Why you became a photographer

I was recently asked about how I become a photographer, and as I got to thinking about this question the more I realized that the question of why was more important than how. The how implies a process or procedure to become something. The why ask a more foundational question about our work as an artist. The why requires that we peel back the onion layers for a deeper connection to reasons we act the way we do.

For me, that answer lies in understanding my need for a creative outlet and way of expressing myself. I was born with dysgraphia and a mild form of dyslexia which has made writing challenging. The camera gave me an outlet. As I attempted other art forms, I wasn’t what academia considered a good student, so I returned to the camera. In the mixup that was my creativity, the camera became the greatest outlet for my storytelling.

Why are you still a photographer

As I thought about why I am still a photographer, I realized that I have a deep love of photography. Even on the days when I don’t have a camera, I spend time in photography. From books to museums to galleries, I love looking at images. I also have realized how much I love to watch and see the light. From the single dapple of light on a forest floor to the look of light on someone’s face as we pass on the street. There is something amazing about how light can tell the stories of our life. It is with a camera that I can find those nouns and verbs to tell my stories.

This weeks’ podcast falls on MLK Day in the US. In celebration of the amazing life and dedication of Marth Luther King, his family and all those who fought for equality in that past, present and future. Thanks, and here is one of my favorite Martin Luther King Quotes.

“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles;

Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances.

Courage breeds creativity; Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it.

Cowardice asks the question, is it safe?

Expediency ask the question, is it politic?

Vanity asks the question, is it popular?

But conscience ask the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”

― Martin Luther King Jr.