As a photographer, and in general, dawn and dusk are my favorite times of the day. My favorite time to breathe what’s left of our fresh air. My favorite time to watch the colors change due to the rising or setting sun. Both are somewhat inconvenient, considering I usually wake up with the sun and enjoy dinner as it develops. However, with today’s rising temperature and a sense of drive. I could leave the apartment, return without waking my better half, and enjoy a moment of complete solitude while capturing a few unguarded moments.
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.
With the wife at the office and my wanting to take advantage of the warm weather and a barely baptized new camera. I carefully navigated the sidewalk cracks and pot holes, and walked my way down to Dolly Madison road to attempt some shots I’ve been wanting to take since arriving in the area. Arriving at the edge of the great divide. I took to time to steady myself and compose the area I wanted to focus on. With my main focus on the soon to arrive train and two towering buildings in the foreground serving as bookmarks. I waited for my photo version of Moby Dick to come into view. This photo opportunity served several purposes, as the day marked my longest solo walk since my diagnosis, capturing a shot I’ve long envisioned, and later discovering the route to a rewarding nature walk.
Tuesday, February 7th, marked the sixth week I’ve been attending physical therapy in Washington, DC. When first recommended by my primary doctor and the specialists at Rochester, Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic. I strongly disagreed, referring to my already unyielding dedication to working out, the gym, and nutrition. Despite my skepticism and experience with past sessions where they put you on a bike and walked away. Like a good patient. I agreed to at least look into it. With due diligence, I found a highly rated/recommended place in nearby Washington, DC. My “What can they possibly do for me.” mantra went out the door during my first session. My therapist (Feeke) has been by my side, adding new and rewarding challenges each week. All of which I’ve applied to my daily routine at my condo’s gym. Since being diagnosed in 2017, I’ve had my share of challenges. All of which I’ve taken on like the stubborn son of a bitch I’ve always been. Whether it be my dedication to my workouts, meditation, tai-chi, or eating habits. Despite any challenges or disabilities. I feel as if I’m in the best shape of my life. I took the picture below in DC at about 7:43 am. The image reminded me that, no matter what, if you want to achieve anything. You have to put in the work.
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.
No matter what the situation, chances are, I’m thinking of or indulging in the art of photography. So much so that I firmly believe that we would never get to our intended destination if my wife stopped the car every time I spotted something I wanted to photograph. As my camera is often in its bag snuggled far out of reach, whatever photos taken while driving are done so with my phone. While this practise has produced a number or worthy photos, for me, it’s just not photography. So today I kept the camera with me in the front seat and did my best to avoid the dirt and smudges on the windshield As expected, results varied. I did, however, like this particular shot.
As I wait for my Canon R6 Mark II to arrive and attempt to combat a cold I have unintentionally passed on to my wife. I am stuck with no camera and a whole lot of down time. I am filling some of that big empty by attempting to organize and delete many of my old files. As I scroll through endless amount of digital images. I am finding some keepers. Marking the stand outs with the handle “G.O.A.T.” Looking back, I’ve always had a healthy relationship with New York City’s east village Washington Square Park. From working at a nearby record store in my teens, to filling in my down time by finding inspirational scenery and fascinating people to photograph. All of this backtracking reminds me that, despite fighting a full on cold while the temperatures outside dance below and above freezing. The calendar shows that Spring and Summer are still on the horizon. For the time being, images like this one, will hopefully keep me warm.
It happened. I finally move forward and purchased the Canon R6 mirrorless kit which includes a 24-105 F-4 mm lens. At the same time, I traded in two full camera bags of lenses, bodies and accessories. With my wife cheering me on and congratulating .me for lessening the load that has accumulated over the years. The salesperson, Elder, at District Camera was thorough, knowledgable, and above all, patient with my long list of questions. By trading in many items, I felt much lighter, even letting out a long breathe of relief. As we drove home, my wife seemed pleased by my making the jump to mirrorless. She’s always been super positive and supportive of my work, drive, and passion. Something that I’m forever thankful for. Here’s to the learning curve I hope to undergo, and many, many more photography opportunities.
After about a year of grueling research on You Tube and just about every outlet available. I’ve decided to make the move from DSLR to Mirrorless. As someone who’s always been slow when it came to warming up to new technology. It has often taken time and a little push to get on board with the the new flavors of the decade. As someone who went from a film enthusiast to a digital warhorse. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the different stages and steps I’ve made along the way. So, after much thought. I’ll be heading to the local photo warehouse this weekend, to trade in some of my old gear and purchase the Canon Mirrorless R6 kit that includes the 24-105 mm lens. You can expect many images and reportage on the results and overall experience in the mirrorless universe. However, I more than hope to take the time to get to know my cameras settings and whatchacallits. Until then.
Below is a Peter McKinnon (My personal favorite Photographer/Blogger.) video review of the Canon R6.
Continuing my deep dive into decades old images that I captured on slide film. I’ve somewhat shifted my kicking myself for less than perfect attempts at capturing the beauty and uniqueness of my subjects and instead recalling how much fun I was having and how lucky I was to have complete strangers agree to give me the time to practise my new passion. I can also recall how my social skills and ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone were taken to new heights.
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