THE JOURNEY’S REWARD
PART THREE
WHAT PHOTOGRAPHY HAS GIVEN ME
From the very beginning of my photographic journey, traveling has inspired me to innovate and explore my art. Whenever I’m surrounded by new places, people and sights, it’s easy to tap into that wonder and try something fresh.
It’s a little trickier to find that same energy at home. It doesn't matter where on Earth you live - your own backyard will always be the hardest place to shoot. Living on the beautiful island of Maui has been no exception.
There are many days that I struggle to get creative. That’s why the lessons I learned from Scripps Pier so many years ago are still so valuable to me now. I am constantly reminding myself to be present with a place and look within myself to keep my work from getting stale.
WORKSHOPS AND TEACHING
In recent years these ideas have been on my mind a lot. I’ve had to learn how to articulate them to budding photographers as part of my mentoring workshops.
I always thought that I might teach photography someday, but I didn’t rush into it. I wanted to be sure I had real insights to give before I started hosting workshops. Any photography book can teach a person how to find the right aperture. But what they don’t often explain is the personal journey you need to embark on if you want to create art.
My lessons mix philosophy with technical skills. The photographers I mentor learn that the best photography comes from an appreciation of the subject and that depth is something they need to find in themselves first.
Communicating this, I’ve learned those lessons all over again and it has helped me grow as a photographer alongside my mentees. I am very appreciative of the relationships I’ve built through these workshops and proud to see some of my clients go on to do great things in the world of photography.
GOLDEN CONNECTIONS
One day, Rebecca asked me over breakfast who in the world I would most want to sell a piece of art to. I thought for a while and said it was a toss up between Oprah and Steph Curry from the Golden State Warriors.
That evening I was lingering in my exhibit a little later than usual when who walked through the door but Steph Curry, himself!
I was stunned. He and I walked through the exhibit together and I spoke about the work. I had a feeling he would connect with a black and white photograph of the Bay Bridge because of his ties to The Bay, so I pulled out my portfolio to show him.
Sure enough, his eyes lit up when he saw it.
“That’s the one!” He exclaimed.
He and his wife purchased a large piece of this photograph for his game room, and when they left I took a moment to process what had just happened. I felt like I was in some dream world.
I texted Rebecca and said, “YOU’LL NEVER BELIEVE WHO I JUST SOLD A PIECE TO!!!”
It only took her two guesses.
THE GREATEST REWARD
I’ve sent many more excited texts like that over the course of my career. I have been honored and humbled to receive more than 50 international awards for my photography and to watch several of my workshop clients win awards as well.
Another dream-like experience was the day my photograph, UP!, was purchased by the State of Hawaii -- making it my first museum piece.
But the best feelings always come when I watch a person really connect with one of my photos and take it home to enjoy for years to come. Those moments are the culmination of my greatest passions, and why I started my journey so many years ago.
There is power in photography that is easy to see but hard to develop. I never wanted to just create pretty photos. I wanted to move people with my images.
It took me many years to find the keys to evocative imagery and there is still a lifetime of growth ahead of me. But when one of my photographs transports its viewer to another time, place or emotion, those moments are like a drink of water on an epic climb. They are the fuel for my art, my passions and my own evolution.
Photography has given me so much over the years, and it’s always my goal to honor her in the way that I work and the images I produce.
