Why Are We Photographers?

Article and Photos by Stephen DesRoches ©
March 5, 2013

 

Northern Lights

 

Sometimes I will catch myself questioning my efforts, the costs, and the hours involved on that quest to make better images. Some times the true value of what we do can be clouded by all the noise and media constantly fighting for our attention. But if we take all of that away, I believe all categories of photographers are story tellers and while it can be really fun to buy and talk about the equipment, it is the creative journey towards this vision of these stories in which we all wish to share. I know of very few artists who wish to create bodies of work with the hopes nobody will ever see them. So what are our stories? What makes photography interesting to us? And why do we keep creating new photographs? 

 

 

Piping Plover

 

 

Waters Edge

 

 

Bubbles

 

Showy Lady's Slipper and Tracks to Water

 

 

Morning Lupins

 

 

Golden Grass

 

 

This world is changing all the time and changing fast. Families will change as people grow old and pass on. Wildlife will change when species become extinct. And landscapes will change from the results of seasons, climate change and human development or expansion. Every photographer - intentional or not - is recording these moments in time that will forever live on for future generations. And it's only growing. The rate at which we are documenting history now is significantly higher than only a few years ago.

 

 

Young Foxes

 

 

Island Spit

 

 

 

Osprey

 

 

Whether you are a landscape photographer, an event photographer, or the family photographer, the subjects we take for granted today, may actually be gone tomorrow. It can be so incredibly difficult to photograph someone one day, but then to read on the next days news of their passing from an accident driving home.

 

Raccoon and Blue Heron

 

Photography is very powerful and a priceless part of our lives. But no matter how important photography may be, photography should remain fun, interesting and exciting. It's a form of art and expression with little barriers to entry. Once you lean the technical mechanics - you are only limited by ones imagination

 

Stephen DesRoches is a full time designer, artist and photographer located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.   E-mail: hello@stephendesroches.com Web site: www.stephendesroches.com facebook. www.facebook.com/stephendesrochesphotography View Stephen's prints for sale: www.stephendesroches.com/prints/