Galleries

2002 — AGE 18

I acknowledge the many deficiencies of these early images. Some of those shown are among the first hundred (or even ten) that I shot. Arguably, it would be more pleasing for the viewer to begin at the latest work. But the point of my project is to follow development in taste and skill, and my moves during this time. 

California Dorm, CCBC

This was one of the first images I ever made on a digital camera, or any camera for that matter. There is nothing particularly striking about the corner of this building, I know, yet I vividly recall the feeling which struck me upon seeing, as if for the first time, these colors, shadows, and lines.

There is a straightforward magic to photography, unlike any other artform, in that somehow, simply drawing a box around something perfectly ordinary can reveal its beauty. Simply by excluding most of the scene, the novice can craft a satisfying image. From here, at this level of nearly accidental artistry, we are able to develop our aesthetic in ever-more intentional directions. Still, we should learn the lesson.

Often, artistic inspiration does not come from widening our vista, as we might expect, but in limiting our scope to behold the ever present grandeur of this world. The medium of photography is particularly suited to this end.

For the time, this degree of resolution in a macro image astounded me. Rather than drawing my attention to the technology, I found myself transported to a fresh appreciation of natural wonders.

Oceanside, CA

I remain impressed at the native ability of the CCD sensor in the Sony F-717 camera to render well-exposed and dynamic scenes. What the camera lacked in resolution, it accounted for in pleasing rendition.

Above Right: One of my first attempts at an environmental portrait, with my childhood friend, Lacey.

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