“… it’s not about perfection…”

“… it’s not about perfection. It’s about communication.” – Patti Smith

Charles Harbutt, “I Don’t Take Pictures; Pictures Take Me”

One book, amongst others, that I keep close at hand is “Travelog”, by Charles Harbutt. I have no recollection of purchasing it, but I have owned my hardcover copy for over 35 years. It is one of many books that I keep returning to again and again. Harbutt was for many years a photojournalist, widelyContinue reading “Charles Harbutt, “I Don’t Take Pictures; Pictures Take Me””

Street photography…..

Street photography is an aesthetic. Street photography is not a “pill”. Street photography is not a “pre-set”. Street photography is not something that can be taught. No one can teach you how to photograph a stranger on the street without permission or getting punched in the face. Experience will teach you that. I applaud thoseContinue reading “Street photography…..”

“…Suddenly you’re alive.”

“Photography is a response that has to do with the momentary recognition of things. Suddenly you’re alive. A minute later there was nothing there. I just watched it evaporate. You look one moment and there’s everything, next moment it’s gone.” – Joel Meyerowitz

Photographs are not accidents.

I read an artist’s statement today that said, “My shooting style is so-called snapshot, so I can say all of my photographs were taken by a mere accident. They are the photographs of somewhere yet nowhere.” Photographs are not accidents. One makes a choice to press the shutter when that which is seen, felt, observed,Continue reading “Photographs are not accidents.”

I am not a voyeur.

Ok. On one hand I understand why the 35mm – 50mm focal lengths are so important to photography. They apparently allow one to see the world as the “eye” sees it. Therein, for me, lies the problem from the beginning. I have an extensive art background. I know no artist that “sees” with just oneContinue reading “I am not a voyeur.”

Always Moving

I’m never content. Always moving. I’ve noticed my son is this way too. Being on the street is  search for meaning. I dove into the wreck of this humanity. I’ve become an unwitting existentialist. Sometimes I get close to whatever it is. Sometimes I just have to laugh at the world and myself. What wereContinue reading “Always Moving”