Photography is a wonderful hobby that offers a range of benefits and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. If you are thinking about starting with photography, here are 10 reasons why photography is a great hobby. Note, there are more reasons – these are just mine! If you are new, say hi over at Youtube!
#1 Captures Memories
I have a terrible memory, personally! But photography allows me (and you) to capture memories and moments that you can look back on and remember for years to come. From family vacations to special events, pictures serve as a visual diary of your life. I find myself regularly looking at my albums and thinking “ah yes, I have been there”, or “ah yes, I have met this person”!
#2 Improves Observation Skills
Photography requires you to pay close attention to your surroundings and observe details that you may have previously overlooked. This skill can be applied to other areas of life, making you more aware and observant – like a superpower! Ok maybe not to that extreme, but have a look at the image below. While I was taking this photo (left), my girlfriend asked why I take a photo of such a branch. The reason was simple – in my head, I saw the right version. The longer you are involved in photography, the more you will see special angles, scenes, or details that you would otherwise miss. The edit for this image is here, by the way.
#3 Creative Outlet
Photography is a great way to express your creativity. You can experiment with different techniques, lighting, and compositions to produce unique and interesting images. You will find people in this world that will try to tell you how to shoot, how to edit, and which rules to follow – but don’t listen. Stay creative, do as you please! Below are some examples of my own more creative shots/edits.
#4 Relaxation
Photography can be a relaxing and meditative hobby. Whether you’re taking photos in nature or in a busy city, the process of composing and capturing images can be calming and grounding. Think about it – the last time you took a photo, did you also at the same time think about taxes, that leaky pipe, or that plumber that ripped you off? No. You need to focus on composing and getting the settings right, and that focus can be quite calming.
#5 Improves Technical Skills
Photography involves a lot of technical skills such as understanding exposure, shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. As you learn and practice these skills, you will see improvement in your images. In addition, there is the editing aspect of things – you will likely become familiar with at least one editing software, either to tweak your photos or at least organize them. If you are super new, I have tons of editing tutorials in different software on this very blog, check it out here.
#6 Travel Companion
Photography is a great way to document your travels and capture the beauty of new places. Your photos can serve as a visual journal of your adventures and a reminder of the places you have been. It may also be somewhat of a guide – think about it. If you are interested in photography, you are much more likely to really squeeze as many excursions and events into a holiday or trip as you can. The alternative, to be lazy and spend time on the beach, suddenly sounds less appealing – you need to push forward to take more photos! Unless its the beach in the below photo – in this case, stay!
#7 Connects You With Others
Photography is a great way to connect with others who share your passion. You can join photography clubs, attend workshops, and participate in photography contests, which can lead to new friendships and collaborations. On travels, you will often find other photography enthusiasts – if you are not too shy, photography is a great way to bond, team up, and master that next awesome photo spot together.
#8 Financial Opportunity
Photography can also be a source of income. Whether you sell your photos online or offer photography services, there is potential to make money from your hobby. As you start out, this should NOT be the main motivation though – rather focus on the process and the improvements that come with it.
#9 Tells Stories
Photography allows you to tell stories through images. Whether you’re capturing the beauty of nature or telling a personal story, your images can convey emotions, ideas, and experiences in a way that words cannot. Imagine talking about the Aurora Borealis – it’ll never be as amazing as seeing it!
#10 Personal Growth
Photography can help you grow as a person by challenging you to see the world in new ways, developing your creative skills, and pushing you out of your comfort zone. You like street photography but you are usually too shy to talk to random people on the street? You will need to grow and overcome this fear.
Now, in conclusion, photography is a fantastic hobby that offers numerous benefits. Also some stress, but that is for another day… Whether you’re looking to capture memories, improve your observation skills, or just want to have fun, photography is a great choice. So why not give it a try? I’m doing it now for over 8 years and to be honest, I personally think it is the best hobby you can have. Tell me in the comments what made you become interested in photography in the first place! Also, say Hi over at Youtube!
