About the Author: David McDonald is a local photographer in San Francisco and currently operates out of the Castro. He enjoys photography, music, and a good burrito. His photos and recent projects can be found on his personal site.

You have to be crazy to think of going to Burning Man.  I started going to Burning Man a few years ago after being urged by friends, and I always thought that it was a hippie experience that I could never really handle.  Turns out I’m a hippie.

Create.  These photos were all shot with my trusty Canon G11 since I wasn’t too stoked about taking the more expensive gear out into the desert.  There were a lot of moments to capture, but occasionally I felt like I didn’t have the proper gear on hand.  These times are when I was reminded of two of the ten principles of Burning Man: Radical Self-reliance and Radical Self-expression.  In other words, suck it up and take the shot.

Grow.  These photos not only hold a special place in my heart because I love the content of them, but they also remind me of an incredible moment in time.  There are true connections formed during the stay on the playa.   As far as photography goes, this shoot taught me nothing more than to be completely present to your surroundings.  The photos will come.