I take photographs because they're fun and because i enjoy the medium. Even the most professional shots fun to look at and fun to be a part of, plus, There's something rather spectacular about making an image that captures that specific feeling that you wanted to capture. Whether it be a crossed processed shot from a beautiful day at the beach, or that tac-sharp softbox lit set of portraits you've been working on.
^and in agreement with above me. I hate "artists" because no matter how much you justify your own work they still act like you have no idea what you're doing. Hell, i was walking around with my hassie last week and this guy came up to me and started quizing me on the fucking kent state shootings, asking if i knew about it and the photographs that were made that day. After i responded that i knew the shots he went on a speal about some mumbo jumbo about technical crap i already knew about.