The Meaning of Photography

Webster defines the meaning of photography as; the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (such as film or an optical sensor). Seems so cold and process'y'. If the word "art" wasn't in the definition one would think they were describing a medical procedure or a scientific experiment. I guess that's the crux of the whole sentence, art. The rest is just how art is made. The beauty of art is that it is so subjective, one persons art is another person's indifference.

When I think of what my art means to me, I can only think of my favorite images. Now don't get me wrong, I love almost all that I see in my view finder, but my favorites are always the images that touch my soul. The image accompanying this post is one of them. She is my mother and as I watch her whither away, the damages of self inflicted emphysema taking it's toll on her, I am incredibly grateful that I have taken this photo. I asked her to sit down five minutes before she left my house, as she was here for a quick visit last year. The ambush method was the only way I knew that I could get her to agree to sit on the stool. This quick click has become one of my most cherished memories and my art has become my own personal memory bank. It is a first hand account of the importance of photography. It allows you to freeze time and visit that moment over and over again in your mind.