why i do it

One of my new pool images made earlier this month

If you saw my recent exhibition (or read the catalogue), you are already familiar with the "ode to photography" I wrote. If not, I hope you enjoy it now.

I was extremely flattered recently when Reid Callanan (director of the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops) asked my permission to share it with incoming students at each of the Sunday night welcome dinners preceding the week-long workshops this summer.

It's really nice to get that kind of validation from someone I have long respected.

Here it is:

Sometimes I take pictures to get a closer look.

Sometimes I take pictures to prove that something happened.

Sometimes I take pictures so I can remember how I felt.

Sometimes I take pictures so I can hide behind the camera.


Sometimes I take pictures because things seem confusing.


Sometimes I take pictures to introduce people to one another.


Sometimes I take pictures to make sure someone doesn’t disappear.


Sometimes I take pictures because it feels good to be alive.

Sometimes I take pictures because the sadness is unspeakable.

Sometimes I take pictures to change someone’s mind.


Sometimes I take pictures because there is nothing left to say.


Sometimes I take pictures so I know which way to go.


Sometimes I take pictures because things will never be the same.


Sometimes I take pictures so I can see things in a new way.


Sometimes I take pictures to give someone else a voice.


Sometimes I take pictures because the "ordinary" is so much more.

Sometimes I take pictures to leave reminders that I was here.

I take pictures because I have to.
And because there are very few things I’d rather be doing.