My Photographic Philosophy:
Photography is an art that is built on science. Like any other science, there are rules. For some the rules are etched in stone and for others, photography is more art than science. Many artists and photographers attempt to break the rules to create something meaningful. The ones that are truly successful in that effort, are the ones that studied the rules and carefully choose which rules to break and when to break them. I try to take this approach with my own work. I understand that the camera is just a tool to capture the image. It’s easy to get caught up in acquiring gear because that is what is expected of us. A great photographer can pick up any camera and be completely comfortable with it, because the knowledge and experience that is gained by years of study and dedication to the craft. This is what really matters in the end.
I love photography with every fiber of my being. I am not always happy with the commercialization of photography, but I can look past that for the sake of my own photographic endeavors.
My Start:
I was sixteen when a friend gave me a Yashica FX3 35mm SLR, preloaded with a roll of Kodak Gold 100 film. I didn’t know how that thing worked, how the meter worked, or even just how to wind the film. I fumbled through that first roll of film, I took it to the drug store to be processed. The images were terribly over and under exposed. I was hooked, and I could hardly wait to get the second roll of film into the camera. I’ve heard so many photographers tell that same story. It’s how we all began. Like so many others, I was introduced to the something special with the help and generosity of other photographers.
The technical knowledge and experience I gained in art school has served me well, but my artistic side has taken years to develop. My photographic pursuits keep me chasing many types of classic cameras and alternative photography. This has become a very large part of my photographic life. Pinhole, large and medium formats, polaroid, plastic and toy cameras, are important tools for me to get the image I want. Film photography is still a prominent part of my photographic style. I don’t let my camera define my style, my skill and experience define my style.