EXPLORE
As a photographer, I am an adventurer at my core. To explore the world openly, with curiosity and courage, is my passion. The great outdoors is the best place to get lost in the unknown, and the state of exploration leads to discovery and questions about the world and life itself. Treat the camera as an excuse—a passport to see the world and explore with an open mind.
Before you head out, ask yourself: What will reality manifest in a photograph? Let your curiosity guide you, asking more questions as you make more pictures. Find your “why.”
“He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Get Outside
Firstly, I think it’s important to get outside. As soon as you wake up, open your eyes wide with vigor and curiosity about what’s out there. As a photographer, this is an essential state of mind. The curiosity to head into the wild, no matter the conditions. I believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.
- If it’s cold, bundle up.
- If it’s raining, get some Gore-Tex.
Don’t let the external world determine how you approach the day. Photography requires the artist to flex their creative muscles daily. Wake up early and catch the sunrise! With your camera in hand, fuel yourself with a lust for life.
Embrace the Unknown
The beauty of photography lies in finding joy in the mundane. It doesn’t matter whether you walk the same lane daily or embrace a new place. To find joy through photography requires a state of openness. Enter new places without preconceived notions of what you will find, allowing yourself to discover more beauty in the world.
The unknown can feel daunting. Maybe you’re nervous to embrace a foreign culture or country, or there’s a trip you’ve always wanted to take but never acted on. Let the chips fall as they may! Embrace play and don’t take yourself so seriously.
To embrace the unknown requires a childlike wonder about whatever is around the corner. Stay present and grounded. Embracing the unknown asks you to forget the past and let go of what the future holds.
“Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” – Marcus Aurelius
Follow Your Desire
Before heading out, don’t plan anything. I believe the best way to operate as a photographer is to follow your desire. If something sparks your interest, follow it. Just listen to your gut. If you feel drawn to walk a certain way or photograph a specific subject, do it!
I often find my desire leading me to the river here in my hometown, Philadelphia. There’s something about the water that drives me to walk that way. It’s an instinctual feeling that pulls me to these places. I let go of any expectations of what may or may not happen.
As a photographer, intuition is key. Listen to your gut, don’t plan ahead of time, and just get out there!