My Letter to Photography

So I was recently asked why I loved photography. While I could have given some type of answer, I felt it would just be easier to post my letter to photography here. Hope you enjoy it -

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,