Why I’m a Fundamental Photographer (And Why You Might Be Too) and the Purpose of Photography
In the photography world, there’s often an invisible line dividing two camps: the technicians and the fundamentalists.
One side obsesses over histogram curves, aperture diffraction, and the sharpest lens known to mankind. The other side—where I tend to set up camp—seeks something less measurable but, I’d argue, equally vital: emotion, atmosphere, and the story within the frame.
What Is Technical Photography?
Technical photography is what most books and classes teach first. It’s understanding how shutter speed, aperture, ISO, lighting ratios, and lens distortion all work together to produce a sharp, properly exposed, color-corrected image.
It’s using a tripod to ensure no movement, shooting during the “right” light, tweaking settings in-camera to perfection before the shutter even clicks. There’s nothing wrong with this approach. In fact, technical mastery can elevate good work into the realm of great.
Technical photography most definitely has its place. It's most often found in 'perfect' images - think, Ansel Adam's masterful imagery of Yosemite, for example. Mr. Adam's work graced gallery walls, coffee table books, and could be seen on the pages of countless magazines and publications in his day. However, times have changed, and along with them, the purpose of images have changed just the same - those images of Half Dome were prized not just for their technical ability, but for their rarity - these images were, for many, the first opportunity to lay eyes on one of the most majestic landscapes in the American west. In modern times, however, there are thousands upon thousands of still images, videos, drone footage and documentaries depicting the grandeur of Yosemite.
Fundamentals First
I’ve spent more than twenty years behind the lens, photographing everything from musicians in gritty backstage hallways to mothers in sun-drenched meadows. And over time, I realized that the images that moved me—really moved me—weren’t technically perfect.
They had motion blur. They were sometimes a little soft. The light was too harsh or too flat. But none of that mattered.
What mattered was the expression on a subject’s face, the stillness in a forgotten alley, the way a breeze turned a quiet corner of the world into something you could feel.
Photography as Observation, Not Perfection
I photograph with my gut. Always have.
To me, a great photo tour isn’t about showing up with a suitcase full of gear or setting up elaborate compositions for hours. It’s about showing up fully awake to your surroundings. About chasing the vibe, the stillness, the electricity of a place. It’s about looking—really looking—before you press the shutter.
The technical stuff? You can learn it as you go. What you can’t fake is feeling.
You Don’t Need Fancy Gear to Make Meaningful Images
If you're considering joining one of my photography trips but feel intimidated—maybe because you only shoot with your phone, or you’re still learning how to use manual mode—let me tell you something: you’re welcome here.
Some of my favorite shots were taken on “less-than-ideal” setups. I rarely use a tripod unless absolutely necessary. I move fast, follow the energy, and try not to let gear get between me and the world I’m seeing.
In fact, sometimes, the more gear I have, the more I miss what's unfolding.
The Personality of Place
Travel photography isn’t about postcards. It’s about presence.
It’s about capturing the way incense curls in a quiet market stall. The glint of silver bangles on a street vendor’s arm. The moment someone laughs at your terrible Spanish and you both know you've made a friend.
None of that comes from a sharper sensor. It comes from being there, paying attention, and clicking the shutter with intention.
A Place for Everyone
Whether you're a long-time DSLR shooter or just exploring photography with a lightweight mirrorless camera or your phone, my travel photography tours are designed for people who want to connect. With the place, the people, and with their own creative instincts.
We won’t be stacking filters or calculating hyperfocal distances (unless you’re into that, in which case: go for it). But we will be walking slowly through golden light. We’ll pause when a shadow catches our eye. We’ll shoot street food vendors, remote temples, music in the town square. And we’ll talk about why we’re drawn to certain scenes—and how to chase more of them.
Ready to Explore Differently?
If you're looking to deepen your relationship with photography—not by buying more gear, but by seeing more deeply—I’d love to have you along.
Join one of my small-group photo tours and let’s explore the world through curiosity, story, and the fundamentals that never go out of style.
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