What Photography Means to Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

Photography Means More To Me Than Just Snapping A Pretty Photo

It may just mean a quick shot of a random sunset, but to me, photography is so much more.

91
Photography Means More To Me Than Just Snapping A Pretty Photo
Photo by Amy Oberholtzer

Photography.

To some people, photography is just a perfect shot of you and your friends or a quick snap of the sunset that you saw from your window. But to me, photography is so much more.

I was always fascinated with photography, even though I had no real idea of what it was. I just knew that my parents and grandparents took so many photos of anything and everything, all the time. There's no shortage of pictures of my sister and me on every holiday, or birthday; you name the day, there's probably a photo from that day.

I first started doing my own version of photography when I was around 11 or 12 years old. I received my first camera from my parents for Christmas, and it was a digital point-and-shoot camera. I was thrilled to bits. I could take any photos at any time, and of anything that I wanted to. And it was a nice quality (for 2011), far better than my sliding keyboard cell phone. Every now and then, I look back on some of the photos and laugh at what I really thought photography was.

After my first camera, I realized how much I enjoyed capturing things, from sunsets to my dogs to flowers outside. Every few years brought me more opportunity to access better camera quality. After I got my first iPhone, I was thrilled to bits with the latest camera features. Each year I would scoff at the last year's quality, disappointed with grainy, blurry, or angled photos.

Photography is an artistic outlet that to me, seems the most attainable and important to me. I felt like it was an artistic outlet that was the most right for me. I was never good at painting, drawing, etc., and I never really pursued dancing, acting, or singing (because I thought I was "too late" at age 13). So for me, photography was the easiest way for me to create visible art for myself and those around me. It brings me so much joy to capture people, animals, nature, etc.

Today, I take photography more seriously and have a much higher quality camera, but the vision and passion are both there. I tend to gravitate towards capturing landscapes and nature scenes, but I have been going out of my comfort zone more and more by doing portraits of people. I may still be particular with quality, angles, and lighting, but nonetheless, it all brings me the same joy almost a decade later.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

24113
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10079
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7313
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments