"I think photographs should be provocative and not tell you what you already know. It takes no great powers or magic to reproduce somebody's face in a photograph. The magic is in seeing people in new ways."
~Duane Michals
I don't take myself too seriously. And for those who know me, would agree. It's something that I often times have no problem accomplishing. Yet at other times, I have a difficult time living up to. But in the light of things, those words ring so true for me on a personal level. Life is often all too short and yet, filled with amazing moments that can't quite be put into words.
Truthfully, I never had a desire to be photographer. Never once, did it cross my mind. Ever since my earliest days as a child, I was always driven be visual imagery, music and art that inspired my inner creativity. For me, art took on a special place in my heart, opening doors to a vibrant, sometimes over-active imagination. In those days, my creativity came to light through drawing, expressed through the use a rich color and strong emotion.
I look at things a little differently. The body of my work is concentrated around a mixture of documentary, editorial and conceptual photography. All of it gets blended together to create an ever-evolving, sometimes crazy perspective. But at the same time, I feel that the images I create need to have a relationship, by bringing together the unspoken story of my subjects and the environment surrounding them. I've never been content to simply deliver photos that inherently show a person standing around, looking into the camera lens like a deer caught in the headlights. A photograph needs to mean something more to me. Most of my work is shot on location, around our towns, out on the streets and in the familiar places we call home. And for that reason, I try to develop a more interactive-based approach to my photography.
Technically speaking though, there is no "magic bullet" or trendy Photoshop trick involved in defining my shooting style. The single most important thing is getting my shots right, from the very first frame I shoot. By using dramatic light and vibrant color palettes to my advantage, finding key shooting locations and working with simple gear, I'm able to bring my photographic work to life. Without a doubt, I've been a firm believer in using the resources available to me. It's not a matter of having the most expensive brand-name gear on the market. It's about using the tools I have at my disposal and maintaining consistency. And likewise, I try not to get wrapped up with camera settings, shutter speeds and apertures when I'm working with a client. By knowing the technical stuff like the back of the hand, allows me to focus more of my attention on my subject and the interaction between us. By doing so, I'm able to be myself and create a comfortable working space.
I could easily go on and on about all the f-stops, lighting and editing techniques used to define my personal style. But I think my work has a louder resounding message than the technical mumble jumble that all too often consumes photographers. Without a doubt, my biggest revelation to creating an impacting photo begins with getting it right the first time around. It's a process that has several various facets that give me the results I seek. And it begins with building a solid relationship with my clients. Developing immediate trust with my clients is key and helps deliver that real spirit evident in my work. Without that energy, my work would reflect a visual awkwardness.
The photography world can be over-saturated with cool, trendy techniques, cookie-cutter imitations and the glamour associated with success . But in reality, I'm glad I don't subscribe to that idealogy Sure, I've taken small bits and pieces from other inspirational photographers along the way, but I would eventually mash them all together to find out what works best for me. Personally, I'm still very much a hobbyist at heart. The bottom line is that still I love to get out and shoot. Regardless of the consuming business world around me, I continue to push my creative limits each and every time I'm behind the camera. Understand that I don't claim to be an expert in my craft, nor do I carry with me any kind of inflated ego. I don't have time for that. Sometimes I feel like I'm worlds away from defining my style, but I continually remind myself that my work is a constant process of learning.
Online Now!
