First Forays

"Untitled" Mission Beach, CA, ca. 1998
-Ernest J. Zarate

Photography has been a part of me, in varying degrees, for most of my life. As far back as I can remember, my dad has shot, and passionately. I've owned a couple older Nikon F-series 35mm SLRs (which ones, exactly, I couldn't tell you even with a gun to my head), but I was never all that serious about it. A few years ago, I purchased a D80, which lead to the current D700, and a number of lenses, and have really given myself over to the art.



Photography's become a minor (or not so) obsession of mine since then, and (read: ALMOST) every day has helped stoke this fire that's come up within me. I've been searching for what my 'style' is, what subjects I enjoy shooting, etc. for some time now, and it's been frustrating, as I've always felt that there is something more out there that I'm just not seeing. It's been so bad, on occasion, that I've even felt that there was nothing left for me in photography. Then, a revelation.

I've been reading a lot on street photography recently. It's something that has been with me, off and on (as with photography), for my entire life. I can remember back in the day, out with my dad, his retired US Navy gas mask bag full of film, and his Mamiya 6, on road trips along the coastal towns and cities of California, patiently waiting as he shot. And shot. And shot. (Remember the impatience of being a kid? I'd forgotten until just now.) It was always "Shoot 'em as they are." Never any set-ups, studios, or anything other than available light. Pure 'capturing the moment.' I still consider street photography to be the 'purest' form of the art, not to discredit photogs who shoot otherwise (I know I have, and probably still will from time to time).

The problem with street shooting which I've discovered since delving into photography is the intimidation factor. I think one of the things I was trying to do when I picked up photography, though I may not have known it at the time, was to become a "photographer removed." I'm behind the lens, you're in front of it, and you're the one who will be immortalized in this image. I'm just a casual observer, there to document what's going on. That's fine for someone pursuing photography for the memories ("I was there! SEE?!?"), but for someone who is trying to convey a feeling, a story, a sense of place, that approach stops working rather quickly, and they're left with a "what the hell do I do now?!?"

I was left there, spinning listlessly, unable to determine what'd happened, and what to do next. So, I turned to others for inspiration, and in doing so, rediscovered street photography. It's still intimidating to go out and shoot people living their lives, interacting with each other and the world around them, but it's much easier than it would seem. Once you learn to let go of yourself, and truly delve into the here and now, the moment, the scene at hand (or eye, I guess), then the opportunities present themselves time and again, and you have a sudden plethora of interesting, funny, sad, 'other-human-emotion-inserted-here' sights to enjoy, and maybe capture as you experience the new world suddenly open to you.

So, here it is. Photos of mine, my favorites and best, for you to enjoy. Thoughts I feel the need to share. Sites pertaining to issues which hold massive import to me. I hope you enjoy it all, and please, feel free to leave me comments, suggestions, what have you.