Category: Finding your Zen

Man Cave in Progress

Anecdote, Finding your Zen, Organizing, Record Collecting

Since elementary school, my addiction to music and the culture it involves has consumed much of my life. Which, for all purposes and interests consumes a lot of territory. It came to a boiling point shortly before I got married in 2001, that I sold all my first press hardcore punk records individually and used the money to finance a honeymoon in my wifes’ country of origin Japan. First off. Japan is without a doubt, the most beautiful country I’ve ever traveled. By all means. If you get the chance. Go there. By any means nessacary. Second. Don’t sell your records. Ever. I mean, unless your doctor just diagnosed you with an incurable dicease and given you less then a year to live. Even then, think hard. I mean think really hard.

Lucky for me.Throughout my adult life, I’ve had the space and later rooms to store and enjoy my music. As for that large collection I sold. Well, that two crates of LP’s and two boxes of 7′ EP’s have since been replaced and multiplied by crazy numbers. Even after selling ten boxes to a retailer before moving back east. My collection is a beast. My current home, much like my last four dwellings have had second bedrooms divided to records, cd’s, dvd’s and other monuments to my extended childhood. This one, a nerdist kingdom, if there ever was one.

Adventures in Photography

Art, Beauty, Damion Photo, Expression, Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Memories, NYC, Street Photography

In 1997, I embarked on taking photographs for my first ever portfolio. With little knowledge and beautiful women from all over the world entering the lair of the east village record store I worked nights at. In the short time I worked there. I met the world and built many lasting friendships. Before long, I had people from nearby universities to visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Croatia and countries in Africa, Asia and South America guaranteeing my portfolio would be deep and diverse. Most of what I shot was in the East Village and my Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The image below was taken at Pier 84 on the Hudson River. A beautiful woman from the lower east side. I made a lot of mistakes back then and still today. However, I try to learn from them without being so hard on myself.

Getting Strangers to Open Up.

Anecdote, Editorial, Expression, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Portraiture

I had just taken a job with a new studio that was experimenting with adding short video interviews to the studio photography session. It was a brand new idea at the time, and the photographers were given a chance to improvise and scrip their own interview questions. My first customers were a young couple from Brooklyn who had this amazing chemistry together. I sped through the photo session, giving them a nice session of images to choose from. When it came to creating a video that would bring in some extra cash to the studio. I was in new territory. For Christ sake. Aside from the training. I had never held a video camera before. However, having seen the couples chemistry throughout the photo session. I was ready to give it a try. Besides, both of us were new to this. Finally, lights, camera, action and they’re introducing themselves. Who they are and where they came from. Then it happened. Boom. My first question. “What was it that made you fall in love with one another?” Click, click, boom. As the woman started her response. Tears began running down her cheek.I knew, then and there they I had not only made a sale, but I made a connection. One that taught me how to communicate with complete strangers in order to get them comfortable enough to not even notice the camera.

And You Can Dance…

Anecdote, Beauty, Expression, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Studio Photography

It was a short, yet fun session with two girls I met through the local music scene. Music is always a source of inspiration to me, but I have no idea what inspired her to suddenly break into dance mode. Regardless, these images remain favorites after all these years. I’m including a video of Superchunks “The First Part” due to the simple fact that these images always remind me of it.

The Challenges and Rewards of Photographing People.

Beauty, Finding your Zen, Storytelling, Studio Photography

While photographing people has been my passion since day one. It wasn’t always easy. From my earliest days photographing friends and working for retail studios. To working with models and complete strangers That personal connection peels away the layers and depth of people’s personalities was one of the best feelings I could describe.. Forging a trust in a matter of minutes. One that allows you to peal away layers to show them in a way they may not have expected. I want to get back to that, while exploring the stories and experiences behind the session and image. As much as I’ve enjoyed and benefited from travel and landscape photography, I’ve dearly missed the challenge and rewards of portraiture and studio photography. What once looked like a closed chapter seems to be opening up again.

Learning from the Past.

Beauty, Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Studio Photography

Earlier this week, I came across some photos from a session I often refer to as, the worst due to the lack of communication between myself and the model. Regardless of the fact that she was, by all means, beautiful and a great canvas to work with. Much of the hour we booked was marred by her insistance on looking tough and making what would most be considered a gas face. Luckily, my friend and mentor was willing to step in to make some suggestions that really turned things around. Shortly after her departure, we shared a deep exhale, grateful that the worst part of our day was over. Looking back, I’m thankful for both. The model for testing my patience and pushing me to become a better communicator. My friend for stepping in and showing me how a true professional gets things done.

A Trip Through History

Art, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Finding your Zen, Travel, Travel Photography

As the weather gets warmer and Spring continues to develop. I hope to take full advantage of the history, culture and museums of the Washington DC area. Last week signaled somewhat of a start to this as we experienced the somewhat heartbreaking exhibits within the Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. As someone who became addicted to history at a very young age. I was always aware that our teachers and history books were lying to us, or at the very least, telling us less than half truths. We learned more in out two plus hours there than we were taught our entire life. I did my best ro be respectful and keep my piture taking to a minimum. I took the image on the right as we headed downstairs the the eventual exit. I tend to appreciate the images that fall on the dramatic side when it comes to shade and lighting.

Once Upon a Time in Hoboken.

Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Portraiture, Studio Photography

As I continue to make room on my computer for future uploads. I’ve found myself examining sessions from as far back as 2002. Though my editing and ultimate deleting has created some much needed space. I’m not nearly as deep into my dive as I hope to be. Upon opening the particular session. I can’t help but note it as hybrid moment where I began to shoot with purpose and not with the fear of making mistakes or moving lights around while I let my subjects story unfold. Below is a slideshow of a Broolyn woman who modeled, worked as a stunt woman and was a martial art master who specialized in knife and sword combat. During our brief time together. I was lucky to capture many moods as well as levels of strength and beauty. Enjoy.

My Awful Beginnings (Yoga)

Editing, Finding your Zen, Organizing

As I continue to inspect and ultimately delete age old images from my laptop. I struggle to let go of hundreds, if not thousands of files that no longer serve me and are not doing me any good saving. After coming across this folder of a subject who was deeply into yoga and other means of consciousness I myself, was yet to embrace. I came across this particular session and edited to my liking. Below is a three image slide show that might help me as I look to become a certified yoga instructor .

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