Tactful Memories

Tactful Memories, originally uploaded by stussyjoker.

So, I'm sitting here at work, bored out of my mind, so I thought, "Hey I'll blog!" So I thought I'd post one of my favorite shots that I have ever taken. This shot is a 4x exposed frame of 120mm shot with a Holga CFN with black & white process. This shot really embodies my photography style and philosophy. Sure, portraits and landscapes are fun to shoot, but the absolute essence of photography for me is about capturing memories. As I am writing this, I have decided to pose my letter to photography, because it really says everything that I would say about this image. So, with limited commercial breaks, I give you My Letter to Photography:


Dear Photography,

As I stare at this screen, I am beginning to comprehend just what you have done to me. You are a friend, a confidant, and a contemporary. I am envious at your strength. You have delivered me through the most difficult of times without question. And yet you have helped me to remember some of the most joyful times. The combination of my imagination and vision with your precision and flexibility has literally created moments of history to be shared with all who care to see. Such moments are not merely subjected to the frozen confines of a pose or a portrait, but can write a memory of activity to a single frame. And while you are a kind, understanding mate, you are also a cold, unforgiving foe whose insatiable appetite for emotion destroys many. Your vast knowledge and infinite vision can intimidate. What is there that you have not witnessed? You have captured moments of hope, dismay, courage, revenge, justice, violence, love, and pain as painfully blunt as you want. And yet you stay unwavering in your impartiality. For these reasons, many fear you; reject you. I, however, accept you for this. Like a delusional genius, you should not be scoffed at and dismissed, but accepted into the fold for the visionary you truly are. For but are we not all somewhat of a delusion? Whether it has been merely a hapless tryst or a permanent bond, you have been there for everyone and everything. Mexico City in ’68, Kent St. in ’70, Tiananmen Square in ’89 and New York in ’01, you have captured life-altering images. For these examples alone cannot convey your prowess. These are but four moments in history out of the millions upon millions to reflect upon. These moments are not only to reflect on by an audience, but they are pieces of each one of us. Pieces, for better or for worse, recorded for the posterity of tomorrow. And because of these opportunities to partake in the record of society, I embrace you. I love you. I hate you. I use you selfishly to help me through tears. Moreover, I use you to selflessly remember the joys of others. You are a doorway of creativity yearning to be opened, hoping to be locked behind those who enter. I am proud to tell you that I have thrown away the key. Thus, it is just you and I alone in the room of time. We better get to work.

Sincerely yours,