OT: In light of Juli Valley's POTE

[sjhugoose]

I saw this article today: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...tans&printer=1

Claiming that deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia cause the extinction of orangutans in the next 10-20 years.

This made me wonder why people like their photography. Is it to capture an image you may never see agian, memory of the past, interst in color, desire of gear, dynamics of light or maybe your own form of artwork. Of course there are probably many reasons I've missed.

Let me restate the question, what drives a man like Rob Martin to spend tens of thousands on photo equipment and then travel halfway around the world just for a picture? And then what do you like to do with the pictures.

For me I think I just like capturing sites the way I see them, nothing too special and then I like to give the images to friends and family. Personally I hate seeing my own images cauyse I look at them and complain about what I could have done better.

So speak up I'd like to here what others motivations are especially in light of the article above.

Scott

[lecter]

Originally Posted by sjhugoose

Let me restate the question, what drives a man like Rob Martin to spend tens of thousands on photo equipment and then travel halfway around the world just for a picture? And then what do you like to do with the pictures.

Scott, good question. One may indeed ask why all the money and travel and perhaps not the best results? The experience itself was one major factor. The Photography was the main reason and I typically dive head first into any serious hobby, hence the investment.

the pictures have been enjoyed, condemmed, criticised and lauded around the globe with friends , family and colleagues all sharing an experience I had (and one which not many will actually ever be able to do).

I have 37 photos on my desk and I get to show them off to anyone walking by who notices the other 100 or so 8x10's on the wall.

Why does one do it? I think its a way of expressing yourself. It's a way of sharing. It certainly breaks the ice when people who don't know you can see some of your work. It puts you in an area of commonality.

These forums are a great example of that. There are many diverse personalities here, but we could all break bread together around the photography table.

Just some thoughts while I await work stuff..... zz

Rob

[rjgleason]

Originally Posted by sjhugoose

I saw this article today: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...tans&printer=1

Claiming that deforestation in Malaysia and Indonesia cause the extinction of orangutans in the next 10-20 years.

This made me wonder why people like their photography. Is it to capture an image you may never see agian, memory of the past, interst in color, desire of gear, dynamics of light or maybe your own form of artwork. Of course there are probably many reasons I've missed.

Let me restate the question, what drives a man like Rob Martin to spend tens of thousands on photo equipment and then travel halfway around the world just for a picture? And then what do you like to do with the pictures.

For me I think I just like capturing sites the way I see them, nothing too special and then I like to give the images to friends and family. Personally I hate seeing my own images cauyse I look at them and complain about what I could have done better.

So speak up I'd like to here what others motivations are especially in light of the article above.

Scott

I probably could spend a few hours telling about how I wish I was introduced to photography when I was young........I would have been able to go back to many memories, recall occassions more vividly or share a particular moment and a story with family, friends, etc.

I recently complimented one of my new-found friends her that one of the pictures she posted made me feel as if she is an artist and her camera is her brush. I find myself, now, for sure, not simply taking a picture, but trying first to gather in my mind how each and every shot might be composed, so to envision the end result.

I know that at this stage in my experience with photography that my pictures represent the level of talent (admittedly not very high, right now) that I have and my expectations to move to higher ground consume me with anxiety, but it such a wonderful way.

Photography, when and if taken seriously, for pleasure and/or for reward, creates, to me, a motivation to move myself to a higher level.........to "paint" my pictures, for anyone to see, for me to share one way of expression.

It has also become a therapy to lighten my fears of survival, as I know since my heart disease, my surgery, may be temporarily in check and I have a new lease on life. I value this beyond description.

And, finally, I applaud and admire the community and the people who share their knowledge, respecting their experience and providing inspiration and talent and totally enjoying the bond that they have collectively created.

[sjhugoose]

Rob,

Sorry if I singled you out, that was not my intention. Its simply, you are the best extreme example I could think of to get my point across. Really how many others have done what you heve done? Not to many I'd venture to guess. Oh by the way I'm really jealous, I have not been to South Africa since I was a child. I wish you had made it down to the cape of good hope so I could see it again.

I must say, you have an incrediably expensive method of starting conversation but I'm willing to bet you do it for the thrill too. Also, I would not complain to much about the quality if the photos. Many are excellent if anything I'd be more aggresive with levels and curves. But then again I'm not editing a few thousand photos right now.

Scott

[lecter]

Originally Posted by sjhugoose

I must say, you have an incrediably expensive method of starting conversation but I'm willing to bet you do it for the thrill too.

Scott

Scott,

It's all about the fun. I bought a Ferrari once so my friends and I could do burnouts. It's sold now. Wish I could still afford such indulgence.

I am an optimist, so perhaps it will be so. Also I hope I can take some decent photos lol...

Love this place....

Need some get togethers...

Rob