And what excites me most is the type of public, the fact that the Parisian people have a broader cultural understanding than many Americans do.

What I particularly liked was that, coming from California and not being involved in the New York scene, I developed my personal way, in my own way, at my own pace.

Generally, the French highly promote culture and the arts, and photography is in their blood.

Many people who excel are self-taught.

I was an economics major, which I enjoyed because I had a good business sense.

Well, I liked it - that was the main thing. I liked it, but I didn't think of it in terms of a career. I didn't really know; I didn't really think about it. One thing just led to another until finally I quit my job as a salesman and found myself working as a photographer.

For me, the most important thing I learned was just honing my eye. I think I had a good eye.