Scrolling down your Instagram feed, you see a photo. You think to yourself, "That's nice" and double tap it. You're one more like on the photo, a like that has no impact on your life and gives the account owner the satisfaction of seeing their numbers grow. Social media is a great way to share photos with family, friends, and followers, but photography is so much more than a pretty picture.

Photography is expression. It's art. It captures previous family moments and the beauty of the world. It captures the life of cities and cultures of far away lands. It gives viewers a glimpse of the world through the photographer's eye.

A photographer's work goes beyond the image. Graduation pictures capture a milestone. Wedding pictures give the couple visuals to one of their happiest days. Family photos capture memories and formal family photos go on the annual holiday cards.

Photographs have stories behind them. Photographers can remember where the photo was taken, and why it was taken. They remember the subjects and why they were chosen. An expensive camera doesn't make a photo great. The artist makes the photo great. Their knowledge behind the camera mixed with creativity and aesthetic make the photo great. Photography is more than the audible click of the shutter.

Photographers display the people, places, and things around them. A landscape photographer captures the Northern Lights in Alaska, the range of the Rocky Mountains, the countryside in France. Street photographers capture the performers in Barcelona, the art-covered buildings in Richmond, and the essence that makes a city.

Some photographers step in front of their cameras. They retreat from their security blankets and become exposed. They display insecurities and illnesses that plague their lives. They become more human in the eyes of others viewing their work. They say, "This is me."

Photography is powerful. It shows the emotions of athletes accomplishing their goals, the goals they work their lives for at the Olympics. The happiness of new parents. It connects even strangers together.

Photography is more than Tumblr notes and Instagram likes. It's memories. It's a creative outlet. A visual of the world. It's more than a profession; it's a passion.

Next time you're scrolling down your feed, go behind the image. Find the purpose and intention. Find more than just a pretty picture because photography is more.