Do your photos make the world a better place, photographer?

Strolling economist meets accidental photographer / #8

E: Why do you take so many photos, photographer?

P: Why do you write so many texts, economist?

E: Because it helps me understand the world.

P: That is my motivation, too.

E: How can taking photos help you understand the world? You're photographing what you already see.

P: But I see the world differently when I have the camera with me.

E: I do not understand.

P: Life is what you pay attention to. As an economist, you decide which topics you turn to. What you want to understand better. Then you dive into a topic and get smarter about it. It's the same with photography. I almost always have a camera with me. It lets me see the world with different eyes. I look around to discover unusual things, something I don't understand, something that disturbs me, I look for things I've never seen before. The camera helps me draw attention to what there is to discover. Thereby, what is worth seeing is subjective. That is often something that may seem trivial to others. I like triviality. Actually, I like it in particular. People crossing the street. A woman on a park bench. An old industrial building. Triviality can become something special as a photograph. Because photos give us the necessary attention to trivial aspects. The photo as a frame for attention, so to say. It gives us time for a second look. Supposed triviality often has a lot to tell. A social development for example. Or some history. Change. The camera I carry with me is a constant reminder that there are stories to be discovered.

E: You have a lot to tell, photographer. However, the way you take photos doesn’t result in beautiful photos, does it?

P: Do you write beautiful texts, economist? 

E: -

P: See. Instead, you write texts that hopefully make us curious and help us understand the world. At best, your texts offer solutions to problems, which can therefore contribute to making the world a better place.

E: Are you trying to make the world a better place with your photos, photographer?

P: Why not? If the pictures encourage you to think about your life, good things can arise, right?

E: Maybe.

P: Yeah, maybe. 

< silence >

P: Hey, economist.

E: What else, photographer?

P: When is your birthday?

E: None of your business. Why do you ask?

P: I might give you a camera as a present.

E: Then you will get an economics textbook for your birthday.

P: Ok, rather no gifts then.