Given the increasing sophistication of computational photography and AI-generated imagery, I find myself at times questioning why I bother crafting a photo. The answer ultimately lies in the process. When I have the right mindset, the practice of photography focuses my mind’s eye, shuts out all distractions, and becomes a quasi-spiritual experience, a form of meditation. It opens me up to my subject and I come away with a renewed sense of wonder and curiosity that leads me to more learning. If people respond positively to my images, that is icing on the cake.