Rick Sammon's Digital Photography Secrets

Chapter 11. What Does Your Photography Mean to You?

In September 2008, I had the pleasure of giving a short lecture at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in NYC.

One of my Photoshop heroes, Katrin Eismann, Chair of the Masters in Digital Photography Program, had invited me to share some of my photographs and travel adventures from my books, as well as my philosophy on the all-important business side of photography.

To start off my session, as I often do, I asked the students to answer this question: What does your photography mean to you?

Over the past 10 years of teaching workshops and giving seminars, this question has been answered many, many different ways – and actually and honestly has brought some people to tears, as photography means so much to some shooters.

I always hear new "meanings." I have found that when photographers verbalize their thoughts on the personal meaning of photography, some for the very first time, it gives the individual a unique look inside their photographic soul.

Ask yourself that question. You may be surprised at your answer.

Katrin, a wonderful photographer, as well as THE Photoshop Diva, was kind enough to write down key words of the students' responses.

• Saved my life

• Exploring

• Everything

• Expression

• Communicate

• Frame my world

• Manage my experiences

• Telling a story