I am compelled to create images. Everywhere I go I see images and image potential. It's become an extension of how I exist in the world. Automatic. Unstoppable. Creating an image and experiencing the sense that "oh, this one is really cool" makes me giddy. Sometimes I don't feel it in the moment and it's only in the editing process that I discover a cool image. Sometimes what seemed great in the moment isn't. You don't always know. But when the magic happens, it makes me smile.
I can't imagine not having a camera with me.
When I first started getting into photography, my images were predictably awful. Yet the anticipation of awaiting the results in each roll of film was pure joy. Over the years I kept shooting, largely emulating others and trying to find my voice. I no doubt passed up many cool images out of ignorance as I hadn't learned to see just yet. In fact it's taken years to find my voice and only in the last few have I come to recognize what that is. And only because I'm starting to get comments from others about my style. How they recognize a photo I've taken as obviously 'me'.
In the early days I'd seek out the most magical light and grand vistas thinking that was where the images lie. Now, I can create cool images anywhere out of texture, light, color, tone, shadow and form. Sometimes the most mundane subjects yield the most interesting images.
I've often asked myself why I keep shooting. And what I will do with all of these images. Or if it's worth the effort to keep going. To the latter, it's an unequivocal yes. The answer to the former is to print more of them, create books and zines of images that go together. To remix the images I've made into new. Who knows how this will evolve, but I can assure you the desire to create is stronger than ever.
