Light Is Out of Our Control
Starting the Day with Nature
There’s something magical about beginning the day with a walk under a clear, open sky. A sky without clouds feels limitless, reminding us of the vastness of the world and all it offers. It stirs curiosity—what’s out there to explore? Even simple sights, like a bird’s nest, hold wonder.
For me, the first moments of the day are best spent surrounded by trees and the natural world. As a street photographer, always immersed in the bustle of humanity, I find peace and grounding in nature. It’s a chance to recalibrate before diving back into the chaos of the city.
Winter in Philadelphia
Winter mornings in Philadelphia are brisk. The chill bites at my hands, and my face stiffens as I speak. Yet, amidst the cold, the towering trees and the sunrise provide a quiet beauty that makes every moment worthwhile. Carrying my camera, I capture the essence of these fleeting scenes—snapshots of life’s quiet brilliance.
Photography as a Medium of Light
What captivates me most about photography is its essence: light as a medium, and the world as a canvas. After a decade of capturing images, my intrigue has distilled to the interplay of light and shadow. Transitioning to black-and-white photography has allowed me to focus solely on this fascination, stripping away distractions to hone in on the purity of light.
“A lot of photographs are happy accidents.”
As photographers, we control only so much: our position, our timing, and when we press the shutter. But the light? That’s beyond our grasp. This unpredictability is what makes street photography so exhilarating—the spontaneous nature of light and life colliding.
A Scene in Zambia
I recall a moment in Zambia while photographing children playing. One boy climbed to the top of a pole, his face catching the light in a way I couldn’t have anticipated. The interplay of light and shadow created a scene that was both unexpected and profound. These surprises—the happy accidents—are what keep me returning to photography.
“Light is out of our control, and that’s where its magic lies.”
Embracing the Uncontrollable
In life, we often seek control through lists, tasks, and routines. Photography, however, reminds me to let go and embrace curiosity and play. It’s more than documentation; it’s an engagement with the world—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The act of photographing positions us on the front lines of life. It fosters an emotional connection to the world and reflects our essence.
“The images we create become mirrors of our soul, capturing our fleeting moments of existence.”
The Philosophy of Flux
Photography embodies impermanence. Every moment is fleeting, every scene transient. This philosophy of flux is at the heart of my approach to photography. It’s about recognizing what we can control—our intuition, our reaction—and accepting what we cannot. Much like thoughts that come unbidden, light and life unfold around us. Our role is to respond.
Creating Light in Darkness
On dark mornings, when the world feels heavy, we must create our own light. Photography is my way of doing this—a practice that brings both clarity and joy.
“It’s a constant reminder to stay curious, to remain open, and to find beauty in the unexpected.”