An interviewer asked me to photograph my Documerica aftermath. He asked that I think out loud while doing this. Talking and photographing was certainly unusual for me, as someone who tends to work silently and reflexively.
After a friend heard the broadcast, she expressed her fascination in what goes through my mind as I create images. I had always taken this process as a given, merely the way I work. Despite that, her remark started me thinking that, “maybe I know something.”
I realized—in a later panel discussion at the National Archives and always in gallery talks—that people do tend to gather around. They ask many questions to which I actually have answers. As a late bloomer, making photography my career after many of my peers were already established, I had worked hard to catch up.
Now I was becoming known for photographic art…
…and realized that I love to share.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: Some photographers are legends in their own minds. And I have encountered wannabes who, because cameras can produce images with little input, strut with arrogance. The tip? Humble up. Unleash curiosity. No need to dominate or impress, but to learn from everyone and anyone…about them, their interests, their insights…about life. It all goes into a brain that can translate understanding into meaningful images. And it makes you a better and interesting and tolerant person.
