I’m reading about landscape painters of the Romantic period of the 19th century. Landscape painting became more popular at this time and the artists were influenced by the Romantic movement.
John Constable was of this group. He wrote a number of letters which survive. Therefore, we understand his motivation and some of his feelings regarding painting.
One of my favorite quotes of his is, “…painting is with me but another word for feeling.” I would say the same for photography. To portray my feelings for photography, I would use the quote, “photography for me is just another word for breathing.” It is as natural and effortless for me as breathing at this point in my life.