Why You Should Start Making Photographs
I believe that everyone should start making photographs. Photography is more than just a hobby; it’s a powerful tool that can unlock doors and experiences that remain hidden otherwise. The camera becomes a passport to life itself—allowing you to fully witness, explore, and savor life in all its fleeting beauty.
Photography as a Source of Fun and Joy
At its core, photography should be fun! It’s a way to explore the world openly and honestly. By picking up a camera, you’re allowing yourself to investigate the world around you with an open mind. Too often, we take photography too seriously, burdened by projects or focused on “important” themes. But the supreme approach is to embrace photography as a joyful hobby.
“Photography is a superpower. It’s a way to bear witness to life itself, going forward into the chaos, finding joy and meaning in the smallest details.”
When you photograph for the sake of curiosity, meaning will arise naturally. Let your photos become an extension of yourself, a reflection of how you see the world. Just enjoy photographing what fascinates you, and don’t worry about chasing perfection or impressing others.
Remembering Forever: Photography as a Time Capsule
One of the unique powers of photography is its ability to preserve memories that last beyond our lifetime. When I look back through my archive, I feel joy as I revisit moments I might otherwise have forgotten. This legacy is a simple yet profound motivation to keep making photographs. The beauty of the medium is that it helps us remember and relive these moments of life.
“Photographs are timeless—they exist outside the passage of time, capturing the world in a single frame that can last forever.”
Photography gives us the opportunity to leave something meaningful behind—a legacy of memories and moments that can inspire, teach, and delight others in the future. Through photographs, we share how we saw the world and experienced our time on this earth.
Experiencing Every Day Anew
Photography gives you a reason to wake up each morning with curiosity. It allows you to treat each day as a fresh canvas, recognizing the infinite possibilities outside your door. With a camera in hand, you’re encouraged to embrace life’s chaos, curiosity, and unknowns.
“The world becomes a stage, people are the actors, and there’s this unfolding drama happening right in front of you—a free ticket to life itself.”
This practice lets you explore each day with a fresh perspective, motivated by what you might see, experience, and create. It’s a superpower that fuels your lust for life and keeps you moving forward, engaged with everything around you.
Photography as a Way to Connect with Life
When you go outside with a camera, you become more in tune with the world’s rhythm. You don’t just observe; you participate. Photography allows you to capture the fleeting, impermanent nature of life and connect deeply with the present.
“Photography brings you closer to the moment that is fleeting. It helps you champion the impermanent, the passing, the transient moments of life.”
In a world full of distractions and passive entertainment, photography offers a different kind of experience. You’re not consuming—you’re creating. And in creating, you’re able to find meaning and fulfillment in the seemingly mundane details around you.
Practical Tips for Getting Started
To get the most out of your photography journey, here are some practical tips:
- Use a compact, easy-to-carry camera: I recommend something like the Ricoh GR III, which lets you focus on the experience, not the equipment.
- Treat the camera like an extension of yourself: A wrist strap can make it feel like a natural part of your hand, freeing you to capture moments without being overly concerned with your gear.
- Embrace spontaneity: Use simple settings, like shooting in Program mode, to focus on the scene rather than technical adjustments.
- Capture the sunrise or any inspiring light: Start your day with this ritual—it’s a simple, joyful act that fuels creativity.
- Carry an instant print camera (e.g., Instax): This allows you to share prints with strangers, breaking down language and cultural barriers and connecting with others meaningfully.
- Consider a personal blog: Skip Instagram and create your own website to share your journey. This provides a permanent space for your work and allows you to present your thoughts and photos in your own way.
Key Takeaways
- Photography is a passport: It gives you access to experiences and connections you might otherwise miss.
- Keep it fun: Don’t let projects or expectations kill the joy of photographing. Create for the sake of curiosity.
- Capture memories that last: Photographs are timeless and allow us to preserve a legacy of our experiences.
- Be open to everyday beauty: Let photography guide you to approach each day as a new adventure.
- Use photography to connect with others: Carry an instant camera, gift prints, and share experiences.
Photography is more than a hobby; it’s a way to engage deeply with life, discover beauty, and connect with the world. Pick up a camera, step outside, and see what life has in store for you. Embrace the joy, spontaneity, and wonder of capturing the world as you see it.