05/06/2025
At a recent workshop, someone asked me what I love about photography — what genres I like to shoot in my free time.
I don’t think the attendee was ready for the answer 🙈
“I don’t shoot when I’m off — unless you count travel photos with my iPhone or the occasional roll of film. I don’t really love photography per se. Honestly, I’d pick a painting exhibition over a photo show any day. What I love is bringing ideas to life — using creativity to elevate a product, a brand, an artist, or a concept. If I had more patience for brushes and less obsession with light, I might’ve become a painter. My work isn’t about photography as such... sometimes I wish I could train as a proper set designer or model maker to push things even further. I’m sure I’d enjoy that side of the job just as much as photography, if not more!”
And the more I think about it, the more I believe: most photographers didn’t get into this because they loved photography. Sure, geeking out over gear and SD cards is fun. But the real joy lies in the process — art direction, set building, lighting, post-production — everything that transforms a vision into something tangible. I enjoy seeing the set built and lit almost as much as seeing the final image.
Too many photographers fall in love with cameras. That might get you started. But if you want it to last, fall in love with the process. The camera is just a tool. The idea is what matters most.
My personal projects might be work, but in a way, they’re my off-time side quests too.
PS: for those who love their camera more than photography, if you don’t shoot with a or , you’re probably losing your time anyway 😂