This post was stirred by Scott Bourne when asked why he pursued the career of a photographer. His answer, “Because I want to do something that matters.” I really had to stop and think about that for a minute. I know I take photographs because it’s an enjoyable hobby, to nurture the creativity within me and to share my vision of this world but I had never stopped to consider if it mattered or not.
He suggests we can protect our memory of a scene with our cameras which is true with the weddings and portraits we shoot. I believe we often walk through life without being present to the here and now. We can easily get lost in our thoughts and miss seeing the small sprouts of a flower breaking through the soil on an early spring walk, or miss seeing the farmer plowing his field, or the pelican as it effortlessly circles above us, or the children waiting for the school bus, etc. Photography has helped me to see the world as it is at that very moment, even if it’s 125th of second. I also see the world using different lens. I’m learning to see things up close and take in the scene that’s taking place across the street. It all matters to me.
So, do you think your photography matters?