The reasons we take pictures

And would we still do it if we knew no one would ever see them?

Feb 17, 2025

Hello, I’m Gill and I write a photography blog inspired by the landscapes of Suffolk and beyond. Please subscribe to read more of my writing and visit my website to view my images.

I wasn’t planning to visit the river today but when I drew the curtains and saw the misty conditions from the bedroom window I knew that I needed to be outside, somewhere quiet in nature.

The sky is clear with almost no cloud as I step outside the front door. I am not hopeful of any morning colour but I still have my camera with me, just in case. I can feel the excitement rising - there is nothing like a still morning in nature even if the sunrise doesn’t deliver vibrant colours.

It is a shot drive to the river, but this morning the journey is slower than usual. The mist swirls around the landscape collecting in hollows and making visibility challenging in the dark. I am always wary of these roads as they are frequently crossed by deer, badger and rabbits none of whom have any road sense. On a bend I pass a barn owl sitting on a fence post surveying the fields as the light begins to rise. My headlights illuminate its pale feathers, oval face and piercing eyes. Spooked by my car it flies off, skimming low over the bare earth heading towards the hedge on the far side of the field. Even if I don’t make any pictures today, seeing an owl has already made my trip worthwhile.

Arriving at the river I park the car in a picnic spot and walk through the trees to the waters edge. The scene before me is peaceful and still, but it is not quiet. The river is full of birds; gulls, ducks, redshank, oyster catchers and curlew and I can identify most of them by their call, which is good because I can’t see well enough in the low light to identify them by sight.

There is something about the stillness of a misty river which is so absorbing. I stand by the jetty and look out across the vast expanse of blue. There are a few pink clouds in the sky which are reflecting perfectly in the water’s mirror like surface. The colour is unexpected and a lovely surprise. Apart from the birds and one small dinghy the river is empty. I am not sure what to photograph so spend a little time taking it all in then wander along the path a bit further to see what I can find.

The ground beneath my feet is frosty and I am aware of the sound of my footsteps as they crunch over the frozen mud. It is still blue hour so I make my way to the river’s edge and photograph the dinghy and the light on the water and marvel at how quickly it all changes. The landscape and the river may not be hurried this morning but the light will wait for no one.

I was listening to a podcast the other day in which the interviewer asked photographer William Neil if he would still make photographs if he knew no one would ever see them. I found this question really interesting and have been thinking about the answer from my own perspective.

Making photographs gives me an excuse to be out in beautiful locations at unsociable times when no one else is around. Early mornings are especially enjoyable and I relish this quiet time in nature where I can just be, undisturbed by any of the distractions of everyday life. However I would be lying if I said I could happily leave the camera at home and go out for sunrise and not miss being able to record my experience. For me there is something about crafting an image from the world around me that is really compelling. I am attracted to beauty and I feel the need to record it, but I also love the challenge of creating personal views. Arranging aspects of nature into compositions that become my interpretation of the world is something I always get excited about. It is a thrill and I still get a buzz from this process every time I go out.

To me this is the most exciting part of photography. Being out in nature, being awed by what I see and translating that into an image which is completely personal to me. It wouldn’t matter if no one ever saw my images because I get the most pleasure from creating them. However, I do like sharing what I see. Not for the kudos or affirmation but because I want to pass on to others the wonderful, beautiful things that I have witnessed. It is a bit like travelling. I love experiencing places by myself, but I also love the opportunity to chat about what I am seeing with someone by my side. Somehow sharing an experience makes it all the more special.

So if I knew no one would ever look at my images, would I still make them?

Definitely yes, because first and foremost I make images for myself. Sharing them is a bonus. My photographs are important to me for the memories they evoke. They are reminders of the special times I have spent in nature and the places that are important to me and as well as my work they have become a record of my life.

These days I am less and less keen on posting my work to social media and more driven to tell my stories in more meaningful ways - in books, zines, and portfolios on my website and in blogs on Substack.

I get a buzz from constructing an image. From identifying the parts of nature that I find really interesting. I also feel I notice more when I have the camera in my hand because I am looking harder and seeing better. Photography has taught me this and it is something that I wouldn’t want to give up.

Photography has also given me so many beautiful moments that I wouldn’t have witnessed otherwise. I know we shouldn’t need excuses to get out in nature, but time is short and getting out with the camera feels worthwhile and important. Even if no one else ever saw my images I would still enjoy them, reliving the moments and making sure I remember them completely.

Above all I love getting outside and experiencing the natural world in all weathers and at all times of the day. Photography allows me to do this and it doesn’t matter if no one ever sees my images. I still have the experiences to carry with me and I think that is the most important thing.

Would you continue to take photographs if you knew no one would ever see them? I would love to know your thoughts on this or on anything else in this post. Please join the conversation and leave a comment below.

For the Love of Landscapes

Discussion about this post