Why do we take pictures?

I take pictures for many reasons. Sometimes it's to capture a moment that I want to remember forever, like a beautiful sunset or a special event with loved ones. Other times, it's to express myself creatively and capture the beauty I see in the world around me.

Photography allows me to see the world in a different way, to notice the little details that might otherwise go unnoticed. It's a way to slow down and appreciate the world around me, to take a moment to really see and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us every day.

Taking pictures also allows me to share my perspective with others. Through my photographs, I can show others the world as I see it, and hopefully inspire them to see the beauty in their own lives as well.

Ultimately, I take pictures because it brings me joy. There's something incredibly satisfying about capturing a moment, creating something beautiful, and sharing it with others. It's a way to connect with the world around me, to express myself, and to bring a little bit of beauty and joy into the world.

Inspiration and Photography

  • Reasons for taking photographs

    • To capture moments for remembrance

    • To express creativity and capture beauty

  • Photography as a different perspective

    • Noticing details that may go unnoticed

    • Slowing down to appreciate the beauty in the world

  • Sharing perspective through photography

    • Showing the world through personal lens

    • Inspiring others to see beauty in their own lives

  • Joy and satisfaction in photography

    • Capturing and creating something beautiful

    • Connecting with the world and bringing joy

Photographing animals

Pequén (Burrowing owl)

Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm @500mm f/4.5-7.1 L/ ISO 125 - f/7.1 - 1/1000 sec

A Chilean flamingo flying over the Atacama desert

Canon EOS R + Canon EF 70-200mm @200mm f/2.8L II/ ISO 125 - f/2.8 - 1/8000 sec

Photographing animals can be a very rewarding experience. Animals have a natural beauty that is often difficult to capture in words, but through photography, we can capture their unique personalities, their movements, and their relationships with their environment. Not only is it a fun and fulfilling experience, but it also allows us to learn about different species and their habits. It's a way to connect with nature and appreciate the world around us. In fact, some photographers specialize in wildlife photography and dedicate their careers to capturing stunning images of animals in their natural habitats. These photographs can be used to raise awareness about conservation efforts and inspire others to protect the planet and its inhabitants. So, it's no wonder that you feel good when you photograph animals. It's a way to connect with nature, express your creativity, and capture moments that can be cherished forever.

Photographing personal moments with your beloved ones

Leonie in Costa Rica

Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8L IS/ ISO 100 - f/2.8 - 1/1000 sec

Photographing personal moments with people I love is one of the most important reasons why I take pictures. These moments are precious and often fleeting, and capturing them allows me to hold on to them forever. Whether it's a family vacation or a simple moment at home, these photographs serve as a reminder of the love and joy that fills my life.

Photographing landscapes

La Fortuna

DJI Mavic 2 Pro /@28mm - ISO 200 - f/5 - 1/160 sec

Photographing landscapes is another reason why I take pictures. There's something awe-inspiring about the natural beauty of the world around us, and capturing it in a photograph allows me to share that beauty with others. Whether it's the majesty of a mountain range or the tranquility of a beach at sunset, there's something truly special about capturing the beauty of the world around us. Plus, it allows me to appreciate and connect with nature in a deeper way. Thank you for sharing why you take pictures. It's clear that photography is a way for you to express yourself creatively, appreciate the world around you, and connect with others. I especially appreciate how you highlight the importance of photographing personal moments with loved ones and landscapes. Photographing personal moments with people you love is a great way to capture memories and hold onto them forever. These photographs serve as a reminder of the love and joy that fills your life, and can be cherished for years to come. Photographing landscapes is also a wonderful way to connect with nature and appreciate the world around us. Capturing the beauty of the natural world in a photograph allows us to share that beauty with others and inspire them to appreciate it as well.

Photographing with a purpose

Flamingos in Atacama desert

Canon EOS R5 + Canon EF 70-200mm @85mm f/2.8L II/ ISO 100 - f/8 - 1/640 sec

I take photographs to raise awareness about wildlife and nature conservation. That's an admirable reason to take photographs! Your photographs can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about conservation efforts and inspire others to protect the planet and its inhabitants. By capturing the beauty of nature and showcasing the importance of preserving it, you can make a positive impact on the world. Have you considered partnering with any conservation organizations or sharing your photographs on social media to reach a wider audience? I photograph to raise awareness about wildlife and nature conservation, and I share my photographs on social media platforms, such as Instagram, to reach a wider audience. You can use your photographs to promote awareness about the importance of protecting our planet and its inhabitants. Through my photographs, I aim to showcase the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. I believe that photography can be a powerful tool to inspire people to take action and make a positive impact on the world. By capturing stunning images of wildlife and landscapes, I hope to encourage others to appreciate the natural world and take steps to protect it.

My philosophy of taking pictures is to prioritize the experience over the photography itself. I view photography as a tool to enhance the experience, rather than the other way around.

Leonie

Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon EF 35mm @35mm f/1.4L II/ ISO 1250 - f/1.4 - 1/100 sec

My philosophy of taking pictures is to prioritize the experience over the photography. While capturing beautiful moments and memories is important, I believe that it's equally important to fully experience those moments and be present in them. Sometimes that means putting the camera down and just enjoying the moment, rather than trying to capture it perfectly. Of course, there are times when photography is the experience - when I'm exploring a new place or experimenting with a new technique. But even then, I try to strike a balance between capturing the moment and fully experiencing it.

Ultimately, photography is a way to connect with the world around us and appreciate the beauty that exists in our everyday lives. By prioritizing the experience, we can fully appreciate those moments and create photographs that are more meaningful and authentic. I also believe that it is wrong to do an activity solely for the purpose of taking a picture. Instead, I take pictures of things and activities that I actually want to do. I will never do something that I don't want to do, just for the sake of a picture. This philosophy is important to me because it allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience and appreciate it for what it is, rather than focusing solely on capturing the perfect shot. While it's true that photographs can help us remember special moments, I believe that the experience itself is just as valuable, if not more so.

In my opinion, taking pictures should enhance the experience, rather than detract from it. By prioritizing the experience, I am able to create more meaningful and authentic photographs that truly capture the essence of the moment. Of course, there are times when photography is the primary focus - when I am on a photography expedition, for example. But even then, I make sure to strike a balance between capturing the moment and fully experiencing it. In short, I believe that taking pictures should be a way to enhance our experiences and appreciate the beauty in the world around us, rather than a way to artificially create moments for the sake of a photograph.

Pablo Elorza