Forever an Amateur

Many photographers look for a source of “motivation” or “inspiration.” What if I were to tell you that the easiest way to stay motivated in photography is by forgetting everything you think you know….

Learn on the street

What this means is, I never want to stop learning. If you go out onto the street with the mindset that “everything has been done before” or “nothing here is interesting,” then you will inevitably become unmotivated and not produce more work.

When I hit the street, I make sure to stay curious like it is always my first day outside with a camera. To return to this amateur spirit every single day is critical to practice street photography as it can become tedious or boring if you are always on the hunt.

Simply let life flow towards you, be patient with your progress, and don’t be attached to the end results.

Photography requires a lot of time to make anything interesting. If you get too concerned with the results of the photographs, you may want to give up. Simply use photography as a way for you to explore and learn each and everyday.

Never become a master. Stay an amateur forever!

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is the largest Catholic church in Pennsylvania. Here are some key aspects of this historic cathedral:

  1. Location and Significance: Situated at 18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in the heart of Philadelphia, the cathedral serves as a central point of worship for the Roman Catholic community in the region. It’s not only a place of religious significance but also a landmark of architectural beauty.
  2. Architectural Features: The cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture, which is influenced by the Roman-Corinthian style. It features a grand facade, massive bronze doors, and an impressive dome that adds to its majestic appearance. The interior is equally magnificent, with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stained glass windows, and a beautifully decorated sanctuary.
  3. Historical Background: The cathedral’s cornerstone was laid in 1846, and the church was completed in 1864. It was designed by Napoleon LeBrun, who took inspiration from the Lombard Church of Saint Charles (San Carlo al Corso) in Rome. Over the years, it has undergone several renovations and restorations to preserve its historical and architectural integrity.
  4. Role in the Community: Beyond serving as a place of worship, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul plays a pivotal role in the Catholic community of Philadelphia. It hosts numerous liturgical celebrations, concerts, and events throughout the year, drawing visitors and worshippers from around the world.
  5. Art and Iconography: Inside, the cathedral boasts an array of art that enriches its spiritual and aesthetic appeal. This includes beautiful altars, sculptures, and one of the cathedral’s highlights, its stunning stained glass windows, which narrate various biblical stories and the lives of saints.
  6. Notable Events: The cathedral has been a site for significant religious events, including visits from prominent figures like Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Francis in 2015 during the World Meeting of Families.
  7. Tours and Visits: The cathedral is open to visitors, offering them an opportunity to explore its art, architecture, and spiritual ambiance. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the cathedral’s history, art, and role in the community.

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul stands as a testament to the faith and history of the Catholic community in Philadelphia, reflecting its cultural, architectural, and spiritual heritage.

BECOME A CREATOR

What does it mean to be a creator?

I remember as a child, I would explore the woods, build forts and teepees with sticks, sharpen spears, pretend to hunt deer, build bridges with stones, and cross streams with my friends. I was always an explorer and a creator since an early child. Perhaps, in order to become a creator, we must also become a child again.

The World of Dante

When I consider any creation that I make, I like to think that it encompasses the World of Dante. When I’m looking at the world in front of me with my camera in hand, I am responding to life with my intuition, my soul, which is then revealed within the frames I create.

I believe that through the power of photography, we can reveal the soul of the street and the external world around us. Not only do these photographs become an instant sketch of life, but they also reveal the soul of the photographer. My photographs become the world that I create.

I curate what I put inside my frames. What you choose to exclude from the frame is just as important as what you decide to include in it. Create your own world through the medium of photography.

Authenticity

Authenticity is a value that I deem critical to consider.

As an artist we must remain true to ourselves, and not cater too much to an audience. When we rely on external validation, or praise for our work, this removes authenticity from the equation as it’s much easier to be someone you are not in front of others.

Everything is a copy of a copy

Ultimately, everything is a copy of a copy. A photograph is a copy. Fashion trends are copies. Technology is always copying. Even films, TV, architecture, become copies of past works over and over again.

On our path towards authenticity, let us not be bogged down by basic notions of identity. Memes are like genes in our body that encompass our DNA. Just as genes replicate during biological reproduction, memes are shared culturally through ideas and behaviors. Be authentic, but recognize that it’s nearly impossible to be 100% original.

Jesus is the best male role model

If there’s anybody that we should replicate or copy from, perhaps it’s wise to view Jesus as the ultimate male role model. He valued courage, conviction, integrity, honesty, forgiveness, love, and self-discipline. Let’s take the teachings of Jesus and his values by applying them to our everyday modern lives.

The American Empire

Let us consider the United States of America similarly to the Roman Empire. Our military conquest and dominance throughout the entire globe is certainly similar to the presence Ancient Rome had.

Wherever I travel, American and western culture is everywhere. I’ve even seen American culture and ideas being spread in remote villages in Zambia, Africa. I’m proud to be an American and believe that if there’s anything I personally identify with, it is my nation first and foremost. I am glad I was raised saying the pledge of allegiance before class in school because now as an adult I still have a sense of pride for where I was born and raised. Perhaps it’s wise to consider America first.

Spartan

I’m currently reading “The Spartans” by Paul Cartledge. I’m interested in the Spartans as they were warriors that had an extreme toughness that inspires me. Studying how ancient cultures lived is perhaps better insight than any modern lifestyle or way of thinking. Learn from the past and move onward with courage into the future.

Share your POV

The ultimate goal of an artist is to share our perspective. By using a GoPro, and speaking directly to the camera, I put the viewer in my shoes. Maybe the GoPro is the best camera to use in terms of video production, as it enhances your ability to become yourself and express yourself authentically.

Imperfection is perfection

Nothing in life is perfect.

You are not perfect and neither is your artwork- and I believe it shouldn’t be! Just let the chips fall as they may, embrace the spirit of play, make a mess, and clean it up again. Don’t be caught up in perfection in any endeavor. Whether you’re making videos, photos, or even writing, stop trying to be so perfect.

Make something new

My ultimate goal is to create every single day. I find this is the way to stay alive as a photographer. I want to make something new each day because it keeps me interested in life itself with curiosity at the forefront. By carrying the camera with me at all times, there is really no excuse for me not to make something new each and every day.

The real world

Photography is the ultimate medium to practice, because it allows the practitioner to explore the real world. We are not confined indoors to a certain canvas, but the world is our canvas. I find this to be the most liberating and exciting aspect of photography. Explore the real world more and treat life as a video game for you to enjoy. Have fun, but just don’t get killed… maybe you don’t respawn in real life.

Avoid negative people

Negative people are like leeches that get stuck to your skin after swimming in a pond. It seems that misery loves company and people really do enjoy complaining and letting their emotions out onto you. If you experience this situation, I believe we must ruthlessly pick these leeches off of our skin and move on. Let the cave dwellers chase the shadows as you just follow the light. It’s inevitable that you will blind them with how bright you are. Avoid negative people like the plague.

Fortify yourself

I believe it’s our duty as men to be strong. Weightlifting is a simple solution to fortify your body and becoming the greatest version of yourself. I prefer a simple routine that encompasses, a farmers walk, pull-ups, and push-ups. Perhaps it’s wise to create your own home gym and do your fitness routine first thing in the morning without even having to travel anywhere. Be hard in a soft world.

How to curb your anger

Anger is an emotion that is inflicted upon everybody, but I find there are ways to curb it and channel this negativity into positivity. As a man, we naturally have higher testosterone levels. I believe the more you increase your testosterone through eating meat, the less prone you are to experiencing anger. There is a sense of calm you feel when you are satiated after eating meat. It’s much more difficult for you to get angry about petty things. If you feel angry, channel that emotion into weightlifting, long walks, and always hold your tongue. The higher your testosterone, the less sensitive you will be.

Laughter is contagious

Laugh in the face of chaos.

Perhaps finding the absurdity or chaos of life to be funny is the source of all humor. Whenever I see somebody laughing or smiling, I feel like it’s the most attractive and beautiful thing. It becomes contagious to the point where you can’t help but to smile and laugh with them. Smile more, laugh more, and recognize how much more beautiful and attractive you are when you are happy.

The art of compliments

One simple thing I’ve been adopting in my everyday life is giving compliments to strangers. Whether it’s their outfit, smile, hair, or just some action or job that they are performing, give them a compliment, and pay respect to your neighbors. There really is something special about small acts of kindness that I believe become a ripple effect in the world and make somebody else’s day. It also helps you gain confidence in confrontation and interacting with others in the public space. As we embark on our personal journeys of self discovery and improvement, don’t become a social outcast that doesn’t engage with people. Embrace others with a spirit of kindness and openness without the need for anything in return.

Stand tall

Posture is important in this modern world that has many people sedentary, or sitting down all day. When you walk on the street, stand tall. Keep your head up, chest open, shoulders, back, and walk with pride and confidence. It may seem ridiculous at first, to be concerned with the way that you are standing or sitting down, but once you recognize that it is something that affects your physical health and well-being, you start to take it much more seriously. I prefer the farmers walk in the gym as it increases my grip strength and ultimately enhances my posture.

Why kill your ego?

Maybe it’s wise to have an ego.

When you remove your ego from the equation, perhaps you merely are just a walking being floating through life. Give yourself a sense of importance and duty for humanity as a collective through improving yourself and working towards your own personal goals. Perhaps this is the only way forward to making any real positive change in society, or the world at large. Wield your ego wisely. Perhaps killing it is a denial of your life.

The future is bright

Optimism beats pessimism. When I look outside and see the sunrise, I find myself wondering what’s beyond the horizon. The future is bright, and there is so much to do and so much to see in this life of ours. Find yourself waking up in the morning, ready to conquer each day with your eyes wide open, curious about what’s out there like a child. Return to that spirit of play like a child would be and realize that it’s critical for you to stay optimistic in a world that promotes such degeneracy and negativity through the media. Avoid these things at all costs. I say, create your own media, create your own world, or your own empire. Welcome to the world of Dante!

Embrace change

As an artist, change is necessary. It’s important not to get caught up with one way of doing things, and to break free of any past notions of what you deemed to be “success.” Create your own values and way of doing things. Focus on making new things and embrace change openly. Challenge your own ideas each and every day. Don’t stay stagnant, and just keep moving. Embrace chaos and change every single time you set out to make anything.

Solitude and soul

I think I’ve always been a misfit. In high school, I would skip class, and explore the neighborhood outdoors instead of sitting down and learning in the classroom. I’ve always felt like I needed adventure to learn. To this day, I prefer going for very long walks by myself. I find this to be a way to discover my true self on a deeper level and my connection to the universe. Embracing solitude is my voluntary decision to discover my soul.

Societal norms

Don’t become constrained by the norms that society imposes upon you. Create your own game to play and embrace yourself to the fullest. It’s hard for me to try to even pretend to be “normal” sometimes. I have to speak my mind, share my perspective, create, make art, destroy things, and rebuild again. It’s difficult for me to become confined to any indoor space, whether it’s an office, classroom, or even my own home. I need to think outside the box and quite literally remove myself physically from the box in order to be my truest self.

Content from within

Don’t depend on external circumstance for happiness. What I realized through solitude is the fact that true happiness and bliss comes through finding beauty in the mundane. There is an art to walking, observing, talking, thinking, and exploring that I believe we overlook in modern society. We often turn to stimuli on our phones, TV, and computer screens, but realistically, the ultimate entertainment is out in the world itself. My favorite thing to do these days is to simply walk on a grass patch, look at flowers, look at trees, throw rocks around, be by the water, and just contemplate. There really is a special connection that we have to this real world that has nothing to do with man-made things such as technology or media. Don’t rely on any of these distracting external things for your happiness. Seek joy from within and appreciate the simple things in life such as sunlight, meat, and water.

Becoming abundant

Perhaps to be selfish is to be selfless. Focus on yourself and you will positively impact others. I believe that everybody on earth has their own vocation, or calling, that they must work on. For me, it’s photography. The more I work on my photography, the better I become as a person and the more I have to offer to others when I engage with people.

Boundless freedom

Untether yourself. When you walk on the street, recognize that the path is infinite, and endless. This earth is so open and there is so much to see. Imagine this, you could live until you’re 120 years old, and still not see everything on this planet. Allow this feeling to flow through you and unshackle yourself from your hometown, culture, beliefs, and free your mind, body, and spirit, to become more.

Follow the light

At the end of the day, we photographers paint with light. Let us follow the light as our guiding force in life. Through light, we can create art. We possess the superpower to abstract the world around us through the medium of photography, using sunlight as our ultimate source of power. When I photograph under the sun, I can’t help but to feel this sensation of power. It’s something unique, special, and different from any other form of art.

Wield that camera as a sword, strike through the heart of chaos, reveal the soul of the street, and create visual order and harmony through the light of life.

Dante Sisofo

Some more thoughts:

  1. How I want to spend my short time on this earth
  2. What I learned as a peace corps volunteer
  3. How to be happy
  4. Be fearless
  5. Explore
  6. Adventure is in my blood
  7. Embrace your child like curiosity
  8. Strive to create beautiful art from a state of pure joy
  9. Stop trying to be perfect
  10. Carte blanche
  11. Change the world
  12. Your body is your soul
  13. The now
  14. Break societal norms
  15. Curiosity and exploration
  16. Nobody will notice
  17. Take the more interesting path in life
  18. Boredom is a tragedy
  19. Think legacy
  20. Create anew
  21. What is the goal?
  22. Be mindful of the music you consume
  23. Ignore hollywood and social media
  24. Social media’s influence
  25. Limit phone use
  26. Who and what is that?
  27. Avoid miserable people like the plague
  28. Treat life like a videogame
  29. A world without art is an ugly world
  30. The goal of life isn’t happiness
  31. Bring back beauty
  32. Unlimited resources
  33. Life is the videogame
  34. Dreams and nightmares
  35. Isn’t life so grand?
  36. The goal to transcend
  37. Why think?
  38. Life is meaningful
  39. Why I’m so passionate about the outdoors
  40. What inspires me?
  41. You only live once
  42. Go slow and appreciate the detail
  43. Become a creative barbarian
  44. A life of movement and dynamic experiences
  45. Every moment is beautiful if you look close enough
  46. The problem with video games
  47. Don’t worry about the future
  48. I’d rather be on the battlefield than locked away in the castle
  49. Reality is beautiful
  50. Why longevity matters
  51. Real love comes from within
  52. Three things I learned from living in a village in Zambia, Africa
  53. Create endlessly
  54. Spread joy and kindness
  55. Love and fear
  56. God, family, and land
  57. Be foolish
  58. Light VS Darkness
  59. How to stay focused?
  60. Insatiable lust for life
  61. Made of love
  62. Individual VS Collective
  63. How to find deeper meaning in life?
  64. Soul & Body
  65. Subtract
  66. When to ignore?
  67. Don’t be afraid!
  68. If it hurts, let it die
  69. Life is a visual feast
  70. Full of color
  71. Assume you won’t wake up
  72. Set your body in motion, and don’t stop!
  73. Don’t talk about others
  74. Why root for the underdog?
  75. You’re the only one that can give life meaning
  76. Be hard in a soft world
  77. The universe is a miracle
  78. Affirming life through art
  79. What a beautiful world
  80. Solitude VS Loneliness
  81. Every single day is new
  82. Individual experience
  83. Become someone that you want to be around
  84. Treat everything as a work in progress
  85. What is the goal of an artist?
  86. Art is the answer
  87. DISCONNECT
  88. Be unrealistic
  89. Your actions determine your emotions
  90. My Story
  91. It’s difficult to unsee
  92. Think outside the box
  93. Have a vision
  94. Play the game your own way

Water is Life

When I spent time in Zambia, Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer, the entire village was reliant on the borehole, or the well, for water.

Vitality and community

Water is essential to life and brings vitality to communities all throughout the world. Specifically, in these remote villages, it is vital and necessary for human thriving to have a borehole. Without a source of water, there are no people. When you meet at the borehole, you will often be greeted by different families and people who are sharing the water together.

What I learned from this experience is simple and I believe applicable to life in modern cities. Everybody shares from the same well, and is working towards a collective good for the entire community.

Lysistrata by Aristophanes

The father of comedy-

“Lysistrata” is a comedic play by Aristophanes that was first performed in 411 BCE. The story is set during the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta and presents a bold, innovative plot where women take control of their own destinies in an effort to end the war.

The protagonist, Lysistrata, is an Athenian woman who is fed up with the ongoing war. She convinces the women of Athens and Sparta, as well as those from other city-states, to unite in a radical protest: they all agree to withhold sexual privileges from their husbands and lovers until the men agree to negotiate peace. This sex strike is both a form of protest and a powerful statement against the senselessness of the war.

The women also seize the Acropolis in Athens, where the city’s treasury is located, effectively controlling the funds necessary for waging war. The play is filled with humor, witty dialogue, and comic situations as the men try various strategies to break the women’s resolve, only to face firm resistance.

“Lysistrata” is notable for its exploration of themes such as the power dynamics between genders, the absurdity of war, and the quest for peace. It is a bold critique of war and a pioneering exploration of female agency in a male-dominated society. Despite being a comedy, the play conveys a serious message about the futility of conflict and the need for harmony and understanding.

ChatGPT is such a helpful aid while reading!

Why speed is important

The slower you walk along the street, the more that you will see. The more that you will see, the more you will make photographs. As long as you are making new photographs, consider yourself a successful street photographer.

Fast camera operation

I also believe that it’s important to photograph quickly and without much intention. Stop putting too much thought in your compositions and just snapshot away with speed, and intensity. Don’t make only a single photograph, but photograph your way through the scene.

I don’t leave the scene until the scene leaves me

A simple heuristic for working a scene is to not leave until it leaves you. Watch as the scene unfolds before your eyes and you will be surprised by what you will find after a series of pictures made with repetition.

GO BEYOND

The term “transcend” comes from the Latin word “transcendere,” where “trans-” means “across, beyond” and “-scendere” means “to climb.” So, etymologically, “transcend” means “to climb beyond” or “to go beyond” a certain limit or boundary. In English, it is often used to describe the act of going beyond the ordinary limits of physical experience or of surpassing usual limitations.

Play the game your own way

Play the game your own way

In life, I believe it’s critical to create your own game to play. You don’t have to follow the rules of everyone else and try to fit in.

Glitch out of the map

Have you ever played the video game Skyrim? When I played this game, I always sped up the process of enhancing my character’s abilities, and upgrading my armor early by cheating and exploiting certain things. In the game there is dragon armor that is sought after, and very rare. To acquire this armor, you must have lots of gold.

There was a glitch in the game where you could climb along the outskirts on the wall of the town, and “glitch out of the map.”

You know how you can see that matrix pattern in video games that looks like a grid?

I would crawl under this and while shop owners were asleep, steal every item from their chests, and sell the items back to the owner the next day.

The point is, in life, photography, and any endeavor, there comes a point where the “grinding” is not fun anymore. In video games, you always have to “grind” for XP or gold, which becomes very boring and kills the gameplay. Maybe I’m not the most patient person, but I’ve always wanted the results immediately.

When it comes to street photography, grinding every single day to come home with basically nothing on your hard drive will kill your joy and curiosity. Sure, you can get used to the failure, and understand how “difficult” street photography is, and that it takes a lifetime to make anything worthwhile. I learned this fact after a decade of traveling all over the world and making pictures every single day.

Why settle for this lemming mindset

Create your own rules

You see, in street photography, I believe we can actually speed things up like cheating in a video game. Nowadays, I’m mostly interested in coming home with an aesthetically beautiful photograph that peeks my curiosity. By using high contrast black-and-white baked into a small JPEG file on my Ricoh GR camera, I’m honestly always happy with something that I’ve made every single day. This completely removes the concept of 99% failure and 1% success that street photography has deemed to be the truth for a century. 

There truly is something about the aesthetic itself, sublime, otherworldly, and purely magic. By abstracting the mundane life around you and treating the world as a canvas, it no longer matters where you are in the world, you can always find something to uplift in a photograph.

Also, setting the camera to P mode, or simply putting it in automatic mode, and not having to worry about any camera settings whatsoever makes this even more liberating for anybody’s level of photography. It does not matter if you are a complete beginner or a seasoned veteran, returning to the amateur snapshot is a fun and easy process that I believe speeds up the rate at which we make successful photos. See my camera cheat code here.

Make the camera your slave and stop grinding with no results.

Painting with light

I remember when I was around 16 years old during a photography class in high school and teacher asked the class what they believe photography was. One student raised his hand and responded, “painting with light.” This idea has stuck with me to this day. Perhaps it is true, photography is merely painting with light.

Your life is an RPG

Role-playing games were always fun for me as a child. I remember the first RPG I ever played was Kingdom Hearts on the PlayStation 2. In the beginning of the game, the main character, Sora, spawns in on Destiny Island. The objective is to seek the door that unlocks Kingdom Hearts, which represents all knowledge and power.

On the island he is with a group of friends. They often spend time looking out at the horizon, dreaming of leaving the island and what’s out there in the open world. There is a special Paopu fruit on the island that Sora and his friend Kairi share. In the game, this fruit intertwines the destiny of those that share it together, forever.

It feels as though everything is going well until the enemy, the heartless, appear, and a portal takes Sora away and into the world of darkness.

Throughout the game, Sora wields a keyblade as his weapon. The keyblade represents light and is used to battle against darkness and the heartless. The heartless feed on the hearts of those that are strong in light. They consume those with will and power into darkness and turn them into “nobodies.”

There is one particular scene that I remember most, when Sora is approached by his friend, Riku, that has become consumed by darkness and fights against him without a weapon. He taunts Sora because he has no weapon and appears to be powerless.

However, Sora responds, “I don’t need a weapon, my friends are my power!”

This is a pivotal point in the game where we learn that true power lies within the heart, full of light, and through their connections to other people. At this point, the keyblade is summoned to Sora as his heart is pure.

What I learned from this game is that upholding virtues, choices, and connections is the true source of power. Themes of inner strength, friendship, and the power of the heart is key within the game Kingdom Hearts, and I believe applicable to real life.

Perhaps along our journey, we must be virtuous, and simply follow the light.

Mind body and spirit

I believe that when you put your mind, body, and spirit into any pursuit, we are bound for greatness. The connection between these three elements are critical to consider when it comes to life in general, but more specifically I related to my practice of street photography. In order to stay laser focus with a sharp mind on the streets, I prefer staying fasted as it increases the connection between my mind and my body, or my gut. Through walking and moving my body in the world, observing the patterns in both nature and human behavior, and treating the world as a canvas, my spirit is ever becoming. I believe that when you are creating anything and especially with street photography, we must return to the child like state, and be a bit naïve. Perceive the world through a child’s eyes, and embrace the spirit of play.

My happy place

Perhaps it’s wise to find your happy place wherever you may be. Personally, I love walking towards the river here in Philadelphia. My happy place is along the Schuylkill river where I enjoy going for a nature walk through the grass and dirt paths, finding myself at an elevated space overlooking the trees and the river itself. I prefer doing this, while barefoot, embracing nature and the uneven surfaces on an even deeper level. While I look out at the horizon and see beyond, I’m reminded of the open world that we live in. Like in an open world video game, in life, we should explore endlessly without any limits. 

Imagination

Perhaps we’ve lost our sense of imagination in modern life. I find this to be true for most people. As you get older, your childlike sense of wonder about mundane things become replaced by television and social media. In cities, we lack a connection to the stars above because of the pollution and smog that covers the night sky. I believe humans were more adventurous in the past because we had this simple connection to the sky and the mystery above our heads.

Sora is a Japanese word that translates to “sky.” In the game Kingdom Hearts, Sora has an adventurer’s spirit and an open heart. Going forward, we must remain curious and embrace our inner explorer every single day as artists and photographers. Maybe one simple idea that we can adopt is to treat life like a video game. Video games are meant to be fun and for you to explore as an adventurer. Let’s use our imagination and treat life this way.

Think beyond the horizon

What’s out there? What’s beyond the horizon?

When you walk on the street, wherever you may be, recognize that this path is infinite. Sure, it cuts off at a certain point and maybe you reach a dead end. But there is always a way for you to continue walking, moving your body through the world and seeking more from life itself. Don’t get caught up on the grid in a city and stay confined to the same route each day. Walk along the outskirts more and find yourself on the quiet side of the street, observing the places that are less traveled.

Light chaser

Maybe I’m merely a light chaser. I am an explorer with a camera that I wield as a key, unlocking the many doors to life itself through each new experience I have. By painting with light, and simply following the sun itself, I am filled with physical power. And because of the light, I possess the ability to make beautiful works of art. Photography is a superpower and the sun above my head is the source. At the end of the day, just follow the light, and the world will deliver its beauty to you.

Polis

The word “polis” in ancient Greek, which means “city-state,” has a direct etymology from Greek itself. It’s derived from the Greek word πόλις (pólis), signifying a city, a city-state, or a community with its own administration and self-governance. This term is at the root of many modern words related to politics and city life, such as “metropolis” (the mother city or main city, especially in relation to its colonies), “police” (originally pertaining to public administration), and “policy” (relating to governance). The concept of the polis was central to Greek civilization and has had a lasting impact on political theory and the understanding of civic and communal life.

Crypteia

The Crypteia or Krypteia was a secretive institution or rite of passage in ancient Sparta, involving the young male Spartiate population, particularly those in their late teenage years. It is often described as a kind of secret police or state-controlled initiative aimed at instilling discipline and loyalty among the Spartan youth while simultaneously suppressing the helot population, who were the enslaved people serving Sparta.

During the Crypteia, young Spartans were sent out with minimal equipment and were expected to survive on their skills and wits. One of their main objectives was to keep the helot population in check through intimidation and violence, including the possibility of assassinating any helot considered a threat to Spartan stability or who exhibited signs of rebellion.

The Crypteia served multiple purposes: it was a test of the youths’ survival skills, stealth, and martial prowess; a means of instilling fear among the helots; and a way to eliminate perceived threats within the servile population. This institution underscored the severe social stratification and the rigorous, militaristic nature of Spartan society, reflecting its focus on control, military readiness, and the maintenance of its unique social system.

Lycurgus

Lycurgus is a legendary figure often credited with founding the legal and social frameworks of ancient Sparta. While details about his life are sparse and mixed with myth, he is traditionally seen as a lawgiver who established the rigorous military-oriented training known as the agoge, which was central to Spartan society. His reforms also included the creation of the Spartan constitution, which emphasized equality among citizens (at least, the Spartan male citizens), military discipline, and austerity.

Lycurgus is said to have instituted the syssitia (common messes where citizens would eat together), redistributed land to reduce economic inequality, and established the Gerousia (a council of elders), along with the Ephors, who provided a system of checks and balances. His laws were not written but were passed down orally, which added to the mystique of his legacy.

Historians debate the extent to which Lycurgus was a real historical figure versus a symbolic representation of Spartan values and laws. Regardless, his attributed reforms had a profound and lasting impact on Spartan society, influencing its structure and ethos throughout its history.

Have a Vision

Have a Vision

Without a clear vision, how are we to navigate through life? I find that when I contemplate the way I interact with the world, especially as a creative spirit with a camera in hand, I see with clear and sharp visual acuity. I possess a clairvoyance that predicts the patterns of both human behavior and nature. When you recognize these patterns, the mundane in life becomes your canvas, and the world forever opens up for exploration. You return to a childlike state and remain an eternal amateur or curious explorer.

School

I’ve never viewed school as a productive place. In high school, I often found myself skipping classes, escaping through the back door, and exploring the neighborhoods around town. I dislike being confined in a box and certainly detest following orders. Perhaps I’ve always been one to venture into the woods, the unknown, and figure things out for myself without needing guidance.

Perception of Reality

Ultimately, it’s our perception of reality and our direct experiences that form our reality as we know it. Your unique and individual thoughts, actions, and words define you. I believe that the more we come under the influence of others and not turn inward to ourselves, the harder it is for us to form our own worldviews or paradigms. I say, let the chips fall where they may. Go ahead into the chaos and form your own opinions about the world.

Misfit

I think I was always a misfit. I never really fit in with any crowds or groups. My fondness for skateboarding, a sport you can engage in alone, grew because it was an individual activity. Like basketball, where all you need is a ball and a hoop, I often shot hoops by myself or skateboarded around the neighborhood, either alone or with my brother. We would build our own skate parks and find our own ways to play. Skateboarding, like street photography, offers a creative outlet—it’s both a physical pleasure and a visual game. The street becomes your canvas, displaying your technical skills like a dance.

Be You

Let’s be ourselves to the fullest. Don’t worry about what others think and avoid speaking ill of people. Let’s turn inward and really focus on our personal growth. It seems we’re not encouraged to be bright or standout individuals anymore. We’re often told to conform and not think outside the box. When I consider myself, I see an adventurer. I need stimulus, movement, and the great outdoors to thrive. I prefer to speak my mind, not filtering or censoring my thoughts. Perhaps speaking the truth is the wise path forward—to seek and speak the truth is the only way to find it.

I Think I Can

When I was a young boy, my godmother would read me the Thomas the Tank Engine books. The one I remember most is “I think I can.” Thomas had to chug his way up the mountain, telling himself he could do it over and over. Like practicing street photography, lifting weights, or engaging in any endeavor, it’s important to believe in oneself. When you believe in yourself and invest your mind, body, and soul into something, you become capable of achieving it. Hold beliefs, convictions, and strive to be like Thomas, chugging up the mountain, moving closer to your goals.

My Superpower

Street photography is my superpower. When I wield the camera, I can cut through the noise. It’s as though I have a clear signal between the world and me when operating my camera. Everything clicks into place. It becomes a superpower because I can find myself in a state of bliss, regardless of the time of day. I will always find a way to play the same game every day. This superpower lies in my ability to walk the same street every day and still find beauty in the mundane. The intricate details around me will forever fascinate me until the day I die. Finding beauty in life these days, I believe, is a superpower.

Zen Meditation

I enjoy using the kendama in the morning as a way to meditate. When I meditate with the kendama, I’m moving my body, bending my legs, and focusing on my hand-eye coordination as I maneuver the ball around the different cups and spike on the wooden toy. It’s a skill toy that requires patience and focus on the movement of your body and the toy itself. You become one with the kendama, similar to how I operate a camera on a wrist strap. When photographing on the street, you must become one with the camera so it doesn’t obstruct your process. Practicing with the kendama is a unique method I’ve discovered, which I believe could enhance your capabilities as a street photographer. After all, street photography is my form of meditation, where I shut all thoughts down and laser-focus on the moment itself, existing outside the passage of time, and creating beautiful art with whatever I find.

The Feeling You Get by the Water

There’s something special about being near water. Whenever I move toward the Penn’s Landing area or the Schuylkill River here in Philadelphia, I start to feel uplifted and joyful inside. It’s as if the water is calling my name. Maybe our names are echoing through eternity across rivers, lakes, and streams worldwide. We’re connecting with our ancestors or tapping into some ancient, mystical interface. The water always gives me a good feeling, and I enjoy listening to the seagulls, breathing the fresh air from the trees, and being by a stream of water that’s ever-flowing. Like our photographs, let’s strive to be a stream of becoming and never stop going out there to make new photos.

Turn Off the TV

Perhaps every modern home has a television on at some point in the day. I say, turn it all off. These devices are such a distraction, pulling us into a different world that has nothing to do with reality. Reality is in the physical flesh—your family, friends, neighbors, your body, the sun, the water, the food on your plate, and the small things in life that make up an entire day. The conversations you overhear, engage in, or the people you notice across the street. The television is one of the biggest distractions in our world. When I consider television, I categorize it with computers and phones as well—they pull us out of reality and suck us into the matrix. Disconnect from it, unplug, and free yourself from the narratives, news, celebrity gossip, and Hollywood that bombard our screens.

Spiritual Warfare

If there’s going to be a World War III, perhaps it has already begun. It’s a spiritual war for your mind, involving distractions, smoke screens, and the content on your screens. Going forward, I only trust people in the flesh. I consider anyone online to be a bot or an NPC, artificial intelligence. Disable any comments or likes that you may receive. I would suggest not interacting with any online communities or participating in the internet in any significant capacity. Use tools like ChatGPT for research or to gain deeper understanding. Read books and go for nature walks. Turn inward to your own thoughts and share them with others. If World War III breaks out, it will be on the internet—a war in the digital front lines. Disconnect from it and become a street warrior.

Truth Seeker

Perhaps when you seek truth, you embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Similar to Jesus carrying his cross, we too carry ours. It’s challenging to speak up and tell people how you feel or what you truly believe, especially when you know it might hurt them. But perhaps we must hurt others’ feelings, ruffle a few feathers, and speak the truth along the way.

Return to Nature

I believe nature holds the answers to our questions about the universe. Everything feels connected when you walk through a beautiful trail surrounded by trees. Just observe the branches of the trees. Similar to the lungs in a human body, the branching of the trees looks almost identical. There are so many visual connections that reveal the divine nature of life itself.

Forget Everything You Think You Know

When you walk, go slow, and forget everything you think you know. If you’re an artist making photographs, don’t follow the rules you’ve been taught. Create your own game to play. Return to a childlike state and tinker with the world. Remain in a state of play and don’t take yourself too seriously. By forgetting everything and creating anew, I believe we can make art that is truly worthwhile in the end.

Follow the Light

The sunlight is the way. As photographers, we are essentially painting with light. A simple heuristic: don’t stay on the shady side of the street. Always follow the light. We are the new light chasers. Sunlight provides me with a blissful feeling. Perhaps with more sun exposure, we will charge our batteries with more power.

Stay Sober

Nowadays, it’s normal to have a drink every night after work, smoke weed, play video games, or indulge in other substances. I say, stay sober. When you’re sober, not only do you feel better, have good sleep, clear thoughts, and better relationships, but I believe that there are even more superpowers we can achieve when abstaining from these substances. Consider alcohol as poison and something that lowers your testosterone. Would you want to consume that?

Disease

I’m starting to think that society is suffering from a disease on a large scale. Obesity, diabetes, and vitamin deficiencies are becoming more and more apparent from my simple observations while walking around the streets. The standard American diet has been compromised by large corporations like Kellogg’s and General Mills, which produce nothing but unhealthy products. It’s shocking to me how Cheerios, for example, is marketed as heart-healthy on its box when it’s clearly not beneficial. We’re not only suffering from physical diseases, but I believe many also suffer from mental unease. Perhaps the term “dis-ease” just means to be uneasy or unwell. I believe the remedy for most of our modern diseases can be found in simple activities like going outside, getting sun exposure, walking in nature, eating animal-based proteins, and drinking water.

Elevate

When I start the day on an elevated surface, like behind the art museum here in Philadelphia, where I can see the river, the trees, and the endless horizon, I feel like I can conquer the world. We should strive to make changes in the world by first changing ourselves. Fuel yourself with courage, curiosity, and power by starting your day in an elevated place. Look out at the view and think about the endless terrain there is to explore. The world is open, and if you venture out without preconceived notions, you will be amazed by what life has to offer.

No Fear

Venture into the world without fear. Don’t fear judgment, confrontation, or even death. I believe what we fear most as humans is the pain itself. When you’re open to the world, fear seems to stay away, and you can navigate through chaos on a feather-light path. The more you fear, the more unease you feel, and you may not even want to step outside your door to explore. But fear not, go forward with a Spartan mindset, and carry yourself as a warrior throughout the day.

What’s the End of the Game?

What is the end of this crazy video game we call life? Do we get to defeat the boss battle, will we respawn and have another shot at it? Is there a way to upgrade our character to such a degree that we become godlike? Will we be able to terraform new planets and create our own suns? What is the future of biology and the way we reproduce? Who knows… But what I do know is, treating this life like a video game is a wise decision. After all, video games are meant to be fun. So go out there, under the sun, follow the light, and simply enjoy the fruits of life!

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