Do you shoot what you LOVE or HATE?

by Matt Powell on October 12, 2010

From Guild Member, Matt Powell

In analyzing the concept of visual peacemaking & where it fits into the wider realm of humanitarian and advocacy photography work, I've landed on a concept that I'd to explore with the community...

All photos: Matt Powell, Cameroon

Do you shoot what you love or what you hate? Because both are legitimate approaches in this work. Both have a place and a purpose, but result in vastly differing emotional responses from viewers, with vastly differing results.

What I mean by this question is: Are you compelled to expose social injustices, like poverty, disease, and human rights and environmental abuses? These would be things that we hate.

Or are you more drawn to illuminating the beauty of humanity and other things that you love about the world as you encounter it? Nature, joy, hope, adventure?

It seems to me that many photographers focus on one approach exclusively to the other. How about you? Are you drawn to shooting one over the other? Or do you strive for a balance between the two? Do see value in both? Does this analysis help you in reflecting upon your own work and vision or cloud it? Just food for thought. I'd love to hear your response.