{"id":45004,"date":"2017-03-29T01:56:27","date_gmt":"2017-03-29T08:56:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=45004"},"modified":"2017-03-30T23:37:45","modified_gmt":"2017-03-31T06:37:45","slug":"how-to-find-your-purpose-in-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/29\/how-to-find-your-purpose-in-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Find Your Purpose in Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

Dear friend; I want to write you a letter on finding your purpose in photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and giving you a chance to reflect on why<\/em> you make photos.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A purpose-driven life as a photographer<\/h2>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

First of all, we all need a reason to make photos.<\/p>\n

Some of us make photos as a way of self-therapy<\/a>. I know for myself, street photography<\/a> was a way for me to escape the stress from work \u00e2\u20ac\u201d just walking around for 10-15 minutes with my camera, was good for my soul.<\/p>\n

I also know that photography was a tool for me to empower others. One of the most meaningful things I ever did was teaching photography at a continuation school called \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcPhoenix High<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 in inner-city LA, and used photography as a tool to help encourage the students to find meaning and purpose in their life.<\/p>\n

Do you make photos to make photos; or to make meaning in life?<\/p>\n

If you have no idea what your purpose in photography is, here is some tips and advice for you:<\/p>\n

1. What puts your soul on fire?<\/h2>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

What kind of photos makes your soul soar? What kind of photos bring you delight, joy, and excitement?<\/p>\n

I know for me, I often get bored shooting sunsets. But I like to photograph people\u00e2\u20ac\u201d because I am a humanist at heart. And I love my fellow human beings. Photographing strangers also helps me build my personal self-confidence, and helps me become a more courageous person.<\/p>\n

I know for me, I used to care too much about what others thought of my photos. I never asked myself:<\/p>\n

\n What do I<\/em> think of my photos?\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So to start off, think to yourself: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why do I make photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

2. What excited you about photography when you started?<\/h2>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

Try to go back and remember when you first picked up a camera. How old were you? 5 years old, 10 years old, 20 years old, 30, 40, 50, 60, or even 70?<\/p>\n

What was the first experience you had with photography? Joy? Excitement? Wonderment?<\/p>\n

For me, it was amazement. I used to shoot with disposable 35mm film cameras on school trips. I had to wait a week before seeing the photos.<\/p>\n

When I first got my digital point and shoot camera from my mom at age 18, I was amazed\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I could see the images instantly on the LCD screen. To me, it was magic. Better than magic.<\/p>\n

I have always had a terrible memory; so the camera was a way I could take meaningful experiences in my life, and make them immortal.<\/p>\n

However as I got older\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I became less appreciative of this magical technology. I got caught up in the hype of megapixels<\/a>, having bigger lenses, and more expensive cameras. I forgot the initial joy I had in photography; that of curiosity and fun. I have since learned I can make great photos on a shitty camera<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why did you first start making photos? And what feeling did you have?<\/p>\n

3. What would you photograph today if you were going to die tonight?<\/h2>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

If today were your last day on earth; what would you photograph, and what would you not<\/em> photograph?<\/p>\n

If today were my last day on earth; I would make more meaningful photos of Cindy, and my love of her. I would also shoot some self-portraits of myself.<\/p>\n

I wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really care to photograph my cappuccino, a sunset, or the food I ate for dinner.<\/p>\n

Who would you photograph? What would you photograph?<\/p>\n

Would you photograph your partner, your kids, your friends, parents, strangers, landscapes, or what? There are no \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcright\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 or \u00e2\u20ac\u02dcwrong\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 what you decide to photograph.<\/p>\n

Only photograph what you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re passionate about.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conclusion: What is your purpose as a photographer?<\/h2>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

I think to find inspiration in photography is to find more purpose in your photography.<\/p>\n

For me, I find purpose in my photography by photographing beautiful images of Cindy \u00e2\u20ac\u201d hopefully to encourage others to show love for their loved ones.<\/p>\n

I also feel purposeful in blogging, because I hope these words will help others.<\/p>\n

What is your purpose as a photographer? Write it on a piece of paper, tweet it, Instagram it, Facebook it, whatever. Share your #personalphotography<\/strong><\/em> thoughts with your friends and followers.<\/p>\n

For me:<\/p>\n

\n I make photos to document my love with my loved ones, and to inspire others to do the same #personalphotography\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To find more meaning in your photography, pick up a copy of Photo Journal: Personal Photography Reflections<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Always,
\nEric<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Personal Photography ><\/a><\/h1>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n<\/header>\n

\n

For a primer to personal photography,\u00c2\u00a0read the\u00c2\u00a0book: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Personal Photography Manual<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n