A couple weeks ago Arielle and I went down to Tucson to hear Magnum photographer Elliot Erwitt speak at UA’s Center for Creative Photography. Erwitt mostly showed work from his book Personal Best.

“I studied photography by reading the instructions on the box of film. You don’t study photography you do it.” – Elliot Erwitt

Erwitt along with Alex Webb had photos on display at the Etherton Gallery. The show runs to March 22nd, so if you get a chance to see it, I would highly recommend it.

One thing Erwitt said was that he is a photographer by profession and he has a hobby of photography. It was rare when they interacted. I found it very interesting to see how he compartmentalized his commercial work from his personal work. He talked about how luck has a lot to do with great photos. Even when on assignment for a magazine he would take time to make photos that didn’t have to do with his assignment. So it confirmed what I believe, to take time to shoot for yourself no matter where you are or what assignment you’re on.

We showed up over an hour before things started so we used our time and the awesome light to have fun and take photos.