Dear friend,

I talk a lot about how to make more photos and art. But a philosophical question: why make more photos?

First of all, make photos for yourself, because it allows you to live happier, with more joy, excitement, and epicness! Treat your own life like an epic (adventures of Gilgamesh, The Iliad, the Odyssey).

Secondly, your photos have the opportunity to inspire, motivate and uplift the souls of others. My personal philosophy is this: If my 1 photo can inspire, motivate, or uplift the heart of 1 other human being on planet Earth, it is worth sharing!

Third, your photography has the opportunity to change the world for the better. For example, photojournalists uncover injustice all the time through their photos, and often put their life on the line. Art photographers create artwork photos that inspire others, and evoke a sense of awe and beauty in the spectator. Us street photographers have the power to help others better appreciate the joy of everyday life, and for us to be more confident and brave with interacting with strangers and others.

Fourth, I think once you have all your basic human needs met (don’t starve to death, don’t die of thirst, don’t die of the cold), the ultimate form of using human time, energy, power, resources, and metabolism is to make art! And yes, photographs are art.