There are many reasons why we need photography. These vary by individual but are relevant and meaningful nonetheless.
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As humans we all may appear as individuals and separated from each other… but at our core we share in the emotions of life.

We form bonds with each other. We share love and affection. In our own ways we are connected to our environment and to others around us.

There is a vibrancy to life… that is available to all of us if we take the time to see and experience it.

We can witness the power of nature as it carves and alters the world in which we live.

Photography is a portal through which we see the world.

It enables us to capture the challenges that lie ahead. To see the world as a place of potential.

There is a creative solitude that we experience with photography. It can give us pause to consider what is important in life.

Photography can allow us to see the simplicity of life. To block out the noise and distractions around us.

It allows us to capture human moments and connections that create value in our existence each and every day.

Photography confirms that we have the ability to create and follow our unique passions. We can free ourselves from societal pressures to confirm.

Photography allows us to commune with nature. Capturing moments that we may never experience in the exact same way again.

It doesn’t matter what we use to create our photographs. The fact that we have captured a moment in time that we can relive and contemplate in the future… is priceless.

To create through photography… is to be alive and connected with the world around us.
Technical Note
Photographs were captured handheld using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. All images were created from RAW files using my standard process in post. This is the 1,505 article published on this website since its original inception in 2015.
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Article is Copyright 2026 Thomas Stirr. Photographs are Copyright 2016-2025 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!
Hi Thomas,
Photography is the best way for me to maintain my mental balance in a chaotic world. I’m in my own creative bubble when I take pictures or when I post-process my images, so I forget all my worries and I don’t see time fly.
Not only is it a fantastic activity, but I also find there is always something new to learn, something different to explore, some different way to see things. Photography really provides countless opportunities for artistic stimulation.
And blogs like yours, written by photographers who generously share their knowledge, help inspire photographers like me and guide us toward new and interesting ideas. Thank you!
Sylvie
Hi Sylvie,
Thanks for sharing your perspectives on the importance of photography in your life. I really resonated with your comment: “…there is always something new to learn, something different to explore, some different way to see things. Photography really provides countless opportunities for artistic stimulation.”
I’m pleased you are enjoying this website. And, thank you for your kind words about it.
Tom
Also I often walk to my local pond where the peace and tranquility of the of the surroundings really do help. I have some form of nerve pain always it never stops. Being in nature and perhaps getting a good photogrph really helps me..
For me Thomas photography has always beeny driver of life you could say I am addicted to it.
When like last night I had a terrible night with my nerve condition. Today I got out the EM1-X and took some images of my granddaughter – that came out superb and it helps me to forget the pain.
When I rarely get good light and no pain I can really appreciate what photography means to me.
Thanks for adding to the discussion Mark… always appreciated! Our E-M1X’s are wonderful pieces of kit.
Tom