What is Digital Photography
"What is digital photography" is a subjective question. These are my own thoughts about why digital photography is so popular.
Creativity and Self Expression
Everyone needs creativity in their life. Everyone. It's like a form of meditation. If, like me, the majority of your time is spent doing something analytical, the chance to do something creative is a wonderful opportunity.
I believe that one of the requirements for happiness is a sense of achievement. Creation. Looking at something beautiful and thinking "I created that" gives me at least a feeling of euphoria. As a student, especially, it's very easy to think that what I'm doing is pointless, as my achievements have all been done before.
When I take a photo though, I know that no one else has taken exactly the same photo. I love trying to be original. I can't invent new physics as a student, but I can take an original photo.
My Personal Art
I cannot draw to save my life. I can't paint. I have a personal need for visual creative expression, but until I found photography I had no outlet for it. I'm a talented musician, if I do say so myself, but I needed something visual.
What is digital photography for me? It's visual art that I can do. Not only that, but I'm a bit of a geek, so it's a visual creative outlet which involves lots of cool gadgets, computers and advanced software! Perfect!
Development
I like to see progress when I do something. I need to see myself improving or I feel like I want to give up. With digital photography, I have a record of all my photos over the years! I can look at my efforts now, then look back a few years and see the progress.
I even sell photos now. Can you imagine a better hobby? It's something that you enjoy, helps you relax and makes you happier, and in the long term can even make money to pay for your accessory addiction (if you don't crave digital photography equipment...you will soon!).
So...What Is Digital Photography?
It's nothing short of art. Except the big difference is that it's art that requires a different set of skills and talents. It doesn't matter that I can't draw. I can use a computer and I know how to use a camera. My inability to draw a scene doesn't matter because the camera does it for me, I just worry about what I want it to draw.
It contributes to my happiness.
I don't know if you'll agree with me. Perhaps I'm talking out of a part of my anatomy. Perhaps I'm not. I hope you find digital photography as fulfilling as I do, and I hope it brings you just as much joy.
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