"Why I Enjoy Photography" or, my half-assed attempt at some form of "artist's statement"

I prefer making motion pictures, as that is what I'd really prefer to be doing someday. But when I don't have the resources to do that (pretty much all the time, except for film school which is now over), I go for still images. Not that it's a second choice, just a passion that is easier to explore more often.

My grandfather was a WW2 photographer, and people always find that fascinating when I mention it. Maybe my interests began there, and he has passed down some vintage gear to me throughout the years, some of which I still use from time to time (mainly lenses).

To me, on one hand it's about trying different things and experimenting and shooting beautiful stuff - trying to make "sexy images". But on a deeper level, it's about creating a representation of the world and a particular moment in time. I think that filtration, exposure tricks, and photo editing materials are an intriguing way to manipulate these images for the purpose of making reality "more perfect", to some extent.

Through all of this, I think that photography alters my perceptions and gives me a better understanding of the world - and that's one of many reasons why I love it.

Equipment -

Cameras:

Canon Rebel XTi EoS 400D

Lomography Fisheye Camera

Canon PowerShot A540

Lenses:

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f5.6

Nikon Nikkor-S 50mm f1.4

Nikon Nikkor-Q 135mm f2.8

(adapter to mount Nikon Lenses on Canon body)

Tiffen Filters (Circular Polarizer, Warming, UV Protector)