Street Photography – Page 13

Day 10; (Asakusa) Tokyo

Finding your Zen, Humor, Japan, Shrines, Street Photography

As we headed to Tokyo. I couldn’t help but feel a bit anxious. The combination of an empty stomach. My Sister-in-Laws taste in music and the fact that I had accidentally walked in on her as she was finishing up her shower were all in clear focus. Somehow those factors would stay with me for what seemed to be a long ride. Fortunately, for me and my wife. A really good meal washed any and all anxiety I may have carried in to the city that day. After an excellent meal at Tiger Gyoza Hall. We headed towards the Asakusa Shrines. A small, yet highly populated area I fell in love with during my first trip to Japan in 2001.

This was my third trip to Tokyo since we arrived and I promised myself to be a little more open minded about the city than I had been in my two prior posts on the big city. Aa we inched closer to our destination the crowds thickened and I went from dodging passing bicyclists to avoiding collisions with pedestrians. Overall, it was a great day. The shrines were packed and I was both visually and spiritually stimulated. Tomorrow we’ll be heading back to Tokyo to have lunch with one of Kayuri’s closest friends Junko. (June-Ko) She was the head of my wife’s bridal party at our wedding. So it only seems fit that she will be taking us out for lunch and to see Star Wars “The Force Awakens”. Things are getting interesting around here… and elsewhere.

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Day 8; (Shibuya) Tokyo

Exploring, Finding your Zen, Japan, Street Photography, Uncategorized

To be perfectly honest. I am beginning to lose track of the days here. So I’m just going to pretend no ones looking and go with the flow of what my blog tells me. With Friday being our last day in Hakone. I took advantage of the rain and the fact that it was Christmas day to spend as much time going back and forth between the hot springs and the sauna before packing and heading back down the mountain on the way to our home base in Hayama.

With the threat of a do nothing weekend I bolted for another option in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. and the promise of a couple of extra record stores and the shrines. While I liked the Shibuya area. Everything there seems to be created to satisfy the tastes and influences of Americans. Shop after shop featured apparel with the name New York, Brooklyn and even Harlem. There were times when I felt as if I was strolling down St. Marks Place and others (many, many others) where I felt as if I was in the heart of Times Square. I really can’t complain, considering what an awesome day we had. Maybe I just need to give up on the idea that every big metropolis is unique to the other. On a side note. I can’t go without mentioning the incredible noodles we had at that little back alley hole in the wall. Sh8 (1 of 1) Sh6 (1 of 1) Sh1 (1 of 1) Sh2 (1 of 1) Sh (1 of 1) Sh5 (1 of 1) Sh7 (1 of 1)

Day 3; Close to Home (Hayama Style)

Finding your Zen, Japan, Street Photography

Not much at all happening today. A lack of sleep the night before, indecision and some inclement weather kept us local for most of the day. Boogie (1 of 1) The most extensive journey made was down the forever winding hill that leads to the towns main road for the days grocery. As we were navigating the narrow sidewalk that is the main road. We briefly stepped aside to make room for an oncoming group. At the end of the line was a particularly slow walker who, for one reason or another, caught my attention, thus causing me to look back. The back of his jacket reading “The Bronx Boogie Down” came as somewhat of a surprise considering his otherwise local appearance. The moment felt like a little taste of home. Ultimately serving as a reminder of how universal music really is. Today’s lack of movement gave us plenty of time to plan out the days that lay ahead. Tomorrow we’ll be headed to Tokyo for the day. Until then, my camera’s battery is charged and ready to go.

Saturday in East Harlem (Color)

Exploring, NYC, Street Photography

With all the colors in life Harlem has to offer. I felt it important to include more than the B&W images featured in the previous post. Enjoy.

Show Me Your Ink

Street Photography

As I passed the fountain in Washington Square Park. My attention turned to a Father playing with his daughters. While the young man’s tough, street wise look wouldn’t merit him as a poster boy for Fatherhood. His loving, protective manner with his girls was, to say the very least, moving. As he began to turn towards me. I began to notice the tattoo on his forearm. Being that I had just been complaining how, if I had known twenty years ago that tattoos would become so common and flat out random. I might have never gotten any. And while I still can’t fake any interest when a friend asks me “Want to see my new tat?” I can certainly appreciate a good one when I see it.

Let’s Roll Film on this.

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Street Photography

I was strolling through Union Square when I came upon the group of Hare Krishna who gather at the parks south western corner to sell books, chant and play their unlistenable music. While this sight somehow manages to draw a curious crowd. It was the first time I ever saw them filming themselves. One can only hope it was being filmed to please their supreme Lord Krishna. That, they were filming a “How to make it in the music industry without even trying.” video.

Documenting My Travels. Part II

Documentary, Editorial, Jersey City, Street Photography

As a certified old curmudgeon. I admittedly have a big fat stack of pet peeves. You know, those little things that get under your skin, torture your soul and make you want to shout out loud. “Get off my fucking planet.” Well, when it comes to pet peeves, eating on the train is pretty high up on the list. While public displays of gluttony and disobeying basic rules while thumbing your nose (and any boogers that might be clogging up your senses) at common sense principles might be traits some folks look for in their future soulmate. Personally, I find it disgusting. It’s something I witness on a daily basis. Something that goes beyond and race, regional, social or economic boundaries. People literally eating amongst disease carrying rats. Yuck! Okay, I know my rant won’t change a thing, but it might inspire my “Humans of New York” inspired coffee table book “Don’t eat where others shit.” Todays morning ride featured this very attractive rider who, before ripping in to her noodle salad, managed to down an entire hoagie without getting any mayonnaise stains on her blouse. My guesstimate is, she dines here regularly. I’m just glad she didn’t notice the sign before she sat down.

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. It 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.

A Slice of Philly

Happiness, Philadelphia, Street Photography

When my wife asked me what I was in the mood for. I knew I had to think quick on my feet. Being that we had such a long winter. I’ve been continuously biting at the idea of getting out of my every day, break from the norm and put the pedal to the metal. All cliques aside. I’ve just grown tired of the weekly trips to Costco, Trader Joe’s and other places that magically turn “Getting Milk” a five hour endeavor. Quickly, I blurted out “Philly” “Pizza in Philly”. Knowing it was getting late in the morning and my wive’s strange, yet ritualistic battle cry “Isn’t it a little late to drive that far?” I scrambled for a list of the best pizza in Philly on my phone while demanding action. After stopping at RT. 9’s Wonder Bagels we were south bound and with a little luck and 80 + miles per hour speed, we arrived in the city of brotherly love. Knowing full well that the term is pure bullshit we went hard on our destination and arrived just as lunch was starting to brew. As we sat down at Slice’s

South Street location located near the heart of the famous Italian Market our eyes widened as our mouth watered in anticipation. With our belly’s still satisfied by the egg and cheese bagels we feasted on during the trip.
We decided to each order a slice as opposed to gorging on an entire pie. To say that “SLICE” delivered the best slice I’ve had since my Hell’s Kitchen days (93-2001) would be an understatement. From the first bite to the last I found myself plotting my next trip. Fresh ingredients, delicious sauce and a distinctly crispy crust that would satisfy the most misshapen pizza snob. Add to that, a friendly server who went out of his way to not make us feel like annoying tourists. From there we walked the walk. Enjoying the Italian Market, South Street and Phillly’s Chinatown. While Philadelphia will never be my favorite destination on the map. It’s close, offers a ton of things and even if you don’t manage to grope a cheesesteak. You can still make it home claiming victory and good time had.

Extra’s From This Weekend’s Trip to Philly

Exploring, Philadelphia, Street Photography

In years past each of my trips to the city of Philadelphia involved a number of defined moments and fulfilling ‘must do’ lists. Tony Luke’s Cheesesteaks, Pat’s King of Steaks, Gino’s Steaks and The Reading Market. With one particular trip fondly named “The Great Cheesesteak Chase”, where me managed to chow down at each of the three cheesesteak landmarks in one fateful day. All great memories considering the amount of consumption and downright gluttony involved. Becoming a vegetarian some years back served as a change of plans as well as destination.

While I sometimes miss the idea of wrapping my hands around a juicy steak and cheese with flavorful onions. Passing up these long time favorites has allowed me the opportunity to spend that time exploring in order to take home a few worth while images. Not having a belly full of meat to weigh me down has inspired me to walk more and perhaps walk the lesser travelled streets in search of an eye catching image to put on my wall or share on my blog.

I do my best not to block the sidewalk, be intrusive or act like a clueless, self involved tourist. Photographing the things that draw my eye as well as my imagination. Cautiously recalling my last predawn trip to Philly’s Chinatown when, while photographing the alleyways of the area. I was greeted by a naked Chinese man having a smoke in one of the doorways. My goal being to document my travels without turning each one into a documentary. Ultimately, a person can often learn a lot about where he’s going when he can look back where he’s been.