Why

[John C Harding]

Why do we enjoy  photography and belong to the Club?
I received the book “Joe Cornish, A Photographer at work,” by Eddie Ephraums for Christmas.
Joe uses the Mantra Craft, Art, & Soul and I thought this would be a good forum topic.
So with Joe’s permission:-
As members we come to learn the Craft, Art and Soul of photography. Those who have become established members are compassionate about their photography which  has lasted for years.
Why do we find photography so compelling? The Craft is the technique of using the equipment and software. Art is the observation of light and composition. Soul is the photographer’s own interpretation on the final result. The Soul is evident in the fact that the final image they produce. Established members can make a good guess as to who is the author of a particular photograph.
Today’s digital equipment are complicated beasts, but the basics used in the days of film still apply. The pleasure of a walk can be enhanced by a photographic interest. We are constantly observing a scene or the environment around us, searching  for a good photograph.  Looking for the ideal lighting conditions, composition and the decisive moment. We look at the world in a way that enhances our senses. Is that why we find photography so pleasurable?
 I recently tried watercolour painting, but I do not find it so enjoyable. I think it is because the basic enjoyment of photography is at that moment of exposure, when we hope we have captured that great photograph,  like a fisherman landing big fish.
How about your thoughts!!!           

[phil]

Good topic John. You're quite right, we can often hazzard a good guess as to who took a particular photo when we see it for the first time in a club competition. We each have our own particular style. Unfortunately I'm hopeless at drawing and painting. I can't even draw stick-men, so photography is my only way of capturing something of the world I live in. It's one way of being creative. Like most things in life, the more we learn about photography, the better we get at producing good photos. The club environment provides much to encourage us to improve, and that, together with the social side, is what I appreciate most about being part of our club.

[monish]

Its a very good topic. I personally want to express myself through photography. The question is what is that expression. I visualise loads of things with certain emotion, certain colour, certain form. I have stories to tell. My own journey as a person. I see the club as a platform to develop myself as a better story teller while being part of few good photographers.

[Claire]

Why do I enjoy photography so much?
Since childhood I have always lost myself in something creative, whether art or music based or experimenting with some pretty shocking hair colours .
 
My journey into outdoor photography satisfies my creative itch alongside my love for animals, birds and pretty flying things (including my annual dragonfly obsession). It combines creativity with fieldcraft, discipline, learning, some techy know-how and appreciation of the subjects - and gets me outdoors.
It is a complete experience - even when the shutter finger is not used (I have learned to concquer my disappointment !). There are times when an image cannot be caught, so I have learned when to look up from the viewfinder and just enjoy the moment - maybe an exchange of glances with a wild creature. I have also become quite attached to certain favourite locations. Being outdoors with my kit makes me listen and see much more and become more aware of my environment.

I read a book by Niall Benvie, in which he discussed that what is perceived as the patience involved in nature photography, could actually be better attributed to stubbornness and, when an image is captured, produce an adrenaline rush. I have to agree. The final rush when you get the shot after sitting about for 6 hours in a bag hide or in -4 degrees drinking dodgy luke warm flask tea is worth it . Of course, there are times when after 3 hours of nothing, the temptation to read that niggling text message takes over and my subject appears as if by magic, dances a can-can and and all I get to see are tail feathers disappearing out of the frame. I can only laugh at myself  .

I just find it an all encompassing experience from doing the research, preparing the kit, getting out, seeing my subject and seeing the final image. Of course, somewhere in all of this I hope I apply something artistic.

We never finish learning and sharing knowledge. The eclectic mix of styles and subjects within the club keeps it fresh and interesting and chatting with fellow photographers is always enjoyable.

[Laurie]

Interesting set of responses to this one. I think my interest in photography is in my genes as both my grandfather and uncle did a bit of photography in the blacked out bathroom. I was introduced to the "develop and print" process at the age of eleven using Mum's kitchen as it was easier to black out than the bathroom. At the age of fifteen, I had the opportunity to go on a tour of the Kodak manufacturing facility at Harrow which finally settled what I wanted to do in the future.

At secondary school, my strongest subjects were maths and art - a great combination for my photographic interests and technical want-to-know-more.

Needless to say, life wasn't that straightforward, and I did not manage to join Kodak until 10 years after I left school. Never the less, that 10 years was in a specialised branch of photography, (pre-press and colour separations) for the printing industry. When Kodak advertised for someone with both technical and practical experience in this field for their Applications Laboratory at Harrow, I jumped at the chance and badgered Kodak until they gave me the job. After 35 years, I was still doing basically the same job, and lived through all the changes and challenges until Kodak decided to shut down their research and development activities outside of America.

So apologies if the original "Why" turned into a bit of reminiscing, but photography (beyond pure photography) gave me a great life - it still does and continually offers more, eg. being a member of CPC.

Laurie