A Bit Of Photography Philosophy

Rule #1 - Photography is Fun.

It doesn't make any difference if you are a fledgling amateur or a seasoned professional. Photography should be fun. If you are just getting into photography and you find that it isn't fun then you probably won't have any desire to continue. And if you are a seasoned professional and are no longer having any fun then your lack of enjoyment will certainly reflect in your images. So whatever your photographic interests are make sure that it is enjoyable.

Rule #2 - Photography is Personal.

Everybody gets into photography for different reasons. All reasons are valid reasons. Everybody likes to photograph different things. All interests are valid interests. The only person you have to please with your photographs is yourself.

Rule #3 - Photography is Time Consuming.

Photography is just like any other hobby or profession. It takes time to learn the skills. It takes time to create the images. Believe me, you are not going to 'learn it all' overnight. I have been shooting for 40+ years, and I am still learning and trying new things.

Rule #4 - KISS (Keep It Seriously Simple).

It can be real easy to become overwhelmed with all the equipment and all the possibilities in photography. Magazines, books, and the internet all push the newest and best equipment, and try to make you believe you can't take good pictures without it. Don't believe them. You can take great images with any equipment.

Rule #5 - Photography is a SERIOUS responsibility.

As a photographer we have the ability to freeze a slice of time. Forever. You take a picture and that moment in time will never happen again. Children growing up. Major events in our life or the world. We all have the ability to capture these moments. Take that responsibility seriously.