Why Do I Shoot?
As I sit here, pondering over the images, I have shot in recent times, I cannot help but be consumed by the questions that plague me each time I embark on a photographic journey: Why do I shoot? What is it about photography that keeps me coming back for more, despite the hardships and challenges that often come with it?
The answer to this question is not simple, nor is it one-dimensional.
Photography is an intricate and multifaceted art form that encompasses technical skill, creative inspiration, and sheer perseverance.
It is a passion that requires one to be in tune with their surroundings, to be fully present in the moment, and to have a deep understanding of the world around us.
At the heart of it all, I believe that photography is a way for us to connect with the world around us, to capture moments of beauty and meaning that might otherwise be lost forever.
Through the lens of a camera, we are able to immortalize a moment in time, to freeze it for all eternity, and to share it with the world.
For me, photography is a form of meditation, a way to quiet my mind and focus on the present moment. When I’m out shooting, I’m not thinking about bills or deadlines or other stresses of everyday life. I’m simply immersed in the beauty of the world around me, capturing it one frame at a time.
Photography is also a way to explore and discover the world around us. It allows us to see things from a different perspective, to notice details that might otherwise go unnoticed, and to appreciate the simple beauty of our surroundings. With a camera in hand, we are able to explore new places, meet new people, and experience new cultures.
But at the same time, photography is not always easy. It requires a lot of patience, perseverance, and dedication. There are times when I find myself waking up at ungodly hours, battling the elements, and waiting for hours for that perfect shot. There are times when I find myself in dangerous or uncomfortable situations, facing the unknown and taking risks in order to capture a moment of beauty or significance.
There are also times when I experience moments of frustration and disappointment.
Times when I spend hours editing a photo, only to realize that it’s slightly out of focus or overexposed. Times when I find myself in a swamp, being eaten alive by mosquitoes, or being chased by an over-protective mother elephant. But even in those moments of difficulty and challenge, there is still a sense of joy and fulfilment in the act of creating something beautiful and meaningful.
And so, the question remains: Why do I shoot? Why do I subject myself to the hardships and challenges of this art form? The answer, for me, is simple. I shoot because it allows me to connect with the world around me in a deep and meaningful way. It allows me to capture moments of beauty and significance, to explore and discover new places and cultures, and to share my vision of the world with others.
Photography is not just a hobby or a pastime for me.
It’s a way of life, a way of seeing and experiencing the world that is unique and personal to each and every one of us.
It’s a way to capture the essence of life itself, and to preserve it for all eternity. So the next time you see me out in the field, with my camera in hand, remember that I am not just a shooter. I am a philosopher, an artist, and a storyteller.
Through my lens, I am able to share my vision of the world with you, one frame at a time. And through my photography, I hope to inspire others to see the world in a new and profound way.