Finding meaning: on why I like photography
5 theories that could explain why I like photography
I don’t often think about why I like photography, mainly because it’s become a given. Besides, if I already know that I like it, does it even make sense to try to find out why? I’m following my own conclusions from my last post saying that ideas and intention are important to create work with meaning. Why questions are big questions, and since I don’t know the answer, I’ve come up with 5 theories that could explain the big why.
The theory of enjoyment
Starting with the simplest theory. No fancy thinking here. I like photography because I enjoy it. In my mind, my enjoyment of taking photos stems from the fact that I enjoy looking at photos: I like looking at photos therefore I like making photos. There are other cases when this simple formula falls apart though. The logic doesn’t extend to other areas: I like pizzas but I don’t like making them. I learned that the hard way after my first attempt. There are so many lessons to be learned from pizza if only we listen.
When Saul Leiter was asked about the meaning of his photography, he gave an answer that illustrates this theory: “my photographs are meant to tickle your left ear”
My understanding of this answer is that there is no larger-than-life reason. The simple joy he gets from photography is enough of a reason to spend a lifetime doing it. It sounds like the most straightforward answer.
The theory of process
If liking photos is not the reason then there must be something about the process of making them that I enjoy. That seems true because it’s not always (or only) about the photographs.
In street photography, it’s about noticing more. It’s about the meditative state of walking around looking for things that catch my attention. In portrait photography, it’s about the connection with the people you are photographing. In landscape photography, it’s about being in tune with nature.
In all cases, it’s about the satisfaction of creating something tangible from an abstract vision.
Maybe photography is a way to experience those things. It’s the means rather than the end.
The theory of self discovery
When I’m out photographing on the street, the decision of what to photograph is often instinctual. There’s usually a specific element that caught my attention and I try to build a scene around it. I never question why something has caught my attention in the moment. This means that the photographs I take can be seen as a series of things that have intuitively caught my attention. In the same way as dreams can be interpreted to tell you about your subconscious, maybe so can photography. I can look back at my photography with an inquisitive eye and spot patterns that help me understand myself. A visual stream of consciousness.
The theory of expression
Under this theory, photography is a medium to express ideas about the world. It’s a means of communicating ideas that I would like to share. For my photography to be expressive, it implies that I already have the ideas and that I make a conscious effort to express those.
In some sense, this is true. There are some fundamental ideas that I have in mind when taking photos, even if I don’t make those ideas explicit or central to the images. They drive subjects, style, and many other decisions.
The theory of time
Photography is fundamentally a way of capturing the moment. It’s a way to freeze a fleeting moment forever. Maybe I like photography because it allows me to freeze moments and that gives me a sense of control over an unstoppable force: time.
It’s a reliable way to record memories, or representations of memories. I think that each photo of mine is intertwined with my memory of the place in the photo. Walking around Barcelona, I can sometimes have a feeling of deja vu when I’m in places I’ve photographed before. I take photos to remember places and I remember places because I took photos of them.
The likely answer to the “why” of my photography is likely a mix of those theories. And maybe it can be closer to one or the other depending on the project.
Anyways that’s it from me today. See you next time!
Loved this one! The photos and the text went so well together but the photos especially made me pause a lot :) :)
Love this!
I’m doing some reflection myself as I write this about my art and what photography is to me.
You’ve presented a great outline for expanding upon what I’ve created so far.