On a recent photo trip to the Great Ocean Road, I began thinking to myself… am I addicted to Photography? I already knew the short answer (which is a resounding ‘yes’) but the more I thought about it the more I started to unravel the similarities between photography and ‘real addictions’. At what point does being passionate about something turn into addiction? and surely being addicted to photography couldn’t be an unhealthy addition, right?
As I sat while the waves gently lapped at the shore and I waited for the sun meet the horizon this is what I jotted down:
Photography is an addiction, it’s like a drug that alters our state of mind and capturing a good photo is the ultimate high.
Sometimes we bend the rules and even break the law to get one, putting ourselves in harms way and feeling invincible when we do. Though one fix is never enough, we are constantly pushing the boundaries and looking for the next high.
Those with limited willpower will no doubt find themselves parting with hard earned cash to fuel their addiction, seeking either new far away and exotic places or believing new gear is the answer – this will only dig you deeper.
Often we are so blinded by our addiction that at times we can’t even see the forest for the trees. We push away loved ones that might stand in our way and sometimes even selfishly try to get them hooked.
Addicts will be all too familiar with the withdrawal symptoms should they be forced to abstain. If you’ve recently become aware of your addiction you may surprised to learn there is no cure… but please take little comfort knowing you are not alone.
As a photography enthusiast is this something you can relate to? If so, feel free to share it, with credit of course.
