It's important to let your subjects be themselves.

Being an American is about having the right to be who you are. Sometimes that doesn't happen.

I did grow up next door to Steve McQueen, who was a very famous movie star at the time, but as a kid it didn't impress me. We always had great fun with him. He would take us out on Sundays on his motorcycles, riding around in the desert; he was like a second father.

I like form and shape and strength in pictures.

I think knowing people by first names, not by what they do sexually, is really what it's about. Not being afraid. Fear is the enemy. I've always been comfortable with being gay.

It's always more comforting to know that in any given corner of any room or any location you're on, you can make a photograph that you'll appreciate.

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