As promised, we’re back with photographer Josh McNey aswering a few more questions — the first part of our exclusive interview is here — but leaving us with a lot more on our minds with his Cowboys series [above], and his latest, Californiae [below].

What’s the most important quality a photographer needs to have?
Balance.

Do you feel that your identity changes when you lift the camera to your eye? Do you act differently?
I don’t think my identity changes. I do think aspects of my personality are really activated by taking pictures but I think the same would be true if I had another passion that I followed like I follow my passion for photography.

How do you know that a photo is really good?
I use a combination of intuition and time. I tend to go with my gut and then try to spend some time with images to see how I experience them over time. I also rely on a few trusted editors. I try to be open to all of my images. A picture that doesn’t work for me today might work for me ten years from now, as my taste and sensibilities change.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
Authenticity and positivity.

What turns you off?
Inauthenticity and negativity.

Cowboys?
I had been watching bull riding on TV for several years. I really fell in love with cowboys as a result. I went to a few events but never took photos. I always felt like I was too far away from the action. A few years ago, an opportunity presented itself for me to spend a few days with some pro bull riders and I finally started to get the kind of pictures that I wanted. Cowboys are, as a subculture, pretty difficult to access. It’s very much an old — young — boys club. These guys travel together, work together and play together. It’s exactly the type of fraternity that interests me, though. For all the toughness, these guys have a real sensitive side, too. They compete against one another but they really do it in a friendly way. For most of them, it’s been a central part of their lives and their identities since they were big enough to walk.

Californiae?
I have a really strong connection with Southern California and Los Angeles in particular — the summers, the water, the malls, the BBQ’s, the boys. I even like the driving (when i’m the passenger). I grew up there but I think my fondness for it has actually increased now that I live in New York. People visit Los Angeles and have a very visceral response to it. It’s a place of real utopian-dystopian extremes and accordingly, seems to provoke a love-hate response from people. I love it. I probably get more excited to pick up my camera in California than anywhere else.

What is the one lasting impression you want to leave in your photos?
Wanting more.

Bingo.

Josh McNey