An Objective Observer

I think a lot people who are looking to get into photography are really concerned about the technical specifications of different cameras; which camera shoots more frames a second or which one has a higher pixel count, but I think those are the wrong questions. To me, the main question is what kind of camera is small enough that I’ll want to take it with me on my adventures, but good enough to express what I’m seeing in an adequate way. Maybe that’s more about the style of photography that’s being pursued.

I very much love trying to be an objective observer, documenting the realities around me, so for me, accessibility is key. There in no sense in bringing any camera if it’s just going to stay in my backpack. Having it in it’s own pouch, or in my chest pocket increases the chance of pulling the camera out in time to document a moment that will only happen once. This is something that I’ve known for a long time, but have only recently put into practice. It’s definitely been a learning experience, and I’m excited to see what comes out of it.

Respect for the Intensity

Yuma, Arizona - I spent some time earlier this year filming Marines for a documentary set to be released in a few years. It was, hands down, the most intense shoot I have ever been involved in. I’ve spent some time dangling on ropes thousands of feet up, but in those situations, I’m in control for the most part. However on this shoot, between standing on the edge of a C-130 filming aerial refueling, to flying around in a Huey watching my Combat Camera counterpart throw up the entire length of the helicopter ride while simultaneously trying to film 70mm rockets and .50 caliber machine guns annihilating targets, I felt very much out of control. Even so, it proved to be a difficult, yet extremely rewarding project.

Not only did I get to test the physical limitations of my stomach and the equipment I used, but I gained a new respect for the intensity of the training that most Marines are put through. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience that i’d like to experience more than once in my lifetime.