photogeek23

“5 Pointz” located in Long Island City in Queens is a block long, massive building covered in graffiti done by artists who come from all over the globe. A must see for anyone really. Whether you love the art form, hate it, even if your indifferent to the entire culture. One of the great things about the spot is it is ever changing. Bring your camera because even the most inspiring pieces aren’t permanent. When I stopped by on my way home today the sun was in the perfect spot and it was pretty much deserted. I took my time to examine every individual piece before heading back to the city. It definitely takes a while. If you want to take the trip yourselves take the Queens bound E or V trains to 23 Ely Ave.

Trip to Jamesburg

Uncategorized

This morning I took a trip to Canons Jamesburg offices to have my lens looked at. I have the Canon 28-135 EF lens and as of late I’ve noticed how loose it’s been. Upon dropping it off and explaining my issue he examined the lens and said it was nothing tightening a few screws couldn’t fix. Upon further examination he looked at me puzzled and asked “What’s all this green stuff?” I began explaining my recent experience at an outing where people were celebrating an Indian tradition called Boli. I told him I had never experienced anything like and most likely wouldn’t get the chance anytime soon. He looked up at me and smiled. “I’m from India. I know exactly what your talking about. For those of you who haven’t heard of it Holi is an ancient celebration of good over evil. During the celebration people hug and wish each other “Happy Holi”. You also playfully smudge a colorful powder on one another which in this case got a little out of hand. At the time I grabbed my camera and at a safe distance (or so I thought) started taking pictures. Mix Holi fest with a lot of energetic people, a lot of alcohol and an over abundance of powder and you have a war. Everyone including me were covered head to toe in it before long. It was fun but it was insane. I managed to clean my camera and lens pretty thouroughly but I didn’t get it all. I’m sure Canon will do a great job. They always do and in good time. I would recommend the to anyone .

Photographers Rights

Uncategorized

Last week while taking pictures in Hoboken (my town) I was swiftly pulled over by three Police cars. They came up on me quickly and boxed me into a corner.
An officer came up to me and very politely asked me what I was doing. They had received calls about a “suspicious looking photographer taking pictures near the trains and overpass.” The officer was cool. he just asked me what I was taking the pictures for and if i was working on any project, which I was. I told him I was a photographer and gave him a card which displayed an image like the kind I was shooting. He complimented my work and asked “Don’t you listen to the news? There’s a heightened terror alert today.” I laughed and told him I try to stay away from the news since it all seems bad. He radioed back “It’s just a photographer who’s working on a project. He’s legit.” Within a few seconds they raced off and I continued on my merry way.
I wouldn’t consider this a bad experience but it just goes to remind me how often this happens. I’ve been confronted by Police, Security Guards and just random people about where I can and can not take pictures. All the while our every move is being watched, filmed and documented. All so we can be protected from “ourselves”. I understand the fear that 9/11 created. I lost friends and family as did so many people. Yes, I understand the fear and the need to protect people but I don’t want to live in fear and be kept from doing the things I love because of it.