“M” treats us to a diverse array of photographic technique each week, from macro details to poignant portraits, I feel like I’m peering into a world I wouldn’t otherwise see. This week marks M’s 200th frame! -Yosef

Name: Distilled Images

Current All-Time Streak: 200!

Joined 52Frames: January 1, 2019

Your “walk-around” gear right now:

Canon 5D Mk IV & 24-105 Zoom

The place you call home:

San Diego, California, USA

Your life in 30 words or less

I am a teacher, a traveler, and a photographer; I choose life through a queer lens.

Can you share 2 images, one from your past, and one more recent, that shows your evolution as a photographer?

What has been your favorite style of shooting lately?

I am continually impressed with Scott Montgomery’s fantastical creations and so have been moved to get into more creative composites lately. I was also deeply moved by the randomly-generated photographer Duane Michels in the “Inspired By…” challenge and have come to love his storytelling. They each push me to do more with my work and I love to create an impossible composite of things that never were whenever I can.

What was the first photo you ever submitted to 52Frames?

How did you find out about 52Frames?

I came across a mention of it in a Facebook group, and then dove down a rabbit hole of information and examples and videos and joined up.

What submission are you most proud of and why?

I spent years photographing (mostly) gay men in various states of undress to celebrate bodies – muscular, lean, hairy, smooth, fit, chubby; but this was my first nude self-portrait. This is me putting it all on the line in my own way to celebrate the body I live in. It was a breakthrough week when I chose to be my own model for the challenge.

One tip you’d like to share?

I think it is important to see yourself as a photographer and an artist. I don’t get paid for most of my work, and I used to think that was how you “became” a photographer, but you ARE a photographer when you photograph people, places, things. So I take the blended advice of both Kurt Vonnegut and SARK and embrace the artist within – even if I am not very good at what I do sometimes… it’s MY art and I get to decide if it’s good or not.

Why is 52Frames meaningful to you?

It gives me a reason to pick up the camera every week and make something creative. I choose to participate and give myself the challenge each week to balance the artist within myself against the worker bee and all the pressures that work offers. I use 52Frames as a foil against isolation and anxiety – I hate going to parties, but I LOVE going to busy bars and clubs with a camera in my hands. Now I have a JOB to do – a REASON to be there. Photography, and specifically 52Frames, keeps me creative and thoughtful and learning and growing.

To view Distilled Image’s profile on 52Frames, click here: