A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
For what it’s worth. My wife has always been my harshest critic. So, when I shared this image with her last night, I got, what I’d consider, a pretty good reaction, when she said, “I don’t know.” “What the fuck is that?” I found it cool, because so much of what we/I photograph is instantly identifiable.
The other night, I came across a documentary about New York City photographer Ricky Powell (R.I.P.). Perhaps best known for his raw images of NYC personalities and the up and coming graffiti and hip hop scenes. Powell, was, amongst many artists whose art and images inspired me to pick up a camera and document the world around me. The documentary features many of the highs and lows while remaining focused and very interesting. Overall, it had me thinking about organizing, printing, and even attempting to display my work at a local gallery. With so many other, perhaps more important, tasks on my to do list. The reality that I don’t know anyone outside my immediate neighbors in the area. Chances are slim for any exhibitions. Still, I plan on consistently sharing my images on the internet and with anyone who’s willing. The image below was taken more than ten years ago when I lived and worked in Hoboken, New Jersey.
I’m finally getting images off the floor, out of the closet, and onto the white walls of our condo. Thoughts arise regarding what goes where and the themes they represent—taking a nod from childhood memories. Two impactful ones immediately come to mind. The coop my Mom raised me in as a child had two bathrooms. The smaller one, just off the kitchen, was always the one that doubled as a bathroom/art gallery. Small, yet functional. The small area was lit by one of those funky colored bulbs and rotating art that varied from nudes and movie posters the company she worked for produced. At the same time, my Father ushered in my love for boxing by installing a heavy bag in his garage and sharing his love for the sport with me. A passion and appreciation that has stuck with me since.
So, when needing one last print for my boxing-themed room. I dug deep into my Lightroom 4 images and found a long-lost gem that perfectly captured my envisioned mood and vibe. Taken ten or more years ago by an actress, model, and stuntwoman I worked with in my small, Hoboken studio. The session this image came from marks the beginning of my love, understanding, and practice of adding shadow, contrast, and mood to my studio lighting.
To your right, is one of the first print/enlargements I’ve made in more than five years and my first with District Cameras Arlington location. Having done business with them numerous times in the past month, I can only say the most positive things when recommending their service.
Working from home is one way of closing yourself off from social interaction. Enduring a dark, rainy day ensures I won’t be going very far. However, today’s combination of both did little to extinguish my desire to attempt anything remotely creative. Thankfully, the rain left its impression on our living space. As drops of rain collected on our windows and doors. Enough to make for a pretty cool idea. In working on using light, shadow, and other aspects to achieve my future goals of using natural light to create mood in my portraits. I find that experimenting with various elements will benefit me in the end.
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.
Taken from the second floor of a parking garage. I only had a moment to catch this and would have explored the rest of the space if not for the fact that my better half wanted to go home before the pizza we had ordered got cold.
Came across this Lester Bowie Mural while visiting Frederick, Maryland.
No matter where I go, or what I do. I see just about everything as a picture opportunity. Whether I have my camera with me by my side or my phone in my back pocket. Every time is picture time. Like a true superhero. My strength is my weakness. So, as we sat at the counter waiting for our breakfast, I became drawn to the drinking glasses in front of me and how they warped the scene just outside the diners window, with the coasters in focus while the the rest of what you’re seeing was somewhat warped. I felt I had something worth capturing. The results seemed worth sharing.
We recently returned to Pike and Rose in Bethesda to do some shopping and capture those funky stairs with the proper gear. (I don’t consider my phone to be a camera.) After taking my time to capture the flow, I was approached by a security guard who seemed a bit too intrusive as to what I was doing. “I’m doing my thing.” was all I could think of. Which, in the end, seemed good enough.
Below is an image I took outside our condo. As a born and bred New Yorker, I immediately thought of the cities countless bike racks. Having never seen a bike locked to it. I’ll assume it’s a sculpture. With some serious down time, I feel my immediate surroundings are providing little inspiration. With time on my hands and an itch to get out there and shoot. I’ve decided to take some steps to get back to the basics of focusing and composing. Here’s to the weekend.
Photogeek Blog 