I don’t count countries. Never have, never will. What’s the point? I get around, I guess, at least compared to some, but not others. It matters not. I’m not here to show off. I was never competitive, at least not overly that way. I like to return to the same places again and again. I’ve never felt there is any other way to get to know a people or place truly. This isn’t for everyone. Many photographers want to come once, make a few pictures, add the country to their list, and then move on to the next. A visual locust, if you will. To each their own. I get it. New places are alluring, but imagine if you spent enough time to learn the language and build local connections and relationships. That’s how you build depth and stories.
I’m about to return to Albania for the third time.
I’m a long, long way from understanding the people or the place, but I do feel like I’m getting closer. When I’m teaching, I’m not focused on my own work, but I do make a picture here and there. (This multiexposure is a good example.) This is the trade-off for teaching instead of traveling to do stories, but I’m more than happy to make this trade-off because I love watching other people work and improve more than making my own pictures. I do have ideas and plans for 2027 that will involve me being a photographer, just like the old days, but I can’t see doing this full-time. Just maybe a project or two each year.
So far, in 2027, I have six international trips planned. No new countries. I’m a long, long way from understanding any of these places, even after returning more than once. But I know, eventually, that is how I WOULD get to know these places. When I pull images from Peru, Albania, Japan, and Mexico, places I’ve been to multiple times, I have more to pull from. My outtakes suddenly become more important. I begin to see stories being framed. This I find exciting. Will I explore new places? You bet, but I’m also going to double down on where I live: New Mexico. Even after twenty-five years, I’m still new to the place, and haven’t come close to understanding the nuances of this fantastical land.
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I was reflecting on your infatuation with the Zento, and couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. I’ve used Zento, but, I will say that after months of my personal dalliance with it have returned to a far superior writing experience: the Faber Castell Poly-Ball XB. When you get across the pond, they are everywhere for a few Euro. They can be found online in the States. It’s a standard looking Parker/International refill, but it just flows on the page.There’s something very satisfying about it, and eventually your gonna get a messy Zento that looks like a cheap Sharpie…