I began taking pictures with a camera, with purpose, in 2007. At first, I did it for fun; a friend had bought me a point-and-shoot camera and I just wanted to try it out. Some of the images turned out pretty well; friends began to notice, comment . . . I began to hear things like, “You’ve really got an eye.” Some of the pictures began to move people emotionally. I kept at it. I got hooked.
I sought advice and counsel from a variety of people as my dreams for photography began to form, take shape, give me vision, and perspective. One friend, whom I truly respect and admire, an accomplished artist in her own right, urged me to title my work. That prospect immediately caused tension; not with her and me but within me. I wrestled with it, struggled with it, and actually tried it. But it didn’t work. And, I wanted to know, if, for no other reason than my own satisfaction, the why.
What I finally arrived at forms the basis of our personal, very subjective, philosophy on why I take pictures and offer them to the public without affixing a title to each and every one, if not, most.
When I take a picture there is, obviously, a motive; something that drew me, caught my attention, spoke to me, captivated me; something that I felt, in that very moment, that was worth my attention, effort, dream of what it may look like . . . what it may look like to others. In that moment I witness what it communicates to me and the potential of what it may communicate to you; and they don’t have to be the same.
So, I share with you as the moment has been shared with me and I invite you to make the moment your own and whatever it may evoke in you. And title it, for yourself, if you will, or not.