Why I Share My Photographs

A few conversations recently have made me rethink why I share my photographs, and how that has evolved over the last few years.

The places I share are pretty few.

Here on 35hunter, on my Flickr, and occasionally on Instagram.

Offline, I rarely share my photographs with anyone.

Here are the major reasons I share my work –

1. An underlying need to remind myself and others that the world is beautiful. 

   Much of the time the world feels chaotic, busy, out of control, even ugly. By seeking out tiny pockets of beauty and wonder, then immortalising them in a photograph, it helps shift my focus and remind me that there is always something beautiful and interesting to be found in the often overlooked details.

   I seem compelled to share this with others to try to remind them too.

   

2. To connect with like minded photographers.

   We can’t really find other photographers (and camera collectors, in my case), unless we have something to share ourselves.

   Yes, I could just follow other people and even comment on their blogs and work, but it seems more genuine, and completes the circle if I’m creating and sharing my own photographs too.

   

3. To inspire others that they can make similar photo with the same cheap humble kit.

   Ansel Adams said 12 great images is a good achievement for any year. I share somewhat more than that, and I don’t claim to be anywhere near the legend of Adams! The reason I don’t just share what I consider my very best work, is so others can see what is possible with various cameras, lenses and film. in the same way others have done for me.

   If I come across a new (old) camera/lens/film that looks interesting, the first thing I’ll do is seek out images online made by others to see what it’s is capable of. I hope when others do the same, by having my images well tagged, they find photographs by cameras/lenses/film I have used and are inspired enough to try that particular one themselves.

   

4. To create a natural extension to my hobby.

   I love using old film cameras to make photographs, and whilst this is the major element of my photographic hobby, sharing online is a natural and enjoyable extension.

   Times in the evening when it’s not feasible to be out photographing due to darkness, weather, family etc, it’s good to have the option to still focus on something directly connected to my photography, and deepens and enriches my enjoyment of the art.

   

5. So people tell me I’m a good photographer.

   I’m not beyond the reach of ego, and yes it’s great sometimes when someone you admire and respect (or even a random stranger) lets you know they like your photographs and are pleased you shared them.

   Obviously if I kept them entirely to myself this couldn’t happen.

   

Why do you share your photographs?

Please let us know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading. Please share this post with others you feel will enjoy it too.