New York Times photographer James Estrin was subject of the “original short” on Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday today. His images and words are memorable as he captures the profound moments of spiritual experiences of people. He said something that expresses my own approach to photography: “When I’m photographing, my goal is to be completely present in the moment.”

I can never understand what people mean when they say a camera separates them from the world around them. For me it’s completely the opposite. I am never more fully present and intimately aware of those around me than when I am engaged in taking photographs. The lens forces me to truly see and experience what’s before me.

There’s nothing I love more than taking photographs of the beauty of everyday life even if sometimes it’s just taking a simple photograph of spring flowers in a neighbor’s garden with my iPhone on a morning walk with my dog Henry. Not great art, but allowing me, if only for a moment, to more intimately connect with, see and experience the world around me.