Category: Narrative

Once Upon a Time in Hell’s Kitchen.

Anecdote, Hell's Kitchen, Narrative, NYC, Storytelling, Street Photography

Living in Hell’s Kitchen was nine years of growth in countless ways. It was where I became a photographer and sharpened my writing and storytelling skills. I met and befriended a wide array of people from diverse backgrounds and I got married in the community garden directly across the street from my apartment on 48th Street. With all the rolls of film I shot. I wish I had spent more time photographing the character and character of my neighborhood. Accurately depicted in movies such as Sleepers, State of Grace, Gangs of New York, and countless others. As a kid, my Father would share his stories about his encounters with James Coonan and the Hell’s Kitchen gang, The Westies. When I look back, it’s surreal.

Surviving a Slump.

Narrative, Self Analyzing

As of late, I feel my opportunities to photograph inspiring or remotely interesting images are dwindling.. Yet, still. I think of every step outside my door as an opportunity to take a notable shot. It’s why my wife asks, “we’re going to pick up milk. Why are you packing your camera?” Two weeks without a great shot. Maybe it’s time to call it quits. Sell my camera and consider becoming a carpenter. I was always drawn to carpentry. Building cabinets and book shelves. But, no. I know what I like, and I know what I love. Noted, I live in an area that’s not all that exciting and I’m too old to be climbing fences and trespassing. Yet still, deep down inside. I know, that the one time I leave my camera at home. U.F.O.’s, Bigfoot, or an honest politician will appear and I’ll miss one of those once in a lifetime chances to bring home that shot. Until then.

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The End of Civilization as we Knew it.

Communication Breakdown, Mental Health, Narrative

As I was exiting the historically riveting, yet soul crushing Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. I stopped to take this image of what I considered a moving moment. A row of people who had just exited the exhibition I had. People who had completely disconnected themselves from living in a moment and gone back to their worlds of social media and technology. Is this where we’re headed or have already arrived? Whether you’re old or familiar with a time when we weren’t as plugged in, yet tuned off. I recently watched as a woman walked into traffic without looking up from her phone. Only reacting when a car screeched to a halt in order not to hit her. Her reaction, “How dare you…” seemed indicative of the current mindset many carry around, troubled me. Not to come off like an old curmudgeon (Which I am.) shaking his fist at the sky. But, wake the fuck up.

Cold, Colder, Coldest….

Narrative, Snowpocalypse

After waking yesterday. I checked my weather app. on my phone only to notice it was seventeen degrees. Upon opening the shades, I was made aware that it that the nights snow storm had left a few inches. After taking a shower, I returned to that same window, only to find it was snowing again, and snowing hard. Thus far, it’s been a harsh winter.But this was the first snowfall in Fairfax. I’ve spent most of the last week or so in our condo and at the gym. To be honest, this weather has put an end to my talk about oneday, moving to Alaska. I love the Spring and the Fall, but I do not enjoy extreme weather. I went out for a few minutes to photograph some old Airfix WWII German Mountain soldiers, which was fun. But I am going to keep my outings to a minimal until warmer days.

An Ode to Trespassing.

Industrial Photography, Narrative, Roadside Attractions, Storytelling, Travel, Travel Photography

As I sit here with my wife watching a You Tube video titled “Ghost towns and Abandoned places.” I wonder aloud, “Are my days of exploring uncharted territory and off limits properties over?” As early as the age of seven. (Long before I had a camera or the aching to use one. I was exploring the many off limits junk yards, body shops and construction sites of my Queens neighborhood. There was a burnt out house a few blocks from where my Dad lived and believe me, we explored every nook and cranny of the two story home and seperated garage. Getting a camera and reaching the age of accountability changed little. I still had that explorers curiousity and drive to find what was beyond that “No Trespassing” sign. My hopes are that there is still plenty of that desire to explore, and my ability to ignore my wife when she snaps, “Chop, Chop!” or overthinks every I make to ignore those posted warning signs.

Life is Beautiful. Give it a Try.

Finding your Zen, Mental Health, Narrative, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

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.

Stops Along the Way.

Commentary, Culture, Editorial, Exploring, Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Narrative, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

If you’ve been paying attention, there’s this phrase by some guy named Emerson, that been passed around that says, “It’s not the destination. It’s the journey that matters.” Emerson was also quoted as saying, “Always do what you’re afraid to do.” Not being a philosopher myself. I have often sought understanding through travel and exploring different cultures, different ideologies, and economic imbalances. My experiences traveling (To another continent or just down the hall.) and interactions with people have educated me and informed me. Eliminating many prejudices and stereotypes, I might have had if I’d stayed within my bubble. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Breakfast Outing in Maryland

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Landscape Photography, Location Shooting, Narrative, Roadside Attractions, Storytelling, Travel, Travel Photography

Due to the time we arrived at Maryland’s Stony Park farm, the sun was so strong, that getting the images I had hoped for were dashed by how overwhelmingly bright the sun was, It wasn’t until much later in the day when we stopped for ice cream, that I would dare take my camera out of the bag and attempt a shot or two. As a born and raised city boy. One whose lived his entire life in an urban setting. Getting out of my element and experiencing a completely different way of life is mind blowing. The experience has a child-like effect on me that can only be compared to that as a wide eyed kid in a toy store. My love and admiration of farm life, tractors and barnyard animals is boundless. So when the sky began to offer shade. I made sure I had an image to take home and boast about. Here’s my capture of the steering wheel and headlight of the tractor parked outside of the creamery.

Exploration often leads to Discovery.

Exploring, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Location Shooting, Narrative

As I continue to work on my balance issues. My drive to be more independent, to explore more, and to not so awkwardly engage with those I wish to photograph with the confidence that once led me to less traveled roads and adventures grows stronger.
Attempting to do things I was forced to take a break from have become more attainable. That thirst for adventure, exploring, and creating, sometimes, off-limits subject matter sharpens. Having lived in our condo for over a year now. I can’t help but question why I haven’t explored the many nooks and crannies of an architectural achievement. Unsurprisingly, we often find inspiration while venturing into areas and corridors just off our daily path. Coming upon this paint inspired me to get a lower perspective and reminded me of stopping at a fire-damaged automotive repair shop on my way home from Boston.

Time Flies

Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Memories, Narrative, Organizing, Portraiture, Street Photography

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.