photogeek23

Things to come.

Art, Blogging, Commentary, Creative Writing, Editorial, Promotional, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

After ten-plus years, a small following, and virtually no feedback, the thought of bringing Photogeek to a merciful end has crossed my mind more than a dozen times. Though I still love sharing pictures with others. I get more feedback from friends and family there than I ever will here. Still, this blog was started and began with just that in mind. I want to share my images and stories with friends, family, and whoever might want to join. A few things bring me peace and calm, like photography and capturing a moment. Throughout my life, I’ve always been an explorer who enjoys documenting the moment. All things said. A recent inquiry from a follower interested in contributing an essay to the blog ballooned into the possible contributions from a poet, an expat, and a fellow photographer, which inspired me to keep this train running. So, who knows, perhaps these outside contributors will spark more creativity. It’s worth a shot. Hopefully, it won’t be long before these contributions get the love they deserve. Only time will tell. Any interested parties looking to contribute. Step forward.

Travel Light.

Commentary, Downtown, Exploring, Finding Solutions, Location Shooting, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Partially due to my wives complaining, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my camera bag when we go out. While this definitely took a while to adjust to. I’m beginning to open up to the idea of leaving all the surplus gear home and heading out with the basics. For a recent trip to Fredrick, MA. I left the extra lens, flash and usual bag of tricks behind and concentrated on just enjoying the trip. The few images I took, including this one. Received positive feedback from both my mentors and interested friends. So, unless, and even if you’re planning a serious photo trip. My advice is to bring the essentials. The weight you left behind will thank you.

The Streets of Frederick, Maryland.

Art, Exploring, Travel, Travel Photography

Whereas, more and more cities and towns of the U.S. are beginning to purposely look the same with each one being fitted with fimiliar franchises, box stores and corporations who seem to frown on individualism. As a photographer, I try to seek out the quickly vanishing personality of small cities and their still unique downtowns. There’s no fun in taking pictures of a Starbucks or McDonalds. They seem to take up space in every town, city or throughway, all look and serve the same purpose.

Cold, Colder, Coldest….

Narrative, Snowpocalypse

After waking yesterday. I checked my weather app. on my phone only to notice it was seventeen degrees. Upon opening the shades, I was made aware that it that the nights snow storm had left a few inches. After taking a shower, I returned to that same window, only to find it was snowing again, and snowing hard. Thus far, it’s been a harsh winter.But this was the first snowfall in Fairfax. I’ve spent most of the last week or so in our condo and at the gym. To be honest, this weather has put an end to my talk about oneday, moving to Alaska. I love the Spring and the Fall, but I do not enjoy extreme weather. I went out for a few minutes to photograph some old Airfix WWII German Mountain soldiers, which was fun. But I am going to keep my outings to a minimal until warmer days.

Happy New Year!!!

Happiness

Here I am, finishing up Christmases Baked Ziti and enjoying a mug of just made coffee. My wife and I attended our last buffet ever after coming up short on our planned trip to Philadelphia. We did find a groovy tunes record store named “A Day in the Life Records.” in Lancaster which netted us some awesome vinyl. My “Best of 2023.” list is up on Jersey Beat and I am not making any new years resolutions. I’ve put some finishing touches on my photo website and will then focus on getting my book “Bystander” published. More than anything, I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy new year and urge you to stay creative, build, create and explore. Be the artist you’ve always wanted to be, and embrace your weirdness. Far too often, we strive to fit in and satisfy others, to make others happy, we often make ourselves miserable.

Merry, Merry!!

Blogging, Commentary, Finding your Zen

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a happy holiday and a healthy, prosperous New Year. I’m going to take some much needed time to work on a number of things that include art, my health and some traveling that I’m sure will nourish the soul and bring joy to this cranky so and so. In the meantime, help spread the word about a cool blog you’ve stumbled on. Again, I wish you all the very best.

Ongoing Project Continues…

Downtown, Exploring, Photo Project, Travel, Travel Photography

Another ride to Washington DC on the Metro and another opportunity to explore the architectural beauty of the areas transit system. Saturday offered a bit more patience from my wife. Giving me the opportunity to spend a little more time composing my images. I’m looking forward to future solo trips that will allow me even more time to set up images. Until then.

Ongoing Project (Trains)

Art, Documentary Photography, Industrial Photography, Travel

In order to keep myself sane while I attempt to create a new website. I’ve decided to follow the lead of long time skateboarder, actor, and above all, photographer Jason Lee. While nourishing my soul with some recent interviews with him. I’ve taken his lead in beginning project related photography adventures. Considering I grew up riding the subway and trespassing in whatever train yard I could sneak into. It feels like a excellent place to find inspiration. Being that since the 9/11 bombing. (More than twenty years ago.) I’ve been questioned, detained and fined for photographing the inspiring time travelers. Choosing something related to transportaion, (Trains in general.) seems like the right subject. My fascination with travel should keep me focused and satisfied with my choice. Whether it takes weeks, months or a good year or two. I’m ready amd prepared to share my results along the way. Wish me focus.

Why We Print.

Digital Printing, Finding your Zen, Marketing, Promotional, Sailing

After picking up my 11X14 print from the camera store/lab we use in Arlington. My wife asked if I would frame it and where I wanted to hang it. I replied “I don’t plan on framing or hanging it.” Puzzled, she looked at me and asked, “Then why did you print it?” That is a good question. One that I gave numerous reasons for. One that I asked myself. Having grown up in the film camera age and developed every role we ever shot, countless and often terrible images ended up in photo albums or crowded boxes in bedroom closets. I look back and wonder. Was any of it worth the money spent or space occupied?

These days, I take thousands of pictures but rarely print any. But when I do, I’m rewarded as I see the differences or the details between the image I see on the computer and the print I can touch and avoid getting my fingerprints on. Today was one of those days when I immediately saw the vast difference in the quality of a quality printed image. It both inspires me and gives me hope that someday I’ll get my shit together and sell my work at a more consistent rate.

My First Subway Ride to Washington DC.

Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

Since moving to the Washington DC area in 2021. My desire to take a ride on the subway has grown faster than my ability to walk. Having a working vehicle and a wife who’s dependance on four wheels and an impressive engine. Any extensive walking is frowned upon. Due to some vehicular issues. The idea of taking the metro to DC quickly became a reality. Upon our arrival at U Street, I noticed the many murals in the area. Excited to take many photos, yet eager to enjoy my first taste of chili half-smoke, we headed inside. After enjoying what was easily the best chili dog in my life. We headed out to the adjacent alley and got to business. Considering what I’ve endured medically, losing and regaining my ability to walk. This trip to Washington DC was the most unassisted walking I’ve done in a few years.