Just stumbled across this forum and was browsing through a few topics. Came upon several references to members who likened themselves to hermits. I know there's a very good reason I live on a mountain, not antisocial just not social. So My question is, are all nature photographers hermits at heart? Do we use the camera as an escape hatch to solitude? I'd love to hear your thoughts on this.
Posted by Luke Ormand on March 24, 2011 at 9:36 PM
I don't think that we all liken ourselves to hermits (I certainly am not one) but I think we turn to nature to get away from the craziness that is "the real world". I'm not huge on social interaction with people I don't know (I even loathe conversing with photographers I run across in the field) but that's not why I like nature photography or like getting in the field. I simply enjoy interacting with nature the way humans once did and soaking up the sites and sounds away from suburbia and industry.
A hermit I am not, but I'll happily photography a hermit crab (or Hermit Thrush, or Hermit Warbler etc. etc.)
I have a pretty stressful job and a very stressful home overseeing complicated care of my elderly, demented and often-resistant mother.
I'm not anti-social or any kind of hermit, but I do need to get out into nature with my camera, usually alone, to reclaim some sanity.
I know other photographers who are never comfortabler being alone at all, and shoot only with groups of friends - so I don't think we can make generalizations.
Your peaceful mountain sounds wonderful!
Sandy
Posted by Bill Chambers on March 25, 2011 at 8:12 AM
Nancy, I like your description of "not antisocial, just not social". I've always thought of myself as antisocial, but your description may fit me a little better. It's not that I dislike people, I just don't necessarily want them, or need them, around, especially for photography, canoeing, backpacking, etc. I've always been rather shy and prefer my own company to others most of the time. My wife understands this and has always been very gracious about letting me head to the woods by myself - she's very independent and enjoys her alone time for the weekend as well. I don't think we can make a generalization about all photographers, but for me, I definitely prefer being alone.
Posted by Hali Sowle on March 25, 2011 at 10:07 AM
I'm definitely not anti-social, my job requires me to be in constant close contact with people all day long some of whom really have phobias and dislikes (I'm a dentist) so I'm pretty gregarious most days. But when it comes to photography I like to get out alone and just have time to interact on a simpler level and recoup some sanity. I don't mind stopping to talk with other photographers but I don't want to spend my day shooting with them. My husband likes to get out and shoot with me, which can sometimes be stressful but for the most part I like to shoot alone.
Posted by Mia McPherson on March 25, 2011 at 10:39 AM
I wouldn't classify myself as a hermit, I am not sure I can pigeon hole myself like that.
I am shy with people I don't know unless it is talking about something I am very familar with. I can get up and talk to a bird photography class of over 50 people and do just fine but to do that in front of that many people and have it not be bird photography related? No way.
I used to do most of my photography alone in Florida but other photographers would soon start talking to me and I found the most interesting & talented people that way. After that I started to photograph with other photographers who share the same field ethics that I do more frequently and that gives us the benefit of two more eyes to spot the birds. Not saying I haven't met some crazy people or people with poor bird photography field ethics that I have but I don't strike up friendships with them either.
I won't stand amongst a throng of photographers though say at places like the Gator Farm in FL (nothing wrong with the place but not my cuppa tea).
I really appreciate it when I am photographing with other bird photographers of like mind, sharing techniques, information on the birds and someone whose company I enjoy.
Posted by Steve Kennedy on March 25, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Nice thread Nancy. I'm not a hermit or antisocial. I am quiet most of the time while I'm not at work, especially in social settings. I am somewhat shy, though people at work would not believe that (I'm the CIO of an insurance company).
I love to hike and be out in the woods, especially in the wilderness areas. I enjoy it by myself or with one or more close friends. Today I can't imagine doing that without a camera. I have found hiking and being in the solitude of nature is a great way work out the stress and frustrations of the job and get some down time. I do like being with like minded people while I'm in the woods, whether they are photographers or not, but most of time I hike alone. For me there's something very (not sure of the right word here - inspiring, invigorating, spiritual, healing, etc.) about it.
I'm my own favorite companion Nancy. I'm perfectly comfortable by myself for extended periods, but I don't object to company when it happens. Good thing after 40+ years of marriage, eh? I will say though, that if I spend too much time around others including my loving wife, I really start to crave time to myself. I usually manage a few hours of that a day because I habitually awake at 4AM, and no one else stirs or calls till at least 8.
But I can relate to your life on a mountain. We live 35 miles from town in Alaska, and our place in the Southwest is 2 hours from the nearest airport, with our nearest neighbor roughly a mile away. I'd go absolutely nuts living shoulder to shoulder with neighbors in a housing tract! Bleah!!!!!
Posted by Mark Seaver on March 27, 2011 at 12:53 AM
Hi Nancy, I'd describe myself as somewhat lacking in social graces. In fact, when I was a preteen a sunday school teacher asked the class what they wanted to be when they grew up and my response was hermit. I think I've gotten a bit better over 50 years, but I still prefer talking to animals over talking to humans. Although there are some humans that I actually like to talk to.
Posted by Paul Duval on March 29, 2011 at 10:20 PM
I enjoy being by myself outside, at the beach, in the forest, in the desert, on a mountain always have. I used to be a mineral collector, stick pick up a rock here and there while in the field. I used to carry a camera with me to record finds neat weather interesting animals and plants and the scenery. I don't find myself disliking company, but I can easily do without it, if that makes me a hermit, then I guess I'm a hermit. I can be a sarcastic ass sometimes but I'm not antisocial at least I don't think I am. ( Others may disagree) . I do enjoy making images whether with company or without. Sharing is fun that's what makes NPN so nice, I know I'll get to share here.
Discussion
9 repliesA hermit I am not, but I'll happily photography a hermit crab (or Hermit Thrush, or Hermit Warbler etc. etc.)
I'm not anti-social or any kind of hermit, but I do need to get out into nature with my camera, usually alone, to reclaim some sanity.
I know other photographers who are never comfortabler being alone at all, and shoot only with groups of friends - so I don't think we can make generalizations.
Your peaceful mountain sounds wonderful!
Sandy
I am shy with people I don't know unless it is talking about something I am very familar with. I can get up and talk to a bird photography class of over 50 people and do just fine but to do that in front of that many people and have it not be bird photography related? No way.
I used to do most of my photography alone in Florida but other photographers would soon start talking to me and I found the most interesting & talented people that way. After that I started to photograph with other photographers who share the same field ethics that I do more frequently and that gives us the benefit of two more eyes to spot the birds. Not saying I haven't met some crazy people or people with poor bird photography field ethics that I have but I don't strike up friendships with them either.
I won't stand amongst a throng of photographers though say at places like the Gator Farm in FL (nothing wrong with the place but not my cuppa tea).
I really appreciate it when I am photographing with other bird photographers of like mind, sharing techniques, information on the birds and someone whose company I enjoy.
I love to hike and be out in the woods, especially in the wilderness areas. I enjoy it by myself or with one or more close friends. Today I can't imagine doing that without a camera. I have found hiking and being in the solitude of nature is a great way work out the stress and frustrations of the job and get some down time. I do like being with like minded people while I'm in the woods, whether they are photographers or not, but most of time I hike alone. For me there's something very (not sure of the right word here - inspiring, invigorating, spiritual, healing, etc.) about it.
But I can relate to your life on a mountain. We live 35 miles from town in Alaska, and our place in the Southwest is 2 hours from the nearest airport, with our nearest neighbor roughly a mile away. I'd go absolutely nuts living shoulder to shoulder with neighbors in a housing tract! Bleah!!!!!
Paul