The post 16 Powerful Reasons to Choose Photography as a Hobby (in 2023) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Stacey Hill.
Ready to embark on a visual adventure? Discover how a photography hobby can improve your health, elevate your relationships, and change your life.
If you’re searching for a hobby that combines creativity, relaxation, and even a chance to make a little extra cash, then photography might just be your perfect match. In a world filled with fast-paced routines and endless distractions, taking photos offers an escape – one where you can tell stories, record key events, and share experiences.
In this article, I explore 16 compelling reasons why you should pick photography as a hobby. From the therapeutic powers of capturing stunning images to the joy of sharing visual stories with your loved ones, you’ll learn the unique benefits of photography and what makes taking photos so special.
I might be a little biased, but here’s my guarantee: By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll be itching to pick up a camera and start snapping photos!
1. Photography will help you record events and memories
Photography allows you to create images of special events, times, and places. It lets you record the specifics of an event – and it also allows you to share that event with friends and family, long after it’s done and gone.
By capturing a special moment in time, you can always remember it in crisp detail, even as your mental memories begin to fade. Plus, those memories will eventually become part of your history, perhaps even family lore. And they won’t just be passed down through stories; they’ll be passed down through images, too.
2. You’ll have fun
You can have so much fun with a camera.
You can head out with the family to the beach or on a picnic, shoot a local sports games, randomly roam your city streets photographing strangers, stalk wildlife, hike up a mountain for a stunning view, or stand under the stars at 2 AM and watch the Milky Way slowly move across the heavens.
In other words: Photography offers many opportunities to do new, interesting, and fun things with your camera – things you may not have done otherwise.
Plus, all sorts of things become interesting when they can provide you with material for photographic adventures. Cultural festivals, parades, sports events, a wander along the beach, exploring parts of your city previously undiscovered, architectural details on buildings, intricate details of flowers, people-watching, wildlife, meeting people who have different interests and hobbies, and much more; thanks to photography, it’ll be tons of fun.
3. Learning a new skill is good for your brain
Research shows that learning a new skill helps the brain and improves memory. And the more difficult the skill, the more you benefit.
Given that photography has so many elements – the science of light, the technology of the camera, the creative artistic side – there is a lot to learn.
So whatever your age, now is the perfect time to start a photography hobby.
4. Photography is a great stress-reliever
Let’s face it: Life can get pretty hectic sometimes. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, dealing with family responsibilities, or simply navigating the ups and downs of daily life, stress seems to be a constant companion.
But photography offers a unique escape, a chance to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with your inner self. It’s a mindful practice that encourages you to be fully present in the moment. As you frame a shot, adjusting your focus and composing the elements just right, the rest of the world fades into the background. Your attention shifts to the details, the interplay of light and shadow, and the subtle nuances that make each scene come alive.
Engaging in slower-paced forms of photography, like capturing delicate flowers up close, architectural marvels, or sweeping landscapes, can be especially soothing. These moments of stillness can become your sanctuary, and the act of creating something beautiful with your camera can become an act of self-care.
Some describe the act of photographing as if they’re in a trance, completely absorbed in the process. Whether you’re venturing into the great outdoors or photographing everyday scenes in your own backyard, photography offers a portal to serenity.
5. Photography will improve your health and fitness
Photography won’t just keep your brain in shape; it’ll keep your body in shape, too!
Getting out of the house, walking, and even hiking are common side effects of interest in photography. Do you like landscape photography? Then you’ll need to go where the landscapes are, and that often means some form of exercise. Do you want to photograph people? Then you’ll need to walk the streets, which requires plenty of physical activity.
Of course, not all forms of photography require strenuous exercise. If you prefer a more easygoing approach, that’s okay, too; genres such as macro photography and portrait photography will get you out of the house, but won’t make you feel like a marathon runner. Make sense?
One caveat: Camera gear is heavy, so it’s important to be aware of any health or safety concerns. Carrying a camera on a strap around your neck (plus a backpack on your back) for a long time can be quite painful. Fortunately, there are many lightweight cameras available, not to mention excellent camera-carrying devices, compact tripods, and other burden-easing equipment.
6. You get to be creative
In her book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert writes about creativity and inspiration. She says that creativity is good for us as individuals, and that the feeling you get when you finally capture an awesome sunrise photo, the feeling you get when you finally capture the image, is a wonderful thing.
But being creative is something we rarely do as adults. Enter photography, which is hugely creative and allows for endless flexibility in shooting and artistic style. That style can grow as you learn more and start to experiment with different genres.
Bottom line: Creativity is fun, and it provides a necessary counterbalance for the stressful demands of a modern lifestyle.
7. Photography will help you communicate with friends and family
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. And let’s face it, sometimes finding the time to share what’s happening in your life with friends and family can be a challenge. Whether it’s due to busy schedules, distance, or simply feeling disconnected, photography can bridge those gaps and help you communicate in a meaningful way.
When you embrace photography as a hobby, you start capturing moments that matter. From your daily routines and workplace to your home, kids, or even your garden, you can use your camera to tell the story of your life. Then, instead of struggling to find the right words, you can share those photos with your loved ones, giving them a window into your world.
With each photo you capture, you’re giving your friends and family a chance to see what’s going on in your life. They can experience the joy, the challenges, and the beauty that surrounds you. It’s a way to strengthen those connections and ensure that distance or time constraints don’t hinder your ability to stay in touch.
8. Photos make the best gifts
If you’re the kind of person who always wants to give the perfect gift, then photography will help you succeed beyond your wildest dreams! After all, who doesn’t love receiving prints and other photo products as gifts? They’re highly meaningful because they took real love and care to produce, and they’re personal because they came directly from you.
Photography offers plenty of options, too. You can give canvas prints of your favorite shots; thoughtful photo books featuring your kids, vacations, or special occasions; and even mugs and t-shirts with family photos or other captivating images.
So next time you’re wracking your brain for the perfect gift, pick up that camera. It’s a surefire way to offer presents that’ll be treasured for a lifetime!
9. Photography will get you traveling
Here’s another likely outcome of taking up photography:
You’ll travel all over the place, from different parts of your own city or country all the way to the other side of the globe. There is so much interesting stuff to photograph in other places, including landscapes, wildlife, architecture, and people from other cultures.
Now, travel broadens the mind and exposes you to new concepts and ideas, plus it’s an excellent learning opportunity. It provides so much creative variety and possibilities for personal growth.
Also, travel is just tons of fun!
So if you do take up photography, make sure you jump on the opportunity to travel, even if you only go a couple of hours away. It can provide entirely new situations and vistas! Be brave and venture forth.
10. Photography will keep you busy
Feel like you have too much time on your hands and don’t know what to do with it all? Well, photography might just be the perfect solution. Instead of spending hours mindlessly watching YouTube videos or endlessly scrolling on your phone, why not channel your energy into a fulfilling hobby?
In my experience, photography gives you a purpose, something to strive toward. Whether it’s capturing beautiful images of your grandkids, documenting the world around you, or creating breathtaking landscape shots that generate buzz on social media, photography keeps you engaged and motivated. It’s a wonderful feeling to have a creative pursuit that constantly pushes you to improve and learn new techniques.
The best part is that photography is flexible and fits into your schedule. You can grab your camera and shoot at any time of the day, allowing you to indulge in your hobby whenever you have a free moment. From the early morning golden hour to the quiet serenity of night photography, there’s always an opportunity to capture something remarkable.
Plus, you’ll never run out of subjects to photograph! From the smallest details in nature to bustling city streets, every scene holds the potential for a captivating image.
11. You’ll meet lots of new people
Looking to meet new people and make new friends? Well, meeting interesting people during your photographic adventures is pretty common. For instance, you might ask a local for advice on how to find a certain viewpoint – and they’ll end up showing you the way!
Or you might start talking with someone who is curious about your photography, which can lead to a great afternoon of conversation.
Once you get serious, you can even consider organizing a meetup with local photo enthusiasts in your area. And who knows? You might make a new adventure buddy and a new friend!
By the way, if you are friendly and courteous with your camera, many people are often happy to pose. Engaging with other people ensures you make more of a connection, and the resulting images are often powerful and emotional. So while keeping personal safety in mind, be brave and say hello.
12. You can become part of a community
The photography community – both online and in person – can be very supportive. After all, sharing your passion with other people around the world who speak your language, understand your challenges, and have had similar experiences can be very helpful.
So I highly recommend you engage with a photographic community of some sort.
What communities are best? Well, online forums and social media platforms can be good places to find those secret local waterfall spots, where certain rare birds might be nesting, etc. People may be willing to give assistance with problems, critique your images, and provide an all-around welcoming place to hang out and chat about your hobby. (The dPS community on Facebook is a great place to start!)
Of course, you can also look at in-person options, such as camera clubs, meetup groups, photowalks, and more.
13. Photography can make you some money
If you’re looking for a way to earn a little extra cash each month, then a photography hobby can be your ticket. While it may not make you a millionaire, it can certainly help you cover small expenses or treat yourself to little indulgences.
There are various approaches you can take that fit your schedule and interests. One option is shooting stock photos and uploading them online, allowing you to earn passive income as they get purchased by others. Another option is offering portrait sessions to your family and friends, capturing their special moments and creating lasting memories. And hey, if you have a soft spot for animals, you can even offer your photography services to capture the adorable antics of your neighbors’ dogs and cats.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try selling prints of your best shots at local arts and craft shows? It’s a rewarding experience that lets you showcase your work and interact with fellow art enthusiasts.
Photography as a side hustle can be a fun way to monetize your skills and passion while keeping things manageable and enjoyable. So why not start that photo hobby and turn it into a little money-making venture?
14. Photography will help you appreciate your surroundings
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush and miss the beauty that surrounds us every day. But photography has a way of changing that.
You see, when you pick up a camera, you start to see the world differently. You become attuned to the play of light and shadow, the intricate details that might have gone unnoticed, and the captivating moments that unfold in the blink of an eye.
Whether you’re strolling through a bustling city street or exploring the serenity of nature, photography helps you slow down and appreciate the beauty that often gets overlooked. It encourages you to pause, observe, and capture those fleeting moments that make life extraordinary.
As a photographer, you become a keen observer, finding inspiration in the simplest of things – the way sunlight filters through the trees, the laughter of children playing, or the delicate petals of a flower. Through the lens of your camera, you’ll uncover hidden gems in familiar places, finding beauty in the everyday and transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs. This newfound appreciation for your surroundings will not only enhance your photography but also bring more joy and fulfillment to your life.
15. You can do photography on a budget
You might think that photography is an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be! You can capture amazing photos without breaking the bank.
First off, if you have a smartphone, you’re already armed with a powerful camera. Those little devices have come a long way and can now snap sharp and detailed images with just a tap. So don’t underestimate the camera in your pocket, especially when you’re just getting started.
If you want to dive deeper into photography and have more control over settings and subjects, you can opt for a used DSLR and an older lens. With the rise of mirrorless cameras, secondhand DSLR gear has become more affordable, yet it’s still incredibly powerful.
So if you’re thinking about delving into photography, don’t let money stop you. You can jump into this hobby without emptying your wallet. Look for deals and explore secondhand options. You don’t need the latest and greatest equipment to take captivating photos. It’s all about your eye for composition, lighting, and capturing the moment.
16. You can develop a style that is uniquely yours
No matter your passion, you can explore it via photography in whatever creative way you want. When starting out, it pays to have an understanding of the basic guidelines for composition and light, but don’t let them limit you. Challenge them, break them, and see what happens. It might work, it might not, but either way, it will be a learning experience.
Eventually, you’ll start to approach the world in a way that is specific to you. That’s when you’ll have developed a style of your own (which is a wonderful feeling, by the way!).
There are many different types and styles of photography, and you can adapt whatever you do to your individual desires and needs. There is space for all different approaches, from the classic landscape, nature, wildlife, street, portrait, and sports styles, to all the different variations in between. So don’t feel like photography constrains you – instead, you shape it!
Reasons why photography is a great hobby: final words
Photography adds so much value to our lives – by recording special events, people, and places, while also helping us learn and grow as people. It allows us to share our lives and experiences in meaningful ways, and it allows us to engage and have fun with other people.
Choosing photography as a hobby will offer so many possibilities for creative expression and technical expertise. Age is certainly not a barrier here, and if all you have is the camera on your phone, that’s okay; you can start with that.
So here’s my challenge to you:
Head out sometime today and take your first photo.
Now let us know your thoughts:
Which of these reasons speaks to you the most? Do you plan to start a photography hobby? If so, why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post 16 Powerful Reasons to Choose Photography as a Hobby (in 2023) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Stacey Hill.
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