I make a photograph as a result of an encounter with an object, a scene, or a situation that has unexpectedly caught my attention in such a way that I feel pulled, or compelled to capture the visual impression I experienced. Typically as I am observing what's around me something intuitively causes me to pause and ponder what I am seeing, and to explore it, and my reaction to it further. My reaction is visceral and usually occurs unexpectedly and suddenly. It is a reaction to the existing light, the objects or scene, and the interplay among those elements. Light is everything. It seems to be nature's paint brush. It is usually the quality of the light embracing the scene or scene elements that caused me to pause momentarily and consider what is before me in more detail.
My first reaction to a situation is intuitive and very quick. It isn't until I have paused awhile and done a little visual analysis that I may understand what it was among all that was in my view that touched me. Now I don't claim to be special in any way with how this works, it is simply my explanation for why I make photographs. I want to capture the experience for later enjoyment and to share with others. There is also a realization that the existence captured at the instant the photograph is made is unique in time, and will never occur exactly that way again. The ability to isolate and memorialize a unique instant in time for those who could not witness it has always intrigued me. Consider the countless instances of visual delight we may never get to experience.
The moment of image capture is just the beginning of the creative journey. The editing, review, rework and finalization process is often frustrating in the quest for that satisfying final graphic expression. If it happens there is a satisfying internal sigh, a relief of tension that results. For me it’s a feeling of being at peace with the way I have communicated my experience. This does not always happen in the initial attempt. Generally here is a comprise solution that temporarily satisfies the expressive tension. Future explorations and attempts will be required to bring the image to rest in my mind. Sometimes it has taken years for a fully satisfying interpretation to reach fruition. But of course there are sometimes images that once given life are never changed again.
It is probably true that the evolution of an image follows my own life's evolution and change. A given image interpretation may feel correct for a particular time and place in my lifeline while requiring a change at a later time. Perhaps this continuing expressive evolution of an image will provide viewers opportunity over time to identify an image that touches them at just the right point on their own life's time line. I hope this is the case, and that repeated visits to my work are each a new experience.
In the end I hope that there are others who will enjoy sharing my visual journey through life, time and the space we have all occupied together. We all see differently. Sharing is a way of enriching and being enriched by what we may have not personally seen.