Photography as a Hobby

 I wrote the following paper as a school project.  However, since the entire thing dealt with taking pictures- the very core of this blog- I decided to share my thoughts with you all as well!  

With the rise of technology’s accessibility, nearly everyone contains power to practice photography.  Rather than needing an expensive camera, people already have the ability to take pictures on their phone.  Instead of having to lug around a camera, one carries his cell phone, which fits nicely in his pocket.  Snapping a photo takes mere seconds.  Thus, practicing photography as a hobby presents itself to the majority of today’s population.  This hobby offers many benefits, which touch on the realms of health, mindfulness, social interaction and creativity.

Throughout history, man placed heavy emphasis upon maintaining good health.  Surprisingly, photography aids the upkeep of one’s physical and mental well-being.  For starters, the learning involved in taking good pictures produces sharper memory, even into old age.  The slower learning pace accompanied with this practice being a hobby results in strong linkages within the brain.  Coupled with physical activity, a side effect of photography, better brain plasticity results (Hill).  This all builds upon doctors’ understanding of the brain as a “use-it-or-loose-it” muscle (“The Health”).  On the outward side of things, exercise often stems out of taking pictures.  Walking to a desired subject, hiking through mountains, or kayaking down a river all may originate in the desire to photograph more scenes  (Ivanova).  In addition to physical activity, photography helps improve mental health.  Psychotherapists often recommend taking pictures as a coping skill, means for forming identity and aid for surviving mental disorders (“The Health”).  Photography’s psychological help stems from its forcing people into increased mindfulness and focus upon positive perspectives (Tsepko).

Photography also aids overall well-being by promoting greater social interaction.  While this may seem contradictory to the nature of the hobby, the statement holds true.  First off, one interacts as he shows his pictures to others.  Interaction might also consist of participating in groups made up of people who all enjoy photography.  Such groups allow for connection with various types of individuals.  Participants increase their interaction with personalities unlike their own due to the common foundation of a shared hobby (Ivanova).  Moreso, taking pictures often leads photographers to travel, even across the world.  Travel in turn broadens the mind by contact with new cultures and ideas.  In addition, exiting one’s comfort zone allows one to connect with others in new, raw ways (Hill).  More than meeting new faces, though, photos allow one to preserve connections with old acquaintances.  Taking a picture proves a quick way to document important times (Ivanova).  Reminiscing these memories later on continually strengthens bonds between the people present during that time (Tsepko).  This alley of photography gives people a way to easily pass down their heart to future generations (Hill).

The hobby of photography helps people better express their inward feelings, but also provides a channel to become mindful of surroundings.  Both these aspects begin with a new perspective.  Taking pictures rewires the brain to search out frames, color, certain lighting, etc- details previously considered insignificant (Ivanova).  In other words, photography provides new lenses through which one might view the world.  Things, then, no longer hold merely surface value.  Rather, every image tells a story to the one who looks for it.  This lense leads into a realm of self expression.  The photographer knows that one object is seen from many different perspectives (Tsepko), each telling a different story.  Add to this lighting, angles and frames; then suddenly, a single object contains ample ability to express several deep emotions.  On the flip side, snapping photos promotes mindfulness.  Mindfulness not only makes individuals more aware of their surroundings, it also helps them learn to enjoy life (“The Health”).  By consistently noticing small things as possible stunning pictures, one cultivates greater appreciation for life.  This leads to increased enjoyment of it.

Hand in hand with expression comes curiosity and creativity growth.  As previously mentioned, everyday items become fascinating to the photographer.  He desires to seek out angles which might change the mood of the subject or alter the shutter speed of his lenses to bring out new dynamics.  In short, photography forces one to learn and discover.  Not only must participants learn the elements of the camera itself, but also photo taking techniques.  In taking pictures, curiosity flourishes as the picture taker must put together any number of combinations of techniques in order to gain a desired effect.  This curiosity carries into something more.  As one wonders, experiments through trial and error, and hunts down thrilling subjects, he thus begins to exercise the muscle of creativity.  This is solidified by the fact that no solid box exists which keeps photographers chained by a set of rules.  Once one masters the basic techniques of cameras, he finds himself free to either implement those rules in his art or experiment practices apart from them.  A freedom exists in photography for participants to present themselves in their own language of creativity.  Moreso, society generally approves of photography as a creative form for even adults (Hill).

The hobby of photography opens an expansive realm to individuals.  More always exists to learn about the art.  Yet users find themselves with freedom even to refuse advancement if they so desire.  Photography gives tools of creativity, mindfulness and new perspectives to users at any level of expertise.  Photographers benefit not only in enjoyment of their hobby, but also through increased health.  Pictures, additionally, bring people together around old memories as well as new ideas.  Besides affecting the photographer himself, the product of this art speaks to others.  Who knows the number of people cheered, inspired or brought back to hope because of a single picture (Ivanova)?

Works Cited

Hill, Stacey.  “10 Reasons Why Photography is a Great Hobby.”  Digital Photography School, digital-photography-school.com/10-reasons-photography-great-hobby/.

Ivanova, Taya.  “12 Reasons to Pursue Photography as a Hobby.”  Expert Photography, expertphotography.com/photography-as-a-hobby/.

“The Health Benefits of Photography.”  Medicareful Living, 27 Feb. 2020, living.medicareful.com/the-health-benefits-of-photography.

Tsepko, Alex.  “Why Photography Is One of the Most Useful Hobbies You Can Have.”  Forbes, 7 June 2018, forbes.com/sites/quora/2018/06/07/why-photography-is-one-of-the-most-useful-hobbies-you-can-have/?sh=45e25b05b970.