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.
One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is designing your life, how to design your life, and why?
Maximize Joy
If life is merely suffering, why not maximize joy and minimize suffering as much as humanly possible? Is this such a bad thing after all? You see, we often don’t look at the big picture, thinking about the end of our lives, and what truly matters to us in life. For me, I champion my everyday life, my human experiences that I have every single day, more than any material or money I acquired in a bank account. Because of this, I think in reverse, as if I were retired today, and how I would live my everyday life. I seek to maximize joy now, instead of chasing after the dollar, an endless hamster wheel, to finally be free and have the feeling of happiness one day.
I don’t want to be so joyful for the weekend on Fridays and feel down in the dumps on Monday, simply because I’m on the loop of working to survive. My ultimate goal in life is to simply wake up each morning with a smile on my face, eager to get the day started, excited to watch the sunrise, filled with vitality and good health throughout the day. When I consider health as wealth, everything else is set into perspective. I’m simply grateful to be alive, to have an opportunity for another day.
This perspective is what drives me in life and is the reason why I focus 100% of my energy on cultivating curiosity and vitality.
The Great Unknown
Every morning when I wake up and look at the horizon during the sunrise, I remind myself how open this world is, how much there is to see, to do, and to explore. There are so many infinite possibilities in this world and in this life of ours, and I’ve always been one to embrace the great unknown and to try a lot of different things.
For instance, I travel the world as a volunteer, working on a farm, milking cows, landscaping, gardening, sweeping floors, burning trash at hostels and refugee camps, and even as a Peace Corps volunteer, working in aquaculture, learning new languages, creating fitness programs, and engaging within new communities. I worked as a photojournalist during the DNC, did office work as a graphic designer, and even worked for a labor union. I’ve tried a lot of different things in my early 20s, and now at 28 years old, I realize that this was maybe the wisest decision I’ve ever made in my life.
The reason why I believe it was a good idea is because not only did I get to try so many different things and see what I truly genuinely enjoy in life, discovering who I am, I was also able to focus 100% on my passion, which is photography.
A Life of Danger
When you come out of high school, the main goal is to “get a good job.” That’s why most people go to college, to go into debt, to get a piece of paper that makes them viable to get a good job. However, this seems like a dead end to me, and I’ve always seen through this societal norm. Even if following your passion doesn’t lead to monetary gains, I believe it’s the life worth living because it provides the most joy in life. Why is it that we seek material, fame, or what modern people deem to be success over joy?
For me, maximum danger provides maximum joy. One of my favorite quotes from Friedrich Nietzsche is:
For believe me: the secret for harvesting from existence the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment is — to live dangerously! Build your cities on the slopes of Vesuvius! Send your ships into uncharted seas! Live at war with your peers and yourselves! Be robbers and conquerors as long as you cannot be rulers and possessors, you lovers of knowledge!
With more danger and more risk comes more flourishing. By completely disregarding these basic ideas of getting a good job, I took the dangerous road to see places in the world and live my life on my terms, working 100% of the time on what matters most to me. Now I’m sitting on an archive of photographs, looking back at the work, honestly shocked that I even had the capability of making any of it. I’m so proud of the work that I’ve made over the years of traveling, and I’m very glad that I designed my life this way, with 100% focus on creating art.
You Are Not Your Job
If somebody pointed a gun to the back of your head while you were sitting there at the desk, typing at a computer, and told you to go and pursue the thing that you most love in life, and you only had this split-moment decision to make a choice, would you do it?
You are not your job or the contents of your wallet, but you are the quality of your character. I’m much more interested in my everyday life experiences, the impact I can leave on individuals within my local community, than the status I have. Because of this, I decided to quit my job as a photographer over a year ago and started looking for work that resonates with me.
I found a job in horticulture in the park, as this was my ultimate aim. I wanted to spend my time in solitude, landscaping, gardening, and being physical, like I used to during my travels. That’s how I always got by—I would spend time physically laboring in gardens, volunteering for room and board, and food, then just go work on my photographs. Now, I’m basically doing the same thing, but I’m making money from the work.
Personally, I’m not tied to making money whatsoever. It genuinely brings no joy in my life or meaning to me. There’s nothing from this material world that I genuinely want to purchase, besides traveling. I thought to myself, if I were retired right now, how would I be living my life? I find it strange that we work a job for the future so that we can retire and then go live our lives. I decided if I were retired, I’d probably spend all my days in the park, tending plants, and just chilling out in nature. So here we are.
At the end of the day, your job does not define who you are. It’s the content of your character, the legacy you leave behind, and the impact you make on the individual level within your community or other people.
Follow God
The ultimate reason why I decided to work this job is because, during my year completely disconnected, with no job, and solely focused on creating a new body of work in black and white, I contemplated every day, spending time alone with God, in solitude, in prayer. Sounds weird, but essentially God told me that I must disconnect from the modern world, leave it all behind, and find a way to spend my time in solitude, in nature. I knew deep down in my gut and intuition that this is what I needed to do, so I spent an entire year simply walking along the river trail every single day, thinking a lot about how I can make this my reality.
The Problem with Public School
I have a lot of problems with public high school, but I’ll tell you very quickly why I feel this way. First and foremost, in my public school, you had to enter the school through metal detectors and x-ray, security guards everywhere, and the doors were locked, and you could not go outside during lunch. You sit down and memorize useless information that they make you regurgitate on tests you take the next day.
It’s extremely easy to pass with high grades, as all you have to do is learn a bit of keywords, facts, and write them down. Public school is designed to keep you obedient, keep you busy, always working, always on the worksheets, the computers, preparing you for the workforce in the future. However, this, to me, seems like an antiquated system designed to make the perfect factory slaves. Because of this, I decided to spend most of my time skipping class, exploring in the park outside, finding ways to escape school just to go play.
Cultivate Curiosity
I believe that public school and modern society generally knock the curiosity out of us. Because of this, I believe we must cultivate curiosity with intention. The biggest piece of advice I have for cultivating curiosity is to simply go, sit alone, and go walk alone in a park, in the woods, by a river, lake, mountain, etc. Spend time alone, just you and the universe, and you will find God. Go for a month, three months, six months, a year, two years if you need to.
To me, this is the ultimate way to cultivate curiosity, to recognize the interconnectedness of the entire universe, yourself, and your part in this world. Maybe after all, the unity of all things is God? This is why I find the Catholic tradition and mythos of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to be so powerful and have faith.
Once you feel this overwhelming sensation of joy and abundance, curiosity will pour out of you. You will return from being this hardened man from society and the pressures of the modern world, to returning to a childlike state of curiosity, living each day in the spirit of play.
Figure Out What You Truly Need
Along my journey, I’ve learned that I need very little in this world. I need a place to sleep, the ability to create art, time alone in nature, the chaos of the city streets, and a piece of meat. Since adopting a 100% carnivore diet, I no longer need breakfast or lunch and can go fasted all day. Honestly, this has become a very spiritual path for me, as when I am fasted throughout the entirety of my day, I have a very clear connection between my mind and my gut. This connection, I believe, gives you a God-like intuition and heightens your curiosity. Just don’t eat until the sunsets. Try it out and feast in the evening like it’s Ramadan every single day.
As much as I love my time alone, I know that I need the city and to be around other people. I’m very curious about humanity, love humanity, society, and focus on this as the subject of my photographs. Photography provides the ultimate meaning in my life, as every fleeting moment becomes something worth championing, and when I photograph, I exist in the eternal now. I know that I always have the ability to create something from nothing, despite where I may be, whether alone in the woods or on a busy street.
I think this is ultimately what I really need in life—a camera, the ability to create upon my curiosity. Through cultivating vitality, through weightlifting, eating meat, and being physical throughout the day, I increase my curiosity, as I have the power and vigor to go out there into the world and see and create new things. The intersection between vitality and curiosity is my ultimate aim in life. The goal is to simply increase these feelings of power and curiosity by one percentage each day.
Create Everlasting Memories
Design your life in a way that will maximize the everlasting memories that you can create. Whether it’s within a simple walk of watching birds in a flock, moving your body on a block on a busy street, traveling the world and conquering new mountains, or simply enjoying quiet time alone in a park, create your everyday life experiences as a way for you to champion humanity, the mundane, and your everyday experience. At the end of our lives, we’re going to look back on the experiences we’ve had.
Because of this, we should design our life in a way that maximizes experiences and curiosity. Just treat every single day like it’s your last. If this were the case, how would you live your everyday life?
As I walk through Philadelphia, the word progress comes to mind. Derived from the Latin progressus—pro meaning forward and gradi meaning step—progress is nothing more than moving forward. This simple yet profound idea guides not only life but also street photography.
The Essence of Progress: Movement and Growth
To progress is to grow, expand, and build something larger. For a street photographer, this means creating a photographic archive—a catalog of moments that reflect the endless act of pressing the shutter. For me, progress is about continuously making new photographs. To stop shooting, to dwell too long on old work without making more, feels like the slow death of a photographer.
“To make progress is the goal. To stay stagnant is the ultimate death of a photographer.”
Defining Your Progress
Progress is deeply personal. For some, it might mean creating a single great photograph. For me, it’s about the discipline of consistently making pictures. Progress demands that we detach from the outcome—good or bad—and focus instead on the process.
“Detach yourself from the outcome, and embrace the discipline of showing up every day.”
Street Photography and Weightlifting: A Discipline of Repetition
Street photography is very much like weightlifting. When I go to the gym, I don’t think about how big my muscles will get or how strong I’ll become. I focus on the act of lifting, on doing the reps. The results—like strength—come gradually over time, not immediately. Photography is the same.
It’s about showing up daily.
Making photographs consistently.
Trusting that progress happens over the long term.
Removing Distractions and Dopamine
To make real progress, you need to remove distractions. One of the biggest distractions for photographers today is social media. If you’re serious about progress, I suggest:
Deleting Instagram: Go to the app, click the wrench, and deactivate or delete your account entirely.
Creating a personal website: Use Bluehost.com to purchase a domain (e.g., yourname.com) and set up a WordPress.org site with a clean, simple theme like Astra.
Publishing your photos regularly: Treat your website as your personal archive, free from the noise and dopamine traps of likes and comments.
“Detach completely from any audience. Focus on your work, not on validation.”
A 365-Day Project for 2025
If you’re looking for a challenge, try committing to a 365-day photography project. The goal is simple: go out every day, make photographs, and publish them on your website. This daily discipline will keep you focused on the act of creating, not the results.
The Role of Diet and Focus
This may sound unconventional, but your diet can directly impact your photography. I’ve followed a strict carnivore diet—eating only red meat and fasting until the evening—for two years, and it has transformed my ability to focus. Here’s why:
Your eyes are connected to your brain, and your brain and gut communicate constantly.
Digesting food during the day can lead to brain fog, dulling your intuition and visual acuity.
Fasting heightens your senses and sharpens your instincts.
“A street photographer is like a hunter. A hunter doesn’t eat before the hunt. Hunger sharpens focus.”
I treat my photography like a hunt: I don’t eat until I’ve culled and backed up my photos for the day. This ritual creates a reward system that keeps me disciplined and motivated.
Progress Is About Consistency
Making progress is simple: make more photographs. Don’t worry about gear, composition, or superfluous details. Focus on the discipline of consistently creating. Treat your photography like a visual diary, a playful exploration of the world around you.
“Detach from the outcome, embrace the process, and stay infinitely curious.”
Final Thoughts
Progress in street photography is about movement—both physical and creative. Keep walking, keep shooting, and keep exploring. The world is open, full of endless possibilities. No matter where you are, there’s always time to make a photograph.
“Stay outside, stay curious, and keep moving forward. That’s how you make progress.”
The term religio originates from Latin and holds a nuanced and multifaceted meaning. In classical contexts, it often referred to the practice of duty, reverence, or obligation in relation to the divine, sacred, or societal norms. Over time, its meaning has evolved to be closely associated with what we now call “religion.”
Core Meanings of Religio in Latin:
1. Binding Obligation: Derived from the Latin verb religare (“to bind”), religio can signify being bound or committed to a duty, especially to the gods or sacred practices.
2. Reverence or Awe: It refers to a deep sense of respect or awe for the divine, sacred laws, or moral duties.
3. Ritual Practice: It encompasses the acts of worship, ceremonies, and rituals performed to honor the gods and maintain a harmonious relationship with the divine.
4. Scrupulousness or Conscientiousness: In a broader sense, it could also mean carefulness in observing one’s duties, whether divine, social, or moral.
Cicero’s Interpretation:
The Roman philosopher Cicero linked religio to the act of “re-reading” or “reconsidering” (relegere) sacred texts and rituals, emphasizing the importance of careful and thoughtful engagement with religious practices.
Etymological Roots:
• Religare: “To bind or tie” (suggesting a connection to divine laws or obligations).
• Relegere: “To reread” or “to gather” (implying a reflective relationship with the sacred).
Transition to Modern “Religion”:
Over time, religio evolved to describe organized systems of belief and worship, becoming the precursor to the modern concept of “religion.” However, in ancient Rome, it was less about personal faith and more about fulfilling communal and ritualistic obligations to maintain social and cosmic order.
In summary, religio encompasses the ideas of sacred duty, reverence, and the rituals or practices that connect individuals or communities to the divine.
The term autopoietic comes from the Greek words auto (“self”) and poiesis (“creation” or “production”), and it means self-creating or self-producing. It is most commonly used in systems theory and biology to describe systems that maintain and regenerate themselves through their own internal processes.
Key Characteristics of Autopoietic Systems:
1. Self-Organization: They are capable of organizing themselves without external intervention.
2. Self-Maintenance: They produce and regenerate the components necessary for their functioning.
3. Boundary Formation: They create and maintain boundaries that separate them from their environment.
4. Closed Loops: They operate in closed feedback loops, where their processes and structures are self-referential.
Origins of the Concept
The term was introduced by Chilean biologists Humberto Maturana and Francisco Varela in the 1970s to explain how living organisms sustain themselves. They argued that life is inherently autopoietic because organisms continually reproduce and maintain their own structure through their metabolism and interactions with the environment.
Examples of Autopoietic Systems
1. Biological Organisms: Cells are classic examples, as they produce the proteins, membranes, and other structures required for their survival.
2. Social Systems: In sociology, the concept is sometimes used to describe self-sustaining systems like organizations or societies.
In essence, an autopoietic system is one that is self-sustaining and capable of producing its own components and maintaining its existence.
Reclaim the Street: Street Photography’s Moment, published by Thames & Hudson, is a captivating exploration of contemporary street photography and its evolution in the digital age. This book celebrates the renewed energy and innovation in the genre, showcasing the work of photographers who are redefining how we see and experience urban life. With contributions from artists around the world, Reclaim the Street captures the spirit, diversity, and creativity of street photography today.
The Essence of Reclaim the Street
This photobook highlights how street photography continues to thrive and evolve, embracing new tools and approaches while staying true to its roots. The images reflect the vibrancy and unpredictability of life on the streets, offering a window into the human experience in public spaces.
Key Characteristics of the Work:
Contemporary Innovation: The book features photographers who push the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with style, technique, and subject matter.
Cultural Diversity: With contributions from artists across the globe, the book presents a rich tapestry of perspectives and urban environments.
Timeless Themes: Despite its modern approach, the book maintains a connection to the classic themes of street photography—spontaneity, storytelling, and human connection.
Thames & Hudson: The Publisher of Visionary Art
Thames & Hudson is renowned for producing high-quality art books that celebrate creativity and innovation. With Reclaim the Street, the publisher continues its tradition of supporting groundbreaking works that expand our understanding of visual art.
This book is a reflection of their commitment to showcasing diverse voices and celebrating the ever-evolving nature of photography as an art form.
Highlights from Reclaim the Street
The photographs in Reclaim the Street are as varied as the photographers who created them. Notable themes and moments include:
Urban Energy: Dynamic street scenes filled with movement, color, and light.
Human Stories: Intimate moments that reveal the humor, pathos, and complexity of city life.
Experimental Visions: Bold compositions and creative uses of digital tools that challenge traditional notions of street photography.
The Significance of Reclaim the Street
Reclaim the Street: Street Photography’s Moment is more than a collection of images—it is a celebration of the genre’s resilience and adaptability. The book captures a pivotal moment in the history of street photography, where tradition meets innovation, and local stories resonate on a global scale.
By showcasing diverse perspectives, the book emphasizes the universality of street photography as a medium for documenting, critiquing, and celebrating the human experience.
Closing Thoughts
Reclaim the Street: Street Photography’s Moment is an essential addition to any photography enthusiast’s collection. Its stunning imagery and thought-provoking themes offer a fresh look at the possibilities of street photography in the modern age. For anyone passionate about the art of capturing life as it unfolds, this book is a powerful reminder of why the streets remain one of the most compelling stages for storytelling.
Magnum Streetwise is a stunning photobook that brings together the work of some of the most renowned photographers from Magnum Photos. Released in 2019, this collection celebrates the rich and diverse tradition of street photography, showcasing images that capture the pulse of urban life across decades and continents. Curated with a keen eye for storytelling, Magnum Streetwise offers a comprehensive look at how Magnum photographers have defined and redefined the genre.
The Essence of Magnum Streetwise
This book is a visual journey through the streets of the world, highlighting the fleeting moments, raw emotions, and serendipitous encounters that make street photography so compelling. Each photograph is a testament to the power of observation and timing, showcasing the mastery of Magnum’s photographers.
Key Characteristics of the Work:
Timeless Imagery: The collection spans decades, featuring both iconic and lesser-known works that remain as relevant today as when they were captured.
Global Scope: From bustling metropolises to quieter urban corners, the book offers a kaleidoscopic view of life in cities around the world.
Diverse Approaches: Each photographer brings their unique perspective, style, and interpretation to the streets, creating a dynamic and multifaceted narrative.
Magnum Photos: The Legacy Behind the Book
Magnum Photos, founded in 1947, is one of the world’s most prestigious photography agencies. Its members have been at the forefront of street photography, documenting life with a focus on authenticity, artistry, and humanity.
Magnum Streetwise features work from legendary photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Bruce Gilden, Alex Webb, Susan Meiselas, and many others. These artists have pushed the boundaries of street photography, influencing generations of photographers with their innovation and vision.
Highlights from Magnum Streetwise
The photographs in this book capture the essence of street life in all its chaos and beauty. Notable moments and themes include:
Iconic Images: Works like Henri Cartier-Bresson’s decisive moments and Bruce Gilden’s bold, flash-lit portraits showcase the spectrum of street photography styles.
Human Connections: Images that reveal the complexities of human interaction and the emotions that unfold in public spaces.
Cultural Narratives: Photographs that delve into the cultural and historical contexts of the cities they depict, offering a deeper understanding of the people and places captured.
The Significance of Magnum Streetwise
Magnum Streetwise is more than a photobook—it is a celebration of a genre that has shaped the way we see and understand the world. The book underscores the enduring relevance of street photography, not only as an art form but also as a means of documenting human history and culture.
By presenting a diverse range of photographers and approaches, Magnum Streetwise invites viewers to explore the possibilities of street photography and to appreciate the artistry and dedication required to excel in the genre.
Closing Thoughts
Magnum Streetwise is a must-have for anyone passionate about street photography or visual storytelling. It captures the spirit of urban life with authenticity and artistry, showcasing the genius of Magnum photographers who have shaped the genre. For both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to street photography, this book is an inspiring and invaluable resource that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of life in the streets.
