Photography is...

Today I had a real nice discussion about photography with a girl who is interested in the art, as well as with the two mentors who introduced me to the idea of becoming a professional photographer in the first place. It got me thinking about what photography means to me and why it is I do what I do.

Of course, the answer isn't simple but I'd like to think I've narrowed down a few key factors.

1. Photography is a means of enabling people to hold on to memories forever. Memories are a huge driving force behind what I do. With a photograph, we can remember a moment long after the day it was taken. I've noticed that I don't remember events as well if I didn't take pictures there. Conversely, those events that I have taken photos of are well-established memories that will not soon be forgotten.

2. Photography is a record that we existed. For some reason, I am fascinated at having hard-copy evidence (outside of a birth certificate and social security card) that a person existed. Perhaps this is because when I was younger, my grandma would look at old photos with me and tell me all kinds of stories about people in my family I would never get the chance to meet. I often find myself telling family members who are a little camera-shy the following : What is going to happen when you die and your great-grandbabies are curious about who you were and what you looked like? To me, it's important to have something to say "Hey, I existed and this is my story." And I believe that photographs can do just that.

3. Photography is telling a story. Sometimes, words cannot aptly express the emotions or thoughts of an individual. When words fail, photography is a great alternative. Oftentimes I can look at a photo and from it I can gather all sorts of information -- how a person felt that day, what the weather was like, who is important to them, what makes someone happy, what makes them uncomfortable, etc. They say body language is more telling than spoken language--and because photography captures this, it is only natural that it aids in showing a more complete picture of individuals.

4. Photography is a mirror. By this, I mean to say that while I may be photographing other people, places or things, I am actually showing my audience what is important to me; what sorts of things I value or hold in high regard. Naturally, my eye wonders towards things that I like or see some special value in. What's being depicted in my photos isn't necessarily a reflection of the subject; rather it is a reflection of me. (Not to get all Freudian on you though....teehee!) As the great photographer Richard Avedon once said, "My portraits are more about me than they are about the people I photograph."


I'm sure I could go on and on about what else photography means to me, but it would be boring to most of you folks, I'm sure. These four elements though are what constantly drive me to continue this jouney I'm on--to not let the pressure of a get-rich-now society dictate my next move in life. A month or so ago, an adult (who shall remain nameless but whom I believe expects me to not succeed in my photography endeavors) asked me if I regretted my decision to go this direction in life. My best, simplest answer? Heck no. I'm in this for the long haul.