I’m always looking for new subjects and new ways to push my photography. My instinct, though, is often to say “no” when a subject doesn’t immediately interest me. I’ve learned that’s usually a mistake.
Earlier this year, I had the chance to photograph a ranch high in the hills. My first reaction was, “Ugh, horses — this is going to be a drag.” But once I got past that knee‑jerk resistance, I started treating the scene like still life. I focused on fragments: the texture of a coat, the curve of an ear, the geometry of riding gear. None of it was award‑winning, but it transformed a subject I thought would bore me into something genuinely engaging. Leaning into minimalism helped me see differently.
The same thing happened during “car week” when my neighborhood filled with vintage and high‑end machines. I’ve never been drawn to the culture around car shows, but I decided to keep an open mind and photograph two separate events. What I came back with were images that, taken individually, barely read as car‑show photos at all.
The people were fascinating — a cross‑section of enthusiasts, from retirees with meticulously restored classics to everyday folks who’ve poured every spare dollar into the car they love. Some travel from show to show, pulling thousands of Instagram followers along for the ride. Strike up a conversation and you’ll quickly learn how deep their passion runs
Then there were the still-life opportunities: colorful hood badges, reflections bending across polished metal, small details that became abstract compositions.
And finally, I got to practice my “sports” photography — panning with moving cars, keeping the subject sharp while letting the wheels and background blur into motion. I experimented with dragging the shutter and adding a flash pop at the end, though my flash didn’t have quite enough power to make a big impact.
The moral, for me, is simple: say yes. Every time I push past my initial disinterest, I end up discovering new subjects, new techniques, and new ways of seeing. Do I suddenly love car shows? Not really. But the experiences were absolutely worth it — even with a few motorheads in the mix.