No Preconceived Notions: Embrace the Unknown
When traveling to new places, my rule is simple: don’t do any research. The best photographs come from exploring without a plan, free from preconceived ideas. By arriving with an open mind, unburdened by expectations, I’m able to connect deeply with the environment, noticing details that would otherwise go overlooked.
“All of my best photographs come to me through exploring places without any preparation or planning.”
The Camera as a Tool for Discovery
The camera is more than a tool; it’s a passport, a reason to step out into the world and explore. Whether it’s along the familiar trails of my hometown or an unknown street in a distant country, the camera acts as my excuse to be fully present and open to whatever comes. Each photo is born from curiosity, from following the impulse to see what’s around the next corner.
“The camera is the key that unlocks the doors to life itself.”
Rather than following an itinerary, I let the streets guide me. Every place, every scene, has its own rhythm, its own patterns of light and shadow. And by leaving expectations behind, I find myself in a constant state of discovery, capturing the essence of a place as it reveals itself.
Explore with Curiosity and an Open Mind
One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to approach each new location without a plan, allowing serendipity and intuition to take the lead. When I step out onto a street or into a landscape, I don’t think about what I want to photograph or the perfect shot. I’m there to experience, to react to what I find, and let each scene unfold naturally. There’s a thrill in not knowing what you’ll encounter—it’s this childlike curiosity that keeps photography fresh, vibrant, and alive.
“Arrive with an open mind, let each moment speak for itself, and trust that the world will reveal its best when you’re there to simply observe.”
Each shot is a spontaneous response, a moment caught on instinct rather than preparation. When you’re open to the unexpected, the world surprises you. I let the camera capture life as it is, without worrying about making the “perfect” image. Sometimes, it’s a river I’ve walked by a hundred times, but there’s always something new to see, a fresh angle or a unique detail waiting to be captured.
Finding Inspiration Everywhere
The motivation to photograph doesn’t come from specific places; it comes from movement, from getting outside with a sense of wonder. Whether I’m in a bustling market in Vietnam or walking the same trail in Philadelphia, there’s always something new to discover, a detail to notice, a moment to seize. By leaving preconceived notions behind, I allow each day to be a fresh canvas, and each frame becomes an authentic reflection of that moment.
“Photography is about being open, staying curious, and capturing the world as it truly is—unfiltered, unplanned, and alive.”
So leave the guidebooks behind, ignore the travel blogs, and step into the unknown with a camera in hand. Photography, at its core, is about being present, fully engaged in each moment. Let curiosity be your guide, and let the world unfold around you.