Moving Forward

Blogging, Closure, Damion Photo

About a week ago, I received an email regarding the yearly automatic renewal and payment for hosting this blog. Started in early 2009. I posted my photographs, thoughts, and stories weekly without missing a beat. Now, in September 2025. I’ve decided to call it a day. I still have a strong desire to create emotive images and share them with others. However, this form of blogging no longer appeals to me. In the meantime, you can look for me on Facebook “James Damion” or check out my website https://damionphoto.format.com/gallery On another note, I’ve been writing non- fiction for some time now and finally having it professionally edited. I’m looking into various hosts and publishing outlets to share them in the near future. Leave your email at damionphoto@gmail.com or follow me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/james.damion.3

Out For A Stroll.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Street Photography

About an hour before lunch. I took a walk down to the nearby Metro on Dolly Madison Rd. Though the sun was at its peak hours. I was still able to find a little shade to avoid overexposure. One day, I’ll hop on the train again to find a fresh spot and new adventure. Until then, enjoy.

Art Inspires More Art

Art, Finding your Zen, Travel, Travel Photography

As artists of any kind, we are all susceptible to artistic droughts and dry spells. Coming home with a day’s worth of less-than-inspiring work. It’s something I’ve experienced numerous times over the years. Enough to make me think it’s time to sell my camera and invest the money in a hot dog cart. Hell, why not? There’s no shame in providing tasty food to hungry customers every day. Luckily, I have a fail proof plan that always brings me back from the edge. That plan is, immerse yourself in art. The closer I get to art, the more I’m inspired to make my own. Museums, exhibitions, books. During my life in New York City and New Jersey. A visit to Washington Square or Union Square was like a like a lifesaving blood transfusion. Yesterdays trip to DC and the Bansky, Basquiat exhibition was the kick in the head I needed. With their art inspiring me since childhood. It was the swift kick in the ass that no time on the side lines could have provided. Sooner than later, the creative juices were flowing and an opportunity to take a picture I had envisioned for close to a year, came. Proving that, art and creativity is often sparked or refueled by placing yourself among it. Never let that drought or numbness settle in and destroy your creativity. When the well seems dry. Nourishment is never far away.

Unexpected Beauty

Color, Travel, Travel Photography

As we pulled into the rest stop on the way to Lancaster, PA. I left the car to see what the animated group of men gathered around the Knights of Columbus table was offering. I ordered a hot dog and lemonade to keep myself refreshed on the last leg of our journey to breakfast. I came across something you don’t usually see or notice at a truck stop. With my new camera grip assuring my weapon of choice is never far away. I captured this sign of nature while my wife relieved herself.

Closer Than You Think.

Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography

After years of long trips to far-off areas. Searching for the perfect breakfast and some incredible images to take home and share. My wife and I decided elected to stay home and do nothing. Following a midday nap. I noticed some construction gear a few feet from our patio. After decades of chasing down pictures and traveling for hours to track down that spot. You know, that one that will take your photography to new heights. (Okay. I’m exaggerating a bit.) Without taking more than a few steps outside. The picture of the day awaited. I took this shot from a few different angles as well as with and without flash. In the end, preferring the straight on view with the flash facing the sky. Have you ever found your bucket list shot right outside your door. If so, don’t hesitate to share.

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The Shock of a Lifetime.

Problem Solving, Roadside Attractions, Storytelling, Travel, Travel Photography

As a kid who grew up in Queens and spent most of my life in the city, trips to the country and farms still fill me with excitement. This weekend’s trip to Lancaster, PA, was no exception. When mapping out our way home from a satisfying day, we drove past a group of cows relaxing after a hard day’s work. I shit you, not. The whole crew was sitting together as if they were at a family picnic. We quickly found a place to make a U-Turn to circle back. I excitedly grabbed my camera and pulled myself out of the car. Unlike last week while positioning myself along the Potomac River. I did not step into mud. However, the uneven patch of grass and my general lack of balance caused me to grab the fence as I fell forward. Unfortunately, the cows hadn’t warned me that the fence was electrified and…… zap. I was electrocuted for the first time in my life. Shocking, right. In all the years of jumping fences and trespassing. I’ve never had that happened. And though I survived. I learned a good lesson. Maybe it’s time to return to photographing babies.

A Change of Plans.

Travel, Travel Photography

I admit it. I’m becoming more and more confident in letting my wife make our weekend plans. With my plans for a weekend adventure are primarily focused on coffee and record stores. Yesterday’s stop in Bethesda for ice cream and today’s drive to DC were exceptionally laid back. Slowly, but surely, I’m learning to take it slow and just relax a bit. I’ve photographer this overpass numerous time while driving on the George Washington Memorial Highway. One day I’ll take the nearby exit and stop to enjoy the eb and flow of things.

What Did A Shadow ever do to You?

Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

A long time ago in a studio far away. A photographer friend and mentor asked the question. “What did a shadow ever do to you?” At the time, I had worked for several retail studios and was hoping to take my studio experience, and knowledge of lighting to a new level. Terrified of making mistakes. After starting out on my own. My lighting setups were basic and lacked any depth. However, through working with this gentleman, I learned that mistakes were essential in learning and experimentation was key to becoming an artist. That question opened a lot of doors for me. Not only did it help me erase my fears. But it changed my studio work forever. The shadows, the contrat, the highlights and the ability to adjust and properly see the light. Game changers that gave my photos new life and depth. Once you ask yourself, “What did a shadow ever do to you?”

Lost and Found.

Philadelphia, Record Collecting, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

Thinking I lost an unhealthy amount of old images and folders of some life-affirming sessions was somewhat of a mind fuck. While it is rough on the brain. Coming to the conclusion that most things in life are temporary kept me from jumping from the proverbial bridge. When many, or most of the lost sessions, appeared on an old hard drive. There was definitely reason for celebration.

However when an image from a trip to Philadelphia, one I have no memory of taking. The joy was overwhelming. Taken in 2016. This image properly documents my obsession with music and my need to visit, at the very least, one record store per city I’ve visited. That includes, but doesn’t limit to cities suck as close as DC, Baltimore, and Raleigh, and as far as London, Paris, Dublin, and Tokyo. Looking back, I wish I had the guts to doument each one, it’s shoppers, employees and owners. That and bring a bag of records home with me would be great. Though I don’t recall what record store this is, I love the picture.