The World Doesn’t Need More Echoes
Below is a small excerpt from my presentation at the Moab Photography Symposium, a talk that helped lead to us becoming the new directors. —David
At my first Moab Symposium years ago, I submitted a photo for the image share: dramatic light, strong composition. I thought I'd cracked the code.
But as I listened to others speak about finding their own voice, I realized mine wasn't in that image. When my photo came on screen, I admitted:
"I'm embarrassed to show this—it's just a copy of a Guy Tal photograph."
No one judged. They understood. And that moment of honesty changed everything.
I learned that every artist passes through what is called the messy middle, wrestling with three powerful forces:
Fear — facing the unknown without a plan.
Validation — chasing likes and approval.
Self-doubt — asking, "Who am I to think this is interesting?"
These forces make us create echoes of others' work.
But the turning point comes when we stop asking "What should I photograph?" and start asking "Why am I drawn to this?"
That question turns the camera inward. It connects your images to your story, your history, your struggles, your joys. Your unique perspective is your greatest creative asset.
Don't fight your story. Listen to it, and photograph how it feels.
The world doesn't need more echoes. It needs your voice.