Why You Should Always Carry Your Camera (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

In photography and, honestly, in any creative field, people see things differently. Some treat it like a hobby, others treat it like an expensive distraction (or fashion statement), and then there are those of us who need it to breathe like me. I'd seriously go nuts if I didn't do it. Yes, I'm a bit dramatic.

When you start photography, sure, it can feel a bit lonely. Actually, more often than not. You’re doing something that doesn’t always seem practical. Maybe your normal friends don’t get it. Maybe your family thinks it’s a phase, as sort of nice to do on the side...something for stay-at-home moms to do to make a couple of bucks for diapers as a warrior of the weekends. But the truth is, for a lot of photographers and artists, creativity isn’t just about making something pretty or a quick buck.  It’s a serious survival thing.

It’s how we process the world. It’s how we make sense of our emotions.

The Truth About Making/Creating

Nobody really talks about how much effort it takes to create something meaningful. It’s not just pressing a bunch of buttons and turning dials; it’s putting your thoughts, your emotions, and your time into something that might never get recognized.

And depending on how you were raised, that can feel weird. You might even start to think there’s something wrong with you for wanting to make art, especially when people around you are chasing more “normal” goals, Jobs, and financial stability. A familiar feeling in the asian circles I belong to where there's huge social pressure to be a doctor, lawyer, nurse, or an engineer.

I’ve been lucky, though. My parents were always supportive of me in everything. How did they do it? God only knows. I grew up encouraged to draw, paint, and sing. I was well known to be that rambunctious, sensitive kid who couldn’t sit still anywhere, especially at church. A real shit starter. I was curious about everything, constantly trying new creative things. The "mastermind," they labeled me. I was a lot to handle growing up, and honestly, I’m still a lot for some.

But that energy, that need to do a lot, is what makes me and others the artists that we are. It’s what helps us see differently. Sure, it might get you in trouble sometimes in a world that wants everyone to fit in the sea of sameness, but when it’s time to make something new, that same curiosity and restlessness becomes your biggest strength. We bring that to awareness and own it.

Not Every Photographer Feels This Way and That’s Okay

As someone who’s been a professional photographer too for a long time, I know that not everyone approaches photography like this. 

There are photographers who keep it strictly business, the corporate headshot shooters, real estate photographers, and product photographers. They come in, do the job, get paid, and move on. The camera never leaves the studio. It’s clean, efficient, and practical, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But I’m not talking to those people.

I’m talking to the photographers who bring their camera everywhere and can’t help but feel something when they shoot. The ones who constantly observe lighting, texture, and timing, and just get pulled in. The ones who shoot even when there’s no client, no deadline, no paycheck, just curiosity and creative growth. The love of the game, so to speak.

That’s who this is for, mostly.

The Business Side of Meaning

At the same time, let’s be real, photography isn’t cheap. Gear, software, travel, time. There ain't no free lunch around here, buckos, and if it’s not for everybody to turn photography into a business, that’s okay too.

But if you do choose to make it a business, that’s also part of your meaning. Because you need the money for the mission. You need the money to survive. 

Making photography sustainable doesn’t make it less meaningful; it makes it possible. Earning from your craft gives you the freedom to keep creating, to reach more people, and to keep doing what you love without burning out.

So don’t ever feel guilty for wanting both purpose and profit. The world needs more people who do meaningful work and know their value. It's not for everyone

Why You Should Carry Your Camera Everywhere

Here’s what I’ve learned: when you carry your camera everywhere, you stay connected to that instinct, and what my photography hero Joe McNally says to "develop the nerve" is what takes time

It doesn’t matter what camera it is, your phone, a mirrorless Sony, or a big fat DSLR. Having it with you changes how you move through the world. You start noticing things, how light hits a wall, how a shadow stretches across the floor at different times of the day, or how a person’s expression changes in a split second.

Carrying your camera isn’t just about practice; it’s about staying awake.

It trains you to notice life. To stay curious and ready. To live as an artist, not just call yourself one cause it sounds cool. As the kids would say, "It's not that deep, bruh."

Being “Weird” Is Part of It

If you’re a creative person (which I believe everyone is to an extent if exercised), you’ll eventually realize that you’re not built like everyone else. You might stop in the middle of the street because the light looks perfect, or crouch down at strange angles just to capture a reflection. 

People might think you’re "weird." That’s fine. Being weird is part of the job, my friends. 

"And those who were dancing were thought to be insane  by those who couldn't hear the music" - Friedrich Nietche

Creativity has always been about pattern interrupts for me; challenging what’s normal, and paying attention to things others ignore. So if you’ve ever felt like you don’t fit in, maybe that’s a sign you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. But be cautious, cause some might not like that for you...I'll leave it here.

Make Photography Meaningful

My personal photography isn’t highbrow, technical, or rocket science stuff. I’m not trying to make it that way. But I do make it meaningful for me first. And that flows into all my other work, including for my clients.

For me, photography is about connection with people, with the world, and with myself. Once you learn the craft and hone your vision, you realize how powerful it can be. You can make pictures for your family, your friends, and even for generations to come. You can document life in a way that helps others see beauty in the ordinary. 

Photography gives you a chance to make the world a little better one frame at a time. In this crazy time in the world. And it doesn't need to be ground-shattering stuff to make you famous or something.

Keep Nurturing Your Creativity

Photography isn’t about gear or trends. Like social media seems to constantly push, it’s about developing your way of seeing and trusting it enough to share it for people to enjoy.

So keep carrying your camera. Keep taking photos even when you’re tired, uninspired, or when nobody’s watching. Those small, quiet, consistent moments of curiosity are what shape you into the photographer you’re meant to be. It can sneak up on you in a profound way ;)

Because at the end of the day, photography isn’t about just impressing others, it’s about staying connected to life itself.

Jonard