I enjoy capturing something in a moment that will never be the same again. The subject may remain, but the way it looks at this particular moment, will never be exactly the same in the future. I've learned over the years that if something catches my attention, make time to take the photo then. Don't wait. I've discovered that an interesting dilapidated building may get torn down. Or access to it may change. Nature may take over, obstructing the view with weeds. An engaging bit of graffiti may be painted over.
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| Graffiti artist - downtown Louisville |
I take joy in doing something that has been a part of my life since I was a kid. When I was growing up, my parents had a darkroom in the basement. I spent many afternoons hanging out with my dad, talking with him and watching him develop photos. Seeing a photo magically appear on the paper after emerging from its chemical bath fascinated me. I'm very fortunate to have a close relationship with my parents and we still enjoy taking photos together - even today when we live in different states. My mom has also caught the photography bug over the years, so we always make a point to take a photo road-trip each time we get together for a visit. Fond memories I'll always carry with me.
Photography allows me to reflect back on where I've traveled. The past few months, I've been busy organizing my 5,000+ photos into Lightroom 5. In addition to adding keywords, copyright info, ratings, etc., I've used Lightroom's map module to geotag my travel photos. I'm a geek, I admit. I find it amusing to have a quick visual reference of where I've traveled. (I'm working on getting over my fear of flying, so I've not been out of the U.S. yet, but someday soon.)
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| I need to get out more. Time to explore out West! |
It's an excuse to take the dog for a car ride. I love seeing the happiness and contentment on her face as she hangs her head out the window, sniffing the air, ears blowing in the wind. It always makes me smile every time I look in the rearview mirror at her in the back seat as she makes eye contact with me. I'm pretty sure she's saying, "This is the BEST CAR RIDE EVER!"
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| Roxy on a car ride returning from hiking in the park. |
Re-visiting favorite places. When I go on a photo outing, I can never decide whether to look for new subjects or to re-visit favorite places to see how the subject may have changed since the last time I visited. Locally, I tend to drive around town and stop for a photo when I see something that catches my attention. When I go home to Texas to visit family, one of my favorite places to visit is the Suspension Bridge in downtown Waco. The 475-foot bridge opened in 1869 and collected its first toll (5 cents at the time) in 1870. I enjoy seeing how the riverwalk has been expanded over the years. It's become a nice area for people of all ages to gather and enjoy the outdoors (even in the hot Texas heat!)
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| Detail from the Waco Suspension Bridge |
Meeting new people through our mutual interest in photography. I'm a member of a local photography group that meets monthly for a photography-related discussion and photo contest. I'm still new to the group, but I've enjoyed talking with other photography folks, finding inspiration in what they're shooting and learning something new at each meeting.
There are many other reasons why I love photography, but these are the ones that are most important to me. What are the top reasons you enjoy photography? Leave a comment and let me know - I'd love to hear your feedback.
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