Many people who excel are self-taught.

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

Actually, when I first started dabbling in photography, I was still working for my parents as a salesman.

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

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.

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.