At times, my path through the world of photography has felt less like a straight road and more like a roller coaster, complete with unexpected twists and exhilarating highs. Now, at 55, I’ve come to a place of acceptance about my relationship with photography—a realization that fame and financial success may not be the destination of my journey. Yet, this realization brings me back to the core question: Why do I continue to pursue photography?
The answer is both simple and complex, the latter much like life itself. I do know that when all is said and done, I photograph because it's an essential part of who I am and who I strive to be. My obsession isn't just with capturing images but with the act of freezing a moment in time, allowing me to discover and study the details of lived experiences. Photographs serve as a testament to the limits of our memory, reminding us that our recollections are but shallow imprints of reality. Yet, they also seem to celebrate the human capacity to focus on what truly matters to us, filtering the world through our unique perspectives.
This journey hasn't been without its missteps and detours, particularly when it came to navigating the expectations of others. Early on, I found myself obsessing over the 'right' way to approach photography—what gear to use, which settings to choose, and whether my work would earn the approval of those I admired. This concern for external validation led me to abandon certain techniques and styles, fearing they might be seen as gimmicky or out of touch.
But with time, I've learned that photography, like any form of art, is deeply personal. It's a medium through which we express our individuality and view of the world. The true value of photography lies not in its ability to garner fame or fortune but in its power to capture the essence of a moment, to tell a story, to evoke emotion, and to connect us to the broader tapestry of human experience.
In my photographic journey, I've always sought connection over competition—yearning to engage with others who share a pure joy and passion for the art of capturing images. My path has been shaped by humility and a desire to learn, free from the ego that often gates knowledge and growth.
Yet, amidst this journey, I frequently grapple with self-doubt. At times, comparing my work to others, I wonder if I'm just fooling myself into believing I'm creating anything of value. But then I ask myself, does it truly matter? Perhaps this journey is less about the outcome and more about the connections I forge with the world and the people who inhabit my photographs. These interactions and captured moments help me understand the world and my place within it.
I often reflect on Vivian Maier, a talented yet reclusive photographer. Did she withhold her work due to a perceived lack of social capital, or because she doubted her own talent? Maybe, like me, she found fulfillment simply in the act of photography—the joy of capturing a fleeting moment in time.
This introspection brings me back to why I began photographing in the first place: to capture the minutiae of life, to hold onto fleeting moments, and to understand the world more deeply. It's a continuous journey of connection, reflection, and self-discovery—a quest not for validation, but for the intrinsic joy found in the art of photography itself.
Below I leave you with some images I captured during a weekend stay in the Mazahua region in the State of Mexico, Mexico.
