To Photograph is to Remember
The simple act of making photographs holds an incredible power. There’s something undeniably special about this medium that goes beyond the visual—it taps into memory, consciousness, and our perception of life itself.
Memory and Consciousness
When I look at my photographs, I see them as more than just images. Each photograph is a part of a “stream of becoming,” a continual unfolding of moments that I have captured throughout my life. The images act as milestones, showing me the journey of life as I have traveled and seen it.
“Wow— isn’t life so grand? I can’t believe I witnessed this. I experienced that. I went there.”
This sense of awe reminds me of what sets us apart from animals: our evolved consciousness. Memory makes humanity both special and fragile; it allows us to hold onto moments, yet we know these moments only through the lens of memory. Time, in a way, is an illusion—yet photography gives us a way to break free from it.
Photography as a Way to Experience Life Beyond Time
When we photograph each day, we’re creating a body of work that exists outside the conventional flow of time. Each image we make, whether of a simple scene or a profound experience, becomes a portal to that exact moment. Through our photographs, we can revisit these memories, almost stepping outside the passage of time itself. Photography enables us to live, remember, and experience life in a way that feels timeless.
Key Takeaways
- Photography captures the “stream of becoming”: Each photograph contributes to a larger journey, chronicling our experiences in life.
- The unique power of memory and consciousness: Our ability to remember separates us from animals, grounding us in the beauty and fragility of life.
- Photography as a timeless medium: Each photo defies time, offering a way to re-experience the beauty of life beyond its fleeting nature.
Photography, in its essence, is a way to celebrate life’s moments and to remember that we were here—that we saw, we felt, and we cherished these glimpses of our lives.