Why Make Photographs?
My answer has nothing to do with photography as a medium. For me, photography is about more than capturing images; it’s about giving life more meaning, fueling my curiosity, and exploring the world. My camera, a Ricoh GR III, isn’t just a tool—it’s a passport that allows me to move through life with purpose, to see the world anew every day.
“I photograph because I lust for life. I desire more human experiences in the physical world.”
Photography as an Excuse to Explore
Photography gives me an excuse to go outside, to see the world as a playground. With a camera in hand, I’m in a constant state of exploration. The streets, the parks, the daily rhythms of life—all of it becomes an endless source of inspiration. Photography is a way to engage deeply with my environment, to seek beauty in the mundane, to uplift everyday scenes.
“I like to treat the camera like a passport… it just allows me to be in this sort of endless state of exploration where my curiosity and courage lead me.”
Every day, even if I walk the same streets, I find something to photograph, something worth capturing. Photography, in this sense, is a superpower that unlocks new perspectives and adds joy to life. It’s more than just art—it’s a way to live.
Living in the Now
With photography, I step outside the flow of time. When I’m on the streets, I exist in the present, in a stream of becoming where every shot allows me to just be. This practice of making photographs isn’t just about creating art; it’s a meditative exercise in noticing patterns—in both nature and human behavior.
“Each photograph I make brings me into a state of ‘now.’ I treat the world as my canvas and let serendipity take over.”
In this flow, I capture the unexpected and embrace the unpredictable. I’m not after perfection or control; instead, I let intuition and serendipity guide my shots. I approach each day with a sense of wonder and playfulness, treating each photo as a new possibility.
The Spirit of Play
Photography has become a lifestyle, a way to approach life with a childlike curiosity. With a camera in my pocket, I see the world as an endless canvas. Each day, I approach my surroundings with fresh eyes, letting reality unfold in unexpected ways. The question, “What will reality manifest in a photograph?”, keeps me coming back, pushing me to capture life as it is, with no expectations.
“Photography allows me to see differently each day… to remain in that childlike state where nothing can break my spirit.”
In a world full of distractions, it’s easy to stay indoors, to consume and watch life go by. But photography calls me outside, allowing me to explore my own city as a bystander, as a citizen journalist of sorts. This practice keeps me curious, grounded, and grateful. Each photograph becomes a testament to my own curiosity and intuition, allowing me to see life in new and unexpected ways.
A Superpower for Creative Thriving
Why photography? Because it keeps me in the spirit of play, constantly seeing the world with new eyes. Photography, for me, is a superpower that fuels my creativity and joy. It’s a way to thrive, to embrace life’s beauty, to stay connected to my surroundings, and to never lose sight of what’s important.
Photography isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about living within them. It’s a way to explore, to be curious, to create meaning through art. So, every day, I pick up my camera, step outside, and let the world reveal itself. Photography gives me a reason to be here, to create, and to see the beauty in simply being alive.