BEHIND THE LENS

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I remember the first time I witnessed magic.

 

I was in my high school darkroom with my art teacher, Dr. A. He slid a sheet of shiny, blank photo paper into a rectangular tub of liquid. The sharp, pungent odor of chemicals stung my nose, but I couldn't look away from the tub. In a few seconds, the paper came to life. Charcoal, light ash and dark ebony lines slowly swirled across the sheet, curling and darkening until the final image appeared: Five grinning boys with their arms slung around each other appeared. 

 

After witnessing the ability of a blank paper to transform into an image — a tangible story with real people and emotions — I was inspired to capture photographs with my own hands.

 

I've photographed lots of things: College students racing across a pond in cardboard boats, a bustling market in South Korea, my grandmother gardening. I'd love to tell a little piece of your story, too.