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Why do you do photography?

This isn’t a typical how to article. I decided to wax poetic here and ask you why you do photography? Why any art for that matter? I just wanted to get all of you thinking a bit. Sometimes a little careful reflection is good for the soul and especially good as it relates to art, any art.

So why do you do photography? I won’t go into the details of why I do what I do, that’s on my web site. But I’d like to you think about why you practice photography. Are you “just” the family photographer? Are you sure? Think about it, you’re not “just” the family photographer. You are a preserver of cherished family memories. That is an important job. I remember when I first got into photography I was quickly dubbed the “family photographer” that was fine I was enjoying myself. The odd thing was as I became really good at what I was doing suddenly I was dubbed “just the family photographer” or talk to Kelly she’s just a photographer. At first I didn’t realize how everyone had trivialized what I was doing. Amazing how when you get really good at something, making it look easy, everyone suddenly thinks it must be easy, when it’s not.

Don’t let this trivialization bother you. You’re not “just” anything. And honestly if they start putting the word just before your name you’ve probably become quite good at what you do, or at least better than them.

My point is that even the family photographer is important. Think of archeology, paintings, frescos, and sculptures. Think of those very rare personal effects they discover of the everyday person and how those things are a window into that past time, place, and culture. What things do you think are going to survive for future generations, photographs. So those images that you’re capturing are not “just” your personal memories. They are a window into this time and place, this culture.

So the next time your photograph your child’s birthday, a family picnic, or the holiday season. Remember to not just pose people. Capture moments, capture memories, and capture a piece of your life.

Copyright 2006 Kelly Paal
Kelly Paal is a Freelance Nature and Landscape Photographer, exhibiting nationally and internationally. She started her own business Kelly Paal Photography. She has an educational background in photography, business, and commercial art. Please visit www.kellypaalphotography.com for more FREE how to articles.