That Michael Jang video is staying with me. I like that what he’s saying is so basic. It has nothing to do with photographic technique; there’s no talk of composition or exposure, much less what kind of camera you use. It’s just, get yourself in the right position and the rest will follow. That is some solid advice.

I’d like to speak about the camera for a second though. I think once you get to the spot where you need to be, the camera’s only job is to get out of your way. The camera you use is important, of course, but only to the extent that you are able or unable to develop a relationship with it, so it becomes an extension of yourself.

Of course this doesn’t mean “shoot with a compact camera,” Stephen Shore is just one example of someone who developed a relationship with an unwieldy camera.

Incidentally I would say Peter Funch is someone who has developed a relationship with a piece of software. I mean this in an objective and uncritical way. That said… in my personal life I would rather be outside than inside. Just sayin!