ideas, emotions, and our unique perspectives on the world. Just as a musician is drawn to the guitar or a cook to the kitchen, photographers are compelled to capture depth and mood in their imagery. Why? It's about personal expression. It's about communication. These are not just snapshots; they are fragments of our soul made visible.
When I started photographing, my goal was simple: to make great photos. I would spend hours in the field, chasing the "perfect shot." But I'd often come home frustrated and disappointed, feeling like I'd failed. I hadn't captured anything that felt worthy, and because photography was a means to an end, I felt like I'd come home empty-handed.
I lived in that cycle for years—until something shifted.
Eventually, I began to fall in love with the process. I started to see my time out photographing not as a mission to create great images but as my time away from the chaos of the world. It became a practice of finding my center and regaining a sense of peace and presence. When I came home, I wasn't empty-handed anymore—I was in a better state of mind. I was a better husband, a better artist, a better friend.
When I stopped chasing results and started loving the process, everything changed. And you know what happened next? My photos got better—richer, more soulful, with more depth and mood. They became more personal and expressive because I was no longer forcing the outcome. I was discovering something about myself—and about the world—through photography.
Understanding your deeper "Why" invites you to ponder other essential questions. What do you aim to express through your photography? What do you want your images to communicate to the viewer? The more conscious you are about these questions, the more authentic and emotionally resonant your work becomes.
Photography isn't just about observing the external world; it's a two-way mirror that allows us to look inwardly at our thoughts, emotions, and overall state of being. Through this practice, you're not just evolving as a photographer but as a human being. Each improvement in your inner world enriches your art, and each photograph you take enriches your inner world.
As photographers, we often think of our craft as capturing moments, but it's more than that. It's about capturing the experience—what the moment means to us and how it reflects our own inner state.
Take a moment to reflect:
Why do you pick up your camera?
What emotions or ideas drive you to create?
How would you answer if someone asked what your photography says about you?
The more you connect with your "Why," the more your photography will resonate with others and yourself. This shift isn't about achieving perfection or making every shot worthy. It's about creating something that reflects your unique perspective and leaves you fulfilled, regardless of the outcome.
I hope this story inspires you to pause and reflect on the deeper purpose behind your photography. The more you focus on loving the process, the less it matters whether you create a "great" photo—because you'll no longer come home empty-handed.
