So I’ve used a camera. I’ve collected the photos. I’ve made the website. What now? What’s the purpose? Who is it for? What do you want to accomplish? Where is this going? There are two things to get straight first.
One. I’ve yet to really put myself out there. I’m scared to. Social media scares me. What I care about is creating art for me, what I like, what I want to see. To be completely honest, I think I go out of my way not to be understood. I’m introverted and I like time alone. Non-the-less, I’ll give….what ever this is…. a chance. So with this new perspective, what can I offer? What will someone take away from this? There’s no narrative. The only thing I know that is right is to be real. People understand and respect real.
Two. I’ve always looked at photography as just a little fun hobby. I’ve never been good with creating a concept and THEN taking the photo. The meaning or feeling usually comes by happy accidents. I catch a glimpse of a moment and try to capture it right away. Growth has been slow and I haven’t really invested the energy because of denial. I deny that it means more to me than I really let on. The truth is, I care and I am quite attached to the photographs I’ve created.
I have two goals:
1) Be more vulnerable, honest, and open. I’ll be sharing more of my life on this platform. I’m not sure if it will be in writing or photography but I’ll start with this.
With that said here’s a photo of me folding clothes:
real.
2) Invest more in growth and improvement. There are millions of photographers. The intimidation is real. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a space for me to do my thing. I want to get better….so let’s learn to do that.
One of the first photos I’ve ever posted on tumblr:
This is my little cousin Jaqlyn when she was about 3-4. This was taken in 2011. I’ve come a long way in terms of quality.
To be continued!
Mark Salas