Art or Memories...Why Do We Make Photos?

Why do we make photos? Is it to create works of art to hang on our walls? To capture a moment in time that will last forever?

At some point in my photography evolution, I would only make a photo if I thought it was "wall worthy". If the moment didn't hold enough awe, beauty, significance…I didn't feel that it was worth making a photo. My thought process has shifted since then. Don't get me wrong, I still want to create gorgeous, 'that belongs in a museum' photos. I mean who doesn't? But I've also learned to appreciate the beauty in the mundane. The everyday stuff that we can easily rush right past. That has a beauty all of its own.

This one was created as art. Set up at sunrise with a tripod for beautiful lighting, reflection…with the intention of creating a print.

I think this shift really started when Neal and I were living in France. I discovered that my camera was the key to remembering this amazing time in our lives. Sure there's always our brain. But let's face it, our brains are getting so full of stuff that pulling out specific memories seems to get harder and harder. And our brains just don't capture all the details like a photograph can.

One of my favorite quotes is by Diane Arbus: “I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.” And I really believe that is true. We are so rushed with life, our mind racing with grocery lists, work to-do lists, family issues…that we don't have the time or awareness to SEE what we are actually looking at.

But with a camera in hand, and a little 'let's be in the moment' mindfulness, the perfect solution exists. The ability to capture memories. Now I'm not suggesting you "capture memories" so you can continue to let your mind race, and then just look at the photos later. Wow wasn't that an amazing street in Prague! No. Enjoy the moment. Be present when you are visiting a place.

But WHILE you are present, AND you have your camera, notice things you might not otherwise notice. Those little details that help fill in the cracks of an incomplete memory. Such as the people who help give context to the beautiful architecture or event. The stray cats that are like members of the collective village family. Those are the little things you might NOT remember, if they aren't preserved in photos.

This is one of the many cats that live in Kotor as part of the collective village family.

While we were in France, we  wrote a blog together. So Neal would mostly write the words, and I would contribute the photos. After our adventure came to an end, I compiled all of our blog posts into a book. Whenever I look through the book, Breath of French Air, I remember SO many little things that I just wouldn't otherwise think of. Like the crazy way French people park anywhere their little cars will fit. The amazing Christmas markets with lights, roasting sausages, and fresh pastries. The narrow, cobblestone streets that begged for meandering. And the shutters. Oh the shutters. I don't know what it is, but I loved and photographed so so many of those French shutters.

Oh how I love those French shutters…

There are 100’s of photos of French shutters.

Do I have memories without photos? Of course. But they are snippets here and there, not full of the rich details, colors, and depth that a photo can provide. 

My shift to creating memories AND art might have started with our time in France, but it certainly continued and strengthened after we settled in Sacramento. After we got settled in, I was really missing my photography, and started doing a little research. That's when I found Kirsten Lewis, who is a documentary family photographer. When I saw her work, I remember thinking "now THAT is the kind of photography I want to do!". I worked with her in a group mentoring class for about 6 months. And it was transformative. It impacted how I saw through my camera. What I considered important. What I considered art.

I have always been fascinated with documentary photographers. Dorothea Lange, Mary Ellen Mark, Robert Frank. They capture REAL life that is ALSO art. What a concept. But I wasn't sure how that affected me as a photographer. After studying with Kirsten Lewis, I realized that I can bring documentary style photography into what I do. Whether that be family, pets, or even travel. And what I truly love about it (I'm really getting deep in this post - we're all going to need a glass of wine afterward) is that real is truly beautiful. And memorable. Our society has really gotten carried away with altered reality. Giant fake eyelashes, Botox, plastic surgery, photoshopping the bigeebies out of models. It's almost as if real isn't pretty anymore.

Well I beg to differ. I think there is such beauty in the untouched crusty face of my sweet little dog, Maggie. And of my family's Thanksgiving celebration. Yeah, I'll admit, they weren't so keen on my documenting the day, but I'm sure they'll appreciate it later. And I think that pure skin with no makeup, and natural hair with no extensions is amazing. Call me crazy. I think I'm the only one left on the planet that would agree. But here I am.

Okay, I got a little sidetracked there. Off my soapbox, and back to travel. When we are traveling, we aren't just visiting. We are experiencing. And we might not get to come back again. There are SO many places to visit on this planet, that we don't always go back the second time - even if we really enjoyed the visit. So let's make the most of our experience. 

Capture moments. 

Record details.

Treasure the authentic.

Create art.

Another detail I really loved in Europe was the colorful laundry hung out windows, waving in the breeze.

Wow I'm exhausted! Now I AM going to have that glass of wine I referenced earlier. And I really want to get out my camera and capture life with it. I hope you do the same.

Don’t forget to join us over in the private Facebook group. I go live every Wednesday at 10am (Pacific Time) to talk about our weekly topic. And, as always, I’d love to see your comments and some photos of your own!