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.

Overwhelming Desire.

Modeling, Portraiture, Show Photography

A combination of hearing from former models I’ve worked with and a number of sales regarding studio lights and equipment. I’ve experienced overwhelming urges to recharge my studio work. After a week or so of measuring, planning, and unhealthy overthinking. I was able to free myself from the lofty goal of rekindling my studio photography days. While my love of connecting with my subject, and doing my best to earn the trust and capture the beauty and depth of my subject. I’d be wiser and a lot more happy to look back and say, “I accomplished just that.” If I ultimately decide to get back to that aspect of my work. I’d like to explore more of my interest in natural light and shadow. Until then.

Dedicated to a Better Life, and Better Photos.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Finding your Zen, Health, Mental Health

Tuesday, February 7th, marked the sixth week I’ve been attending physical therapy in Washington, DC. When first recommended by my primary doctor and the specialists at Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic. I strongly disagreed, referring to my already unyielding dedication to working out, the gym, and nutrition. Despite my skepticism and experience with past sessions where they put you on a bike and walked away. Like a good patient. I agreed to at least look into it. With due diligence, I found a highly rated/recommended place in nearby Washington, DC. My “What can they possibly do for me.” mantra went out the door during my first session. My therapist (Feeke) has been by my side, adding new and rewarding challenges each week. All of which I’ve applied to my daily routine at my condo’s gym. Since being diagnosed in 2017, I’ve had my share of challenges. All of which I’ve taken on like the stubborn son of a bitch I’ve always been. Whether it be my dedication to my workouts, meditation, tai-chi, or eating habits. Despite any challenges or disabilities. I feel as if I’m in the best shape of my life. I took the picture below in DC at about 7:43 am. The image reminded me that, no matter what, if you want to achieve anything. You have to put in the work.

Once Upon a Tripod

Long Exposures, Night Photography, Street Photography

I’m not sure what made me head back into freezing temps, but whatever it was, I brought a more relaxed attitude. I might not have achieved my ultimate goal or even understood why I was having issues with taking long exposures in manual or bulb mode. I just wanted to take some pictures of the brisk night sky. Below is one of my favorites from my few minutes in the dark.

Thinking Aloud

Art, Finding your Zen

In recent weeks and months, I’ve become candid regarding my obsession with photography and the fact that I see the majority of things as potential photographs. Over the years and decades, I’ve been a photographer and taken countless photos while overcoming many difficulties and conquering even more. The problem, if there is one. That I don’t think I’ll ever be so satisfied or let down that I’ll be able to close the door on needing to have my camera by my side or wanting to document what I’m seeing. Over time, I may often feel discouraged by the outcome of what I shot. But, few moments bring me the kind of happiness, or child-like enthusiasm, that I experience when photographing or composing a shot.

Windshield Moment

Canon Lenses, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen

No matter what the situation, chances are, I’m thinking of or indulging in the art of photography. So much so that I firmly believe that we would never get to our intended destination if my wife stopped the car every time I spotted something I wanted to photograph. As my camera is often in its bag snuggled far out of reach, whatever photos taken while driving are done so with my phone. While this practise has produced a number or worthy photos, for me, it’s just not photography. So today I kept the camera with me in the front seat and did my best to avoid the dirt and smudges on the windshield As expected, results varied. I did, however, like this particular shot.

The Notorious R.B.G.

Documentary Photography, Street Photography
The Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsburg mural. Annapolis, Maryland

During our time here, my wife and me have been doing our share of exploring areas that are, by all means, new to us. If you’re like me. There a few things as enjoyable as experiencing something for the first time. Back in November of 2022. We took a trip to Annapolis, Maryland to soak up the sites and history of the storied city. During the day we ate at a Diner that reminded us of the many greasy spoons we frequented while living in New York City and New Jersey. Spent time on the docks and admired the culture and architecture of the historic area. I took a picture of this mural honoring Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before heading home.

Time Flies

Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Memories, Narrative, Organizing, Portraiture, Street Photography

As I wait for my Canon R6 Mark II to arrive and attempt to combat a cold I have unintentionally passed on to my wife. I am stuck with no camera and a whole lot of down time. I am filling some of that big empty by attempting to organize and delete many of my old files. As I scroll through endless amount of digital images. I am finding some keepers. Marking the stand outs with the handle “G.O.A.T.” Looking back, I’ve always had a healthy relationship with New York City’s east village Washington Square Park. From working at a nearby record store in my teens, to filling in my down time by finding inspirational scenery and fascinating people to photograph. All of this backtracking reminds me that, despite fighting a full on cold while the temperatures outside dance below and above freezing. The calendar shows that Spring and Summer are still on the horizon. For the time being, images like this one, will hopefully keep me warm.

Fear of Heights

Anecdote, Storytelling

While I can’t precisely pinpoint what started my fear of heights. I often recall several instances where I felt the pace of my heart, the oncoming sweat, and the jelly-like feeling in my legs quickly joining forces to end me. I took this picture in 1993 while working for Cantor Fitzgerald. I and many others had returned to work after some maniac planted and exploded a bomb in the parking garage. (Note that this was about eight years before the 9/11 attack.) During my lunch break, I attempted to take this picture to, perhaps, show the resilience and strength of the structure and the people who worked there. As I stood staring into the sky, my legs began to buckle. No matter how I repositioned myself, I couldn’t recapture my balance. It wasn’t until I went down on my knees that I could capture what you see below. In the years that followed, I could not cross bridges, enjoy observation decks or enjoy anything related to heights. Strange considering my first paid photo shoot required me to scale a waterfall located within the bear mountains. I’ve since faced my fears, but haven’t gotten past the rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, or weakness in my knees that are sure to follow.