This past holiday, I have been reminded, again: I am grateful to have people collect my work. I thank you, all of you, who over the years have been a part of my journey, collecting my work, learning photography, and joining these conversations. It means everything to me, truly.

It turns out that I cannot resist making pictures. It’s always been that way for me, and I feel lucky for it. I think about the next picture, what it will be, how I will print it, striving to make another good one. Who knows what that means? I look forward to each step along the way, and I'm always pleased when it works out. Plenty of the time, it does not work at all, but I still find joy in the process of making the picture.

I send out the weekly edition announcements each week because I like showing my work. For me, it feels better showing my new work in an email to folks I know rather than the vast nature of social media.

I have photographer friends who show and sell their work, and others who make work for the pleasure it brings to their lives.  All this work matters and is important; it is what art does best. Art feels good, the making, the viewing, the collecting.  There is nothing better in my mind.

Cheers to all of you.  The makers, viewers, and collectors, let’s all see if we can continue living the dream.

Be well,

Ray