“If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life… San Francisco is a world to explore. It is a place where the heart can go on a delightful adventure. It is a city in which the spirit can know refreshment every day.” – William Saroyan
I’m working on this post while sitting on a balcony in Hawaii, looking out over the ocean while I write. My wife is reading, my daughter is playing and I just finished a photowalk. Life is good, and it got me thinking…
In the last 12 months I have spent time in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Toronto, Amsterdam, Paris and now, Hawaii. A few of these trips have been for family vacation, but most were photography related (either teaching workshops or creating work for upcoming projects). I’ll be home for a few months now, giving me time to catch up and enjoy springtime in Vancouver and then I’ll be heading back to Paris to teach a street photography workshop in July.
I’m incredibly fortunate for this life that I lead. No, that isn’t right. I am incredibly fortunate for this life that I built. It was only a few years ago that PTSD, a gift from decades of working as a paramedic, had a hold on me. It was a turning point though, one that set me on my current path that I wouldn’t change for anything. Now my time is spent shooting, teaching, writing, working with my amazing clients, traveling and perhaps most important of all… ensuring a proper balance of work and time with my family. I know I am rambling a bit here, but I’m feeling pretty grateful right now and maybe…. just maybe… this post can serve to inspire someone else to make a change they want to make in their own life.
How does this relate to San Francisco? The photos in this four part series were made on a trip there in January, and I consider a couple of them amongst my best work. Not all of them, but one or two will go into my portfolio for sure. I was able to visit this city, and make these photos, because I changed my life. That’s a pretty cool thing.
So, here is part three in this ongoing series featuring new street work from San Francisco….
Super series Ian! “Life that you built” is so poignant and true as we are in total control of this. Would love to do some one on one wirk with you.
Bob
Great comment Bob,
We should definitely talk about the one on one sometime.
Cheers,
Ian
Your posts and pictures are so inspiring! I was in SF last January for the third time in my life and feel I need to return there again when I see your pictures. The city is sometimes only visible in the background of your work, yet your photos so strongly shout “SF!”. I really do enjoy your work Ian and hope to meet you some day on one of your workshops!
I truly love San Francisco. It is a second home to me as far as I am concerned.
And, yes! I would love to work together in a workshop sometime.
Best wishes,
Ian