Why We Photograph What We Love

Every photographer has that one subject — a place, a moment, a fleeting gesture — that calls to us again and again. It might be a familiar trail, the movement of an animal, or a cause that stirs something deep inside. These are not just photographs; they’re pieces of our purpose.

When I curated the Frames of Purpose exhibition for The Williamson Museum, I was reminded how powerful personal projects can be. Each image told a story rooted in passion — photographers exploring what they love, what they notice, and what they hope others will see. When we photograph what we love, we reveal who we are.

But creating isn’t always the hard part — sharing is.

So many of us have folders full of images we’ve never shown anyone. Maybe they feel too vulnerable, or not “ready.” Yet sharing doesn’t have to mean an exhibition. It can be as simple as showing a friend, writing a caption, or including a few images in a local event.

When we share, we give our work purpose beyond ourselves. We bring awareness to something that matters — a vanishing landscape, a quiet act of resilience, or the beauty of a place often overlooked. Even if only a few people see it, acknowledgment can ripple outward in ways we don’t expect.

Personal projects remind us why we picked up a camera in the first place. They invite us to slow down, to look closer, and to translate love — for a subject, a season, or a story — into something that endures. And when we’re brave enough to share that work, we connect more deeply not just with others, but with our own creative voice.

So, if you’ve been holding onto a project that feels too personal, too quiet, or too small — consider this your invitation. Share it. Someone out there may need to see exactly what you’ve seen.

Because in the end, that’s what photography is all about — not just capturing what we love, but letting that love be seen.

Photography, Friendship, and a Side of Queso

Back in 2017, I did something simple: I invited a few Instagram friends to meet me at a little park for a photo walk. The spot I picked turned out to be a little sketchy (thanks, Instagram), but we quickly rerouted and ended up at a local eatery—where, true to form, the night wrapped up with chips and queso. What started as a casual meetup turned into something bigger than I ever imagined.

Jon Fischer, Shari Hunt, Brad Smith, Simanta Mahanta, Chris Fitch, Lin Zabojnik, and Vineeth Radhakrishnan

Fast forward to 2020—those same DFW friends stood alongside me as presenters for the Happiness Hour. Over the years, my circle of photography friends has grown. New faces joined the group, some becoming speakers themselves. Recently, I had the joy of gathering these friends—old and new—for dinner. Watching them connect, some meeting for the very first time, reminded me why I love this community so much: photography is the thread that ties us all together. That night wasn’t just about dinner. It was about connection. About sharing stories, ideas, and laughter. About how one invitation years ago blossomed into a network of friendships and creative collaborations.

Here’s the takeaway: you don’t need to wait for a conference, a meetup, or even Happiness Hour to experience that same spark. Scroll through your feed. Think of someone whose work inspires you. Then take that leap—invite them out for a shoot. You never know where a simple “let’s go shoot” might lead

Friendships. Growth. Inspiration. Maybe even a lifelong creative posse.

So next time you’re scrolling Instagram, remember—those likes and comments are just the beginning. The real magic happens when we step out from behind our screens and share the experience of photography together.