Walk, Create, Reflect
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante, just going for my morning walk here in Philadelphia.
I think the best way to start the day is with a long hike, a nice long walk in nature—you know, surrounded by beautiful rivers, trees, and plants. Every morning, I typically start my day by walking along the Schuylkill River Trail.
In the summertime, the sun rises early, so I can do this walk even before work. But in the winter, with less sunlight at 5 or 6 a.m., I shift this routine to later in the day. Regardless of the time, I believe it’s essential to carve out time for a good walk every day—whether it’s an hour or two. Walking feels intrinsic to how humans are designed—our legs, feet, and upright spines exist for movement.
“As a man, I only feel alive when I’m full of vitality—full of power, full of purpose.”
The Power of the Sun
All energy originates from the sun. Staying out in the sun, basking in its glory, gives me all my power. Like plants undergoing photosynthesis, humans also thrive by being in the light. When I’m out in the sun, I’m part of the cycle of life—plants absorb sunlight, animals eat plants, and then, as a carnivore (carno meaning flesh), I consume the flesh of animals. This cycle fuels me and gives me the energy to carry out my day.
Photography: A Simple Creation
Carrying a compact camera, like my Ricoh GR3X, is my simple way to create. Photography is one of the easiest ways to express creativity.
“Through the act of creation, we fuel ourselves with a godlike sensation—similar to God creating the universe.”
When light touches the camera’s sensor, it’s like painting on a canvas. Light reflecting off surfaces fascinates me. The sun’s reflections, the play of light and shadow—these are the heart of photography. Photography is creating with light.
Movement and Focus
To photograph well, I need to be physically strong and laser-focused. Remaining in a fasted state helps me simulate a hunter’s mindset—sharp and alert. By not eating during the day and feasting on meat at night, I channel primal energy into my photography. I don’t reward myself with food until I’ve culled through my photos and backed them up. This discipline keeps me focused.
Changing Perspectives
As photographers, we must change perspectives. Look up, look down, and explore new angles. Views from above give a panoptic perspective that helps me see clearly.
“Our thoughts determine our perspective. A negative mindset will reflect in the photographs we make, while gratitude gifts us with life’s surprises.”
Freedom and Modern Life
Modern life has given us the illusion of freedom while trapping us in comfort. It’s a zoo utopia—we’re like domesticated animals, content with air conditioning, unlimited food delivery, and the endless scroll of entertainment. But true freedom lies in breaking away from that.
“Freedom comes from recognizing the mortality of the human being—flesh and blood, bound by gravity—and embracing life with purpose.”
When you simplify your life, focusing on movement and creativity, you break free from the hamster wheel of modernity. This is why I reject the calorie-counting mindset. Calories are just numbers; what matters is the quality of what you consume. Eating nutrient-dense food like steak and eggs fuels strength and clarity, while processed junk keeps you weak and distracted.
Finding God in the Details
They say the devil’s in the details, but I think God is in the details. Each day is a blank slate, and even though I’ve photographed the same scene hundreds of times, the light always changes. Every day is new, and every moment offers something fresh to capture.
“You’ll never make the same photograph twice.”
Solitude and Strength
Walking alone reminds me of my childhood, growing up in the woods near Wissahickon Forest. Solitude is where I thrive—not loneliness, but being alone with God. The forest taught me strength and independence. As I walk today, I carry those lessons.
Light and Darkness
Photography is the interplay of light and shadow—a dichotomy that reflects life itself. Plato’s Allegory of the Cave comes to mind, where prisoners see only shadows on the wall, mistaking them for reality. Similarly, a photograph captures reality but also alters it, creating a beautiful lie.
“A photograph is an instant sketch of light—a glimpse into reality and an interpretation of it.”
Returning to Nature
Recently, I’ve embraced simplicity—buying meat directly from farmers, storing it in a deep freezer, and relying on a 100% carnivore diet. Time is the ultimate currency, and by simplifying my life, I’ve reclaimed my time for movement, creation, and living fully.
“Life is rich with meaning when you treat each moment as if it’s your last.”
The City: Order and Chaos
The city represents order—streets, traffic signals, and routines—but the people within it bring chaos. Street photography is about finding spontaneity in this chaos and imposing some order through the frame of a camera. Modern life has made us domesticated, comfortable, and complacent, but walking the streets reminds me of the vitality of movement and creation.
Strength of Body and Soul
The body reflects the soul. A strong, disciplined body leads to a strong mind and spirit. Treat your body like a temple, fueling it with the good stuff and removing toxins. Physical strength is the foundation for mental clarity and creativity.
“Strong body, strong mind, strong soul.”
These are just some morning thoughts from my walk today. Now, I’m going to keep walking, listening in silence.