Photo by Ryan Muirhead.
Hello.
So, this sounds weird. I understand that. But it’s the truth.
When people ask where my ideas come from or what I look for in a model or how I light something or anything like that… I’ve never had a good answer. It’s just something I know. Inexplicably.
When I took Ryan Muirhead on as a photo assistant years ago he would ask me specifics on retouching or equipment or lighting and he’d get a blank stare in return. I don’t think he realized that answering his questions about it would take so damn long, but finally I figured it out. It’s not about any of that. Sure, it’s necessary to know, but knowing it doesn’t let you take better photos any more than knowing how to use a spatula means you can cook a good steak.
Over the years I’ve realized how I know what I know. Fate.
Fate guides me in weird twisted ways to every person I’ve ever met that has inspired me. Like a universal muse is guiding my path to everywhere I go.
I’ve figured out how to teach it, but here’s the deal. I can’t tell you what I know, I have to show you. Samantha Law taught me that.
I can’t show everyone, there isn’t the time. But a few people around me I’ve started to show. Ryan chose me, somehow he broke through the wall I built around me to filter out the noise that fills an inbox and became my first assistant.
I see in him a potential that many of you see. He’s not there yet, which sounds almost insulting until you realize what I’m actually saying.
My compliments sound weird, even creepy at first, until I explain them. Paige Lewis taught me that.
So I explain. Ryan Muirhead is an amazing photographer, he’s brilliant. But I see well beyond what he’s currently creating and I see potential beyond my imagination. I’ve been where he is, where life feels so damn heavy that photography is an escape, instead of a purpose. When he decides it’s his purpose… watch out world. Oh, and he’s starting to realize it. His work is starting to get really kick ass…
I just got off the phone with Ryan, I told him that he’s going to be a much better photographer than me. In a very short amount of time. In a weird way I think I picked up my camera so that I could show Muirhead how to pick up his camera. How to access the genius that has been whispering inspiration to him for years, but he couldn’t hear it.
So. What is your path? What does this have to do with you? Find inspiring people in your world, listen to them, try to connect with them. Search the world to find inspiration. Mara Lafontaine taught me that.
It just so happens I know a ton of inspiring people, oh, and as fate would have it I’m inviting them all to the same party. Party on the Boulevard – we close the street down in front of my friend’s restaurants and throw a community shin dig! This Wednesday, August 24th 5PM until dark. Come and just see who you meet, if you’re into inspiration that is.
That feels good to get off my chest, but, don’t be fooled… I’m going to keep taking photos as long as I love it and Ryan Muirhead and I both are going to continue educating you about photography at www.shootforlove.com where we’ll teach you to let go of yourself, and find inspiration.
Ryan has attention to give to this craft that I don’t have… I’m so excited to see where he takes it.
I realize this sounds really gay, but sometimes you just have to be gay to be heard. My friend Steven Robertson taught me that. Am I right?