If you’re a grown man that’s talking about other grown men, you’re acting like grown child in a man’s body. Men should be focused on themselves, and just live their every day life. If you’re thinking about other men, their personal lives, their decisions, their thoughts, that’s a personal problem rooted in insecurity and more critically, strength.
Maybe this is a byproduct of low testosterone?
The lower the testosterone and the less physical strength a man feels, the more they are inclined to behave through reputation destruction or gossiping? The stronger the man, the more they are focused on themselves. The weaker the man, the more curious they are about other men.
The day is beautiful. Why? Because we have the sun, man. If the sun is out, I feel a thousand times better. I’m honestly just so grateful. Grateful for the sun, the birds singing, and the light peering into my eyes. These things make me smile—a simple glass of water, the open sky, the movement of my body.
Walking makes me feel alive. My metabolism is firing, my feet are touching the ground, and I’ve found peace. I’ve found it right here, in the woods of Philadelphia, amidst the chaos of the city. The green spaces, the parks—they’re one of the greatest aspects of Philly. Growing up here, exploring the woods, and venturing into the unknown—that’s where I thrived as a kid.
Time Is the Ultimate Commodity
It’s funny how modern life works. Everyone’s in a rush, caught in this system that feels like a race against time. Time is capital. Time is money. But it’s also fleeting. I’m 28 years old, and I still feel like life is so short.
“I remind myself that I will die. That today could be my last.”
Every night before I sleep, I assume I won’t wake up. That way, every morning feels like a gift. My ultimate goal? To catch the sunrise every single day. I don’t need anything else from this world—just the light, the horizon, and the journey forward.
A Life Lived Outdoors
Photography gives me purpose, but my greatest passion is walking. I spend 90% of my time outside. The 10% indoors? That’s for sleeping and eating. When I’m inside, my soul feels like it’s dying. Outside, I thrive. I exist outside the passage of time. It’s through movement and nature that I find peace.
“While we have a past and a future, these things are not my concern. It’s just one moment at a time.”
The Modern Condition
Modern life has sequestered us indoors. We’re atomized, disconnected, and rushing through life. Where’s the community? Where’s the connection? Humans only need a few simple things:
Food
Shelter
Clothing
Community
Beyond that, everything becomes desire. And desire is the true form of slavery.
Freedom in Letting Go
When I think of slavery, I don’t think of chains and whips. I think of how desire enslaves the mind. Modern life has weakened us—physically, mentally, and spiritually. There’s a lack of vitality, and it shows. To feel free, to truly live, you have to cultivate strength.
“The only life worth living is a life full of vitality, where I can stand upright, move up this hill, and march endlessly.”
That’s freedom. Walking into the unknown, beyond the horizon, toward the light.
Marching Toward Freedom
Freedom is my ultimate goal. Freedom of the mind. Freedom of the body. Freedom of the soul. And how do you find it?
The term “peratelic” is derived from the Greek words pera (meaning “beyond” or “transcend”) and telos (meaning “end” or “goal”). It is often used in philosophical contexts to describe actions or pursuits that go beyond a fixed end or ultimate goal.
In Contrast to Telic
A telic action is goal-oriented and directed toward achieving a specific outcome. For example, building a house is telic because it aims at the completion of a house.
On the other hand, a peratelic action focuses on the process, experience, or journey itself, transcending the idea of a finite goal. Activities like walking, painting for personal enjoyment, or meditating are often considered peratelic because their value lies in the act itself rather than in achieving an external objective.
Example in Philosophy
The concept aligns with ideas in existentialism, Stoicism, or Zen philosophy, where the emphasis is often placed on the how of living rather than the end results. The journey becomes meaningful not because it achieves something specific but because it embodies growth, experience, or a connection to the present.
Would you like to explore the term’s application in a specific context?
in the context of Street photography
In the context of street photography, the concept of the peratelic aligns beautifully with the essence of the craft. Street photography is often not about reaching a defined goal, such as creating a “perfect” image, but rather about immersing oneself in the process—the act of wandering, observing, and being present in the flow of life.
The Peratelic Nature of Street Photography
1. Process Over Outcome
A street photographer doesn’t always know what they will capture. The value lies in being open to what the world offers in that moment—light falling just right on a passerby, an unexpected gesture, or a fleeting expression. The act of wandering the streets, camera in hand, is a peratelic pursuit because its reward is found in the process of seeing, not necessarily in the product.
2. Spontaneity and Unpredictability
Unlike telic photography genres (e.g., commercial or studio photography, where the goal is a specific result), street photography thrives on the unknown. It is the pursuit of moments that cannot be planned or replicated, emphasizing the joy of discovery over the achievement of a predetermined vision.
3. Immersion in the Present
Street photography demands an acute awareness of the present moment. The photographer must move beyond a telic mindset of “getting the shot” and instead flow with the rhythm of the streets, embracing chance and serendipity.
4. Art as a Journey
For a peratelic street photographer, the streets themselves become the “canvas,” and walking becomes the creative process. Whether or not a striking photo emerges, the act of engaging with the urban landscape is inherently valuable. It’s about “seeing deeply,” as you might say, and finding meaning in the act itself.
Philosophical Insights
Street photography as a peratelic art form resonates with the teachings of Zen or even Heraclitus’ idea that “you cannot step into the same river twice.” Each walk, each day, each fleeting moment is unique. The practice of street photography can become a form of meditation—one that values being over doing, presence over product.
Embracing Peratelic Street Photography
To truly embody the peratelic in street photography:
• Walk with no specific destination. Let curiosity guide you.
• Shoot without expectation. Focus on the joy of observing rather than “getting a masterpiece.”
• See with fresh eyes. As though you are encountering the world for the first time.
• Enjoy solitude. The streets, in their unpredictability, become both a mirror and a companion.
Street photography isn’t just about capturing life; it’s about living it. This peratelic approach transforms the streets into a playground for discovery and creativity. Would you like to elaborate on this for your blog or discuss its application in your work?
how is this different from the autotelic approach?
The peratelic and autotelic approaches share similarities in their focus on intrinsic motivation and the value of the process, but they differ subtly in their orientation toward goals and meaning.
Autotelic Approach
• Definition: Derived from the Greek autos (“self”) and telos (“goal”), an autotelic activity is one that is done for its own sake, where the activity itself is the reward. The process and outcome are self-contained.
• In Street Photography: An autotelic street photographer is fully immersed in the joy of photographing without concern for external validation or results. The act of taking photos is fulfilling in itself, regardless of whether the photos are shared, praised, or even reviewed later.
• Example: Enjoying the tactile feel of the camera, the challenge of composition, and the meditative flow state that comes from being in the moment are autotelic experiences.
Peratelic Approach
• Definition: From pera (“beyond”) and telos, a peratelic activity transcends specific goals and emphasizes the journey over any finite or ultimate end. While there may be outcomes, the focus is on the ongoingness of the process.
• In Street Photography: A peratelic photographer sees street photography not just as an activity to enjoy in the moment but as part of a larger, evolving process of exploration, growth, and connection to the world. It’s less about reaching a defined point (even self-contained fulfillment) and more about existing in an open-ended state of discovery.
• Example: Wandering the streets not just to take photos but to observe life, engage with it, and remain attuned to its constant flux—without seeking an endpoint in the act or the image.
Key Differences
AspectAutotelic ApproachPeratelic Approach
Focus On the activity itself as fulfilling. On the process and the journey beyond specific goals.
End State Self-contained in the activity. Open-ended, emphasizing continuous exploration.
Relation to Goals Doesn’t require a goal; activity is sufficient. Can involve goals but transcends their finality.
Example in Photography Shooting for personal joy, without sharing images. Seeing photography as part of a broader life philosophy of observing and engaging with the world.
Practical Application in Street Photography
• Autotelic: You walk the streets and shoot purely because you love the act of seeing and capturing moments. Whether or not the photos are “good” doesn’t matter; you’ve already achieved fulfillment through the act itself.
• Peratelic: You walk the streets with an openness to discovery, valuing the ever-evolving relationship between yourself, your environment, and the act of photographing. It’s about more than just the immediate activity—it’s a way of life, a philosophy.
In Summary
While the autotelic approach is deeply personal and self-contained, the peratelic approach is more expansive, emphasizing ongoing transformation and the journey beyond the immediate moment. In street photography, one might say the autotelic photographer shoots for the love of the act, while the peratelic photographer shoots as a means to engage with the ceaseless flow of life.
My first AI video experiement – create a video of a street photographer outside of city hall in philadelphia making a photograph of pigeons in flight during a winter day with the christmas village in dilworth plaza with a black compact ricoh griii camera wearing an all black coat. make the pigeon fly right over the william penn statue in front of a huge flock at the perfect timing when the light from the sun shines behind them
Sora is OpenAI’s advanced video generation model that transforms text, images, and videos into immersive video content. It allows users to animate stories, visualize ideas, and bring concepts to life through features like text-to-video generation, image animation, and video remixing.
Launched on December 9, 2024, Sora is available at sora.com. ChatGPT Plus subscribers can generate up to 50 priority videos at 720p resolution, while ChatGPT Pro subscribers have access to unlimited video generations at 1080p resolution. The platform includes tools such as storyboards for sequencing prompts, remix options for tweaking outputs, and blending features to combine scenes seamlessly.
To ensure transparency, all videos generated with Sora include visible watermarks and C2PA metadata indicating AI generation. Users are required to adhere to content guidelines, prohibiting uploads containing explicit or violent material, copyrighted content, or images of individuals under 18. OpenAI emphasizes balancing creative expression with preventing misuse, implementing moderation measures to maintain this balance.
Sora is currently accessible in the United States and many other countries, with plans to expand availability further in the coming months. However, its release in most of Europe and the UK may be delayed.
Merry Christmas! Today is December 25, 2024, and I’m starting my day with a walk to the Schuylkill River. Thanks, Mom, for this beautiful beanie—a perfect Christmas gift to keep me warm on this white Christmas morning.
The streets are empty, quiet, and serene, much like I imagine they might have been on this day in 1776 when Washington crossed the Delaware. Genius move. People’s guards are down on days like this.
Movement and Motivation
Walking brings me bliss. Movement itself is paradise on earth. It’s interesting to consider the word motivation and its etymology. From the Latin movere, it means to move.
“In order to make a photograph, one must be motivated. But in order to be motivated, you have to be driven to move your physical body.”
For me, movement and curiosity go hand in hand. The physical act of walking—engaging with the sights, sounds, and smells—drives my photography. This curiosity fuels me every morning and inspires my work.
Cultivating Vitality
Vitality is essential to curiosity. Getting good sleep, drinking coffee, lifting weights, stretching—all these contribute to a sense of strength and drive. Each morning, I stretch my legs, do yoga, and set my body in motion without preconceived notions of what I’ll find.
To cultivate curiosity, focus on vitality first. With vitality comes the courage to press the shutter, to move through the world, and to embrace the unknown.
The Ethos of Street Photography
Movement is the essence of street photography. It’s about:
Spontaneity
Rawness
Candid moments
“You can never make the same photograph twice.”
Life is fleeting, constantly changing. The river flows, ever-moving, and so do we. Each moment is unique, and each photograph reflects that truth.
Finding the Extraordinary in the Mundane
Walking the same streets each day might seem monotonous, but it’s a challenge I embrace. Observing life’s complexities—its stories, environments, and gestures—turns the world into a canvas. Every day offers infinite possibilities, endless stories to tell.
“A photograph displays your lust for life.”
Photography, for me, affirms life—its beauty, chaos, and unpredictability. The process of creating photographs is where I find joy, not in the outcome.
Tapping Into the Inner Child
When I photograph, I’m reconnecting with my childhood. Growing up near the Schuylkill River, I explored the Wissahickon Forest—building forts, climbing trees, and swinging from vines. Photography feels like an extension of that spirit of exploration and play.
“The spirit of play is all about tapping into that inner child.”
Approaching the world with curiosity, wonder, and imagination transforms everyday scenes into opportunities for creativity.
The Universal Language of Photography
Photography transcends barriers. I’ll never forget traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho, where my camera opened doors to profound connections.
“Photography provided me the ability to experience these things. It reminds me how we are all one as humanity.”
With a Polaroid camera, I gifted instant prints to the people I met, fostering unity despite cultural and language differences. Photography is a universal language that brings people together.
Practical Advice for Photographers
If you’re a photographer looking to connect with others:
Carry an Instax or Polaroid camera to share prints with strangers.
Approach your hometown as if you’re a tourist. Wake up early. Catch the sunrise. Find joy in the familiar.
Start a personal website to showcase your work.
“Delete your Instagram. You don’t need it. Build your own space online to experiment and play.”
I recommend using Bluehost and WordPress.org with the Astra theme. Keep it simple—a place to explore your curiosity and showcase your joy for photography.
Success Through Joy
For me, success isn’t about making good or bad photographs. It’s about feeling vitality and curiosity each morning. It’s about walking, moving, seeing, and creating.
“Maybe you won’t live forever, but at least you can make a photograph.”
Photography isn’t just about pictures. It’s about life. It’s about exploring, observing, and celebrating the fleeting beauty of the human experience.
It’s beautiful to hear your thoughts and reflections, Dante. Your passion for photography and your connection to life’s fleeting, yet profound, moments resonate deeply. This Christmas Day walk along the Schuylkill River sounds like a moment of clarity and joy for you, as well as a time to reflect on your philosophies.
Here are some key ideas from your musings:
Movement and Motivation: Your exploration of the etymology of “motivation” and its connection to movement ties well into your philosophy of photography as an active, dynamic process. The physical act of moving through the world fuels your creativity and curiosity.
Curiosity as a Driving Force: The idea of curiosity being essential for vitality and photography encapsulates your approach. It’s a reminder that engaging with the world with childlike wonder is crucial to both art and life.
Embracing Change and Flux: Your reflections on the ever-changing nature of life and photography—capturing a moment that will never repeat—is both poetic and inspiring. The philosophy of never making the same photograph twice aligns beautifully with Heraclitus’s idea of constant flux.
The Mundane as a Canvas: Your view of the world as a stage, with infinite stories waiting to be discovered, highlights the transformative power of perspective. Even familiar places hold endless potential for creativity.
Photography as a Universal Language: Your experience in Jerusalem beautifully illustrates how photography transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting people in ways that words often cannot.
Autotelic Joy: The idea of doing something for its own sake, without attachment to outcomes, is a powerful message. Photography, for you, is not about accolades but about the process and joy of creation.
Living with Vitality: Your advice to focus on health, movement, and curiosity as pathways to joy reinforces a holistic approach to both life and art.
Embracing Minimalism: Simplifying the tools and platforms you use—whether it’s compact cameras or your own personal website—reflects your commitment to authenticity and creative freedom.
Your thoughts flow with a raw authenticity that mirrors the candid nature of your photography. It’s a wonderful manifesto for artists, photographers, and anyone seeking to live a life of curiosity, vitality, and creativity.
Merry Christmas, and may the coming year bring even more light, shadows, and moments worth capturing. 🎄📸
December 25 holds significance across various cultural, historical, and religious contexts:
1. Christian Tradition
Christmas: For Christians, December 25 is celebrated as Christmas Day, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. This date was chosen by the Roman Catholic Church in the 4th century to align with pagan solstice festivals and facilitate the spread of Christianity. Theologically, it marks the incarnation of God in human form, central to Christian belief.
2. Pre-Christian Pagan Festivals
Roman Saturnalia: A festival honoring Saturn, the god of agriculture, celebrated in December. Though not on December 25 specifically, its timing influenced Christmas traditions, such as feasting and gift-giving.
Sol Invictus (Unconquered Sun): In the Roman Empire, December 25 was associated with the birthday of the Sun God, a celebration of light and renewal following the winter solstice.
3. Secular and Global Observances
Cultural Christmas: Beyond religious observance, Christmas has become a global holiday marked by customs such as exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and gathering with family and friends.
Charity and Reflection: The season encourages acts of kindness and giving, reflecting themes of goodwill and compassion.
4. Historical Events
Coronation of Charlemagne: On December 25, 800 CE, Charlemagne was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in St. Peter’s Basilica, a significant event in European history.
Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware: On December 25, 1776, General George Washington led a surprise attack against Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War.
5. Winter Solstice Connections
While not directly on December 25, the winter solstice (around December 21 or 22) historically marked the return of longer days in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cultures celebrated this turning point, which influenced the timing of later celebrations.
6. Modern Cultural Impact
The date has become associated with iconic music, movies, and stories, such as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol or modern films like Home Alone.
It signifies a season of festivities, consumerism, and holiday spirit worldwide, blending religious and secular traditions.
In essence, December 25 serves as a convergence of religious meaning, historical significance, and cultural celebration, symbolizing light, hope, and renewal across various traditions.
Jesus was not born on December 25?
Historically and biblically, it is highly unlikely that Jesus was born on December 25. Here’s why:
1. The Bible Does Not Specify a Date
The New Testament does not record the exact date of Jesus’ birth. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke provide details about the nativity, but neither mentions a specific date.
2. Clues from Biblical Context
Shepherds in the Fields: Luke 2:8 describes shepherds watching over their flocks at night. This detail suggests Jesus’ birth may have occurred in a warmer season, such as spring or fall, when shepherds would stay with their flocks outdoors. In winter, especially around December, shepherds in Judea typically kept sheep indoors due to the cold.
3. Why December 25?
The date of December 25 was chosen by the Roman Church in the 4th century, not based on historical evidence but likely to align with existing pagan festivals:
Roman Sol Invictus: A celebration of the “Unconquered Sun,” symbolizing light overcoming darkness, was observed on December 25.
Saturnalia: A Roman festival celebrating Saturn, marked by feasting and gift-giving, took place in late December.
Early Christians may have chosen this date to ease the transition from paganism to Christianity, symbolically associating Jesus with the “light of the world” (John 8:12).
4. Other Theories About Jesus’ Birth Date
Some scholars and traditions propose that Jesus was born in the spring or fall, based on various factors:
The Census: Luke 2 mentions a Roman census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Such censuses often occurred during warmer months for ease of travel.
Astrological Theories: Some suggest Jesus’ birth was marked by the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem, potentially linked to astronomical events around 6–4 BCE, such as a conjunction of planets or a comet.
5. Importance of December 25
While the date may not reflect Jesus’ actual birthday, its theological and symbolic significance has been embraced:
The celebration aligns with themes of light, renewal, and the hope brought by Jesus’ birth.
It became a unifying date for Christian observance across the Roman Empire.
In summary, December 25 was likely chosen for practical and symbolic reasons rather than historical accuracy. The exact birth date of Jesus remains unknown, but the celebration of His birth transcends the calendar date, focusing on its spiritual meaning for Christians.
Sol Invictus!
Yes, Sol Invictus (the “Unconquered Sun”) is a fascinating aspect of Roman religious history and its influence on later traditions, including Christmas. Here’s a deeper dive into Sol Invictus and its connections:
What Was Sol Invictus?
Roman Sun God: Sol Invictus was a solar deity associated with the power of the sun, renewal, and victory. The name translates to “Unconquered Sun,” emphasizing the sun’s enduring strength and light, even during the darkest days of winter.
Establishment: Emperor Aurelian (reigned 270–275 CE) officially established the cult of Sol Invictus in 274 CE as part of an effort to unify the Roman Empire under a single religion. He built a grand temple in Rome dedicated to Sol Invictus.
Significance of December 25: The date was associated with the winter solstice (observed on December 21–22), marking the “rebirth” of the sun as days began to grow longer. Celebrating Sol Invictus on December 25 symbolized the triumph of light over darkness.
Sol Invictus and Christianity
Overlap with Christmas: In the 4th century, the Roman Church adopted December 25 as the date to celebrate Jesus’ birth. The symbolism of the “Unconquered Sun” may have resonated with early Christians, who viewed Jesus as the “light of the world” (John 8:12).
Conversion Strategy: Aligning Christian holidays with existing pagan festivals likely made it easier for Romans to transition to Christianity while maintaining familiar cultural practices.
Shared Themes: Both Sol Invictus and Christmas share themes of hope, renewal, and light overcoming darkness, making the overlap symbolically significant.
Legacy of Sol Invictus
The imagery and themes of Sol Invictus subtly influenced Christian iconography and liturgy. For example:
The halo in Christian art often resembles the radiant sun.
Jesus’ association with light and divinity parallels Sol Invictus’ solar symbolism.
Sol Invictus faded as Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, but its legacy lives on in the cultural and historical layers of December 25.
Sol Invictus in Modern Context
While Sol Invictus itself is no longer worshipped, it remains a topic of interest for historians, theologians, and those exploring the roots of modern holidays. Its celebration is a reminder of the human tendency to find meaning in celestial cycles and the enduring power of light as a metaphor for hope and rebirth.
Sol Invictus continues to shine as a symbol of cultural syncretism and the blending of traditions that shape human history. Ave Sol Invictus! 🌞
Yes, the story of the Tower of Babel in the Bible is where the term “babble” originates. Here’s the background and connection:
The Story of the Tower of Babel
• The story is found in Genesis 11:1–9. It describes humanity’s attempt to build a tower that would reach the heavens, symbolizing their pride and desire to make a name for themselves.
• At that time, the Bible says, “the whole earth had one language and the same words” (Genesis 11:1).
• God, seeing their unity and ambition as a threat to humility and obedience, decided to “confuse their language” so they could no longer understand one another.
• As a result, the people were scattered across the earth, and the tower was left incomplete. The place was called Babel, because the Hebrew word balal means “to confuse.”
The Origin of “Babble”
• The name “Babel” is linguistically linked to the Hebrew root for confusion (balal), which relates to the cacophony of voices speaking different languages.
• In English, the term “babble” evolved to mean incoherent or meaningless speech, reflecting the confusion caused by the sudden multitude of languages at Babel.
Symbolism
The story serves as a mythological explanation for the diversity of languages in the world and a cautionary tale about the dangers of human arrogance and disobedience to divine authority. It also highlights the importance of humility and reliance on God.
The term “Jew” is derived from the name Judah, but the historical and linguistic context of the term is more nuanced.
Judah as an Individual
• Judah was one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel) and the progenitor of the tribe of Judah.
• He lived during the patriarchal period, long before the term “Jew” came into use.
• Judah himself was not called a “Jew” because the term did not exist at that time.
The Term “Jew”
• The word “Jew” originates from the Hebrew word “Yehudi”, which means a member of the tribe of Judah or, later, someone from the kingdom of Judah.
• After the division of Israel into two kingdoms (Israel in the north and Judah in the south), the term “Jew” became associated with people from the southern kingdom of Judah.
• Over time, especially after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), “Jew” came to refer broadly to anyone of the Jewish faith or ancestry, encompassing all the tribes of Israel, not just Judah.
Conclusion
Judah, as an individual, was not a “Jew” in the modern sense. However, his descendants formed the tribe of Judah, and the term “Jew” later developed to describe the people of Judah and, eventually, the broader Jewish identity.
A difficult concept for 99% of humanity to comprehend?
The word autonomy comes from the Greek roots:
1. “autos” (αὐτός) meaning “self.”
2. “nomos” (νόμος) meaning “law” or “rule.”
The term autonomos (αὐτόνομος) originally referred to something or someone “having its own laws” or “self-governing.”
It first entered English in the early 17th century, used in contexts related to political self-governance. Over time, its meaning expanded to include personal independence and the ability of individuals or entities to make decisions for themselves.
Thus, autonomy fundamentally means “self-rule” or “self-governance.”
What’s popping, people? This morning, I’m out walking in the snow, making some photographs, and thinking about minimalism—the path to becoming the Uber minimalist.
The high-contrast black and white looks incredible against the snow—so much white, so much contrast—it really pops. Today’s Christmas Eve, and I’ve been reflecting on shedding all the excess in life.
Clearing the Clutter
Something clicked this past weekend. I decided it was time to start throwing stuff out. I stacked up about 15 to 20 trash bags and tossed them down the trash chute. It felt so good. Old camera equipment, cables, wires, chargers—stuff I haven’t touched in years—gone. Even books, socks, and clothes I don’t need anymore.
“It felt really good to just get rid of all the clutter and excess stuff I don’t use.”
Minimalism in Action
As I’ve been going through my photographs—physical prints, digital files—I found myself frustrated. I realized I couldn’t focus on organizing my work because my physical space was a mess. My closets, cabinets, and drawers were weighing on me.
My Minimalist Tools
I’ve started simplifying every aspect of my life, including my kitchen. I’ve ditched the unnecessary cutlery and glassware for simple, minimalist tools:
Wooden bowls and plates
Wooden spoons and chopsticks
A simple wooden chopping board
It feels so much better to have fewer, higher-quality items. Next, I’ll tackle my wardrobe. I’m already donating clothes and gifting items to friends. I even gave away my Ricoh GR II and an old GoPro—stuff I just don’t need anymore.
Mental Clarity Through Physical Decluttering
It hit me:
“Before I start culling my photography, I need to cull my physical environment.”
I couldn’t work through my photos until I worked through my closets. It’s all connected. Cleaning my space gave me a sense of mental clarity and freedom. There’s something about having less—it clears your mind and lightens your spirit.
Traveling Light
Minimalism isn’t just for my home—it’s how I travel, too. I’ve always preferred to keep it light:
A backpack
My camera
My iPad to back up photos
Just enough clothing
When I travel, I bring mostly clothes so I don’t have to worry about laundry. Other than that, I keep it simple. The only time I packed heavy was for the Peace Corps—it made sense for two years of living abroad. But even then, I found joy in traveling light.
“Traveling light and feeling light is the way to freedom.”
Preparing for 2025: Becoming the Uber Minimalist
With the new year approaching, I’m stripping down to the bare necessities. Getting rid of stuff feels like shedding a layer of skin. It brings me joy and helps me focus on creating new art, ideas, and thoughts.
“The more stuff I accumulate, the more it clutters my mind.”
My goal is clear: call through the clutter, clear the space, and start fresh for 2025. There’s something about this process—this shedding of the old—that makes me feel ready to take on the new.
A Clear Mind, A Clear Space
The snow this morning feels symbolic—a blank slate, a fresh start. Before I can organize my photographs, I have to organize my life.
“True freedom isn’t about what you own; it’s about what you let go of.”
Letting go is the first step on the path to minimalism. As I walk through this serene, snowy landscape, I feel lighter, freer, and more focused on what truly matters.
I’ve always been very minimalist, but going into 2025, I feel like I NEED to reduce. This past weekend, I actually spent an entire day going through my closet, every drawer, every cabinet, and throwing away every single thing that I do not need or want to use. For instance, in my kitchen, I had so many plates and excessive cups and things and all this junk. That’s just piling up that I don’t use at all. All I need is a wooden bowl, a wooden plate, a wooden cutting board, and some wooden chopsticks, and a wooden spoon. I really like the products from Muji.
In terms of unused camera equipment, maybe it’s best to just gift your old cameras to another photographer who will use it and let them run with it.
I know that when I travel, all I need is a backpack, with very minimal items. I typically pack mostly clothes, just because I don’t want to have to do laundry too much when travelling for long periods of time, but other than that, I pretty much only need my camera and iPad. My next step is to actually go through all of my clothes and just start getting rid of them, or even giving some of my old gym clothes to a friend that will actually start hitting the gym and use them.
I will be completely honest, the reason why I’m starting to stack up trash bags and trash bags, honestly I think I did like 15 to 20 trash bags this weekend, is because I can’t mentally focus on culling and editing through my photographs, knowing that there’s all this shit in drawers and cubbies in my house. It may sound crazy or it doesn’t correlate at all, but it just bothers me. I hate having things, junk, just pile up.
The path to reduction is the path to ultimate freedom. Going into 2025, my goal is to reduce, reduce, reduce, as much as humanly possible.
Today, I’m reflecting on the marination process in photography. It’s about detaching yourself from your photographs—giving them time to sit, untouched, so you can revisit them with a fresh perspective. Here’s how I’ve been doing it:
For the past two years, I’ve been completely detached from my work.
I’ve let my photos sit on my hard drive and my prints stack up without touching them.
I haven’t analyzed or even thought about what the photos mean yet.
“Marination is about stepping away from the photographs to see them with an objective lens later on.”
The Importance of Detachment
Why do this? Because when we first make photos, we’re often too emotionally attached to them. Maybe it’s the moment we experienced, or the story behind it, that resonates personally. But that doesn’t always translate to the photo being great.
When you step back and let time pass—a year, two years, whatever works—you can view your photos without bias. This detachment is critical when it comes to:
Sequencing your work
Selecting the best standalone “keeper” shots
Presenting your photography to the world
My Hardcore Approach
For the last two years, I’ve gone hardcore with marination. I’ve avoided looking at my photos entirely. But now, as winter approaches, I’m planning to dive in:
Study my own photography.
Understand what it all means.
“Photography is a slow and gradual process—not just in making the work, but in understanding and curating it.”
A Balanced Workflow
Here’s my advice for managing the marination process without creating a mountain of work later:
Cull photos daily. After a shoot, go through your photos and mark potential keepers. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just make quick selections to reduce future headaches.
Back up favorites. I’ve been shooting hundreds of thousands of photos over the past two years, but by culling daily, I’ve narrowed them down to around 9,000 photos. That’s way more manageable.
Alternatively, you could let everything stack up and tackle it all at once, but I don’t recommend it. Trust me, it’s a headache.
The Long Game
“Don’t think about the immediate pleasure of picking a keeper photo. Detach, let them sit, and revisit them later.”
Photography isn’t about instant gratification. It’s about playing the long game—letting your work breathe, grow, and mature before you edit and present it.
Closing Thoughts
So, snapshot your way through life, let the photos marinate, and give yourself time to understand the story they tell. Whether it takes months or years, the best work often comes from patience.
Remember, photography is a journey. Stay in production mode while you’re out shooting, but take the time later to curate and sequence your best work. It’s a slow and intentional process, but that’s where the magic happens.
