pictures.

After a 21 month sabbatical, I am back making pictures most days. After we returned from Boston i started my job back in the photo department, leaving the New Media team. I loved my time in New Media. It was like going to college. I was learning everyday and working with great people. Yet, over time an emptiness in my gut grew. It was like when you travel and you miss you the ones you love. You know they are there, but it hurts to be away. And, at some point you just can’t wait to get home and see them…even though the traveling was fun. What I missed the was act and life of photography.

Two years ago i needed to stop making pictures. I’ve referred to it before — i was burnt out - the fun and enthusiasm was gone. New media was a good fit at the time. it allowed lots of computer time, lots of time away from people — unhealthy in that regard — but necessary.

Upon my return, i feel like i found the joy that was missing. i know there will be bad days ahead, but i am hopeful that i can remember how lonely i felt without photography.

I recently mounted this photograph on my wall. It is by Tom Stoddart, made in Sudan. This picture had significant impact on me when i first saw it. At the time i was in school and shooting lots of sports. I enjoyed photography and looked at it as a way to get to the sidelines of football games. It was a game to me, not a career choice. When I saw this picture, something clicked inside and i saw photography in a whole new way. I think it’s important that this photograph came back into my life again.

For the record, Tom, besides being an amazing photographer, also seems to be quite a good guy. He made this print for me, and instead of taking any money, even cover his printing costs, he asked me to donate to a local charity instead.

There are so many reasons i am happy to be on this photographic path — encountering the fine sort we have in this profession is high on my list.

This is what Tom writes on his website about his book, iWitness