Category: Industrial Photography

In Case You’re Wondering

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Industrial Photography, Storytelling, Street Photography

I took this while going for an extended walk today. While most of my street photography often lacks that human element. I find the ones that do, add an extra element of storytelling. Filling a void and adding personality to the image. I’ve noticed that the majority of my photos outside of studio work are shot of people walking away. That element can be due to future sales of prints. Personally, I find that aspect adds more to the story. Allowing the observer to better ecersize their imagination. .That, or I’m not up for being punched in the head, or being angrily questioned as to why I just took their picture.

Photographers Rights

Industrial Photography, Photographers Rights, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

‘I’ve been taking pictures for decades now, however, since the tragedy of 9/11. I’ve been questioned, detained, and told what I could not photograph countless times. Whether it be a police intervention, a property owner, or a security guard, I’ve gotten used to being told, “You can’t take pictures of this.” Or, “What are you doing here?” “What are you taking pictures of, or for?” And “How long do you plan on being here?” It’s something I’ve become used to and somewhat expected. That said, there are times when I ignore or straight-up challenge their demands. That’s why when, earlier this week, I was told by a security guard that I was forbidden to photograph a building on a public street. I chose to explain my rights instead of getting pissed and telling them to “fuck off!” I explained to them my rights and how their demands might be best served in North Korea or some other dictatorship. When I got home, I decided to go online to learn my rights as a photographer. Before my next outing, I plan on printing my rights in the likely chance I’m questioned, held, stopped, or informed about what I can and cannot document. As a fellow photographer, I recommend you do the same.

A.C.L.U. Photographer Rights


A Day Trip to Falls Point, Baltimore.

Industrial Photography, Location Shooting

Since moving to Virginia, we’ve surprisingly made more trips and visits to Baltimore than D.C. or anywhere else. Yesterday we spent the day in an area called Fells Point. It’s a beautiful area on the Inner Harbor. We enjoyed delicious food, charming shops while avoiding a number of atrocious cover acts. It’s where I took this image and learned that my current walker is no match to the surrounding cobblestone streets.

Composition

Art, Industrial Photography, Manual Mode, Sculpture, Street Photography

Below is an image I took outside our condo. As a born and bred New Yorker, I immediately thought of the cities countless bike racks. Having never seen a bike locked to it. I’ll assume it’s a sculpture. With some serious down time, I feel my immediate surroundings are providing little inspiration. With time on my hands and an itch to get out there and shoot. I’ve decided to take some steps to get back to the basics of focusing and composing. Here’s to the weekend.

Photographic Minimalism

Industrial Photography, Manual Mode, Street Photography

When thinking of photography and whatever approach I might decide to take in the near future. Much like life itself, I can’t help but think of minimalism. What that actually means? I’m not sure, but living out of a suitcase over the past months with a single camera body and a 50 millimeter lens has been difficult yet educating. Moving to Arlington, I’ve found a renewed interest in photography and documenting my new surroundings. With my newfound interest has come a desire to approach each picture with a new sense of purpose and focus. Asking myself, what attracted me to this image and what message, if any, do I wish to convey? As much as I’ve alway been to telephone lines and cell phone towers. I can’t help but think, with all these connections and gigabytes, we seem to be communicating less. Sure, we talk a lot. But, are we listening?

Keep on Keepin’ on

Industrial Photography, Storytelling

I’ve been tuning in to the History channel’s TV show ‘American Pickers’ a lot these days. And while many of the characters and destinations featured on the show could easily find their way to an episode of ‘Hoarders’. Digging through a families history as opposed to unearthing years of unattended cat feces somehow appeals to me.

As a kid growing up in the shadows of Shea stadium, the junk yards guarded by attack dogs and pop up automotive repair and parts shacks just a few feet beyond, I became enamored with old trucks, their histories and the miles they accumulated while making their rounds. You see, everyone and everything has a history as well as a unique story to tell. For myself, I’ve always felt a responsibility to document and whenever possible preserve it. Knowing full well, that nothing is permanent.

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Left Behind; The Beauty in Things we often Overlook.

Beauty, Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Industrial Photography, Location Shooting, Storytelling, Street Photography

I was only seven years old when I wandered onto my first construction site in Jackson Heights, Queens and just weeks after that I watched a close friend fall to his death at the same site. Though tragic in every way, it never deterred me from hopping a fence or overlooking any signs that bore the words “NO TRESPASSING!” As an adult, I discovered a passion for photography and though that passion consumed me. My love and appreciation for things like construction sites, junk yards, factories and the numerous locations that are often deemed “Off Limits.” Left Behind-15Having a camera and a desire to document my surroundings led me to many destinations. A few years ago, I attended a Q&A in downtown NYC where the author of a book whose title escapes me would speak about his experiences shooting his factory themed images for his book. Imagine how disappointed I was when he talked about getting permission and a time frame to capture the images for his project. “What a jip!” I thought. This guy got an all access pass and chose to shoot from the cushy balcony. Where was the rush of adrenaline coming from? Where was the risk? Undaunted, I returned to my passion and that rush that comes from not knowing what will happen next. That feeling you get when the hairs on your neck stand on end and tingle. While I’m too old and too sick to climb fences, outrun police or feel the breath of an angry guard dog on the chase,. I’m still holding out that there’s a gallery exhibit or even a book in the future. And while I’ve begun to gather and post pictures on my social media page, I know I still have a long way to go. Here’s a link to some of the images I’ve come across. Left Behind

Industrial Tacoma

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Location Shooting, Storytelling

While it’s seldom discussed outside the photographers circle. I am pretty sure there is something equivalent to a photographers boner. Though not thoroughly researched. I can assure you that there are a number of subjects that bring tingles to my lower parts.  One of them is industrial photography and the kind that just might include a little trespassing. As someone who, at the age of seven considered construction sites part of his urban playground. I have a long history of being both physically and creatively drawn to industrial types of art, architecture and style.

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Deciding to turn down a different street, take a different route and cross that bridge yesterday in Tacoma paid endless dividends. While we had already been having a stellar day of beautiful weather, good food, record shopping and coffee. The tail end of our visit, was by far the most rewarding. My eyes lit up as I spotted a collection of out of commission train cars just outside one of the industrial parks businesses.  loudly urged “Stop.” “Stop.” “Stop the car.” As I jumped out of my seat toretrieve my camera from the trunk. Though I can’t wait to go back and further explore that particular area. I feel lucky to have a few worthwhile images to go home with.

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The Sun Always Sets

Industrial Photography, Sunscapes, Sunsets

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My wife and I recently deiced to take one weekend day (usually Sunday) to stay somewhat local and dedicate part of the day to study,. (Or in my case, write.)     Over time it’s come to be a ritual I enjoy and even look forward to. Going out for breakfast before seeking out a library, book store or cafe/coffee house to settle in and get some extra work done. Being that I’ve always been and still am inspired by photography. I often find myself  thinking as one and wanting to capture a moment. Since moving to Seattle I’ve taken my share of sunsets but often miss the industrial surroundings of the Jersey City  condo we so cherished. Finding ourselves at a SODO coffee shop late this afternoon. I was able to patiently wait in my comfortable seat as the sun began to set over the areas industrial backdrop. As the Fall quickly becomes Winter  and the days get shorter. My chances to watch the sun disappear will multiply. Still, watching  sun set and that glowing orange color overpowering a once blue sky incites child like awe.

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