Art is more than person, place or thing. It is a triggering mechanism for introspection. The subject shown is not what the image is about. Art takes the subject and twists it into new meaning. The things shown, their relationships, the way they interact with the light, produce a new concept to ponder.

While it is a great thing to have access to the abundance of imagery that exists on the internet, the actual experience of any piece of art is minimal at best.

Quotations about photography. “Being a photographer is … them to look at.” – Ruth Orkin, August Sander, Robert Adams

“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like…”

Oscar was the first to open my eyes to photography, the related arts and to many great photographers. He also promoted the idea of play…

  “It fascinates me that there is a variety of feeling about what I do. I’m not a premeditative photographer. I see a picture and I make it. If I…

Rochester was the center of the photographic universe.

The inspiration handed to you in a gallery or a book or on the Internet should be one that elevates you as an artist. It should pull you to wanting to make your work as powerful as what you are looking at. It is not about hype or being cool or making stuff up. It is about revealing truths.

“…the eye and the camera see more than the mind knows.” – Nathan Lyons

Here are a few quotes by some of the greatest image-maker’s and an essayist, as well as a few images, which I think help to illustrate what is stated.