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.
Month: August 2025
A Change of Plans.
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.

Irony
What Did A Shadow ever do to You?
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.
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.
Humor Meets Irony
My stepfather was a hardworking, tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy who had a few rules in life. One that always stuck with me. He refused to go to funerals. Saying, “There’s no sense in waiting until someone’s dead to honor or show respect to them.” Though it might seem cold to many. I understood and came to agree with him.

I have similar feelings about weddings. While being the best man or watching a close friend or family member tie the knot fills my heart with joy. Receiving an invite from a co-worker, colleague, acquaintance, or dare I say, friend of a friend. Doesn’t appeal to me. Dusting off the old suit, purchasing something off the couples wedding list, and being sat with people you don’t know, and don’t want to know is not my idea for a long kiss goodbye. Capturing this sign on the way home from one such wedding encapsulated my feelings and future decisions to begin narrowing the gap to weddings and functions I have no interest in. Sorry, but my crotchety, old man instincts are quickly taking over.
The Long and Winding Road.
There are few things that bring me calm as much as being left alone to take a few pictures. Whether it’s in the city, the suburbs, the countryside, or by the water. Being left alone to do my thing is the best gift you can give me. Thanks to my understanding wife, I had the chance to experience that today. Below is an image I feel, best describes the peaceful mood.




