Why We Need Photography

There are many reasons why we need photography. These vary by individual but are relevant and meaningful nonetheless.

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Olympus OM-D E-M1 X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/6.3, 1/320, ISO-3200, Handheld Hi Res Mode, subject distance 210 mm

As humans we all may appear as individuals and separated from each other… but at our core we share in the emotions of life.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/5, 1/320, ISO-3200, subject distance 245 mm, handheld focus stacking used, out-of-camera jpeg adjusted in post

We form bonds with each other. We share love and affection. In our own ways we are connected to our environment and to others around us.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko PRO 40-150 mm f/2.8 with M.Zuiko MC-20 teleconverter @ 158 mm, efov 316 mm, f/6.3, 1/60, ISO-200, subject distance 1 metres

There is a vibrancy to life… that is available to all of us if we take the time to see and experience it.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4-5.6 @ 79mm, efov 213.3mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-800

We can witness the power of nature as it carves and alters the world in which we live.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 13mm, efov 35mm, f/8, 1/320, ISO-400

Photography is a portal through which we see the world.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 26 mm, efov 70.2 mm, f/8, 1/250, ISO-160

It enables us to capture the challenges that lie ahead. To see the world as a place of potential.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 24 mm, efov 64.8 mm, f/8, 1/500, ISO-160

There is a creative solitude that we experience with photography. It can give us pause to consider what is important in life.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 11 mm, efov 29.7 mm, f/8, 1/100, ISO-400

Photography can allow us to see the simplicity of life. To block out the noise and distractions around us.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 100 mm, efov 270 mm, f/8, 1/8, ISO-160

It allows us to capture human moments and connections that create value in our existence each and every day.

Nikon 1 J5 + 1 Nikkor 10-100 mm f/4-5.6 @ 37 mm, efov 100 mm, f/8, 1/60, ISO-160

Photography confirms that we have the ability to create and follow our unique passions. We can free ourselves from societal pressures to confirm.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 75-300 mm f/4.8-6.7 @ 300 mm, efov 600 mm, f/6.7, -0.7 step, 1/2500, ISO-800, Pro Capture H, cropped to 2000 pixels on the width

Photography allows us to commune with nature. Capturing moments that we may never experience in the exact same way again.

OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 IS @ 600 mm, efov 1200 mm, f/7.1, 1/1000, ISO-1600, full frame capture, subject distance 13.8 metres

It doesn’t matter what we use to create our photographs. The fact that we have captured a moment in time that we can relive and contemplate in the future… is priceless.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X + M.Zuiko 60 mm f/2.8 macro, f/3.2, 1/125, ISO-5000, subject distance 630 mm

To create through photography… is to be alive and connected with the world around us.

Technical Note

Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,505 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.

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3 thoughts on “Why We Need Photography”

  1. Also I often walk to my local pond where the peace and tranquility of the of the surroundings really do help. I have some form of nerve pain always it never stops. Being in nature and perhaps getting a good photogrph really helps me..

  2. For me Thomas photography has always beeny driver of life you could say I am addicted to it.
    When like last night I had a terrible night with my nerve condition. Today I got out the EM1-X and took some images of my granddaughter – that came out superb and it helps me to forget the pain.
    When I rarely get good light and no pain I can really appreciate what photography means to me.

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