Everyone gets thrown into the (editing) pool. Some receive very little attention, some receive a bit more, and some are discarded. It happens. Most become what they were intended to be, a photograph. However, there are times when a photograph also serves as a foundation for something more. 

       An example of this is the photograph Steel Wheels, the interior of a train car at the Wheels O’ Time Museum in Dunlap, IL. Thanks to the volunteers at Wheels the car is a well-preserved bit of history; handsome, dusty, well-worn, and nicely tended to. I wanted to take it back to its beautiful beginning. I am respectful and attempt to maintain the integrity of the photograph.

       Steel Wheels was created over several evenings: a little here, a little there, tedious, meticulous, but driven work. I’m proud of Steel Wheels. It’s an example of where I can go as a designer constructing the photograph, and as a photographer. 

      I’m not a purist. Although I've studied design, and the craft honed over some 30+ years, decisions are often intuitive. My photographs are a little rough-around-the-edges. That is intentional. In this time of extreme high definition, my first inclination is to rough things up a little. I appreciate the grittiness and imperfection. 

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