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.

I abstract it in my photographs: I like large planes and spaces, areas of texture and light, like deserts or oceans or monumental places.

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.

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

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.

Even though I didn't get a business degree, I enjoyed learning about economics.

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