Posted by Wayne Rhodus on February 5, 2009 at 9:08 AM
It's true, I'm a rich man ... photography has made me so.
Don't get me wrong, my images don't command thousands of dollars for a gallery wrapped canvas print. I don't sell hundreds of stock images to magazines or calendar publishers every year. And my work isn't in demand at the most prestigous galleries in the land.
No, I'm rich in a much more meaningful and lasting way.
Because of photography I had the motivation to be standing on a rocky outcrop near Lubec, ME at 3:30 in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise.
Because of photography I've witnessed the alpenglow on Long's Peak in the Rockies and watched the sun set over the Pacific northwest.
Because of photography I've photographed humpback whales at 45 feet from the deck of a two masted schooner and stood within 60 feet, totally exposed, of a bull moose on a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Because of photograhpy I found this place, Nature Photographers Online Magazine. And with that came exposure to amazing imagery and a genuine willingness by its members to share their time, passion and expertise with someone just learning the joys and challenges of photography.
Years later, I now moderate the Central States Nature Photographer forum and have organized several group gatherings. Those events provided the venue for even deeper personal interaction with some talented photographers. Photography provided the means to meet and come to know people I would have never met in life without it.
Yes, I am a richer man because of photography. Richer in my appreciation of nature. Richer in having met so many talented and like minded people. And richer in the knowledge that had photography not found me I might have missed it all.
Come to think of it, I think we are all richer because of photography.
that's all very true but one more thing:
because of photography (or for schlepping all that gear up those mountains) my back hurts pretty bad sometimes...
georg
Posted by May Haga on February 5, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I agree that photography has given me the joy of spending more time being mesmerized by nature, And, I truly appreciate the help given by participants in this forum, every day I learn ways to improve my art.
May
Posted by Lon Sharp on February 5, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Well put, Wayne. I would like to add, what is living but a chance to experience, to see and to understand? Photography enables us to see more and hold on a bit longer...and to share.
Thanks for this wonderfully insightful posting.
Posted by Bill Dark on February 5, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Well-said Wayne! I have often pondered many similar thoughts while hiking to and from a location. The anticipation of what the conditions will be like, and the beauty I find along the way...photography is truly my passion. There is no question that the many talented photographers here are what have shaped me as a nature photographer. And there are no words that can express how grateful I am for that.
Amen, bro
Posted by Wim Reyns on February 5, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Very well said, Wayne! Since I've gotten more serious about my photography, I have been places I never thought I'd see, witnessed awe-inspiring sunrises that almost moved me to tears, and have done things I never thought I could do. Last summer in RMNP I made a short, steep (not quite vertical but pretty darn close) climb next to a waterfall (Timberline Falls) just because I really wanted to see what was beyond (a couple more alpine lakes). Had that curiousity not been there, I never would have dreamed of making that climb, because I'm deathly afraid of heights. Photography has stretched my horizons and made me see the world in a different way, and especially makes me appreciate the joys and gifts of nature.
I've learned so much from the fantastic, talented, helpful people on this forum. My life definitely would not be as rich without all of you!
Wayne, you have stated the primary reason that I believe many of us enjoy photography - for that we experience while out in the world exploring and looking for images we make. Thanks!
Posted by Bruce Palla on February 5, 2009 at 3:36 PM
I couldn't have said it better myself!! And now that my hours at work are getting cut due to the economy, I'll have more time to get out there and get a little "richer" also.
Ha! You said it, Wayne! Thank you for putting my thoughts into such eloquent words.
A pro photog once asked me how I could stand to go out and take pictures without a goal in mind for their use after the shoot. Well, that's why he's such a "successful" pro, monetarily speaking. That person is a very passionate photographer, who I don't think is very happy... I am happy making photographs for all the reasons you said, Wayne.
I am an aspiring pro, who may never be rich in coin from the business aspect. That's okay with me. Appreciating Nature and newfound friends and skills I've learned and the artist in me– that's a lot of treasure! Thanks to all here for allowing me to participate in the adventure with you.
Posted by John Klotz on February 5, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Well spoken and well replied to by all! So... to heck with the icecicles and pass me a long lens!
John
Posted by Carol Hyman on February 5, 2009 at 8:49 PM
Very well said, Wayne. Thanks for being the spokesperson for all of us.
Carol
Posted by Richard Wong on February 6, 2009 at 2:16 AM
Agreed Wayne. We are all so lucky to have discovered nature photography.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on February 7, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Amen to that, Wayne! Photography has made me richer in that it has given me even more of an appreciation for nature, and has opened my eyes to see things others don't.
Bravo Wayne! Living in Italy I can add that I am richer because, without taking any airplane, I can share thougths, feelings and love for nature and admire beautiful images of photographers all over the world.
Posted by Lydia Dotto on February 19, 2009 at 3:37 PM
I recognized myself in your words. Photography has truly changed my life and all for the better (well...except for the addiction to spending money on expensive lenses... )
Last summer, I spent a day climbing up a sheer rock cliff to get close to puffins. I never would have imagined doing that just a couple of years ago. The next day, I spent 6 hours in a zodiac watching a couple dozen whales jump out of the water and wave their fins at me. A few weeks later, I was standing in the middle of the Rockies watching an elk grazing in field with a double rainbow behind him.
These were three of the most perfect days of my life. And, as a bonus, I actually made a few bucks from the pictures too.
Posted by Jason Edlund on February 21, 2009 at 1:50 AM
Great post, I think most people feel the same. Ive always thought that even if i cant take a decent pic that im out here enjoying what nature has to offer and its amazing. I hope to one day be able to do it justice
Posted by Kirk Greene on February 21, 2009 at 7:43 AM
Thanks for taking the time to get us all to reflect back and appreciate how photography has enriched our lives!!
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on March 21, 2009 at 2:29 PM
Discussion
33 repliesDon't get me wrong, my images don't command thousands of dollars for a gallery wrapped canvas print. I don't sell hundreds of stock images to magazines or calendar publishers every year. And my work isn't in demand at the most prestigous galleries in the land.
No, I'm rich in a much more meaningful and lasting way.
Because of photography I had the motivation to be standing on a rocky outcrop near Lubec, ME at 3:30 in the morning to witness a glorious sunrise.
Because of photography I've witnessed the alpenglow on Long's Peak in the Rockies and watched the sun set over the Pacific northwest.
Because of photography I've photographed humpback whales at 45 feet from the deck of a two masted schooner and stood within 60 feet, totally exposed, of a bull moose on a trail in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Because of photograhpy I found this place, Nature Photographers Online Magazine. And with that came exposure to amazing imagery and a genuine willingness by its members to share their time, passion and expertise with someone just learning the joys and challenges of photography.
Years later, I now moderate the Central States Nature Photographer forum and have organized several group gatherings. Those events provided the venue for even deeper personal interaction with some talented photographers. Photography provided the means to meet and come to know people I would have never met in life without it.
Yes, I am a richer man because of photography. Richer in my appreciation of nature. Richer in having met so many talented and like minded people. And richer in the knowledge that had photography not found me I might have missed it all.
Come to think of it, I think we are all richer because of photography.
Guy
because of photography (or for schlepping all that gear up those mountains) my back hurts pretty bad sometimes...
georg
May
Thanks for this wonderfully insightful posting.
Amen, bro
I've learned so much from the fantastic, talented, helpful people on this forum. My life definitely would not be as rich without all of you!
A pro photog once asked me how I could stand to go out and take pictures without a goal in mind for their use after the shoot. Well, that's why he's such a "successful" pro, monetarily speaking. That person is a very passionate photographer, who I don't think is very happy... I am happy making photographs for all the reasons you said, Wayne.
I am an aspiring pro, who may never be rich in coin from the business aspect. That's okay with me. Appreciating Nature and newfound friends and skills I've learned and the artist in me– that's a lot of treasure! Thanks to all here for allowing me to participate in the adventure with you.
John
Carol
Well said Wayne
Kind of along the same lines with a light-hearted twist...
Because of photography, I have 3 more speeding tickets and an accident running in to a ditch chasing the light...
Because of photography, I have one less bedroom that could be a nice guest room with a queen bed, frumpy pillows and a bedskirt.
Because of photography, I don't have to invest in museum paintings, tapestries or cheap posters to decorate my walls.
Because of photography, I have to explain why I got home so late.
Because of photography, I've been asked to shoot at least 10 weddings.
Because of photography, I have a 100% rating on ebay.
Because of photography, I fortunately invested LESS in the stock market.
And because of photography, I AM stimulating the economy!
Lon
Last summer, I spent a day climbing up a sheer rock cliff to get close to puffins. I never would have imagined doing that just a couple of years ago. The next day, I spent 6 hours in a zodiac watching a couple dozen whales jump out of the water and wave their fins at me. A few weeks later, I was standing in the middle of the Rockies watching an elk grazing in field with a double rainbow behind him.
These were three of the most perfect days of my life. And, as a bonus, I actually made a few bucks from the pictures too.