Turns out I had to skip photographing two happenings I really wanted to go to, and as often the case it got me thinking.  Why and how do I decide I’m interested in photographing certain types of subject matter or go to certain types of places/events to photograph?  I know I’ve mentioned the importance of the “journey” a number of times here. Ok, I know … enough already. But for me it’s true … there is so much more for me than just going out and making the photograph. It’s the entire experience … the journey itself.  Even if I don’t get any keepers when I’m out there, or don’t even make a single exposure. I really love that whole experience.

So I felt bad about missing these two annual events.  It bothered me, because I’ve had success at both, coming home with some wonderful photographs. But as you can guess, there’s more to it than that. I really enjoyed hanging out at these places, talking to the people and having fun just being there, even though some I met are as different from me than anything I can think of. And that’s what’s so great!

In many ways that’s what drives me to make pictures and often steers me where to go. Usually I have no idea what the outcome will be other than the fun I’ll have, and the things I’ll learn. Then there are the times where there is someplace I want to go based on something I heard, research I’ve done, or because it makes sense as part of a project. Here’s an example … I read about this weird cemetery in the middle of the woods somewhere in Jersey. I love photographing in cemeteries, and just walking around in them.  I’m sorry if you find this a little creepy, but I find it peaceful and meditative. In any case, it will be a good adventure for me whatever the photographic outcome!

Then there are the projects. They all have specific parameters I’ve established, places I need to go and times of the year I need to be there. Some of these projects are short term, but many have lasted years and are still going on!

Thinking about this made me realize that there’s a bunch of reasons why I photograph, often with the photographic outcome being the least important one of all.

Alright, so I missed these two opportunities. They’ll be back again. That’s what my wife told me. And you know what? She’s right. Yah, maybe not be the exact same experiences and outcomes, but experiences and outcomes no matter what.

So while I feel bad when I can’t do something I wanted to do, I don’t stress about it. I know there will be plenty more opportunities. Why? Because I know why I want to photograph, when I want to do it, and where I want to go to get it done. That works for me.

How about you? Why do you photograph? Think about it. You might just get a whole new creative outlook on things!

Stay well,

Michael