Poll : What motivates you?

[John_DE]

Everything, except the sixth one! I certainly do NOT do it for the money.

 

[Rassie]

My #1 hobby is nature photography, both wildlife and landscapes. Travel photography is second. I cannot imagine travelling somewhere away from home without taking my gear. There is always something neat or unique to photograph in foreign places.

I find I need to get a photography fix almost on a weekly basis (yes, I'm probably addicted) and the easiest way to get that fix is to go out and photograph wildlife, and it's so much more rewarding when you find an animal, bird, insect, anything alive, doing something unique or special. So often the lens sees something not possible with the naked eye. And nothing beats just being outside, even if I have to spend time waiting for a good photo opportunity.

 

[PKW]

Multiple reasons here as well but if I had to pick one it's time in the field with interesting subjects and watching their behaviors.

Hmm…are you talking about nature or other photographers?

 

[DRwyoming]

Hmm…are you talking about nature or other photographers?

Hopefully not other photographers if I’ve picked the right places

 

[BLev65]

While your poll doesn't cover all reasons - It is certainly thought provoking on many levels.

I do it probably for all the reasons you listed - but mainly because it is an addiction. And an expensive one at that

Thanks for the reply Winston... My intent was to present something thought provoking. While I enjoy using my equipment, the gear does not excite me. I love being in nature and looking for ways to share what I see in a unique way. Sometimes we get lost in the technology bubble and forget the simple pleasure of just being in the field and seeing the nuance that is ever-present on our planet.

 

[RichF]

good excuse to travel ..

 

[LTK]

Maybe I'm a bit odd but for me, nature and the love for wildlife triumph over all other reasons I shoot my Nikon, sure I love the hardware (Z9 and 800pf) but this wouldn't be anything if it wasn't for the meditative and relaxing time I get from all the wildlife. I'm a hobbyist!

So as you guessed I'm all in for "I do it for fun. I love to be in nature, and this is how I enjoy my time outside."

Cheers!

​

Couldn’t have put it better myself

 

[Dave Wo]

I guess I fall into that "do it for fun category". I just enjoy getting outdoors and trying to capture that "perfect" photo that I'm proud of and pleases those who view my work. It's just a hobby that this retiree loves doing and gets me out of the house.

 

[fotogrob]

If most forum members are like me, more than one of these apply equally. It is therefore impossible for me to vote for only one (which is why I didn't vote).

Agreed

 

[Emil]

I do it for pleasure with a special interest in BIF. As a retired glider pilot, vultures and eagles inspire me with their flight technique and tactics in cross-country flight,

 

[Stephen Berger]

1, 2 and 5 with the order of importance rotating based on mood, environment and potential targets.

 

[coachjohn57]

I'd have to check almost every box at one time or another...

 

[Winston Churchill (Sir)]

I drifted into photography like one drifts into prostitution. First I did it to please myself, then I did it to please my friends, and eventually, I did it for the money.

Philippe Halsman

 

[Maljo]

I love creating images.

 

[jdinny]

For pleasure.
What motivates me the most is that next shot.
Watching that beautiful, majestic bald eagle take flight, or swoop down for that fish soooo motivating!!!

 

[janas]

I really love this response... very similar to my own thoughts..
I shoot when I can, and trash much of what I shoot. I approach a scene with some preconceived vision of what the final image will be.... I often see how it will be processed in my head before I even click the shutter. This entire process is key to the "mindfulness" that I am seeking in nature. So, while I too shoot for the pure joy of being "one" with the moment, the driving force is my fulfillment of some "vision." A goal that I rarely achieve.
The failure to make something meaningful after a shoot never diminishes the experience of "being there," as I find great joy when I sit in the "still" of a moment. However, my photographic motivation now seems intimately linked to an image I am seeking to make.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
bruce

Bruce, I resonate deeply with your approach. It’s fascinating how your vision shapes your experience and process. Even when the final image doesn’t meet expectations, the journey and mindfulness you find are truly rewarding.