In extreme praise of photography.

1. Physical

It seems that out of all the art forms (at least the visual arts), photography is the most physical. Consider how much we must walk, crouch, engage with our subjects, and move our bodies. The more we walk, the more active we are physically, the better.

Also I rate high fitness and physical ability on a high bar. My personal ideal of the greatest artist is one who is also physically strong. Thus, photography aids our physical strength and must be highly commended.

2. Art-tech

Photography as the ultimate art technology hybrid.

If Leonardo Da Vinci were alive today, he would have LOVED photography beyond all measure. The ultimate synthesis and hybrid between art and technology.

Today’s society is rapidly gaining in terms of technology. Thus we as photographers have a very important task — us being at the intersection between art and society (consider how much of our everyday lives are dominated by visual images, and visual interactions).

3. Photography as accessible and democratic

Anyone and everyone can make photos, and every camera is legitimate. As iPhone cameras continue to get better and as digital technology gets cheaper, photography will continue to permeate our society more and more with her influence.

Photography is one of the best ways we can enlarge our means of self expression. Also photography can be a good starting point to introduce ourselves to video (moving pictures) which is also another valuable form of artistic creation.

Conclusion: Photography is one of the most fascinating art forms

Lastly, I believe photography is endlessly fascinating. Just when I think I got stuff figured out, the ways digital sensors render reality (monochrome) fascinates me more and more. Black and white photography as augmented reality — transforming our reality, making it more interesting, beautiful, and simpler.

Let us continue to thrive on as photographer-visual-artists!

Fortune favors the bold!
ERIC