Category: Finding your Zen

Art Inspires More Art

Art, Finding your Zen, Travel, Travel Photography

As artists of any kind, we are all susceptible to artistic droughts and dry spells. Coming home with a day’s worth of less-than-inspiring work. It’s something I’ve experienced numerous times over the years. Enough to make me think it’s time to sell my camera and invest the money in a hot dog cart. Hell, why not? There’s no shame in providing tasty food to hungry customers every day. Luckily, I have a fail proof plan that always brings me back from the edge. That plan is, immerse yourself in art. The closer I get to art, the more I’m inspired to make my own. Museums, exhibitions, books. During my life in New York City and New Jersey. A visit to Washington Square or Union Square was like a like a lifesaving blood transfusion. Yesterdays trip to DC and the Bansky, Basquiat exhibition was the kick in the head I needed. With their art inspiring me since childhood. It was the swift kick in the ass that no time on the side lines could have provided. Sooner than later, the creative juices were flowing and an opportunity to take a picture I had envisioned for close to a year, came. Proving that, art and creativity is often sparked or refueled by placing yourself among it. Never let that drought or numbness settle in and destroy your creativity. When the well seems dry. Nourishment is never far away.

Closer Than You Think.

Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography

After years of long trips to far-off areas. Searching for the perfect breakfast and some incredible images to take home and share. My wife and I decided elected to stay home and do nothing. Following a midday nap. I noticed some construction gear a few feet from our patio. After decades of chasing down pictures and traveling for hours to track down that spot. You know, that one that will take your photography to new heights. (Okay. I’m exaggerating a bit.) Without taking more than a few steps outside. The picture of the day awaited. I took this shot from a few different angles as well as with and without flash. In the end, preferring the straight on view with the flash facing the sky. Have you ever found your bucket list shot right outside your door. If so, don’t hesitate to share.

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The Long and Winding Road.

Finding your Zen, Mental Health, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

There are few things that bring me calm as much as being left alone to take a few pictures. Whether it’s in the city, the suburbs, the countryside, or by the water. Being left alone to do my thing is the best gift you can give me. Thanks to my understanding wife, I had the chance to experience that today. Below is an image I feel, best describes the peaceful mood.

It’s About Time.

Anecdote, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Landscape Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Truth be told. My photography and the inspiration to take photos have been at an all-time low. Going out in record heat during times of the day that aren’t conducive to the rules of light and shadows. That and other factors have seriously put a damper on my creativity. So much so that I was beginning to think I needed an open-ended break from one of my true loves. Thoughts such as “Haven’t you taken enough pictures already?” and “Maybe it’s time for something else.” With thoughts like that working their way into my mind. Leaving the camera behind on occasion have worked its way into my subconscious. That thought, “Leave the camera home.” immediately came to mind when my wife and I travelled to Baltimore to satisfy her craving for a great burger. And while Baltimore had been a regular destination since our return to the east coast. This time, we’d be traveling to an area we had yet to explore. Luckily, we brought it along. As we found this industrial beauty somewhere in between our burger and search for refreshing iced coffee. It’s many shadows and interesting lighting provided a boost and many opportunities to shoot in different modes that helped bring me out of what felt like an everlasting slump. Thus, allowing me to realize, while it’s okay to chase. Letting the right time come to you might be the most rewarding approach.

Abstract Moments

abstract, Finding your Zen, Motion Blur

We were on our second hour at the car dealership when boredom quickly took over. I had gotten pretty deep into my copy of Slaughterhouse Five… and had enjoyed my share of free coffee, when I decided to grab my camera to see what I could find. It wasn’t long before the heat had me return and melt into a chair adjacent to the door. It was then that I realized the shot that I was looking for was right in front of me. The reflections and flecks of light coming off the Mini Countryman gave me a shot of inspiration. Light, shadows, and a sense of abstract weirdness. helped me get over my boredom and into a creative mindspace.

The Most Possible Fun, Ever.

Finding your Zen, Happiness, Show Photography, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Over the weekend, my wife surprised me with a trip to see the Amish Outlaws perform at a spring festival in Brunswick, Maryland. Though I had seen them three times. Once with my wife at a close friend’s wedding. It had been a good ten years since I last experienced what is surely the most fun and engaging show to ever take the stage. As we drove home I smiled and noted that it was the most fun and inclusive I’d ever seen her. To watch her sing, dance and engage with the singer was priceless. Thanks to the Amish Outlaws for bringing out the best in everyone. Below is an image of some of the crowd participation.

Pace Yourself.

Event Photography, Finding your Zen, Philadelphia, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

It always seems we’re running to, from, or for something or other. “In the race of life, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. We must never be afraid of losing. There is a chance for winning when we press-on to reach the end of the race.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!

Those Who Made a Difference.

Finding your Zen

Found this old picture of a close friend. One who often lent her beautiful smile and spirit to me to help improve my skills and shape my passion for levels of studio and street photography. Looking back, I wish I can individually thank the many people, both subjects and photographers, who inspired and guided me along the way.

Moving Forward with my Bucket List.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Finding your Zen, Fisheye Lenses

Last week, while at the height of my obsession with people, places, and things I’d like to photograph. I took many of them to a list I keep in a secret drawer, amongst some of my ideas closer by than others. I decided to take on the easy ones first. Though not the most inspiring architecture. I became fixated on what I could capture with my seldomly used Canon Fish Eye lens. In passing the building countless times. My obsession grew. Making it a matter of time before crossing it off the list. Granted, my fear of the eventual entanglement with a security guard racing towards me as if I had just set off the timer of a bomb. Adding to the anxious calls from my wife yelling “Chop, Chop”, while keeping her foot close to the gas pedal of our getaway car. I snapped a couple of shots. As I look at the image below. I realize I must return to capture that entire oval. However, for now. It’s all groovy Tuesday.