I was looking at this photo of the driving wheels of a 2-8-0 (2 front guide wheels-8 drive wheels-0 rear guide wheels) locomotive thinking about the things which motivate me in my photography.
First I enjoy doing it. It gives me pleasure and serves as a outlet for a creative need I process. I also believe this pleasure is tied in with a need for a sense of personal progression and improvement. I don’t know if I’d want to continue doing photography if I reached a prolonged period where I felt there was absolutely no progression of any type on my part.
I don’t honestly expect that to happen. I believe it’s the nature of human beings when working at a creative outlet they love and enjoy to continue to progress either emotionally, spiritually, physically and/or functionally. Progress in any of those area would keep me going.
Each time I feel stalled, I take a break to gain perspective on the bigger picture. I can often restart myself by looking/reflecting back a year to gage the personal distance I’ve travelled.
There’s also the technical aspect of photography that motivates me. I love the science of it and find that it feeds my geek side. I love that there are so many variables and that as technology advances so does our ability to expand our definition of photographic methods and art.
I enjoy gadgets and amy not ashamed to admit it. I acknowledge the strength and beauty of film but I don’t want to go back. I’d love to have a classic car and drive it on the weekends–but I don’t wish to commute to work in it every day.
Also, being completely honest about my personal motivators, there’s a factor of wishing to mark or documenting my existence. Now I’m not talking about becoming famous, that has no appeal to me. It’s related to wanting to feel I’ve accomplished something lasting with my photography and I’ll admit in my case this particular motivator has to do with age.
I’m in my mid-50s and am coming to grips with my own human mortality. My father was only 13 years older then I am now when he died so I’m hoping I’ve a strong influence of my mother’s genes which carried her on 30 years beyond my current age. This isn’t something I dwell on but it’s there in my mind.
I view the photographs I take as documenting the subject of the photo but also documenting I was there to take it and it was my vision being represented in that moment.
Spoiler Alert: If there are any of my family members reading this you might want to skip over the next paragraph.
In this regard, printing and framing some of my work is becoming important to me. So if I do live 30+ more years I’m sure my family members might come to hate photo frame sized Christmas packages over whatever time I have left. :-)
The thought of a child looking at an old framed photo, or even a modern holographic image of one, and being told that their great grandfather (me) made that image warms my heart. That type of famous I’d like.
So those are some of my “drive wheels,” what “wheels” drive your photographic locomotive?
I have to begin by saying how very much I like this photo. I love the interesting way the vivid detail and deep tones fade away as the light floods in on the left. For me, you have captured an image that suggests the nowand then that I associate with these old locomotives. Just terrific.
I think many will find my answer to your question pathetically lame. But, it has always been the truth about every creative endeavor in which I have engaged. Because I have to. For as long as I can remember, if I was not making something or creating in some form or another, I was frustrated until I committed to an outlet. I will say, however, that I wish I had gotten involved in photography much, much earlier in my life. I think your reason for your chronicling your life is a marvelous one and wish I had begun that long ago.
Firstly, an absolutely wonderful photo on the locomotive. In particular I liked how my view was drawn towards the front of the locomotive, helped by the wheels being darker than the areas both under and over the triangle the wheels build. And those cranks, perfect light. Love it!
I can very much feel with you in your desire to leave something tangible as this to your beloved ones. It’s a nice thought that has nothing to do with ego, it’s simply how you saw things. Feels good to think of it that way, drive wheels or not.
Very good post, Earl and the picture fits it perfectly. I’m with you in the thought about documenting my life. I, like Anita, often wish that I had started photography earlier AND I wish that I could find a lot of my old negatives. There were some fond memories there.
I can certainly understand your feelings about film, but what can I say? I like it. I just like the whole tangible aspect of it. Sure it’s inconvenient, but it is fun. :-)
@Anita: About the photo, thank you very much. I don’t think because I have to is a lame answer. It’s more concise the all the words I used. What ever our many reasons it often comes back to that point of having to pursue our love, passion and creativity. Nope, not lame at all. :-)
@Ove: Thank you so much about the photo. You right about it not being a ego–it’s more of love, remembrance and wanting to them to know something I loved.
@Paul: Thanks! I wish I’d started with photography earlier as well but we play with the cards we’re dealt. I think film is superior in some areas and I envy those, such as yourself, who are skilled at exploiting its capabilities. I just know that’s not where my interest are. :-)
Excellent image, Earl. Love your perspective and the contrast range as well as the soft feel it has.
It’s been good for me to work through those times when the creative juices were not there. I’m not speaking from ego’s pulpit but I do feel my images have improved after those periods of dryness.
I really can relate to your comments and have played out the same thoughts about my images, wondering if my children and grandchildren will find a piece of me in those framed images.
I must admit I visit your blog to enjoy your images but your comments, openness along with your insight is more moving in my life. Thanks, my friend!
@Monte: Thank you so much. Your comments mean a lot to me. :-)