Every artist seeks to convey something in their art. It can be very personal or emotional. The image can make a statement about their philosophy or values. But whatever an artist photographs or paints, somewhere in the final image is their intention; what they are trying to say.

I was recently asked to write a few words about my intention when I photograph so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on the subject. 

At first, I wasn't really sure about what my intention was. I saw something that I connected with in some unspoken way and wanted to photograph it so others could possibly enjoy what I saw. So it made me think; just what was it that I saw that drew me in?

Where to start. I began examining the images I had taken over the past few years looking for some common thread. It seemed most of the images were soft, that is not sharp. Some captured motion; others had a softer focus by using a diffusion material or filter. Still, others employed the use of the elements: fog, rain while soft, muted colors graced other images.

I began to think about why these types of images spoke so strongly to me. What was in that softness? Each type of image held a different emotional connection.

The images where motion was slightly blurred spoke to my sense of wanting to be unencumbered, free. There is such a desire in each of us to be freed from what ever weighs us down. Capturing the sweet flow of a curtain in a summer breeze conjures up memories of my younger days, much of it spent carefree at the beach. And who doesn't want to be carefree?

Those images diffused brought a different set of emotions to the table, more of an evocative feeling. Instead of seeing every detail, lines were slightly softened to render nostalgia, a longing; maybe for something in the past or something unrequited. I think we can all relate to longing in some way.

Soft muted colors in my images remind me of gentleness, tenderness. They don't shout, aren't loud. They announce their presence in an unassuming manner. In addition, they speak to life's sensitive side, a side of which I'd like more. 

My images may engage one, two, or different combinations of these elements. To sum it up, I think that I, like many people, long for another world. A world not filled with anger, greed, selfishness, hatred, violence, etc. but one we all ascribe to deep within our souls. One without the harsh entanglements this world has to offer. 

I believe that world exists and quietly shows some of itself everyday. It could be that my intention is to also express it in my images but in a very small part of that world.