028/365

November 6, 2023
Lakewood Ranch, Florida

I occasionally stop by the blog(s) of Craig Mod. I found him years ago when looking at the Leica Q. At the time, I was a newly appointed father looking for an all-around camera. Little did I know what the Q would bring some years later! However, he spoke highly of one photographer’s work in one of his posts. That photographer was Alec Soth, and he went so far as to recommend a video series on Magnum’s Photography site called “Photographic Storytelling.” I recently went ahead and purchased his course.

I appreciate the authenticity and vulnerability of what drives the artist and moves their creative spark. It’s like some artists know what aligns (with their soul?), and they pursue it relentlessly. They see everything differently. This is far and away different from what you’ll see in today’s mainstream promotion. I hope my sights remain on the former and never (re)succumb to fad or replication. 

“I have an internal life that I seek to represent in the external world.” -Alec Soth

The first thing I noticed about Alec is how he uses his hands. Unlike many people during interviews who often show firm body language, Alec’s hands bring his words to life. It’s as if he’s painting a picture with his imagination, inviting us into his world. You feel the “intensity of the encounter” as he reveals what defines his pursuit. 

I look forward to gaining more insights from his lessons.