I cannot begin to explain why being creative is just an important part of my life. I am "handcuffed" in my cubicle all day at work, being very analytical using pricing formula and other forms of math. There is not much room for creativity. Do not get me wrong, I really enjoy my job, I like most of my customers and the people I work with. I just need to express myself in different ways.
I am kind of a private person and I tend keep to myself. I am more comfortable sharing my art than my feelings which is kind of funny because that is my art is pretty personal. My photographs tell more about me than words could ever do. I always have a weird twist to my work that lets the viewer ponder what is there. It is rare that my photos will ever follow the rules of thirds, be perfectly composed and flat. But at the same time one of my favorite images titled "The Lake" breaks all of my rules. But at the same time it makes the viewer ponder about their existence. (That is my goal in my art)
I sometimes tend to become lost in my perception of light and shadows. It allows me to constantly visualize different angles and perspectives of spaces and even people around me. That adds to my introvert personality. I also have a dry wit sense of humor that catches most people off guard. I would have to say my favorite one liner is that "He was madder than a midget with a yo-yo." (This is more proof that I am a visual/artistic person)
I am also drawn to morbid type of imagery. Take the image above. And Yes I actually do keep the Grim Reaper on my monitor to remind me that death is just around the corner and you need to live as if each day is your last.
I almost always shoot "wide open", I love the narrow depth of field that it gives. I feel that it gives my viewer a sense of place when looking at the image. Look at the tequila bottle, it was shot with what you might consider tequila glasses. (Not to be confused with beer glasses.) When I look at this image, I feel like I have a shot or 2 of tequila.
I also try not to copy other peoples work. When I do, I always put my own personal twist on it. The above image that I took reminds of Eggleston's 'classic' color image. But as you can see I put a whole new twist on it by shooting it in black and white, used a Dutch tilt and I shot it vertically in stead of horizontally. Do not get me wrong, I love the original image but if we all shot the same image as everyone else, we will lose our individuality. Unless we become unique as photographer or as individuals, we will become just like those mindless drones that were marching in the classic commercial that Chiat/Day had produced for Apple for the 1984 Super Bowl
I hope that I did not scare you too much.
If you want to see more of Eggleson's work, please check out Artsy's official Eggleston page