It has for me.

I didn't even own a camera until my partner gave me one for Christmas just over two years ago. I went travelling after I graduated from University in 2001 and only took throw away cameras with me, of which only half of the shots came out after developing (so I now have to go back to all those places I visited - for photographic purposes only of course...). I digress...

In real terms of changing me/my life...

It's the little things I seem to notice, which appear to make me smile more now and also taking an interest in my environment and surroundings; I think I must have been walking around with my eyes closed before...

Seriously though, has it changed you?

that's a great question, Emma. the answer feels so big to me, and layered. I don't know what to write. so here is one piece: It has given me a new way to engage with the world - taken my private way of seeing things, and made it public, like an admission: I'm looking at you.

i have always been interested in photography, after my mom died 2 yrs ago i bought a dslr, it helped me get through what was a rough time, as a matter of fact it was the most difficult time of my life.
somehow i feel my moms spirit in my creativity, she was an artist as well. this changed me tremendously.

i even think about going pro........ another change since i've been doing hair for 30 years !

thanks for raising this question emma, i actually think about it often.

Not really, but now I record it better than I once did. My canmera goes with me everywhere. That changes nothing fundamental. ?;o)

no.

has drinking water changed your life?

Ha! I knew I could rely on you Mr Eidea...

Changed it? No. However, I would have no life without water...

drinking water is in no way similar to photography, maybe its language thing.

damn!

now i know why my cameras all sound like "FZZRRRL* when i drop them into the bathtub...

and i thought photography comes from the greek phoetoegroephoi, which means "swimming through the (light) waves like a dolphin while sipping on a marguerita" (or so), but obviously somebody made a joke with me there.... *sigh*

i was laughing couldn't you hear me ?

it has changed me Em.. I have met great people like you because of my interest but more than anything it is a creative outlet for me wether people like it or not(photos) .. I'm not really here for anyone but me (as far as my blog)and people happen to like it then that is great ..
but I have gained so much ..I love watching people grow in their photography and meeting people from all over and seeing places I never had ..


oh and apart from here it has made me challenge myself...meet new people and see things in a whole new way ...every step I take or every place I go can be a photographic adventure !!
and oh yeah I just have to say this..of course the added benefit of seeing all the beautiful flowers ,babies, sunsets and themes I could ever want to enjoy;)

Photography hasn't changed me very much because I can't be bothered to take proper photographs.
But what is nice is to actually pay attention to the surroundings, which happens when taking crappy shots with camera phones. So in a way, yes, it has changed me. In a good way, to be more attentionned.

I like your question, Emma. I feel more aware of my surroundings, although in part that increased following the death of my mother three years ago this month. (Sadly, she had a rather squashing effect.)

The photoblog and concomitant feedback, and working with Photoshop have changed me. I now look at one of my Labs and think: sepia!