What is This All About? Why Bother?

Okay, why?

Well, the best that I can tell you there is that if you're here, you probably already know the answer to the last two questions. What makes a great nature photo? Well, there is an endless debate as to what makes art - and that really isn't a question that can ever be answered. Art, as well as photography is subjective and will always mean different things to different people. What most people equate greatness or quality with is the feelings that it evokes when they view or experience the work. The common thought is that the more people that believe that an individual piece is 'great' must mean that this is a superior piece of work. I disagree - keep art/photography/etc. individual. If you don't like it, but others do - fine. Likewise the opposite.

When I began making images publicly viewable. I'll admit that I initially did so seeking recognition. I have received a little bit of recognition, like having a photo published in a travel guide, getting paid for shooting, etc. which was fun for a non-pro that just shoots in his spare time. These experiences all taught me one big lesson, though:

Make images for yourself, not for anyone else.

It's great when others like your work, but you'll always be your own greatest critic, so concentrate on striving for your own satisfaction and all else will fall into place. In taking on a professional shoot for the first time, I learned that being a professional photographer would be a great way for me to ruin an excellent hobby and creative outlet. Someday I may sell artwork on the web - but if no one buys it I won't mind because I made these images for me.

So, again, why bother? Because photography is an easily accessible creative outlet. Those of us born with the innate desire to be creative will always find a way to 'get our fix' and nature photography is a fun, healthy, excellent way of doing so. And so is blogging.