speech on importance of photography

Why We Do It: Photographers and Photo Editors on the Passion That Drives Their Work

T he people who make up today’s thriving photographic community are our eyes to the world. Whether established artists and journalists or passionate emerging voices, they inform us, they inspire us, they amaze us, they put our world in the broader context of history.

But that community also faces great challenges — dwindling sales, increased competition and a fragile trust in photographers’ mission to inform. Too often, those factors can make those of us in that community, photographers and photo editors alike, lose sight of what drive us.

For this post, my last as editor of TIME LightBox, I asked 13 of my colleagues – some of the many photographers and photo editors who have influenced and inspired me over my last ten years in this industry – to answer these essential questions: Why do they do it? Why do they wake up every morning ready to take photographs, to edit them, to publish them? Why is photography important to them and, by extension, to all of us?

Here are their answers.

Kathy Ryan, Director of Photography, the New York Times Magazine

Photographs are the universal language of our era. Everyone has hundreds, maybe thousands in their pocket. Weightless, they turn the scale when the argument is: What happened here? Images don’t age or warp. A great photographer’s strings never go out of tune.

It is for this reason that we need photographers. They are the ones who sort all the chaos of the world into images that bring clarity to the free-for-all of life. They are the witnesses and artists who can distill the mayhem and beauty that surrounds us. They call our attention to the things we miss in our everyday lives and they call our attention to events and people at a great distance from our own patch of the universe. When they direct our eyes and hearts with precision and honesty, we know what we know differently and better. Photographers teach us to look again, look harder. Look through their eyes.

Ruddy Roye, Photographer

I shoot because I see. I shoot because if I don’t, I don’t know who will. Activism is seen as a dirty word. I shoot because I find peace in being especially active, and being a vigorous advocate for a cause.

How does one define what a “cause” is? According to Webster, it is “a person or thing that acts, happens, or exists in such a way that some specific thing happens as a result; the producer of an effect.”

I wish that every image I photograph reexamines and redefines the image of the black man, the black woman, and the black child. My photography is first and foremost a catalyst or reason to motive human action. Every picture I take asks the questions, “Who am I and what is my role here on this earth?” It is my way of seeing. It is my way of saying this is another way of seeing me.

Sarah Leen, Director of Photography, National Geographic

I have spent my entire professional life creating, editing, critiquing or teaching photography and working with photographers. It has been the way that I have experienced much of the world. In a deeply personal way I feel an image is a poem about time, about “staying the moment.” Photography can defeat time. Images can keep the memory of a loved one alive, hold a moment in history for future generations, be a witness to tragedy or joy. They can also change behavior, stimulate understanding and create a sense of urgency that will move people to action. Photography is the universal language that speaks to the heart.

Photographers are the dedicated, passionate and sometimes half-crazy individuals who are willing to give their lives, too often quite literally, to show us what needs to be seen, what needs to be known. I can think of no greater honor nor privilege than to have lived a life surrounded by images and the amazing individuals who create them and share them with us.

Stacy Kranitz, Photographer

For me it began with this fear of myself as a hermit and a search for a tool that would put me in a position to have to be out engaging with the world everyday.

Then it became this portal to and catalyst for reckoning with the other and how the camera can be used to breaking down barriers between the photographer, subject and viewer.

Now that the image has become devalued as a truth-revealing mechanism, it is free to own its subjectivity and becomes an ideal medium to navigate ideas around humanity, connection, identity, memory, presence, experience and intimacy.

Stephanie Sinclair, Photographer

Why do we do it? I think we all ask ourselves this question, especially as the industry becomes ever more volatile, with colleagues losing their jobs, and even their lives, more often than many of us ever expected when we went into this profession. Not to mention the steeply declining pay for those of us who manage to eke out a living doing editorial work… But for me, it comes down to the people in my photographs.

I still believe in the power of journalism and photojournalism to spark positive change — in a world where the pursuit of self-interest is prioritized by so many, its role speaking truth to power when all other avenues fail is unparalleled. And beyond the big-picture role of journalism, it can also be a revelation at the personal level. I’ve seen that from both sides of stories. For example, not long ago I was a story’s subject when my mother lost her life to medical malpractice in Florida hospitals; and, of course, I’ve been behind the camera interviewing hundreds of girls during my 15-year Too Young to Wed project. From both vantage points, I’ve learned how personally cathartic and validating it can be to share injustices suffered with a global community.

MaryAnne Golon, Director of Photography, Washington Post

Why is photography important? Photography speaks. When I discovered and later understood photographic visual language, I saw that this language could inform, educate and move audiences worldwide without the need for a shared spoken language. A successful photo story, when well-authored and edited, is universally understood. I once presented a photo story in China in silence to a professional photography group where the audience smiled, laughed, and fell quiet in all the right places — without a word in Mandarin or English. After the last frame, we all just beamed at each other. It was so thrilling.

I believe in light. Photography is light. That light is often shined into the darkest of places by the world’s bravest and most talented photojournalists. I have been most honored to support and publish work by many of them. I intend to continue nurturing, encouraging, supporting, cajoling, helping, counseling, appreciating, celebrating, and paying for professional photojournalism for as long as I am able. I believe in its power.

Aidan Sullivan, CEO and Founder, Verbatim

Photographers will tell you it’s almost like a disease, an obsession, a condition that drives them to tell the story at any cost, suffer hardships, isolate themselves and take extraordinary risks, all in an effort to capture and convey the story they are passionate about.

I have been there, as a young photographer, and I understand that passion and drive — and now, as my career has taken me through so many levels and roles in our industry, I feel compelled to support and nurture those storytellers, to help them continue to produce important work and tell those stories, often uncomfortable ones, so that we can, sitting in the comfort of our homes, be made aware of the darker side of our world.

This art, this madness, this compulsion to convey a story we know as photojournalism will not die, storytelling will not die, it will change and evolve but it is human nature to want to learn, to be educated and to understand our world through narratives.

I think photojournalism and the skills required to become a photojournalist are an inherent trait, genetic, it’s built into the DNA, it’s a need to be first to tell a story or pass on knowledge visually, like storytellers through the ages, when storytelling was deemed to be a gift and an important way to educate, when memory was a key requirement for learning.

Early cave drawings were the beginning of the visual narrative, all that has changed really is the method to capture those images and now, with a mobile and digital world, the way we disseminate them, instead of access to a few in our inner social circles, now it’s to hundreds of millions of people within the blink of an eye.

Laura Morton, Photographer

I first became interested in photojournalism primarily out of an interest in history. One day, while studying the Industrial Revolution, I found myself very saddened by a photograph of a child in a factory. I remember realizing in that moment that both the child and photographer were likely no longer alive and I became fascinated by how the photograph could make me so upset for the hard life of someone who lived so many decades before me. In a way both of them became almost immortal through the photograph and there was something very compelling about that.

I believe it’s incredibly important for photographers to document everyday life and even sometimes the seemingly mundane, not just for a better understanding of our times, but for individuals in the future to be able to reflect on who they are and how they got there. A photograph is particularly powerful because it is accessible to most of humanity. There is no language barrier in photography. I pick stories and pursue the projects I do with the goal of documenting not only important issues of our time, but ones that will also be relevant or perhaps even more vital for our understanding of humanity in the future.

Simon Bainbridge, Editorial Director, British Journal of Photography

Twenty years ago, I took a formative road trip across the Southwestern states with my sister and my best friend. She was studying literature at the University of Colorado in Boulder, and he was a film school graduate who was just beginning to take his experiments with a still camera more seriously. We planned to cross the San Juan Skyway, then head West to Canyonlands and Monument Valley, looping through New Mexico and back across the Colorado border, but we ended up taking the circuitous route.

Every few miles my friend would point excitedly at the horizon or some mark on the map, and suddenly we’d be veering off-road, heading for some rock or mountain or strange sounding name. Soon we’d be crossing “no entry” signs into reservation land, or knocking at the door of some crazy who’d spent years on a diet of marijuana and aloe vera, building a five-story tower made from Budweiser cans, or detouring up the aptly-named Oh My Gawd Road, or into Cañon City, “Corrections Capital of the World.” At first frustrated by these diversions, my sister and I soon gave in to the adventure, and over the next two weeks let ourselves be led by our random guide, in search of Kodak Gold. I would stand next to my friend, and see what he saw. But somehow he captured something ethereal and profound that I hadn’t recognized. We came to see the world differently; not through some new point of view, but by giving in to our heightened sense of curiosity.

Two decades later, this is still the Holy Grail. The photographers I most admire go out into the world with a sense of wonder and freedom and, yes, arrogance, challenging our apathy, making us see it afresh, for better or worse. Today, I am as willing and eager as ever to wade through the endless repeated themes and subjects to find those rare works that provoke, challenge and thrill me through their brave and insightful perspectives, or their sheer visual sublime.

Alex Potter, Photographer

When I left Yemen in August 2015, the place where I learned to photograph, build a story, and really love a community, I felt very lost. For over a year I tried to seek out a new base, a new story and group of people that had meaning to me, for something I felt connected to, without success. By November I was asking myself that very question — why am I still trying to do this?

I arrived in Iraq in November 2016, looking for stories having nothing to do with Mosul, yet I felt with so many other journalists around, I needed to find meaning elsewhere. I’m a registered nurse, so I sought out a small group of foreign medics working with the Iraqi military medics to treat people wounded during the battle. Living with this tight knit group, I began photographing our surroundings, the Iraqi medics whose job was so morbid, but who were so jovial in our downtime.

By working side by side with them and photographing what we went through together, I was useful, needed, and passionate about something again: I felt the desire to photograph for the first time in over a year. For me, photography is something I’ll always come back to, having assignments or not, to process my reality, to document the world around me, and to remember small details in difficult times that may have otherwise been forgotten.

Jeffrey Furticella, Sports Photo Editor, the New York Times

A favorite childhood memory is of my father driving us to a hobby store, purchasing a few packs of trading cards and me excitedly ripping them open to see what was inside. The bulk of what I’d find were mainstream releases, but what kept me tearing apart those cellophane wrappers week after week was the hope of unearthing something unique, something beautiful, something rare.

That same rush is what propels my belief in picture editing. In a time when our global awareness is under siege by an increasingly insular perspective, the responsibility of empowering photographers whose mission is to not just capture but to investigate, to enlighten, to excite, is one of the great privileges of our time.

Today there are more photographers producing more photographs and populating more platforms than have existed at any other point in our history. With that ubiquity has come an evolution in our audiences, which are more sophisticated and demanding than ever. What a thrilling time then to be tasked with looking through the mainstream releases in the hope of unearthing something unique, something beautiful, something rare.

Peter Di Campo, Photographer

Why is it important? Look at where we are right now. The world today scares me, frankly – people, cultures refusing to understand each other, and the results are frightening, and it’s to the benefit of the people at the top to keep it that way. So I have to believe in a more diverse and inclusive media (yes, to believe it’s dangerously problematic that the world has been predominantly visualized by people who look like me), and I have to believe in the innovations that allow for people to share their own stories with a wide audience. I care deeply about both investigative journalism and user-generated forms of storytelling, and I’m naive enough to believe that those two genres can coexist.

Everyday Africa recently had a big exhibition opening in Nairobi. It was wild, a full house. I couldn’t believe my eyes. A lot of the contributing photographers came in from across the continent, and we all met for the first time. You should have seen how the African photographers were treated – like celebrities! – by the fans who have been following them on social media for years. They’re seen as role models in the African art, photography and social-media circles because they’re black people imaging black people, and that’s Power. Anything I can do to continue supporting that – that’s what gets me out of bed in the morning.

Is it odd to be a white American man saying all this? I don’t let it bother me. We all have to care about this.

Jean-François Leroy, Director, Visa pour l’Image Photojournalism Festival

I’ve been doing what I do for 40 years because I’ve always had the same gluttony to discover, among all the proposals I receive, the pure nugget, the young photographer whose photographs are a slap in the face, the young photographer that has that rare talent. Today, to see established photographers, recognized by everyone, whom I exhibited first – I’m beyond proud.

Even if it can be difficult, at times, to work with photographers, I love to reveal them, to help them edit, to build, with them, a story. After all these years, I have the same passion for this witnesses of what we’re living through. They are our eyes. They show us what’s happening. They astonish us. They move us. They make us smile, sometimes. Cry, as well.

I can’t imagine my life without all these encounters, so enriching, so surprising, so astonishing. Life!

Olivier Laurent was the editor of TIME LightBox from 2014 to 2017. He previously was a news editor at the British Journal of Photography. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @olivierclaurent

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The Best TED Talks About Photography You Must See Right Now

Having been going on a regular basis since 1990, the TED series of conferences have always been a hotbed of inspirational and groundbreaking ideas but it is only in the last decade that they’ve been made available to freely view online.

While the core subject matter of early TED talks have centered around technology and design, we’ve since seen a number of superb talks on wide-ranging topics. Photography is no exception, and if you’re a student at photography school or simply have a deep interest in the medium, there are talks that deserved to be filed under ‘must-watch’.

Between the official TED Talks about photography and the hidden gems hosted at TEDx events around the globe, scroll on as we introduce:

The Best TED Talks About Photography

Nick veasy: exposing the invisible.

For 99% of people practicing the craft, photography is all about how best to capture and reproduce what we see in the world around us with our own eyes…

… but what about the stuff we can’t see?

Nick Veasey has set about the unenviably difficult task of doing just that – producing photos using highly technical x-ray equipment and techniques to tease out images that we wouldn’t ordinarily be able to see. His work is as imaginative as it is varied; from the inner workings of massive objects such as aircraft to the intricate geometry of plant life, the resulting photography (and the methods behind it) is guaranteed to amaze.

David Griffin: How Photography Connects Us

“Let’s just start by looking at some great photographs.”

As so begins one of the most frequently shared TED Talks about photography that has ever been produced, and also the single video which we urge anyone to watch if they’re struggling to understand why photography is so important in the modern age. Incredible photography and deep insight, combined with Griffin’s knack for pulling on the heartstrings and getting to the emotional core of what the art form is all about.

Johnathan Klein: Photos that Changed the World

Every now and then – maybe a decade or so, sometimes more – a single photograph will come along that tangibly changes the way we look at the world.

From the serenely beautiful such as the first ever image of the Earth rising above the moon’s horizon to the harrowing scenes of 9/11 captured on film, Jonathan Klein’s TED talk leads us on a tour of the most iconic and influential photographs ever taken. In his capacity as co-founder of Getty Images, he speaks here with great eloquence on the hows and whys of why these images moved us as a species.

 Paul Nicklen: Tales of Ice-Bound Wonderlands

As photographers, we’re sometimes lucky enough to be sent to exotic locations on interesting assignments. Occasionally, the nature of the photo shoot can be both dangerous and fascinating…

… how about being submerged in subzero waters beneath thick ice, trying to get a shot of an aggressive leopard seal on its own territory?

Nicklen’s TED Talk about photography work as rare as this is precisely as interesting as it sounds. As a polar specialist, he has more than a few great stories to share and does so with great humor. Absolutely essential viewing for budding wildlife and/or nature photographers.

iO Tillett Wright: Fifty Shades of Gay

Part exploratory, part activism, and wholly brilliant – Wright’s photography project, Self Evident Truths ,  has to date involved photographing over 8,000 Americans in over 30 cities, and as a collective whole creates a cross section of the LBGTQ spectrum across the country. The NYC writer, actor and photographer uses this project as the center point of her TED talk, around which she candidly shares her own story as well as what Self Evident Truths means for all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation.

Wright’s photography demonstrates the power the medium has to raise social questions and hold a mirror up to ourselves in an effort to promote equality.

James Nachtwey: My Photographs Bear Witness

No list of the best TED Talks about photography would be complete without featuring James Nachtwey’s acceptance speech which he delivered on receiving the 2007 TED prize.

It’s one of the most powerful speeches about photography ever given, and after watching him talk about his journey so far as a war photographer, you’ll no doubt agree that he deserved the standing ovation he rightfully received at the end of the talk.

Know of any more great TED Talks about photography (or a related topic) that we might have missed? Help the community out by leaving your suggestions in the comments below, and let’s get some inspiration flowing!

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World Photography Day 2021: History of photography, significance and quotes

Every year world photography day is observed on august 19 to celebrate this beautiful art. check the details of the day here..

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World Photography Day is an annual celebration of art, science, and history of photography. It is observed every year on August 19th to pay tribute to the art of photography. This day is commemorated with an aim to encourage people who want to pursue photography as a hobby or career. A picture captures a thousand emotions locked in a frame. Photography is a form of art that immortalizes the moment forever. It has also become one of the most important and widely used modes of communication in the digital era.

Photography has evolved from its original purpose of documentation into a language in its own right. Different methods of photography convey different emotions, and often each photographer, in the course of time, develops their own style.

History of Photography:

World Photography Day originated after the invention of the 'daguerreotype'. It is a photographic process developed in 1837 by Frenchmen Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce.

How to celebrate World Photography Day:

Photographers or those who believe that they have clicked some beautiful pictures can submit their photos on the portal of World Photography Day. Your photos may feature on the website. Besides, people can share their photo collection to show their friends and family members their photography skills.

World Photography Day 2021: Quotes

When words become unclear, I shall focus on photographs When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence Happy World Photography Day

“Indulging in Photography is like having a love affair with life.”

“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know”

"Beauty can be seen in all things, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. Happy World Photography Day"

“There is one component the photo needs to contain, the humanity of the moment.”

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving What you have caught on film is captured forever It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything Happy World Photography Day"

“In images, there is a truth so delicate that it turns into greater reality than reality.”

"Photography for me is not looking, it’s feeling If you can’t feel what you’re looking at then you’re never going to get others to feel anything when they look at your pictures Happy World Photography Day"

READ: Shravan Putrada Ekadashi parna time and vrat vidhi

READ: World Humanitarian Day 2021: Date, history, significance, theme, images and quotes Published By: Megha Chaturvedi Published On: Aug 19, 2021 --- ENDS ---

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30 Reasons Why Photography is So Important in Today’s World

Learn why taking pictures with your camera is so important in today's world, not just on the personal and professional level but also for society as a whole.

Learn | By Jeff Collier

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There are many reasons why photography is important in everyday life, both personally and professionally.

After all, photography is an art form and an opportunity to preserve reality for future generations.

Taking pictures with a digital camera, an instant camera, or even just your phone is a fantastic way to capture precious moments.

I believe photography is a universal language, and I’d love to take you through some of the top reasons why photography is important.

Keep reading this guide for 30 examples of how photography makes the world a better place.

Table of Contents

Why Photography is Important in our Personal Lives

Credit: William Fortunato

1. Beautiful photos preserve memories of family and friends

Perhaps the biggest importance of photography is the ability to preserve memories. Old friends, new friends, meaningful experiences… they can all be captured in photographs.

One day you’ll look back through your life with old photos and be thankful you snapped pics.

Whether stored in a picture album or scrapbook or uploaded to social media, photos of your daily life represent the important moments that make you who you are.

This is why taking pictures is important.

• Read more: How do you take good family photos?

2. Pictures speak a thousand words

Many of the photography quotes floating around the internet have been said about this.

Photography shows different perspectives and helps us connect with one another.

You may miss things in the moment, but looking back on a photo, you can grasp the magnitude of a special occasion or life-changing event.

The highs and lows of life may all be captured on camera, and when words fail, photos serve as a valuable reminder.

3. Photography fosters meaningful relationships

Personal photography helps loved ones stay connected, too.

In today’s world, you have the advantage of sharing digital images with family and friends across the internet and social media.

Even if you can’t be with them in person all the time, you can share your own pictures and keep up with everyone’s lives.

Sharing images of friendly get-togethers, family trips, and other important memories help maintain a strong connection no matter where you are in the world.

4. Photography is an easy hobby

With today’s cloud storage and digital cameras, it’s easier than ever before to get started in photography.

Boost your mental health and capture the most precious moments while embracing your creative side.

Plus, you never know when a photography hobby could turn into something more.

5. Photography is a learning experience

Photography is one way to challenge yourself and continue learning all the time.

Thanks to high-quality camera phones and online tutorials, you can learn the art of photography anytime, anywhere.

This is great for self-expression, creativity, and critical thinking.

6. Photography helps you embrace adventure

Once you fall in love with photography as a form of self-expression and creativity, you won’t go back.

Your eyes will be open to new places and experiences, especially if you have a quality camera to capture images along the way.

Photography can inspire you to travel and try things you’ve never done before, leading to both beautiful photos and personal growth.

7. Photography teaches technical skills

As a beginner photographer becomes more comfortable with their camera, they learn skills to share with others.

For example, after taking children’s home portraits for fun, you can share with your loved ones what you know about cameras.

If you’re able to point out the shutter button and explain how cameras work, you may inspire your family and friends to try photography, too.

• Read more: Easy-to-understand guide to camera settings for beginners

8. Photography unlocks emotion

Why is photography important for human relationships?

Well, not only is it an excellent creative outlet, but it also encourages healthy emotions and new perspectives.

Two photos with the same composition can evoke different feelings for different people, and it’s healthy to talk about these things.

You can strengthen relationships by reflecting on an important moment in a photograph.

9. Picture albums trace family history

Many people also find photography important because it offers a look into the past.

Long-lost relatives, personal possessions, family characteristics… the list of potential observations in a family photograph goes on and on.

If you want to learn more about where you came from, a picture album could hold the insights you’re looking for.

10. Photo art makes a house feel like home

Who doesn’t appreciate beautiful art on the walls?

A large printed photo can make quite an impact in any living space. If you plan your photo choices to match the interior design, that’s even better.

Plus, photo decor lets you tie in your own personality by choosing images that inspire you, such as cityscapes or nature shots.

• Read more: How big can you print a photo?

Why Photography Is Important in the Business World

Credit: Andrea Piacquadio

12. Photography represents business goals

One of the many uses of photography is in the business sector.

Photos are a visual language, delivering a valuable message for businesses trying to connect to their audience.

Many photographers are hired by businesses big and small to capture the essence of their brand and appeal to new and current customers.

Any business wanting to grow can benefit from professional photography, with captivating images for advertising and brand awareness.

12. Photography is used to document events

Another reason why photography is important is that it helps businesses experiment, discover and promote new ideas.

From product launches to grand openings, all of the biggest business achievements can be captured on camera to share with the world.

A primary purpose of photography in the business sector is to keep records for posterity.

To understand the importance of historical photography, just look at big businesses back in the day – like early automakers and tech companies that had no idea what their inventions would turn into for future generations.

• Read more: How do you photograph events?

13. Photos break cultural barriers

what is the importance of photography? it breaks down barriers. Photography inspires millions of people around the world, even with totally different backgrounds, languages, and ways of life.

Businesses can connect with a wider audience using the perfect shot of a product, event, or location.

Travel and real estate photography provide some excellent examples. People are inspired by beautiful buildings and places no matter where they are.

14. Photography helps you make money

Businesses of all sizes use photos for branding purposes, which in turn helps them sell products and services.

Professional photography can set your business apart from the rest and attract new attention from potential customers.

If you’re looking to boost sales, try investing in quality images for social media, website, and print advertising.

• Read more: 14 ways to make money with your photography

15. Images demonstrate different perspectives

There are so many ways to compose images and send messages through photography.

Businesses can use photos to tell a story of their humble beginnings and where they are today.

Pictures also help businesses relate to their customers and provide examples of why people may need a particular good or service in their life.

16. Photos help build team culture

Photography is important for a healthy and happy workplace, too.

Businesses can use inspiring photos to decorate their office space and make it a more positive, uplifting place to work.

A few camera snaps at a work function may also come in handy for communicating team accomplishments and spreading the word about exemplary employees.

17. Photographs make brands human

In today’s life, consumers want to relate to brands and will make buying decisions based on brand values.

Photographs are used on product packaging, social media, and traditional advertising to give consumers a better idea of what to expect when buying a certain brand.

A business photographer who understands the art of brand imagery helps companies connect with like-minded people who can benefit from their products.

18. Photography gives us a closer look

Over the course of history, numerous discoveries have been made through up-close photography.

Many people have called photography proof of science. It makes sense, given our reliance on photography in the science, medical, and technology fields.

Businesses can use a scientific photo to back up their findings, secure project funding, and gain public support.

19. Photography is versatile

With cutting-edge technology and interchangeable lenses, photo possibilities are endless.

More and more businesses find photography important as a way to increase brand recognition and enhance customer relations at the same time.

Why not invest in a photo shoot that will yield tangible, multi-purpose marketing materials?

20. Photography can go toward a good cause

Photography also matters in the business world because photos can be donated to a community cause.

For example, a photo auction may raise money for local nonprofits while also generating awareness.

Photography often opens people’s eyes to bigger problems going on in the world.

Homelessness, animal abuse, and endangered species are just a few examples of photography subjects to inspire change.

Why Photography is Important in Society

Credit: Brett Sayles

21. Photos provide scientific evidence

There is so much we cannot see with our own eyes.

Thankfully, camera images have proven incredibly important throughout history, allowing scientists to conduct research and provide proof of their discoveries.

Without pictures, we wouldn’t have documentation of the sun, the moon, and Earth itself from up above.

22. Photography is an excellent creative outlet

Everyone can benefit from a bit of art in their life, and photography is open to people of all ages and skill levels.

Little ones may pick up a camera and snap a few photos, while experienced photographers focus on getting the perfect composition.

No matter what, photography gets your creative juices flowing, which is great for mental health.

• Read more: Do you know these 20 creative photography picture ideas?

23. Photography builds awareness

Photographs play a valuable role in social causes, such as poverty, addiction, and lack of clean drinking water.

These are just a few examples of causes that use photography to generate support and awareness.

After all, once you see a photo of a problem, it’s much more difficult to ignore. Many people are inspired to give back when they see photos that trigger an emotional response.

24. Photography encourages self-expression

Society benefits from creativity and communication, and photography is an important form of self-expression for many people.

Pictures provide insight into both like-minded people and those who are very different from you.

We can all learn more about the world around us by looking closely at photos and what they represent.

25. Photography is a shared interest

Throughout history, photography has brought countless people together in the pursuit of creativity.

Community connection is invaluable to society, and every photographer can find like-minded people who share their passion for snapping photos.

Whether you’re interested in portraits, still life, sports, or art photography, you’re sure to discover other photographers you can learn from.

26. Photographs capture a moment in time

History is another reason why photography is important to society.

Photos represent a single moment from a certain time frame and can be referenced for generations to come.

So many of the moments that have changed the world forever are documented in photographs.

Photography has proven to be one of the most effective ways of sharing history and learning different perspectives.

27. Photographs promote climate change action

Throughout history, photographs have often been the first clue of climate change.

I find photography important because without before and after photos of coral reefs, rainforests, and other natural wonders, we wouldn’t know how much they’ve changed.

Photography proves that the world is changing and encourages humans to do their part to slow down climate change.

28. Photography encourages smarter decisions

Photography is important as an art form that helps people learn from history.

Lunch Atop A Skyscraper is one of my favorite examples. This iconic 1932 photograph of construction workers having a casual lunch break above the city shows how dangerous work conditions once were.

In today’s world, the building industry is much more regulated to ensure safety.

There are countless other examples of historic photographs that society has remembered and learned from over time.

29. Photography is a medium of information

Photography doubles as a form of art and news.

Society gleans valuable information from photographs, which are used in daily news stories across the world.

It’s incredible how much we can all take away from documentary-style photos captured by journalists everywhere.

Whether it’s an unfolding emergency or a feel-good news story, photos help us understand what’s happening in the world around us.

30. Photography teaches cultural awareness

Last but not least, one more reason why photography is important is that it encourages people to be more aware of other countries and cultures.

If you never saw photos or videos from faraway countries, how much would you know about them? Probably not a lot.

Photos are a window into different ways of life. Images show us what people look like, what they do, and what matters most in every corner of the globe.

The more we understand and embrace one another, the better.

Taking Pictures is Important! Final Words

How is photography important in your everyday life? What do you get out of taking pictures at home or work?

By embracing the many benefits of photography as a universal language, you can capture important events and cherished memories.

Photography also allows you to make positive contributions to society and help people connect with one another through powerful imagery.

I hope this list of reasons why photography is important inspires you to keep taking pictures in your everyday life.

Can you think of other reasons why photography is important? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

Check out these 8 essential tools to help you succeed as a professional photographer.

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Jeff Collier is an experienced film photographer who enjoys experimenting with modern digital photography equipment, software and apps. He’s also an ex-world champion triathlete and avid cyclist, clocking hundreds of km each week in the beautiful Tweed Valley of northern NSW, Australia.

Great collection of tips! Nicely written. Thx

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10 Reasons Why Photography Is Important

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Photography allows you to capture memories, stories, and different perspectives. Learn the reasons why photography is important.

The purpose of photography is to communicate and document moments in time.

A photo freezes a moment, which leads to a story of the person, environment , animal, or landscape.

Studies show that taking pictures improves your visual memory of an experience.

Aside from memory, photography can be educational. You can learn about history and document critical events.

The following covers the many reasons why photography is important.

1. Photos represent what’s important

Photography is personal. Pictures of meaningful memories, people, pets , and places fill your home and phone.

Every image adds up to create a story, which is the story of your life. It captures your experiences, passions, joys, and sadness.

Life has ups and downs, and your photos keep track of everything.

When you look back, you can walk through the memories in your mind. You can also share the pictures with others to enjoy.

Since photography is personal, you can learn a lot about others by looking at the photos they capture.

2. Photography teaches history through pictures

Many history books use pictures to enhance the learning experience.

While the words are helpful, photos add a visual dimension. Images have a more significant impact and help you keep information.

Without pictures, you couldn’t see how life was before the present time.

It also allows you to compare different things and identify changes. You can learn so much by looking at a photo.

3. Photography preserves special moments

The preservation of moments is a big reason why photography is important.

It could be a significant life moment, such as a wedding or the birth of a child . It can also be small moments in daily life.

When you document memories through images, you can cherish and preserve the moments.

You can look through the pictures anytime to remember the sweet moments.

You can also pass down the photos to future generations.

4. Photography encourages self-expression

Self-expression is essential. It’s about expressing yourself despite the expectations from others or society.

Photography is an excellent creative outlet to express yourself.

While there are so-called rules, such as the rule of thirds , you can break them.

Self-expression in photography could be through selfies or photos of things you like.

Researcher Judith Glaser says, “Neuroscience is teaching us that ‘self-expression’ might be one – if not the most important ways for people to connect, navigate and grow with each other.”

Aside from being good for you, it helps relationships.

Photography allows you to express yourself without boundaries.

5. Photography inspires you to live more

There are many things to enjoy in life, but time can slip away without you being present.

One of the best reasons why photography is important is that it inspires you to live more.

It can inspire you to travel, get new experiences, and be aware of the little things in life.

You can have new experiences by yourself or with friends and family.

It also makes you more present because you focus on composition and exposure for the image.

Photography can drive you to live a fulfilling life and take risks.

6. Photography helps you build connections

Photography can benefit your social life and help you make meaningful connections.

It can introduce you to plenty of like-minded people. You can make new friends, shoot photos together, and help others grow.

As a photographer with clients , you get to meet many different people.

The connections you make can go beyond the session. It can help your business or personal needs.

Another way photography helps you make connections is online.

Photos are essential for connecting with family that lives far away or online dating.

7. Photography is essential for science

Science uses photography to gather information, make observations, and learn.

In all areas of science, photography is essential. Examples include images of space from NASA, images of cells, and research on nature.

Photos provide the keys to scientific discoveries and advances.

Photos also make it easier for scientists to share research with the public.

8. Businesses use photography for marketing

Businesses rely on photography to sell products and services.

A business uses photos for marketing and product photos.

A crucial reason why photography is important is that it helps businesses make money.

The businesses provide jobs, and it helps the economy.

9. Photography doesn’t judge

Photography is a hobby anyone can do. Your age, race, and gender won’t limit you from enjoying the benefits of photography.

Also, you don’t need an expensive camera, as a phone camera works.

If you don’t have a camera or phone, then you can look at the world like a photographer. You can practice with your imagination until you get a camera.

You can take on photography at any stage of your life. It encourages you to learn and think creatively.

10. Photography can be your career

Your photography passion and skills can become your career.

One of the many benefits of photography includes the ability to make money.

While it has its ups and downs, like all businesses, it’s a good and fulfilling option.

The best part is that you can choose between portraits, weddings, landscapes, journalism, crime scene, and sports, to name a few.

The evolution of photography

Since the beginning of photography, the medium has changed and become more accessible.

Today, cameras are cheaper and faster. The internet also makes it easy to share photos with a global audience.

Online tutorials and guides have also made it easier for you to learn photography .

Throughout technological advances and changes, photography remains popular and meaningful.

The following covers a brief history of photography, its major changes, and important events.

Photography began in the 19th century

The beginnings of photography date back to the early 19th century . While it shocked the world, people quickly embraced it.

Initially, people were confused about its purpose or how photos should look.

It led to experimentation with different types of photos, textures, tones, and details.

Small cameras

After a lot of experimentation and improvements in technology, Kodak was invented. The Kodak was a small, handheld camera that made photography more accessible.

Instead of being something only the upper-class can have, it was now made available to the middle-class (Source: National Gallery of Art ).

Modern photojournalism

In 1925, modern photojournalism was born in Germany (Source: NDSU ). It was when the first 35mm the camera was invented, the Leica .

At that time, the people of Germany were being suppressed and persecuted, which led to many fleeing to America. Most of the photos being taken were of World War II for magazines and newspapers.

The 35mm was small and could take photos quickly. However, not all photographers used 35mm cameras. Some used the 120-format camera, which was usually a Rolleiflex.

Later, the 35mm film camera became more versatile as it was improved. It had the ability to use a telephoto, zoom, and wide-angle lens.

The Polaroid

In the mid-1900s, the Polaroid was invented by Edwin H. Land (Source: Nithin Kalorth, Ph.D. ). What made the Polaroid special was its ability to take a photo and print it within a minute.

Digital cameras

In 1975, the first digital camera was created by Eastman Kodak. Soon after, Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and other manufacturers began working on digital cameras too.

At the end of the 20th century, newspapers and magazines shifted to digital (Source: HBS ). Around this time, manufacturers began working on mirrorless cameras, which have become popular among many photographers.

Smartphones

Aside from digital and mirrorless cameras, smartphones have become popular for photos.

With advances in technology, phone cameras have been able to capture incredible images and since they’re built into phones, many people don’t see the need to carry a separate camera.

Photography enriches human life. Pictures speak a universal language, as language is no barrier.

Whether it’s photojournalism or fine art photography, each type is essential.

Photography captures meaningful experiences, and you can see the world from different perspectives.

It inspires, challenges, educates, and brings people together.

Related : How to Transfer a Photo Onto Glass

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash .

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Improving the Art of Photography

Speaker Alan Shapiro is a photographer who has given keynotes on his work. Shapiro was formerly a...

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Alan Shapiro’s Photography Speech on Writing About Pictu

The Power of Photography

Photographers use their cameras as tools of exploration, passports to inner sanctums, instruments for change. Their images are proof the photography matters-now more than ever.

Thirty-four years before the birth of this magazine, the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard sourly prophesied a banal fate for the newly popularized art of photography. “With the daguerreotype,” he observed, “everyone will be able to have their portrait taken—formerly it was only the prominent—and at the same time everything is being done to make us all look exactly the same, so we shall only need one portrait.”

The National Geographic Society did not set out to test Kierkegaard’s thesis, at least not right away. Its mission was exploration, and the gray pages of its official journal did not exactly constitute a visual orgy. Years would go by before National Geographic ’s explorers would begin using the camera as a tool to bring back what is now its chief source of fame: photographic stories that can alter perceptions and, at their best, change lives.

By wresting a precious particle of the world from time and space and holding it absolutely still, a great photograph can explode the totality of our world, such that we never see it quite the same again. After all, as Kierkegaard also wrote, “the truth is a snare: you cannot have it, without being caught.”

Today photography has become a global cacophony of freeze-frames. Millions of pictures are uploaded every minute. Correspondingly, everyone is a subject, and knows it—any day now we will be adding the unguarded moment to the endangered species list. It’s on this hyper-egalitarian, quasi-Orwellian, all-too-camera-ready “terra infirma” that National Geographic ’s photographers continue to stand out. Why they do so is only partly explained by the innately personal choices (which lens for which lighting for which moment) that help define a photographer’s style. Instead, the very best of their images remind us that a photograph has the power to do infinitely more than document. It can transport us to unseen worlds.

When I tell people that I work for this magazine, I see their eyes grow wide, and I know what will happen when I add, as I must: “Sorry, I’m just one of the writers.” A National Geographic photographer is the personification of worldliness, the witness to all earthly beauty, the occupant of everybody’s dream job. I’ve seen The Bridges of Madison County —I get it, I’m not bitter. But I have also frequently been thrown into the company of a National Geographic photographer at work, and what I have seen is everything to admire and nothing whatsoever to envy. If what propels them is ferocious determination to tell a story through transcendent images, what encumbers their quest is a daily litany of obstruction (excess baggage fees, inhospitable weather, a Greek chorus of “no”), interrupted now and then by disaster (broken bones, malaria, imprisonment). Away from home for many months at a time—missing birthdays, holidays, school plays—they can find themselves serving as unwelcome ambassadors in countries hostile to the West. Or sitting in a tree for a week. Or eating bugs for dinner. I might add that Einstein, who snarkily referred to photographers as lichtaffen, meaning “monkeys drawn to light,” did not live by 3 a.m. wake-up calls. Let’s not confuse nobility with glamour. What transfixes me, almost as much as their images, is my colleagues’ cheerful capacity for misery.

Apparently they wouldn’t have it any other way. The lodestone of the camera tugged at each of them from their disparate origins (a small town in Indiana or Azerbaijan, a polio isolation ward, the South African military), and over time their work would reflect differentiated passions: human conflict and vanishing cultures, big cats and tiny insects, the desert and the sea. What do the National Geographic photographers share? A hunger for the unknown, the courage to be ignorant, and the wisdom to recognize that, as one says, “the photograph is never taken—it is always given.”

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In the field I’ve seen some of my lens-toting compatriots sit for days, even weeks, with their subjects, just listening to them, learning what it is they have to teach the world, before at last lifting the camera to the eye. Our photographers have spent literally years immersed in the sequestered worlds of Sami reindeer herders, Japanese geisha, and New Guinea birds of paradise. The fruit of that commitment can be seen in their photographs. What’s not visible is their sense of responsibility toward those who dared to trust the stranger by opening the door to their quiet world. It’s a far riskier and time-consuming proposition to forgo the manipulated shot and instead view photography as a collaborative venture between two souls on either side of the lens.

Conscience is the other trait that binds these photographers. To experience the beauty of harp seals swimming in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is also to see the frailty of their habitat: scores of seal pups drowning due to the collapse of ice floes, a direct consequence of climate change. To witness the calamity of war in the gold-mining region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is also to envision a glimmer of hope: Show the gold merchants in Switzerland what their profiteering has wrought, and maybe they’ll cease their purchases.

In the past 125 years, it turns out, Kierkegaard has been proved both wrong and right about photography. The images in National Geographic have revealed a world not of sameness but of wondrous diversity. But they have also, increasingly, documented societies and species and landscapes threatened by our urge for homogenization. The magazine’s latter-day explorers are often tasked with photographing places and creatures that a generation later may live only in these pages. How do you walk away from that? If my colleagues suffer a shared addiction, it’s to using the formidable reach and influence of this iconic magazine to help save the planet. Does that sound vainglorious? Ask the Swiss gold merchants. They saw Marcus Bleasdale’s images at a Geneva exhibit, and their Congolese gold purchases halted almost overnight.

Of course, every professional photographer hopes for The Epic Shot, the once-in-a-lifetime collision of opportunity and skill that gains a photograph instant entry into the pantheon alongside Joe Rosenthal’s Iwo Jima, Bob Jackson’s encounter with Jack Ruby gunning down Lee Harvey Oswald, and the Apollo 8 astronauts’ color depictions of planet Earth in its beaming entirety. And yet, game-changing photographs are not what National Geographic photographers do. The most iconic photograph ever to grace these pages is not of anyone or anything historic. Rather, it’s of Sharbat Gula, an Afghan girl of maybe 12 when photographer Steve McCurry encountered her in 1984 at a refugee camp in Pakistan. What her intense, sea-green eyes told the world from the cover of National Geographic ’s June 1985 issue a thousand diplomats and relief workers could not. The Afghan girl’s stare drilled into our collective subconscious and stopped a heedless Western world dead in its tracks. Here was the snare of truth. We knew her instantly, and we could no longer avoid caring.

McCurry shot his immortal portrait well before the proliferation of the Internet and the invention of the smartphone. In a world seemingly benumbed by a daily avalanche of images, could those eyes still cut through the clutter and tell us something urgent about ourselves and about the imperiled beauty of the world we inhabit? I think the question answers itself.

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Essay on Photography

Students are often asked to write an essay on Photography in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Photography

What is photography.

Photography is the art of capturing pictures using a camera. A camera is like a box that keeps a moment from running away. When you take a photo, you save a memory that you can see later.

Types of Photography

There are many kinds of photography. Some people take photos of nature, like mountains and rivers. Others click pictures of cities or people. Some even capture stars at night. Each type tells a different story.

The Importance of Photography

Photos are important because they help us remember past times. They show us how things were and how they have changed. Photos can make us feel happy or sad by reminding us of different moments.

Learning Photography

Anyone can learn photography. You start by learning how to use a camera. Then you practice taking photos. Over time, you get better at making your pictures look nice. It’s fun to learn and can become a hobby or a job.

Also check:

• Paragraph on Photography

250 Words Essay on Photography

Photography is the art of capturing light with a camera to create a picture. This can be done using a digital camera or even a phone today. In the past, people used film cameras that had to be developed in a dark room.

The Magic of Cameras

A camera is a tool that takes in light through a lens and saves the image. In old cameras, light hit a film to create a photo. Now, digital cameras use electronic sensors to record the image. The sensors work like our eyes, catching light and colors.

There are many kinds of photography. Some people take pictures of nature, like forests and animals. Others like to take photos of cities and buildings. There are also photographers who take pictures of people and capture their emotions and moments.

To be good at photography, you need to learn how to use a camera well. You also need to understand light and how it affects your photos. Practice is important. The more you take pictures, the better you get at it.

Sharing Photos

After taking pictures, people often share them with others. They might put them on the internet, in a photo album, or hang them on a wall. Sharing photos lets others see the world through your eyes.

Photography is a fun and creative way to show how you see the world. It can be a hobby or a job, and it helps us remember special times and places.

500 Words Essay on Photography

Photography is the art of capturing light with a camera to create an image. This can be done using a digital camera that stores pictures electronically or an old-fashioned film camera that records them on film. When you take a photo, you freeze a moment in time, which you can look back on later.

The History of Photography

The story of photography began hundreds of years ago with simple cameras called pinhole cameras. Over time, inventors created better cameras and ways to make pictures clearer and more colorful. In the past, taking a photo was not easy; it took a long time for the picture to be ready. But now, thanks to modern technology, we can take pictures instantly with digital cameras and even our phones.

There are many kinds of photography. Some people take pictures of nature, like mountains, flowers, or animals. This is called nature photography. Others enjoy taking pictures of buildings or cities, known as architectural photography. Then there are photographers who like to take pictures of people. This can be portraits of one person or family photos with lots of people. Another exciting type is sports photography, where photographers capture fast-moving action at sports events.

How Photography Works

A camera works a bit like our eyes. When we look at something, light enters our eyes and helps us see. Similarly, when you take a picture, light comes into the camera through a hole called the lens. Inside the camera, the light hits a part that is sensitive to light, either film or a digital sensor, and creates an image.

Photography is important for many reasons. It helps us remember special moments like birthdays or holidays. It also lets us see places we’ve never been to and learn about different people and animals. Newspapers and websites use photos to show us what is happening in the world. Photography can even be a way for people to express their feelings and tell stories without using words.

Anyone can learn to take good photos. It’s not just about having an expensive camera. It’s about looking carefully at what you want to photograph and thinking about where to place things in the picture. It’s also about practicing a lot. The more photos you take, the better you get at it. There are also many books and videos that can teach you how to be a better photographer.

The Fun of Photography

Photography can be a lot of fun. It lets you be creative and can even turn into a hobby or a job. You can take pictures of your friends, pets, or trips you go on. With photography, you can explore new places and meet new people. The best part is, you can start at any age and keep learning and enjoying it your whole life.

In conclusion, photography is a powerful form of art that lets us capture memories, explore the world, and share stories. It’s a skill that anyone can learn and enjoy. Whether you’re taking a picture of a beautiful sunset or snapping a photo of your best friend laughing, photography helps us save those special moments forever.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Phone Addiction
• Essay on Phishing
• Essay on Pet Fish

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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