I prefer to work with natural light, however I do enjoy the sense of theater implicit during studio settings. The idea of "control" is an illusion when attempting to create a "portrait" of another being. For me, there is the anticipation of a moment that will be unexpected, perhaps very dramatic, or a mood of something entirely else, for both subject and photographer. I like Carl Phillips' sensibility (he applies it to poetry), "…what I'm always after. Nothing gutless, and nothing without its ability to surprise."

Our boss came to town. He said since he was on the border he wanted to go someplace real / Authentic. Where real Mexicans eat. None of this fake gringo stuff. You know. Ethnic.

Between the buildings, a slice of air / I pull into thinner pieces. In them / a reflection: three men escape from jail / in a makeshift boat, the fog an accomplice. / How they survive like guilt, /

Richard, you / are force of nature / confined to 6’3”, / dreads swaying / like heavy branches / 
in a storm—

Let no sucka crews try to test me /     today. / 

These muscles are still tense / from crossing my arms / all those years ago / when I wanted to swing them.