Do you look at photography as source of income or as outlet to your creativity?

Entangled - I get to pass this bridge at Jiabong, Western Samar Philippines as monthly routine in my work and scenes like this would just reveal themselves and I couldn't help but get off the car and shoot what's under the bridge. However long the ride is from the main office, it doesn't totally tire me because it's an opportunity to shoot priceless photos.
@karagala (447)
Philippines
September 12, 2011 9:13pm CST
When I was young I already had an inclination to art. I liked to draw and paint. When Dad gave me a DSLR, I became interested in photography. Painting was messy and for me it took weeks but a photograph is easily done in less than an hour. I got lazy so I switched on to photography. I really don't know why I like the visual arts but here in our country it doesn't pay so much and it is not a good source of income. My boyfriend used to complain and ask why I had to sweat it just so I can shoot pictures when it can't feed me, until recently he has gradually understood or maybe just got used to it. What is photography for you? I know I can't earn a living from it but when I get to shoot, I feel happy. I just can't explain the feeling but I'm sort of contented at that moment. I feel proud. I keep looking at the photographs over and over again. I am entertained by my own shots even if others might not like them. I really don't care, I'm just happy shooting with the camera.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@bobmnu (8157)
• United States
13 Sep 11
I am able to do both. I make some money at it but mostly I do it for the enjoyment and it lets me try new things.
@karagala (447)
• Philippines
13 Sep 11
I envy you. If only I don't have my day job I would do photography as main source of income but then again, it doesn't pay much here. I am not able to try the principle that some of us maintains: take care of your talent and your talent will take care of you. Maybe I am just afraid to try it.
@huilichan8 (1378)
• Singapore
20 Sep 11
I see photography as an outlet for my creativity. I like to take photos too.:) I think what's impt is that you must love what you do. Otherwise, it can be a misery; life is short and so I think it's impt to live happily. :)
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
13 Sep 11
There are so many people in our area that do photography, I think it would be hard to make a living from it. I would love to be able to take really great pictures. I am hoping to be able to learn how to take great pictures. I have a friend that is very talented so I'm hoping I can save up for a DSLR camera and get her to teach me some tips on how to take great pictures. Maybe some day I can make money from it but for now I would just be happy to be able to take great pictures of my kids and nature pictures which I love.
• Slovenia
13 Sep 11
I am doing photography since 2005 and I don`t earn nothing with my photos. I don`t use this to earn money. Its just to express my art thinking trough photos, rather than sell it and make money with it. I make some good photos too, but thats all because I like to take photos. I just have my own web site where i post my best photos.
@eoz127 (80)
• Malaysia
13 Sep 11
I was thinking it so many times, but I still love my job. Photography maybe can help me for my hobby. I really love to take pictures and maybe for the future I can used it for another source of income.