In today’s age of instant gratification, creativity is often measured in likes and shares. It’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of social media metrics. We’re bombarded with algorithms that demand engagement and a never-ending stream of “how-to” guides promising to help us gain followers. But at the core, is this really what we crave?
For me, the heart of photography is not about collecting likes or comments that merely acknowledge a pretty picture. What truly matters is the light in our eyes. It is the spark of divine creativity. God has given us this spark to capture the beauty of the world. It’s about those meaningful, wholehearted conversations with others who share a deep, rooted passion for this art form. Conversations that go beyond surface-level praise, delving into what truly inspires us to press the shutter.
I share my work. It can be of my horses flowing mane in the golden glow of a sunset. A candid moment of everyday life or the raw elegance of nature. I’m not seeking the approval of those who simply think it looks nice. Don’t get me wrong; I appreciate all forms of feedback. But what I deeply yearn for are interactions with people who understand the craft. I want to engage with like-minded souls. They share a passion for photography and can appreciate the nuances behind each frame. It’s a delicate dance between light, composition, aperture, and shutter speed.
14 billion images are uploaded to social media every day. In this world, photography can sometimes feel overwhelmed. It feels drowned in an ocean of digital noise. A single photo, painstakingly crafted and filled with intent, can so easily become just another post in a never-ending scroll. It’s disheartening. Sharing a photo doesn’t make someone a photographer. The essence of this craft is much more than a quick snapshot with a phone. It is more than just a tap on “upload.”
Photography has a profound depth. It is a complex, beautiful mastery that can only be nurtured over years of learning, observing, and dedication. After 25 years of exploring photography, I still find myself endlessly fascinated by the intricacies of the exposure triangle. I’m captivated by how a lens renders an image, how the mirror of an SLR or DSLR camera allows light to hit the sensor or film. There’s always more to learn. Always more to appreciate.
Yet, what I miss the most isn’t just the technical conversations—though those are certainly fulfilling. I miss the soulful discussions about photography as an art form. Conversations that begin with a mention of the legacy left behind by greats like Ernst Haas, Ansel Adams, and Albert Watson. Does anyone still remember the profound work of Tony Vaccaro or appreciate the quiet power behind Pentti Sammallahti’s images? These weren’t photographers who simply captured moments—they created photographs that made you pause, reflect, and feel deeply. Their work wasn’t just visually stunning; it was emotionally evocative.
And that’s where I find myself feeling starved. I’m not a snob. I don’t think I’m better than anyone else because I view photography differently. But I do long for a deeper connection with others who share this love. Those who understand that photography isn’t about the sharpest image or the most polished editing software. It’s about creating something that moves you. It’s about creating something that stirs the soul and makes you think—about life, about the world, about humanity.
The truth is, I miss the kind of conversations I used to have with my dad and my granny. They were my heroes. They were my guides, nurturing my creativity and sense of adventure. The encouragement they offered to explore my imagination with photography was more than capturing a scene—it was about capturing a feeling, an emotion, a moment in time that told a story. Photography was, and still is, my way of finding freedom. It’s my way of letting my imagination soar and creating something beautiful, something provocative.
In a world that often feels consumed by technology and instant gratification, I crave something more. I crave a return to the art of photography as a medium for imaginative and soulful expression. It’s not about pressing a button or mastering an app. It’s about slowing down, appreciating the light, and letting creativity flow through you.
For me, that’s what photography will always be. A way to see the world, not just as it is, but as it could be. A way to share that vision with those who truly understand the beauty of it all. That’s why I’m returning to the art form of blogging. If I can’t find those meaningful conversations that ignite the passion within me, at least I can create a space where those thoughts can rest. A space where I can share my heart and soul with those willing to listen.
If anyone happens to read my little ramblings, I hope you’ll feel inspired to join the conversation. Tell me—what fuels your passion for photography? What stirs your soul and pushes you to press the shutter button? Let’s talk about what really matters in this incredible art form.
