What brings you joy in photography, and why do you take photos?
Finding your purpose as a photographer is the most difficult challenge. I feel photography is a journey of self-exploration, and discovering who you are.
What drives your photography?
- Do you take photos because it forces you to step outside of your comfort zone?
- Do you take photos because it helps you escape the dread of your daily job and life?
- Do you take photos because it draws you closer to other human beings?
- Do you take photos because it allows you to express yourself creatively?
For me, I’m driven by the craving of being on the streets. Being an extrovert, I hate being indoors. I love it the most when I’m walking in public, interacting with strangers, hearing the hustle and bustle of the streets, and also being creative— happy, and “in the zone.”
Furthermore, what drives me to blog is the honor and duty I have of sharing this information with others. I have personally faced a lot of difficulties in my photography, and I see blogging as a chance to share information which I help can empower others.
Teaching photography is also one of my passions — I do it because I love seeing my students conquer their fear of shooting street photography, their ability to improve their photography, meet other passionate photographers, and also to see how photography empowers them to be more bold in life.
What drives me to make YouTube videos? I get the drive because conveying certain information in video-format works better than text. I try not to make videos for the sake of making videos— only when videos are better than written-format.
What drives other street photographers?
I feel that street photography is self-therapy. It helps us get outside of our heads, and allows us to relax, and release stress.
Street photography is also about turning complexity and chaos of the everyday world, and making some order (by framing reality through our viewfinders).
I also feel street photography is a better way to connect with others, especially while traveling. To take photos of touristy landmarks is generally not very interesting, but photos of locals, and daily life is much more interesting.
If you have a hard time finding inspiration for your photography, always ask yourself: “What drives my photography? What is the greater purpose of my photography? Who does my photography benefit (besides myself)?”
This will help you find the drive to constantly be making photos.
Always,
Eric
Learn more: Personal Photography >