The greatest gift photography has given me in life is the opportunity to explore the world endlessly. I like to treat the camera as a passport, or an excuse to go out, to walk, talk, and observe life. I become fully immersed in the present moment where past and future is not of my concern. The only thing that really matters when the cameras in my hand is the now.
Find your path
The idea is simple. Walk with your intuition at the forefront. Your curiosity will lead you to new places. Enter the Zen zone. When you’re with the camera in hand, you should not have any preconceived notions of what you will find. Simply follow your gut and react with your intuition when pressing the shutter. With each step in the world you become more. Walk with intention and intensity. Find new ways to photograph each day. Unlock new perspectives of the world around you through the state of play. Find your path and approach to the medium. Walk endlessly.
Your life as an epic Greek poem
Perhaps it’s wise to treat your life as the ultimate hero story. I think this makes life more fun and interesting. The idea is that you don’t have to take your life so seriously. Each new adventure you go on when you set out with your camera is like a new quest or side story for you to explore. Think of Achilles and his role in the Trojan war. He bowed to nobody and followed his own accord. He is the archetype for the open world explorer and conquerer. Be like Achilles and do what you desire in life.
Intuition is King
When it comes down to it, follow your gut. When I consider my past travels and experiences, I’ve always gone with the flow. It’s important not to pack too much or to plan things in advance. You want to put yourself in a position where the experiences are open ended. You have no idea what is around the corner or what to expect next. This is what makes the adventure worthwhile. It’s about the process and the journey, not necessarily the results of the photographs you make. I’ll never forget my first time exploring the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. I met a group of brothers and they took me under their wing for the day. We danced and sang songs, drank tea, and enjoyed coffee at the top of a mountain, overlooking the Dead Sea. The experiences and stories you will have for a lifetime are worth the risk that you take in the moment.
Champion humanity
The camera allows you to champion humanity, and to shed light on moments that otherwise go unnoticed. The ultimate gift an artist can leave behind are beautiful works of art. The photographs we make on the streets along our journey can be living proof of what life was like during our time. Since the first cave paintings made by humans, it is always been in our DNA to portray humanity. Recognize the power of photography. The power lies in the fact that every fleeting moment becomes beautiful. We may be mortals, but we are demigods as photographers. We’re like Achilles! We can live on through the works that we create, and the experiences along the way. Explore life headstrong with curiosity and courage at the forefront. Follow your intuition, and have fun!