Why are you doing photography? I’ve asked myself that question often. There was a time when I did photography simply for the love of it. The curiosity of what would come back, what moment can I capture, what scene fascinates me?
I went through a period of soul-searching. Quit my job and attempted to do photography for a living. That didn’t work out very well. For one I wasn’t making much of a living. But the worst part of it all I lost my love and passion for photography. I was no longer photographing things that interest me or captured my attention. I was now photographing things that I knew my customers wanted. I was caught up in this world of wedding photography, and it’s only purpose was to generate money. I wasn’t thinking about making great images that pleased me, I was trying to make great images that pleased them. The demands to please, and make a living squashed out all I loved about photography. So much so that I gave up the business, and almost stop taking photos completely. 
For years I felt like I didn’t care if people liked my images, especially other photographers what do they know anyhow? I always did photography because I loved it, and did it for me and what pleased my eyes. It wasn’t until I entered this world of being paid that ruined it for me. Don’t get me wrong I was good at what I did, but it wasn’t satisfying me.
I have finally found that passion again. Here I am after leaving the camera alone for a while. I have picked it up again with that same curiosity I’ve had since I first picked up my first camera when I was around 10 or 12 years old. I found myself having fun again, with that same anticipation as to how the images will look. I was shooting places and things that caught my attention. Wondering how the final image would look. Hoping that I caught something that would stun me. I found my passion again! I was shooting for me, for what pleased me and for that I’m so thankful!
So check out a few photos I have recently done. Photos by RJ Downtown Los Angeles
