Why Photography Is The Best Hobby
I’ve recently been talking to a friend about the different hobbies we’ve had over the years. Mountain biking, cars, hiking, computer games, just to name a few. Pretty quickly we concluded that photography is actually the best hobby in the world. Here’s why:
It’s creative
Everyone needs a creative outlet, whether it’s painting, singing, or knitting. We’re naturally creative creatures, and we thrive when we make things. Having a creative outlet is essential for mental health, happiness, and overall life satisfaction. Photography gives you that outlet every single day.
It’s technical
While creativity uses one side of your brain, photography also taps into the more analytical side. Settings, cameras, focal lengths, lighting – it can be as technical as you want it to be. And that’s not a bad thing.
It involves gadgets
Photography involves buying gadgets, and who doesn’t enjoy that? Sure, there’s a small group of film purists who cringe at the mention of “gear”, but even the most artistic photographers like a new camera now and then.
It’s affordable
Sure, cameras can be very expensive, but if we’re honest with ourselves, we know photography can easily be done on a budget.
It requires problem solving
From figuring out how to capture a shot, to planning a route, or setting up a scene, photography constantly challenges your problem-solving skills.
It gets you out
Without photography, if you told someone you were going on a six-hour walk alone, for no reason, people might start to worry after a while. Jokes aside, photography gets you outdoors, whether it’s a stroll around your local town or a six-month trip across the world. Without it, you’d probably spend a lot less time outside.
It forces you to observe and be present
I love travel, and there’s a huge difference in how I experienced it before and after photography. I barely remember my trips before picking up a camera, but now I can recall them in detail. When you’re shooting, you’re paying attention to every part of the scene. It might seem like you’re not present, but I’d argue you’re actually more present than if you weren’t holding a camera.
It keeps you fit
My average photowalk is between 25–35k steps a day. On bigger days, I can hit 60k. Photography gets you moving – across cities, up mountains, early in the morning, and late into the night. It’s a physical hobby that helps keep your fitness in check.
It can be combined with other activities
Holidays, hiking, camping, city breaks, backpacking, cycling – photography fits into them all and makes them even more rewarding.
It’s social
While some genres, like street photography, are often done alone, photography is also very social, especially with social media. I have two groups of friends: those I grew up with, and those I met through photography. Without my camera, I’d have half the friends and 80% fewer memories and experiences.
It grows with you
Some hobbies fade with age. Downhill mountain biking is great at 18, not so much at 48. Photography is different. As long as you can see, think, and walk, you can keep shooting. It’s a lifelong hobby that evolves as you do.
It leaves something behind
Every photo you take will one day be seen by future generations. If you share your work online, it might even be seen by someone on the other side of the world who doesn’t speak your language. Even if you don’t care about this aspect, your photography leaves a mark.
It’s never finished
Photography is never complete. There’s no finish line, no point where you’re “done”. It stays with you, always running in the background, always part of your life.
I don’t know about you, but the more I think about it, the more I’m convinced that this is the best hobby in the world.
