I have had my Canon AE-1 since 1989 and it is a dear friend. I have tried different cameras over the years and have come to realize that my relationship with my Canon is quite symbiotic and truly informs my photographs. The images that unfold feel intimate to me…each one a relationship. They seem to have their own secret life that breathes and they give me permission to witness and share in that moment. My photography is mainly black and white because of the way light, texture, and shadow move me.  I see and feel differently. And the quality of light, the breath, will guide whether or not I actually engage the shutter.

The relationship to a photograph, an image or perceived story, has a vibrancy for me and I find the exchange deeply inspiring.
I am most often attracted to weathered objects and whenever possible, will spend time sitting with them and being in space with them. I have never moved or positioned anything in my photos. I honor them wherever they sit or lie. Over the years I have certainly felt like I wanted to move something because I wasn’t quite ‘getting’ the shot……but it really does change the relationship for me and I am not as interested in that.

It’s different with people and street photography. I don’t always feel I want to juxtapose myself into the intimacy of a moment with my camera (and maybe that would change if I had a rangefinder camera). Often times there is a photograph I am drawn to….and depending on the circumstances and sensitivity to the intimacy…..I simply leave it to my memory. The few images I have with people, I deeply appreciate as I feel they are ‘gifts’ that I don’t take for granted. And usually it means I also had time to sit with the person and get to know them a bit. This too is a gift.

Whether it’s an object I don’t want to reposition or a person I can’t bring myself to interrupt…..I have realized that even if I don’t ‘take’ the picture…..I have seen it…. and it has already affected me.
In that way I am always creating photos……these moments that continue to breathe within me.

Thanks for taking time to hang out with any of these old friends. Feel free to be in touch or let me know if you are interested in finding out more about a photo. You can reach me at Socatcpt -at- Gmail -dot- com.