Why I do what I do.

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

As a photographer, I have a superpower:  I can freeze time.  Having that ability is one thing; to use it with a meaningful purpose is yet another. 

In my work, I focus on capturing the soul of the moment, whether my subjects are people, animals, objects, or landscapes. We can all take a picture with a cell phone, but my goal is to find that sweet spot of light and composition to create a time capsule that reflects the essence of my subjects at that particular moment in time.

I believe those who see my photographs will be able to feel the emotions of that moment and get a sense of the time and place. Pictures can convey so much more than just color and shape. They can convey a story, and I’d like to convey your story.

So why do I hike?  I have always loved nature from my childhood.  Growing up with allergies and asthma my ‘outside’ time was limited, especially in the Spring, Summer, and early Fall.  Maybe that is part of the reason I love winter so much.  Now through the process of eating local honey daily, I believe my allergies are less severe.  I guess the main reason I love hiking is for pure peace that nature provides.  Working 8+ hours a day during the week in front of a computer, spending free time in front of a television and hours on my phone, that hiking provides that temporary disconnect from the hustle and bustle of technology.  I have read recently about Forest Bathing and I feel that this simple yet meaningful process is exactly why I hit the trails.

So what do I take with me?  Well, first I always take my Fujifilm XT-1 camera.  On that camera may be one of three Fuji lenses (16mm f/1.4, 35mm f/2, 18mm-55mm f/2.8-4).  I also take my cell phone and track my progress on the Garmin Connect App and the Garmin Forerunner 25 watch.  My backpack is a Teton Sports Oasis 1100 hydration pack.  Of course, the most important piece of equipment is either my Merrell J88623 boots or Merrell J24587 hiking shoes.  I also carry a knife, matches, a lighter, first aid kit, protein bars, hand wipes/hand sanitizer, a few rags, extra camera batteries, sharpie, a small notepad, and the most underappreciated item is the baggie of paper towels and toilet paper (though I have not had to use them yet).

I try to keep my hikes less than 6 miles, but usually closer to 3 – 4 miles.  The pace is not as fast as my goal is to soak in nature and stop to take pictures along the way.  So far my hikes have been limited to a few parks in Southern Indiana, but I hope to spread out as I explore more of the region.  I sometimes go alone, but prefer the company of my dear friends Marcie (wife), Mark, Debbie, Kristin, Joe, Wendi, Matthew, and hopefully soon will include Lisa, Amy, Jason, and Troy.

Finally, I wanted to let you know you can track my progress on my photos by viewing them on Instagram.  Instagram is geared toward pictures and short videos only.  I have found little to no drama there, thus I feel it is the best forum for my work.