Forgettable photos taken too late on a previously foggy morning
The thing about photography as a hobby is that the primary goal is not the photo. The photo is important. It’s the thing that keeps you motivated. If you never took photos you were proud of, you’d quickly lose interest.
The primary goal of photography as a hobby is the practice of photography. It’s learning to see things others don’t see. It’s grabbing the camera and pointing it at things, wondering if you can make something of it. It’s walking. It’s feeling the place where you are. It’s often disappointment. It’s the thrill of knowing before you even release the shutter that this one is going to be good. It’s about looking back and seeing how your photos have improved over time, about being a little surprised and proud that yeah, I took that.
I was pleased to hear Daniel from Glass reiterate (ironically) the thought that often goes through my head when viewing some peoples’ photos: if you can only get photos you’re happy to share by traveling to exotic locations where it’s fairly easy to close your eyes, point the camera, and come away with “bangers,” you’re not really growing as a photographer. But if you can walk out your front door—or hell, stay inside—and immediately see half a dozen options that might be something, you’re exercising the creative muscles necessary to grow.
When you travel, of course take your camera. Shoot a mountain or a lighthouse or a space station or something—whoever you share your photos with will love that shit. But don’t wait for a trip or the weekend or an occasion. Practice as often as you can, even if the conditions seem wrong or you missed the best light.
