I always enjoyed art history because, growing up in California, my exposure was limited, and it was a new experience. To learn the history of art opened up certain things to me, made me see. It intrigued me.

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

Coming from California and growing up where I did, I've always had a fondness for and innate sensitivity to light, texture, and warmth.

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.

Regardless of whether you speak the language or are familiar with a culture, the picture should hold up.

I like form and shape and strength in pictures.

Many people who excel are self-taught.