The subject of your photograph will probably mean much more to you, who were fully present, than to others. I certainly experience this myself, and in general your process sounds similar to mine (except you switch to paint for further work).

Viewers may also respond largely to subject, but clearly you wanted to influence their response with your dramatic treatment of the image, just as you also dramatically transform it when you paint. I think some viewers will respond first to your colors and other aspects of style, and later devote attention more to the subject itself.

I share what you call live with the photograph.. of my dune experiences. The photos touch my emotions and I will try to learn to paint what they mean to me.

Whether that happens by setting up an easel and experiencing the weather, or walking around in NYC meeting people that you’ll photograph and paint, it’s essentially the same thing. The two types of subject matter lend themselves to different approaches, but the key, I think, is in making a genuine connection with your subject.