WHY

If you’ve listened to The Photowalk for any length of time, you may already know the question that’s coming right at the end, or indeed now.

It’s the last one I ask every guest before we finish our timing chatting.

Why?

Not, “Why did you become a photographer?” Not, “Why this project?”

Just...

Why?

Why do you do this, in essence?

After hundreds of interviews, you’d think I’d have become used to the answers. Instead, it’s the question I look forward to most because I never know where it’s going to take us.

Some people answer in seconds. I’m really not sure I could, and so I’m a mixture of enthused, awed, and truly impressed if they can.

Other guests pause, for a while as it goes, leaving me wondering whether I should edit that space down slightly before it ‘goes to press’.

Occasionally someone laughs.

“I’ve never been asked that before.”

That somewhat surprises me. We spend so much time talking about cameras, lenses, books, exhibitions, technique and careers that the reason behind all of it somehow gets left sitting in the corner, lonely.

I’ve heard answers that talk of childhood, curiosity, grief, about proving someone wrong, escaping difficult jobs, preserving family history, or slowing down.

“Oh, I don’t think I can imagine doing anything else with my life,” is often mooted.

Not one answer has been the same.

And that’s made me realise something; perhaps “why” is the most interesting question I, or by extension, we, can ask any creative person.

So I’m planning an episode built entirely around that one small word.

Why.

Why do you do this thing called photography? Or writing? Or sketching? Or making music? Or keeping a journal? Or any other creative pursuit that somehow became part of your life.

Maybe your answer is wrapped up in one moment you can remember with perfect clarity. Maybe it’s been changing for years without you even noticing.

Long replies, short replies, they’re all welcome.

If there’s a story behind your reason, I’d especially love to hear it. I’ll be recording this coming weekend.

Email stories@photowalk.show.