Let’s start off this blog with my thoughts on photography and food so you can see where I’m coming from.

-Photography

Growing up I was just a quiet kid who stayed inside all day. As an attempt to break my shell, my brother took me on a trip across the US, where we ate amazing food and did awesome stuff. One day we went to MOMA in New York, and there was an amazing photography exhibit by JoAnn Verburg which inspired me to look more into photography.

I use photography to help me identify myself and the world around me. I know that sounds really vague, but from the perspective of a socially awkward kid who hasn’t seen much… the world was a really scary place that I really didn’t want to be a part of. Assimilating and being “normal” was very important to me, I always felt like I stuck out like a sore thumb, and that I was an outcast.  Taking pictures of strangers has really helped me become more comfortable with myself and the world around me. One could think that doing this would attract a lot of adverse attention towards me, but it has really been the opposite. It seems like my camera has been that *extra push* into meeting a lot of wonderful people where ever I go.

I really grew to like the feeling of being in new and unfamiliar situations. Instead of thinking “Oh are they looking at me? I don’t belong here…” I’ve began to take in the area around me, and take notice of my own impressions my environment. To me, cameras make life into a constant state of wonderment.

l try to take pictures that the viewer can relate to on a very basic level. One could say that I try to capture the essence of what it is to be human, but in reality my mindset is of a child. For every event that a child might “Ooh” or “Ahh” about, I click the shutter. It’s all about the little things. The random guy walking his dog, that kid eating ice cream, the elegant flutter of a girl’s dress, all prime targets for my lens!

As far as inspiration goes, the top 2 photographers I look to are Elliot Erwitt and Henri Cartier-Bresson, since they can convey so much emotion in such a simple observation. But, I really pull inspiration from everywhere, check out my favorites on flickr, and really look out for local photography exhibits since viewing the actual large print is an experience in itself.

As far as this blog goes, I will be posting photography tutorials ranging from the basic settings to taking pictures of strangers.