In my case, and perhaps for many portrait photographers, it is the idiosyncracies, the quirks, the hint of a story, that create the urge for a picture. Tuning in to an individual's specifics and recording them is in some way important. These portraits were made while I was living in Memphis. Maybe it is the peculiar character of the city, but I met so many people I wanted to photograph. I used a large format camera and took full advantage of the slowness of it. During these moments there is something wonderful about having permission to stare at a person, to search their face for a fleeting connection or clarity. By nature the camera is cold - I think that a glimpse of someone's home, belongings, habits, makes a portrait a bit warmer and richer. Ultimately, I hope that each portrait taps into the unique mystery of the person in it.