Author: photogeek23

I'm starting this blog to share my work and experiences with friends, family and anyone who takes pictures or loves photography. Comments and insight are greatly appreciated.

Room to Grow. Part II.

Finding your Zen, Music, Organizing, Record Collecting

It arrived today. The chair of my dreams. The one I picked out myself. The one we had concerns would’nt fit through the door and have enough space to fit in the little corner nook we carved out. The one that slid right in the door without so much of a mark on the door before sliding comfortably into the corner we’d carved out for it. Now, with the exception of new records. The man cave I always imagined is done. All there is to do now, is sit back, listen, and ocassionaly, review records for my column.

Room to Grow.

Finding your Zen, Music, Organizing, Record Collecting

Throughout the last month, I’ve remodeled the study/record room while preparing for the arrival of the area rug (The wood floors have wrecked terror on my knees.) and the lounge chair. (Over the years, the office swivel chair has proved less than comfortable when spending hours in its clutches.) I also moved several Kallax record storage units. It’s not even close to as painful as removing and refilling the records albums within. (That took two days and was a harrowing reminder that MP3s and CDs are far less cumbersome.) Luckily, I got them all alphabetized and cataloged before the carpet arrived, leaving ample space for the chair, aside from soundproofing the room.
Which I don’t plan to do. My work it done. I’ve got another week before the new chair arrives. From there, I can fully take advantage of my man cave and spend my remaining days attempting to listen to all these records. Wish me luck, and don’t feel strange sending reminders to eat, sleep, and bathe. As I’m writing this, I received a message noting the chair I ordered will be delivered on Friday. My order of several new releases and a reissue is due this week, so I’ll have to put aside some time to enjoy this space in new and chill ways. Regardless, it’s going to get loud.

Bring the Calm.

Finding your Zen, Landscape Photography, Mental Health, Natural Beauty, Travel, Travel Photography

The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.

Fall Colors.

Beauty, Color, Fall Colors

I’ve been lucky enough to experience the Fall season on opposite coasts and abroad. Each one being slightly different, yet largely the same. The cooler weather, the falling leaves and the beautiful colors that highlight each day. Despite it’s march to Winter and colder days. It’s a time we enjoy some of the best things life has to offer. Though I’ve never carved a pumpkin and detest punmkin spice anything. I have been known to roll around in piles of leaves and create life threatening shortages in apple cider donuts. As I look out my window and see the colorful trees and foliage. I know that no matter where todays journey takes me. It will be a colorful one. The pictures below were taken on the roof and in the park behind my apartment in the Rainier area of Seattle a few years back.

Always Tip Your Waitress

Anecdote, Storytelling, Street Photography, Travel

I fully admit to being a self deprecating prick lately. With my journey being one with it’s share of bumps. I sometimes wonder if overcoming these challenges make me strong or just some sort of punching bag for the Gods. Last weekend we visited Annapolis for the first time in a year and the second overall. It was a busy day in the downtown area as a boat show had the tourists arriving in droves.

Our goal was simple. Return to the landmark diner Chick and Ruths at 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401As to experience that New York City diner atmosphere ad further explore the incredible menu. After a timely wait near the crowded door, we wer seated. As our waitress approached us with her pen and pad…..She welcomed us, saying “Wow. It’s been a long time.” “The last time you were here you had a walker. This time you’ve got that heavy camera bag. Look at you.”
Both my wife and me were shocked. We’d only been to the diner once and it was a year ago. Yet she remembered us as if we were regulars. Aside from being impressed with the womans memory and great service. My wife noted how far I’ve come. It was an incredibly rewarding exchange and one that should help me break out of this self depricating dick malaise. In the end, I’m kind of saying, “Don’t be me.” Give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack, and plan a trip to Annapolis to experience Chick an Ruths.

Just A Minor Threat

Creative Writing, Documentary, Film Photography, Hardcore, Music, Music Journalism, Show Photography, Skate Boarding, Skateboarding, Storytelling

This past week, I attended two events celebrating new book releases from and about subjects whose work and passion have positively influenced me, my life, and the course the roads it’s taken. As usual, I decided to take my camera along. Taking place at Washington DC’s MLK Memorial Library and Virginia’s George Mason University Campus. Groundbreaking Photographer Glen E. Friedman and Ian McKay (Minor Threat. Dischord Records, Fugazi.) spoke about Glen’s photos and his book ‘Just a Minor Threat.’ Allowing me many firsts, including my first visit to the MLK Memorial Library and meeting Glen and Ian. Later in the week, I had a similar experience visiting George Mason University to sit in on a discussion about the book with photographer Antonia Tricarico, Joe Lally (Fugazi), and the man himself, producer/engineer of Viginia’s legendary Inner Ear Studio, Don Zientara on the book ‘The Inner Ear of Don Zientarara.’ I took a few pictures while I listened intently. I bought my first book of Friedman’s music photos, ‘Fuck You Heroes,’ in 1994. Each of the people I met at these events influenced my art immensely and provided stories regarding their journey. Looking back on my life, thing of the impact their images, music and the recordings they helped shape. It’s worth wondering what it would have been with it.

Made in Maryland

Anecdote, Dramatic Lighting, Landscape Photography, Memories, Travel, Travel Photography

As a child who spent much time at his grandmother’s, I always looked forward to visits from my aunt Mickey. She was a lovely lady who was one of my grandmother’s many cousins or nieces. Her visits always felt special as she lived in this magical place called Maryland . I couldn’t have been more than five years old and not yet traveled outside the borough of Queens, New York. Her visits always seemed accompanied by history books, crossword puzzles, and fancy pastries. (The kind they grew on secret farms in the country.) Those early experiences and the eventual discovery of realism were accepted. I never lost my appreciation for that historic land til’ this day. The city boy in me still gets a rush when I experience farm life and enjoy those fancy pastries. The photo below was taken as the skies turned dark and the thunder moved in.

A Tribute to Tupac

Art, Closure, Graffiti, Hip Hop, Street Photography

As I turned on the news Friday night, the news of the New York City flood was interrupted with the report of the arrest of a suspect in Tupac Shakur’s September, 1996 murder. I was working nights at a West Village record store at the time. It was only days later when working on a portfolio with an aspiring model when I came across this just erected monument. Viewing the news report and locating this old imageI reminded me how much of an influence his words meant to and influenced me. How, more than twenty years after his murder, I never thought I’d see a day where we approached a sense of justice and closure. Only time will tell if the evidence found will bring a conviction, but this announcement brings us closer to the truth.