Purpose or Play: What Really Drives Our Photography?

I often ask myself, "Why do I photograph"? What drives me to endure harsh weather, carry heavy equipment all day, and do anything for that perfect shot? Why am I so captivated by the addictive sound of shutter clicks? Recently, I had the opportunity to document the final days of Hong Kong's Tai Hang Sai Estate. As I walked through its corridors and blocks on the brink of demolition, I was struck by the vivid culture, history, and marks left behind. In moments like these, I want to capture what remains before it vanishes forever. Hong Kong is a fast changing city, sites like the famous “Instagram Pier” at Kennedy Town have disappeared before I could return for more photos, and I would never forget that disappointment that I didn’t have the last chance to capture it. So, why do we photograph? Is it to look back on what no longer exists, or to preserve the best of our memories? While there’s no fixed formula for a great photo, every frame has a purpose—even if achieved by chance. Ultimately, photography allows me to capture the essence of a moment. It grounds me in the present, enabling me to fully immerse in and appreciate the experience. EXPLORE MY SITE 🔗 https://www.tahusa.co Visit my shop if you are interested in camera hoods and films. Dive deeper into gears for candid reviews at my blog. GET MY EBOOKS 📚 "Everything You Need To Know Before Starting Film Photography” (FREE) https://learn.tahusa.co/p/everything-... “Your Guide to Inspecting Used Camera Lenses” https://learn.tahusa.co/p/guide-to-in... SPECIAL OFFERS 🌟 https://shop.tahusa.co Subscribe to my newsletter for a first-purchase discount and free photography tips delivered straight to your inbox! SUPPORT MY CHANNEL Your likes and subscriptions mean the world to me! Hit that like button, subscribe, and ring the bell to stay updated with our latest videos and adventures in photography. FOLLOW me for the latest updates! Instagram:   / tahusa   Instagram:   / tahusa.co   Video Breakdown 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Why do we photograph 04:57 - Tai Hang Sai Estate 07:48 - Instagram Pier (Kennedy Town, Hong Kong) 08:55 - Wah Fu Estate 09:52 - Neon Signs 10:25 - Temple Street (Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong) 11:18 - Conclusion --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- street photography, Rangefinder, Leica, rangefinder, film camera, Plaubel Makina 67, why do we photograph, purpose, photography, Panasonic S5, temple street, instagram pier, kennedy town, wah fu, neon signs, neon light, hong kong, hk, spots, tai hang sai estate, film photography tips, tips and tricks, photography spots, travel photography, film photography, 35mm, medium format, 120, 6x7, Rolleiflex 2.8f, long exposures, Rollei, street photography basics, Hong Kong photographer, why shoot film, POV, Portra 400, take better photos, why travel with analog film, Kodak Portra, Velvia 100, Reflx Lab, travelling, purpose, randomness, city, experience, sharing, memories, visual