I'm an amateur. Actually, if there is a descriptor below 'Amateur', it would probably still be giving me too much credit.

I have never had a lesson on the proper use of a camera in my life. Which is fine since I do not use a proper camera.

Everything I share here was taken with one of two cell phones I use.

With the exception of a few images (at the time of this writing, 3) all images are taken of scenes which actually exist. Places you go can see what is in the shot. And save those excepted images, in none of the shots have I ADDED any visual element to it. In almost every shot I have manipulated light, shadow, hue, contrast, tone, and saturation creating depth and matte to reveal in the image what I see through the lens, and many times, with the naked eye.

I do not consider myself a photographer (so any photographer reading this may now breathe easier). I do consider myself an artist. I believe what I do is art, at least by my truest definition: to reveal the Truth of a thing through recognition of it's Beauty. I do not judge all art by this standard. I try to not judge art at all. The statement is only meant to imply my intent, and reflect the motivations which manifest as the pieces here.

In the beginning there are three images: What the Naked Eye sees. What the Lens sees. And what the Camera shows.

In the end there are always two images: The Vignettes, or Little Pictures, the places the eye is drawn within the image when viewing the it in totality. And the Big Picture, which is what is seen when viewing the image in thumbnail size.

That may not make sense to you now, or ever. But if you take the time to consider my work, it should, and what you discover will hopefully be it's own reward.

Peace.

Joe