Photographing is an intense occupation. To get good photographs you must insert yourself into other people’s lives. To do that you need to earn their trust and form a deep relationship with them. My friend, photographer Lydia Panas, says she ends up “in love” with the people she photographs. I feel the same way. I am passionate about the people and scenes I photograph. I do not think my pictures, I feel them. They come from my heart and soul. What I see affects me deeply. As you look through these pages, I hope these photographs touch your emotions and move you to cry and laugh. Please walk with me. Share my journey.
Stephen Shames
