I think that Tallpocket's question is very simple but we are all very complicated. To be real the final voice of images is not always a conveyance of intent or true emotion. Motivational reasons (money included) play a strong role in the mind of many photographers and an image can also receive a secondary (mechanical?) voice in postwork. IMO to 'get' a great shot your internal compass and photographic 'eye'need to be pointing in the same direction... the element of joy (and sharing that joy) in creating is something I think is a non-expendable item. Why else does someone shoot flowers &c. all day long? Part of the feeling of vulnerability leads us to cover ourselves with a story, attitude or mask of acceptability, should we get it wrong?