Category: Graffiti

Adding Colour to your Palette.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Color, Graffiti, Sunrise, Sunscapes

Often, while working with models and clients, the question most often asked was, “Do you ever shoot in color?” Not wanting to waste the moment and secure the job. Or miss the opportunity to work with an attractive subject. I’d gather the best words available to my vocabulary.Thinking back, The art of Black & White taught me to compose while allowing me to tell a story of the subject through depth and shadow. The more I photographed my subjects without what I considered distracting. The better my results and feedback. Despite my preference. I realize there’s are always time to add color without distractions. Growing up photographing New York’s lengendery graffiti scene and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets around the world demand color and suffer with applying such. Why choose when there are so many options.Yes, I prefer shooting in black & white. But shooting on a digital, or in my case, mirrorless. One can switch up at any time.

A Tribute to Tupac

Art, Closure, Graffiti, Hip Hop, Street Photography

As I turned on the news Friday night, the news of the New York City flood was interrupted with the report of the arrest of a suspect in Tupac Shakur’s September, 1996 murder. I was working nights at a West Village record store at the time. It was only days later when working on a portfolio with an aspiring model when I came across this just erected monument. Viewing the news report and locating this old imageI reminded me how much of an influence his words meant to and influenced me. How, more than twenty years after his murder, I never thought I’d see a day where we approached a sense of justice and closure. Only time will tell if the evidence found will bring a conviction, but this announcement brings us closer to the truth.

Tupac Mural L.E.S.

Art, Culture, Graffiti, Memories, NYC, Street Photography

Going through old slides, I found this image of a Tupac Shakur memorial mural that appeared shorty after his still unsolved murder in Los Angeles. Over the years I’ve come to love, and respect Tupac’s legacy to hip hop and life in general. Looking back, I’m grateful for making an effort to protect my slides and negatives.

Graffiti Alley

Art, Beauty, Color, Finding your Zen, Graffiti, Interpreting Art, Street Photography

After an already full day in Baltimore. We made a final stop at Graffiti Alley, which is located in the Station North Arts and Entertainment District directly behind the Motor House. It somehow reminded us of a miniature version of Long Island City, NY’s “Five Points.” (R.I.P.) Awash with colors and ripe with the smell of newly created art. We made sure to taking our time to soak it all in. As someone who grew up in graffiti culture and always admired what kind of messages would come from a can of Krylon. It energized me. Seeing that someone was using the name that I once tagged up with was just candles on my cake.

Georgetown and its Tones of Home

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Graffiti, Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Street Photography

GTII (1 of 1)GTIIII (1 of 1)Since our arrival in Seattle, we’ve found a number of neighborhoods we’ve grown quite fond of. Pioneer Square with it’s reminders of New York’s once edgy Lower East Side was our first love. While the International Center, Capitol Hill and pockets of Queen Anne have all spirited our first months here. That said, there has been somethng special about Georgetown that keeps us coming up with reasons to visit from one week to the next. Having moved to Columbia City just over a week ago has brought us even closer to the somewhat quiet pocket of Seattle that often reminds me of the out of the way area known as Red Hook Brooklyn back in New York. It wasn’t until my wife mentioned how much she loved the area and her desire oi buy there, that I realized just how similar the areas seemed.

For it was during what seemed like an endless search to buy a condo that fit our style and needs that we found an off the beaten path area in Brooklyn known as Red Hook. In just a few visits, it felt as if the area would become our desired location for us. The problem, however, was that after we attended to underwhelming open houses. We didn’t anything else appear on the market. Short story long, we gave up on the area and rarely ever returned afterward.

Fortunately, Georgetown has all the charm of the aforementioned East Coast destination with a closer proximity and easy accessibility to where we currently call home. Who knows if we’ll find a place in Georgetown or if we’ll even stay in Seattle permanently.  (With all the talk of what we miss back East. It’s hard to decide, yet.) Regardless, we’re having a great time getting to know the area.

GTI (1 of 1)

 

Photographing Art

Art, Graffiti, Street Photography

Lips (1 of 1)

Whenever I see any mural, graffiti or for that matter, any form of art that inspires thought. My initial reaction is to reach for my camera in order to capture the moment for future inspection. While one’s first instinct would be to back up far enough to capture my subject in its entirety. I often like to take a minute to absorb the subject in order to fully understand what it is that really grabbed my attention in the first place. In the picture posted here, I zoomed in on the lips and nose, as they reminded me of someone I love and respect. While clearly understanding that I was documenting someone else’s art. I felt that my interpretation of it made it okay to do so.

Risk / Reward (For Lana)

Exploring, Graffiti, Industrial Photography, Location Shooting, Roadside Attractions

I was talking to a friend about a recent excursion that really made the hairs on my arm stand on end. A  little over a month ago, I came across a spot that was as scary as it was intriguing. That day, I spent a matter of minutes exploring the area just adjacent to the old, abandoned automotive parts/repair shop. At the time, I peaked through, before briefly entering  the side door. When returning a few weeks later, I found an obscured front door and entered with as much caution as I had curiosity. Almost immediately, I could feel the hair on my arms stand on end as I had entered a dragon’s lair of graffitied walls, random garbage and the remnants of a recent visitor, or worse, occupant.

Hairy (1 of 1).jpg

As I stepped cautiously through the debris and squalor. I couldn’t help but feel the tortured spirits of those who may have preceded my visit. sunday-1-of-1As I moved from room to room through hand carved holes in the walls. I couldn’t help but feel that I might have bitten off more than I could chew. The random needles, paint cans and emptied glue containers served as evidence of recent hardcore drug use. “You’re too old to be doing this. You should be enjoying a plate of eggs and hash browns with you wife right now”

As creepy as my visit might have been. I had no inkling as to how weird things were about to get. While carefully opening one of the container doors. I unveiled what seemed to be a living space, complete with mattress. Though not the unveiling of a colony of brain thirsty zombies or bat wielding crack heads I spooked myself into  imagining. It quickly served as the hair-raising moment that told me “Times up. Get your ass back in the car” Thankfully, I was in complete and total agreement with that inner voice. Until the next time.

 

Maybe I Spoke too Soon

Exploring, Finding your Zen, Graffiti, Industrial Photography, Location Shooting, Newark, Street Photography

VisitorIII (1 of 1)

In my last post “Sometimes it’s better to go it alone.” Here. I mentioned going it alone when operating as a street photographer. While that thread may ring true in many cases. It can’t go without saying that she is both my greatest inspiration and a damn good lookout and second set of eyes. Often watching my back when I’m shooting in more risky areas. While also serving as a second set of eyes when it comes to security related entities.

Visitor (1 of 1)

Where as today was scheduled to be a very laid back day with a short trip to Ikea for an area rug. We spent much of our day exploring much of Newark, Elizabeth and Harrison. While not dangerous by any means. Select areas might have been a bit private and or restricted. So to my wife, a hearty thanks for being my lookout when it came to shooting and our late lunch in East Newark. I really enjoyed sharing a seat at the counter and getting to know some of the regulars.

VisitorI (1 of 1)

VisitorIV (1 of 1)

 

Work in Progress

Art, Graffiti

As much as I enjoy spending the day admiring art of any kind. Being able to  watch it in progress take my admiration and appreciation to new heights.Control-3 For, as important  the finished product remains.                 The creative process is where the soul lies. In the handful of times I’ve seen a work in progress or installation. I’ve found myself somewhat transfixed in awe. With graffiti and murals being my first exposure to art. Watching a piece go up on the wall can bring chills. On this particular summer day at Asbury Park. I became a bit restless after a few hours on the sand. My decision to head back to the boardwalk to stretch my legs was a good one. Watching her admire her own work as she applied little touch ups was just an added bonus.

It Matters, You Should Care.

Documentary, Editorial, Graffiti, Street Photography

I was on the way to the Film Forum in the west village when I came across this simple, yet powerful statement someone had spray painted on the wall. While I’ve made it a habit to carry my camera with me at all times. However, with my sole purpose of heading in to the city for a flick with some friends. FullSizeRenderIt seemed less than necessary. With my iPhone 6 being my only option.       I snapped this and quickly continued my walk to the theatre. While I’m not one to usually support public vandalism. The message itself felt important, vital and timely. My message here, if any, is to document your surroundings, your travels and your experiences. They’ll change over time. That snapshot might come in handy one day.