Yes. From my point of view of an amateur photographer, I take photos to a) perfect my skills and b) capture memories, a) being an important step to b). The feeling when a photo turns out just right is what keeps me continuing, whether I have shared it to an audience or not. Someone who plays the piano for personal pleasure doesn’t need an audience. It’s the same for many hobbyists I am sure.
Lovely Iken photos, Gill. I discovered that spot last September and plan to revisit some time.
Thank you very much Sian, and I agree. The pleasure of getting out in nature and creating something I am proud of is what keeps me going. I don't need an audience, although it helps when it is my business!😆
Beautiful photos. I agree, photography is a great excuse. Btw, I know that the answer might be unpopular, but if I couldn’t show photos to anyone, I most likely wouldn’t take them, although I’m not sure about it🤪
Thank you Davor for your kind words and honesty. I don't think your answer should be unpopular as we all have different reasons for picking up a camera and making images. 🙂
I would definitely be out there!!! Been out this morning and you can’t put a price on experiences like that. Wonderful river scenes and gorgeous abstracts Gill. Superb landscape photography😀
Your photos are absolutely beautiful, Gill. I'm so pleased that you do share them!
I would still take photos, like you to remind me of special moments. But like you I also love to share the beautiful places that I visit with others, especially people who will never visit these places. Just as I love seeing photos from the many places I will never visit. There is so much beauty in the world, and it is good to be reminded of that :-)
It’s a really good question, I love how you’ve answered it, I think I am with you all the way. The documentation of what you experience I think is good for the soul. It’s not all about showing your work to others. 😊
An interesting question Gill and one to which my answer is a definite you, I would take photos if no one else saw that pretty much for the same reasons you would. My photography starts off as a byproduct of my walks in the hills and evolve over time into something that rewards my by encouraging me to slow down, really look and take in my surroundings. That is why I do it and I don’t see that changing. Yes, it is good to share some of the images and it’s great when others really connect with something I’ve produced.
Thank you very much for your comments Steven. I think your photography has evolved along similar lines to my own and I can't see me stopping even if no one ever saw the results. It is all about the joy that photography provides and the closeness and connection to nature that it brings. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
I struggle with this question I was a professional for years and not having a daily audience is very different I would like to think I would still shoot but I’m not certain Your images are beautiful BTW
Yes I would (and did) for very similar reasons to those you describe Gill. Printing, and sharing, and showing all came about as a natural evolution. I now think of what I do with the images in terms of ‘Hey, I saw this! You might like it too.’ And over time, the importance of going outside, of losing myself for a while, has grown. Beautiful light and seductively still water; a morning to savour. And I would have been thrilled to see the barn owl too.
Thank you very much for your comments Michela and I agree with you. I get so much from just being outside with my camera. I find it so good to lose myself in photography for a few hours that the final images don't seem to matter so much. It's the process that is important.
You have accurately captured my feelings about nature photography, and I say enthusiastically that I’d still take photos if no one could see them but me. That said, I still share my work in various groups on FB and to a lesser extent on Instagram. I’m active in those groups and one of them in particular offers me the chance to get feedback, but like you said, these moments we capture are little snippets of time that we now own and can look back on. I take great joy in looking back at where I’ve been over the years. Great essay and wonderful images.
I sometimes ask myself why I take photos too . I love capturing the beauty of what I am seeing ( although it rarely comes across that perfect when I look at the shot at home!) but it is a way of keeping the memory in my mind . I keep going in order to achieve the perfect shot- one day! Also being in nature’s peace and quiet is good for the soul I liken it to meditation .
Those conditions were beautiful Gill, not something I see down here very often. The images you made are gorgeous, so still and beautiful subtle colours.
I've been out again this afternoon getting all excited over some big waves. The conditions you had are so much more relaxing apart from rushing before the light and colour disappear I expect.
I think having a website and/or instagram helps give your photography a purpose and love documenting what's going on every day. Being out in nature and doing it for yourself is brilliant but when others see your images it does add a lot to the feeling of satisfaction.
Thank you very much for your comments Peter and I am glad you enjoyed the images. It is good to hear you have been out with your camera and I envy your opportunities for capturing big waves.
I agree that sharing images adds a level of purpose but it isn't really what drives my photography although it is nice to share experiences and images.
Firstly, I very much like the presented images and of course the accompanying text! I admire your tenacity and resilience in pursuing your chosen craft/profession.
The answer to the question is yes, I would continue to take images, basically in recent times, with the continuing evolution of compact cameras and now cameras in mobile phones as aids to memory, recording those scenes to re-ignite the image and emotion we retain in our brains. The use of 'proper' cameras in hope of concuring or improving an 'art'. 😀
One: “So if I knew no one would ever look at my images, would I still make them?”
For me, it’s also a yes. In today’s social media-driven world, I feel like very few people actually see my images anyway. Not complaining—just seems to be a fact of life. I’ve never been good at self-promotion either. I remember when I was a newspaper photographer, more people saw my images, especially before social media. Even if they never looked at the photo credit, I loved creating images to tell stories. And I still do, especially in nature, even if it’s just for me.
Two: “I also feel I notice more when I have the camera in my hand because I am looking harder and seeing better.”
This one really hits home for me. I love being in nature; it’s where I feel most at peace. Having the camera with me helps guide me in the forest—whether I’m chasing light or wandering toward something else that catches my eye, hoping it might make a good image that reflects how I feel about nature.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed reading them.
Yes. From my point of view of an amateur photographer, I take photos to a) perfect my skills and b) capture memories, a) being an important step to b). The feeling when a photo turns out just right is what keeps me continuing, whether I have shared it to an audience or not. Someone who plays the piano for personal pleasure doesn’t need an audience. It’s the same for many hobbyists I am sure.
Lovely Iken photos, Gill. I discovered that spot last September and plan to revisit some time.
Thank you very much Sian, and I agree. The pleasure of getting out in nature and creating something I am proud of is what keeps me going. I don't need an audience, although it helps when it is my business!😆
Beautiful photos. I agree, photography is a great excuse. Btw, I know that the answer might be unpopular, but if I couldn’t show photos to anyone, I most likely wouldn’t take them, although I’m not sure about it🤪
Thank you Davor for your kind words and honesty. I don't think your answer should be unpopular as we all have different reasons for picking up a camera and making images. 🙂
I would definitely be out there!!! Been out this morning and you can’t put a price on experiences like that. Wonderful river scenes and gorgeous abstracts Gill. Superb landscape photography😀
Thank you very much Jon and I agree with you, getting out in nature is the best part. I hope you had a lovely morning. 🙂
Your photos are absolutely beautiful, Gill. I'm so pleased that you do share them!
I would still take photos, like you to remind me of special moments. But like you I also love to share the beautiful places that I visit with others, especially people who will never visit these places. Just as I love seeing photos from the many places I will never visit. There is so much beauty in the world, and it is good to be reminded of that :-)
Thank you for your comments Angie and I am glad you enjoyed the images.
I agree, there is so much beauty in the world that it would be a shame not to share our images, but if I couldn't I would still make photos. 🙂
It’s a really good question, I love how you’ve answered it, I think I am with you all the way. The documentation of what you experience I think is good for the soul. It’s not all about showing your work to others. 😊
Thank you Julian and I agree. I love making images even if no one ever sees them, they are just important to me.
Yes I would. What I would miss if no one would see my photos is meaningful feedback and criticism. That helps me to grow in what I do.
Thank you for your comments Gery. I agree, feedback and critique is really useful and we can all learn something from shared images.
An interesting question Gill and one to which my answer is a definite you, I would take photos if no one else saw that pretty much for the same reasons you would. My photography starts off as a byproduct of my walks in the hills and evolve over time into something that rewards my by encouraging me to slow down, really look and take in my surroundings. That is why I do it and I don’t see that changing. Yes, it is good to share some of the images and it’s great when others really connect with something I’ve produced.
Thank you very much for your comments Steven. I think your photography has evolved along similar lines to my own and I can't see me stopping even if no one ever saw the results. It is all about the joy that photography provides and the closeness and connection to nature that it brings. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Thought provoking article. I have around a quarter million pictures that no one has seen.
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.
I struggle with this question I was a professional for years and not having a daily audience is very different I would like to think I would still shoot but I’m not certain Your images are beautiful BTW
Thank you very much Mike, I am glad you enjoyed them.
Yes I would (and did) for very similar reasons to those you describe Gill. Printing, and sharing, and showing all came about as a natural evolution. I now think of what I do with the images in terms of ‘Hey, I saw this! You might like it too.’ And over time, the importance of going outside, of losing myself for a while, has grown. Beautiful light and seductively still water; a morning to savour. And I would have been thrilled to see the barn owl too.
Thank you very much for your comments Michela and I agree with you. I get so much from just being outside with my camera. I find it so good to lose myself in photography for a few hours that the final images don't seem to matter so much. It's the process that is important.
Yes I would ; I think it’s. “truism” that the journey is often more important than the final destination.
It’s a real privilege to be out and about before the “world wakes up.”
I also feel that the camera is “ your servant not your master”
I agree Dave, thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
You have accurately captured my feelings about nature photography, and I say enthusiastically that I’d still take photos if no one could see them but me. That said, I still share my work in various groups on FB and to a lesser extent on Instagram. I’m active in those groups and one of them in particular offers me the chance to get feedback, but like you said, these moments we capture are little snippets of time that we now own and can look back on. I take great joy in looking back at where I’ve been over the years. Great essay and wonderful images.
Thank you very much for your comments Bob, it was good to read your thoughts and I am glad you enjoyed the post.
I sometimes ask myself why I take photos too . I love capturing the beauty of what I am seeing ( although it rarely comes across that perfect when I look at the shot at home!) but it is a way of keeping the memory in my mind . I keep going in order to achieve the perfect shot- one day! Also being in nature’s peace and quiet is good for the soul I liken it to meditation .
Absolutely Kim, I completely agree. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
Those conditions were beautiful Gill, not something I see down here very often. The images you made are gorgeous, so still and beautiful subtle colours.
I've been out again this afternoon getting all excited over some big waves. The conditions you had are so much more relaxing apart from rushing before the light and colour disappear I expect.
I think having a website and/or instagram helps give your photography a purpose and love documenting what's going on every day. Being out in nature and doing it for yourself is brilliant but when others see your images it does add a lot to the feeling of satisfaction.
Thank you very much for your comments Peter and I am glad you enjoyed the images. It is good to hear you have been out with your camera and I envy your opportunities for capturing big waves.
I agree that sharing images adds a level of purpose but it isn't really what drives my photography although it is nice to share experiences and images.
Firstly, I very much like the presented images and of course the accompanying text! I admire your tenacity and resilience in pursuing your chosen craft/profession.
The answer to the question is yes, I would continue to take images, basically in recent times, with the continuing evolution of compact cameras and now cameras in mobile phones as aids to memory, recording those scenes to re-ignite the image and emotion we retain in our brains. The use of 'proper' cameras in hope of concuring or improving an 'art'. 😀
Thank you very much for your comments Chris. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and I am glad you liked the images.
Two things you wrote really resonated with me.
One: “So if I knew no one would ever look at my images, would I still make them?”
For me, it’s also a yes. In today’s social media-driven world, I feel like very few people actually see my images anyway. Not complaining—just seems to be a fact of life. I’ve never been good at self-promotion either. I remember when I was a newspaper photographer, more people saw my images, especially before social media. Even if they never looked at the photo credit, I loved creating images to tell stories. And I still do, especially in nature, even if it’s just for me.
Two: “I also feel I notice more when I have the camera in my hand because I am looking harder and seeing better.”
This one really hits home for me. I love being in nature; it’s where I feel most at peace. Having the camera with me helps guide me in the forest—whether I’m chasing light or wandering toward something else that catches my eye, hoping it might make a good image that reflects how I feel about nature.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I really enjoyed reading them.
Thank you very much for your comments Bryan, I am glad you enjoyed the post and found some things that resonated within it.