Why Do We Create Images?

Photography Tips

“Nobody asks me, ‘Why do you do photography?’ Everybody asks how… But what about why? Why do things that are difficult and dangerous? Why push so hard to do things that are different? Why create images that aren’t even for sale?”

This is the central thought behind Von Wong‘s latest production. He challenges people to ask themselves why they do something and to not be afraid of an answer that others aren’t expecting:

Just because someone else doesn’t understand why you do something doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it. Sure it can be tough being an artist when your friends and family are constantly asking you about what you’re doing and if you’re making any money at it. But don’t give up simply because someone questions you. If you want to know what you’re doing is right, you have to ask yourself. If you’re still looking for an answer, ask yourself these questions:

• Are You Looking to Make Money? – Who says you can’t learn an art to make some money? Others may think that this is soulless or greedy, but what’s greedy about wanting to make a living doing what you like to do? We all have to earn money somehow. And if you’re good at what you do, you should be earning something for it.

• Are You Trying to Inspire? – Some people just want to inspire others with their work and the passion they put into it. Wanting to put the drive into someone else to fuel their desires is a good reason for doing anything.

• Are You Helping Others? – Maybe you’re not looking to inspire others, but maybe teach them something or make them feel a certain way through your images. Maybe you’re a photojournalist who just wants others to know what’s out there. Giving others the power of knowledge, whether it’s about the world or about themselves, is a good cause.

• Are You Adding Something to the World? – Perhaps you’re not trying to inspire or inform, but just to simply create. To add something to the world. To leave a mark on this earth during your existence.

One of Von Wong’s trademark pyro images

There are many more reasons why you could want to create. What are your reasons?