There’s an old saying that "the only constant in life is change".
That’s certainly true in art.
Whether you’re purposely trying to reinvent yourself or simply following your curiosity to see where it leads, I think there’s something important about continuing to move. Keep trying new things. Learn new techniques and skills. Explore new places. Experiment. Follow an idea even when you’re not quite sure where it’s going.
I struggled with this creatively for years before FotoMunki.
Wedding and family portrait photography had been a big part of my life, and I genuinely loved working with couples and families. But over time, parts of the process began to feel increasingly formulaic. There was a familiar rhythm to a wedding day: introductions, getting-ready photographs, portraits of the bride and groom, family pictures, ceremony, reception, and finally the delivery of the finished images. Every wedding was different, of course, but the basic structure was usually the same.
What I eventually realized was that the photographs I enjoyed making most were the ones that weren’t on the shot list.
They were the candid moments. A look between the bride and groom. A parent reacting from across the room. Something funny happening on the edge of the dance floor. I loved seeing a story begin to unfold, anticipating what might happen next, and moving myself into the right position to capture it.
Without realizing it at first, that was pointing me toward something new.
I began exploring street photography, where I found that same excitement amplified. There was no schedule, no shot list, and no guarantee that anything interesting would happen at all. I had to watch, anticipate, change my position, and wait for the pieces to come together. The unpredictability that was missing from some of my professional photography was exactly what made street photography so exciting.
From there, one thing led to another. I began experimenting more with travel, black-and-white and fine art photography. I started entering international competitions and eventually exhibiting my work. None of this was part of some carefully constructed plan. I was simply following what interested me and seeing where it went.
And, somewhat parenthetically, motorcycling gave me both the literal and figurative drive to keep moving. Suddenly, exploring the Bay Area for new photographs, landscapes, back roads and destinations became part of the creative experience itself. Sometimes the ride leads to a photograph. Sometimes it doesn’t. Either way, I’m exploring.
Maybe that’s really the point.
You don’t have to abandon what you’ve done before, and you certainly don’t need to reinvent yourself every few years just for the sake of change. But when something starts feeling too comfortable, too predictable or too formulaic, maybe it’s worth paying attention.
Follow whatever sparks your curiosity next.
Photography, painting, motorcycling, boating, hiking, travel—or something you haven’t discovered yet.
Life keeps moving. Art keeps moving.
So should you.
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