I posted something similar back when I joined the forum shortly after Steve started it. It can get long and I'll try to keep it brief. I do think, after some of the divisive threads that have been posted recently this may need to be said again.
Why do we go out in the woods and fields in the heat of summer, the cold of winter, rain, snow, blistering sunshine, suffer with mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, no-see-ums, black flies, hungry, thirsty, hot, cold sometimes all in the same day? At the end of the day it's because we love it and most of us do it for the love of nature. Over the years our (my wife and I) photography has taken some twists and turns but where we are now is more about education and building an appreciation for nature among family, friends and anyone who is willing to listen. We get excited when someone sends us text or email messages asking about some bird or insect or wildflower they saw. Our end goal is for people who view our photography to walk away with a deeper appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us every day. We believe people will want to preserve what they find beautiful and what they find beautiful they will love.
For me, and I hope all of us here, it isn't about a contest for who has the best photographs - there will always be a better shot or better light or better exposure. that's a fact
It isn't about the latest and greatest camera body. Regardless of what body you buy today, in 2 years it will be replaced by a newer and "better" one.
It isn't about who has the most expensive and fastest glass. Beautiful images through history have been show with what we would consider quite inferior glass today.
At least for me it's not about any of these things.
It is about appreciating nature, seeing (really seeing not just looking at) the beauty that surrounds us everyday, sharing that love with others. I like forums like this because I can share with folks of a like mind. Some of my friends think it's a little odd to wake up before dawn, head outside on a cold day lugging a bunch of camera equipment around for the chance to see some strange bird or capture a photo of a critter out in the woods. You all understand and if I'm odd then you all are odd too and that's OK. Like the old skit "we're all bozos on this bus".
OK, maybe not as long winded as my intro post but I think you all get the drift. As nature photographers, the things that bind us are more than the things that divide us.
Jeff
Why do we go out in the woods and fields in the heat of summer, the cold of winter, rain, snow, blistering sunshine, suffer with mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, no-see-ums, black flies, hungry, thirsty, hot, cold sometimes all in the same day? At the end of the day it's because we love it and most of us do it for the love of nature. Over the years our (my wife and I) photography has taken some twists and turns but where we are now is more about education and building an appreciation for nature among family, friends and anyone who is willing to listen. We get excited when someone sends us text or email messages asking about some bird or insect or wildflower they saw. Our end goal is for people who view our photography to walk away with a deeper appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us every day. We believe people will want to preserve what they find beautiful and what they find beautiful they will love.
For me, and I hope all of us here, it isn't about a contest for who has the best photographs - there will always be a better shot or better light or better exposure. that's a fact
It isn't about the latest and greatest camera body. Regardless of what body you buy today, in 2 years it will be replaced by a newer and "better" one.
It isn't about who has the most expensive and fastest glass. Beautiful images through history have been show with what we would consider quite inferior glass today.
At least for me it's not about any of these things.
It is about appreciating nature, seeing (really seeing not just looking at) the beauty that surrounds us everyday, sharing that love with others. I like forums like this because I can share with folks of a like mind. Some of my friends think it's a little odd to wake up before dawn, head outside on a cold day lugging a bunch of camera equipment around for the chance to see some strange bird or capture a photo of a critter out in the woods. You all understand and if I'm odd then you all are odd too and that's OK. Like the old skit "we're all bozos on this bus".
OK, maybe not as long winded as my intro post but I think you all get the drift. As nature photographers, the things that bind us are more than the things that divide us.
Jeff