Marc Riboud passed away at the age of 93. He was a member of Magnum, and a hugely talented photographer. While doing some reading on Mr. Riboud, I came across this quote from him:

 

“This is what I do. I walk with a small camera. I keep looking – looking at and scrutinizing the things around me. I wander around a city, or a place. I notice, and sometimes photograph, apparently insignificant details. It fascinates me – it’s an obsession – but I don’t end up with a story. I am a collector of instants and details.”

I need to add another quote from the America author & photographer Eudora Welty: "A good snapshot keeps a moment from running away."

 

I've realized that his quote summarizes my life-long approach to making photographs. If only I had read this in my 20's...

 

I like visual humor, odd juxtapositions, graphic patterns. People just going about their business. Dogs. The happiness of a child. Light & shadow. Just weird things. Things that connect us across cultures. Most of all, I like people. Well, most people.

 

When I make a photograph, I’m scratching a ‘visual itch.’ Many of my shots never see the light of day, but that’s better than not making the photograph and then regretting it.

 

After I process my film, I let the negatives incubate for a period of time. I don't look at them. If I rush into the darkroom and immediately print the negatives that shout out, then I miss the quiet ones. After 53 years of pushing film through cameras, I’ve learned more often than not that it’s the quiet image that has the most potential.

 

I have reduced my kit to the minimum I need to make my type of photographs. I'm envious of artists who carry a sketchbook & pencil and draw their world. I'm trying to duplicate that approach w/one camera & lens. Rely on your eye, your imagination and wear good walking shoes. I use Leica cameras (and their bastard half-brothers: CL & CLE) for a couple of reasons: quiet & almost invisible. The Leica gives me access to quiet moments. They aren't jewelry around my neck, they're my tools. You can work with cheap tools or good tools. Good tools last, Cheap tools frustrate. My M2 is 60 years old. I'm older, but the cameras & I are functioning reasonably well.

 

I use one film, one film developer and one type of enlarging paper. With 400 speed film in the camera, I can reasonably predict what the negative will look like in most situations.

 

My kit's simple, but from the beginning of my adventure in photography, I decided to set the bar high and work to professional standards. I wouldn't allow myself to be content with 'almost good' or 'good enough.' I like being an amateur, but I don't take an amateur's approach to my process. I'm damn serious about my photography.

 

I scan selected negatives into Photoshop Elements. I limit my use of Photoshop to the same techniques I use in my darkroom. Then the negs are uploaded & you lucky folks get to see them.

 

At 73, I've entered that period of life where society has granted me invisibility. I don’t mind this; it has allowed me to make some great pics.

 

Being 73 also means that there is little time to make major changes in my photography. The die is cast, so to speak.

 

I photograph to please myself. There are only two people whose comments and criticisms matter to me: my wife and our daughter. If someone likes my work, I’m pleased. If not, I don’t lose sleep over it.

 

My work is copyrighted, and to use it, you need my permission. I try and limit my work to about +/- 150 images. It won’t take you that long to look through my pics. I add and delete on a regular basis.

 

I follow a small number of people. Of that small number, there are just a few I communicate with. You know who you are. You’re the people I would like to sit and have a coffee or beer with. I hope you feel the same about me.

 

I’m married to a wonderful woman who is the love of my life. We have a daughter who is a very talented illustrator/artist/university prof. My personal life is good.

 

I once again fear our democracy is going to be on life support. We are entering a period in America that will see right wing fanatics pursuing a narrative of hate and revenge against everyone that does not agree with them. I don't know if our country's democratic ideals will survive.