Why am I so attracted to photography? Of what use is it? Or better, what use do I want it to have for me or others? These are just a few of the questions with which I’ve been grappling? The impetus for these questions has come from Tony Luna’s book, How to Grow as a Photographer. The book is really for career photographers who are in the process of examining their career and reinventing themselves. Since I’m not a professional photographer the book doesn’t apply specifically to me. However, Luna has a lot of great things to say about what it takes to be a photographer and what might become of one’s photographic abilities. In fact, much of the book has spoken to me.
I’m obviously drawn to photography and find a great deal of joy in it. Luna encourages photographers to go further, to discover (or rediscover) their passion, to articulate a clear vision and mission. So I’m asking myself, “What do I want my photography to do?” “How do I want it to affect others?” “What is my underlying passion and how can I use this to make a difference with the camera lens?” I’m working on these.
Is my greatest interest landscapes, churches, people, missions, or something else? Do I want my art to bring people joy, make them pay attention to life in new ways, or motivate them to do something like care for the marginalized in our world? Sometimes I feel like my photographic art is all over the place. You and I can obviously use the photography skills we have for all kinds of shots and subjects. However, finding your passion keeps your photography focused. Listening to the way God wants you to use your gifts, opens opportunities for your photography to make a real difference.
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