Photography as Distraction

If the remission of pain is happiness, then the emergence from distraction is aesthetic bliss. I use these terms loosely, for I am not making an argument but rather attempting to describe the pleasure that comes from recognition or rediscovery of certain essences permanently associated with human life. These essences are restored to our consciousness... Continue Reading →

Headphone Photographs

I would prefer by far to write music which has something fresh to reveal at each new hearing than music which is completely self-evident the first time, and though it may remain pleasing makes no essential contribution thereafter. ~Roger Sessions I love music. My musical taste is diverse, and I almost always have something playing... Continue Reading →

The Value of Originality

I'm posting this article, originally published in LensWork Magazine, in response to Irina Drelciuc, who sent me this Ask Me Anything question: "have you ever felt like there is nothing new or fresh to be 'told' through photography, what is the use of doing it unless you come up with something striking different?" If you... Continue Reading →

AMA: Challenging Yourself, Writing, Offering Workshops

Every instance of stepping outside your comfort zone won't lead to an incredible sense of discovery and liberation. But it may happen when you realize that what you thought was your comfort zone is, in actuality, your compliant zone—where you've learned to behave in ways that you were expected to behave, perhaps by your parents,... Continue Reading →

AMA: Next Book, New Offerings (And Other Updates)

Writing a book is a long, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand. ~George Orwell Shortly after inviting readers to ask me anything, two of the first responses inquired about... Continue Reading →

Ask Me Anything

Given the oddity of the times, I'm working to offer additional online content in the coming weeks. After having a great time participating in an "Ask Me Anything" session on Nature Photographers Network recently, I decided to make it a permanent feature of the blog. If you wish to send me a question, please use... Continue Reading →

Recent Article and Podcast Roundup

In addition to this blog, I also write regularly for a couple of publications and sites, and on occasion I'm also invited to participate in podcasts. Here's a roundup of some recent publications. Publicly available: My article, The Introvert Game, has drawn some interesting discussions on Nature Photographers Network. I recently had the pleasure of... Continue Reading →

Twenty Nineteen

The important and only vital question is, how much greater, finer, am I than I was yesterday? Have I fulfilled my possibilities, made the most of my potentialities? ~Edward Weston In preparing for a recent medical treatment I had to pass a standard assessment of my cognitive state, which included such common questions as, “do... Continue Reading →

Perfectly Dead Things

Not a guilt trip: It is my intent to offer this blog free of advertising, and free of any expectation of compensation, and you should not feel any guilt at all for reading it as such. I love writing, and I love sharing my ideas. If, however, you wish to show your appreciation with a... Continue Reading →

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