A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a happy holiday and a healthy, prosperous New Year. I’m going to take some much needed time to work on a number of things that include art, my health and some traveling that I’m sure will nourish the soul and bring joy to this cranky so and so. In the meantime, help spread the word about a cool blog you’ve stumbled on. Again, I wish you all the very best.
After picking up my 11X14 print from the camera store/lab we use in Arlington. My wife asked if I would frame it and where I wanted to hang it. I replied “I don’t plan on framing or hanging it.” Puzzled, she looked at me and asked, “Then why did you print it?” That is a good question. One that I gave numerous reasons for. One that I asked myself. Having grown up in the film camera age and developed every role we ever shot, countless and often terrible images ended up in photo albums or crowded boxes in bedroom closets. I look back and wonder. Was any of it worth the money spent or space occupied?
These days, I take thousands of pictures but rarely print any. But when I do, I’m rewarded as I see the differences or the details between the image I see on the computer and the print I can touch and avoid getting my fingerprints on. Today was one of those days when I immediately saw the vast difference in the quality of a quality printed image. It both inspires me and gives me hope that someday I’ll get my shit together and sell my work at a more consistent rate.
It arrived today. The chair of my dreams. The one I picked out myself. The one we had concerns would’nt fit through the door and have enough space to fit in the little corner nook we carved out. The one that slid right in the door without so much of a mark on the door before sliding comfortably into the corner we’d carved out for it. Now, with the exception of new records. The man cave I always imagined is done. All there is to do now, is sit back, listen, and ocassionaly, review records for my column.
Throughout the last month, I’ve remodeled the study/record room while preparing for the arrival of the area rug (The wood floors have wrecked terror on my knees.) and the lounge chair. (Over the years, the office swivel chair has proved less than comfortable when spending hours in its clutches.) I also moved several Kallax record storage units. It’s not even close to as painful as removing and refilling the records albums within. (That took two days and was a harrowing reminder that MP3s and CDs are far less cumbersome.) Luckily, I got them all alphabetized and cataloged before the carpet arrived, leaving ample space for the chair, aside from soundproofing the room.
Which I don’t plan to do. My work it done. I’ve got another week before the new chair arrives. From there, I can fully take advantage of my man cave and spend my remaining days attempting to listen to all these records. Wish me luck, and don’t feel strange sending reminders to eat, sleep, and bathe. As I’m writing this, I received a message noting the chair I ordered will be delivered on Friday. My order of several new releases and a reissue is due this week, so I’ll have to put aside some time to enjoy this space in new and chill ways. Regardless, it’s going to get loud.
The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.
The key to living is to never allow yourself to stop learning. It’s an essential part of growth and navigating lives challenges. When I think of some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a photographer. I often think of an exchange with a friend and fellow photographer. Shortly after our friendship began , our passions were shared. We met up to talk photography, amongst other things, while sharing our work. His critique “What did a shadow ever do to you?” regarding the rather flat nature of some of my studio images. Made me think and ultimately, start a journey that turned my fear of failing to a love of shadows.
As I exited my patio and turned to close the gate behind me. I spotted a rather large creature attatching itself to my second bedroom window screen. Although I hadn’t encountered one since I was five years old. I immediately recognized it was a praying mantis. “My God. What a beautiful and rare moment.” I stood there paralyzed. I wanted to run inside to get my camera in order to capture the moment. But the risk and fear of scaring it away was more than I could overcome. Instead I reached for my iPhone and managed a few shots while marveling in its presence. A few hours later, I was back on the patio and guess who was still there? Yup. that same praying mantis. This time, with no fear of scring it away. I went back inside to grab my camera and attempt to capture the moment. Living here in Viirginia has presented many first encounters I won’t soon forget. Though I often miss the pigeons and squirrels that populate the city I lived most of my life in. Virginia has gifted me with some of the most colorful birds I’ve ever seen. This recent gift, however, completely blew my mind.
Side note: Did you know the praying mantis is known for devouring it’s sexual partner after intercourse. It is said, that the term “One night stand.” originated form the praying mantis’s practise?
After gaining some lost sense of balance. I’ve decided that I want to start photographing people again. Not that I’m nessecarily interested in models, actors or musicians. Just the exercise of a good portrait. One that tells a story of delves deep into a persons personal story and personality. I miss that. I miss that sense of capturing a moment or a mood. In recent years I’ve gone from an extrovert to a wallflower, and I’m not sure I like it. So here goes. Maybe this week I’ll strike up a conversation with a stranger and propose a session. I used to be quite good at talking to strangers. Maybe I can still pull it off. If I do. You’ll be the first to know. Here’s to following your heart.
Earlier today while enjoying breakfast at at Washington DC’s Union Market. I conversed with a stranger, recommending one of the booths for their outstanding pastrami sandwich. (Yeah, I know I shouldn’t be eating pastrami for breakfast. But I’m from New York City. So here’s my get out of food jail card.) I haven’t been very social and conversations with complete strangers have become something of the past. Considering his reaction to my recommendation and the smile that came with it. I went away feeling good.When I ran into him again as we were heading to our car. He approached me with that same smile telling me that he took my recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it. That small exchange made me feel like my old self again. The person who made friends with a smile and a wink. A tip of the proverbial hat. I miss that guy.
Get weird. Be weird. Stay weird.
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