In On Photography, Susan Sontag discusses the negative implications of photography. She states that photography is a "form of mental pollution" that has turned "citizens into image-junkies" (38-39). Sontag believes that these "image-junkies" need "to have reality confirmed and experience enhanced" (35-38). However, I disagree with Sontag because, to me, photography is a way of capturing moments that would otherwise be lost or forgotten. People become "image-junkies" because they need to preserve memories and to develop a hobby, or a method of relaxation (38).
There are many reasons why people take photos. Specifically, photography is a practice that expresses emotions. For example, photographs of family and friends are taken to send to loved ones that are far away. To these recipients, these photos are candid and gratifying and make them feel closer to home. In addition, people do photography as a form of relaxation. Personally, my grandfather is a cancer doctor in India, and he does photography to relieve his stress. He is primarily a nature photographer, and his photos are absolutely stunning. Below are three of his photos of a 'Palash' tree, scientifically named Butea monosperma. Its flowers resemble bright orange flames; therefore, this tree is commonly referred as Flame of the Forest.
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| Rose-ringed Parakeet |
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| Rosy Starling Bird |
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| Flame of the Forest Flowers |
A couple of years ago, my grandfather taught me nature photography. Below are some of my photos that were taken in America and India.
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| Pride of Barbados Flowers- Photographed in India |
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| Cone Flower- Photographed in America |
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| Common Grass Yellow (Butterfly) - Photographed in India |
Wow, those photos are beautiful! I personally think its frustrating trying to take photos of birds and bees because they keep moving! But you and your grandfather got some good shots. You really established your ethos here and i can see that you share your grandfather's passion for photography!
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