On March 2nd I participated in a panel discussion for photography students at Bucks County Community College as part of activities related to Monalog’s show. There was a good crowd on hand and it was a lot of fun. I spoke, as I’ve written here, about how important the “journey” has been for me when making photographs … the experience itself, the people I meet and the relationships I develop.
Perhaps the most important moment for me was when fellow Monalog member Gary Samson talked about his many years in photography. He spoke about the many photographs he’s made during his long and esteemed career that in a way have served as a diary to his own life. When he looks back at his body of work it tells him a lot about himself. Similarly, when he photographs, he also learns much about himself, just as he does about his subjects and the environments in which they live.
Gary is absolutely right and yet I had never thought about this important point. But the more I thought about it the more I realized this concept went hand in hand with the importance of the “journey”!
The journey, the making of meaningful photographs. and learning about myself as a result … damn!
Think about this. Let your photographic life enrich the rest of your life. Trust me … it will be worth it!
Stay safe,
Michael