So why are so many enthusiast photographers still so passionate? I think many of us have realised ‘it’s not about the camera,’ to paraphrase the famous book by the cyclist Lance Armstrong. This is a tricky and controversial comparison, as Armstrong’s reputation has been tarnished by the revelations of his extensive doping, but nobody can deny his courage and grit when dealing with a cancer diagnosis that would send most of us into a downward spiral. Armstrong chose the title ‘It’s Not About the Bike’ for his autobiography as what mattered to him were his personal struggles and the benefits that cycling brought, not his fancy bike or trophies (I still believe this is true, even though he went over to the dark side to get many of these trophies).
Leaving Lance Armstrong aside, I think it’s a similar story for many photographers. What matters is not so much the final image but the many benefits they’ve gained from being photographers. There’s the satisfaction of learning new skills and sticking with it when the going gets tough.
Then there are the ‘connections’ you make from being a photographer. As I get older, these become more important to me. The friendships with you make with other photographers.
The interesting people you meet in a foreign country because you are up early taking photos while most tourists are still asleep, or through going off the beaten track with your camera. The benefits you get from being part of a photographic community. Then, .
