About

The Beginning

I’ve been making pictures since I was a kid using my parents’ cameras whenever they would let me or weren’t looking. Back then, making a picture was a very orchestrated affair…an event was choreographed and then someone would say, “get the camera out”. Now, due to the progression of the instrument (and smart phones) it’s much more likely to capture stories as they actually unfold. So, the camera is always out. But, I will always remember that saying…and the memories attached to it.

I took photography classes during high school and become intensely interested in both the camera equipment and the various mediums. I really enjoy learning how things work. I was part of the high school newspaper staff as photographer and also shot for the yearbook occasionally. I wanted to go to photo journalism college…but my parents directed me otherwise. So, I make photos for fun and my money elsewhere.

The Tools

My first “real” camera was a Pentax K1000 which was provided by the school. Looking back, it was such a wonderful beginner’s camera. I then graduated to the Canon A1 (which I bought with all of the money I had saved) and eventually to digital (Nikon) years later. I have quite a number of “old” family cameras in my collection (Yashica, Balda, Agfa, Konica, Pentax, etc.) and still enjoy shooting film, both 35mm and 120. I prefer black and white, especially on the street and landscapes. But am perfectly happy with color in almost any situation. A few years ago, I acquired my first “pro” level camera, the Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II and immediately fell in love with the micro 4 four thirds format…wow, what a punch for the small size and weight. Most recently, I’m using a Ricoh Gr lllx, which is configured well for street photography due to the 28mm fixed lens. It forces me to move vs. using the zooming capabilities of the other cameras, including my iPhone.

Why

A great photograph is one which tells a story…leaves the mind wondering what was happening, both for the subjects and the photographer. It’s a captured slice of life, which might otherwise be lost or go unnoticed. I simply try to take people on a journey…that the human eye might have missed.

A few years ago, I noticed every photo I make inspires thought, reflection and usually some sort of metaphorical prompt. So, I began writing those out and adding them to my posts. Then, people started asking me if I had published my work in any other form. I hadn’t. So, I did. Now, it’s available here on this site for free, in printed form and via subscription on Substack. Please consider buying a book, zine or becoming a paid subscriber if you’d like to support my endeavor.

Please enjoy my art of curiosity through a camera lens…sometimes intentional, occasionally accidental…but always with purpose.