Category: Street Photography

Hotter than Hell

Opinion, Street Photography, Summertime, Theory

My Father always had a way, no matter how dumb it sounded or quickly rebuked by science or common sense, of sounding convincing, almost as if he had inside information from a secret source. One of his unusually bothersome rants was about how global warming and climate change were a hoax created by Democrats to push forward a hippie-based belief and agenda—knowing how to avoid endless fighting and being forced to hear my Father’s Fox News-inspired talking points. My wife and I would roll our eyes and write it off as the price of a good meal. Years later, and more than two since we last spoke. I sometimes wonder what he thinks about the extreme weather and politics he often injected into our conversations. When I do think of it, I feel better off not knowing. There are opinions, opinions of truth, and the actual truth. Why should I care what the other guy thinks?

Ongoing Project

Art, Street Photography

After picking up a couple of enlargements (My first in over a year.) at Arlington’s District Camera. I decided to begin working on a project that focuses on transit. (With most, if not all of the images taking pace on train platforms and stations. With my entire life taking place just blocks from the local and express trains. There is a pulse, a certain eb and flow that inspires me and has taught me that we are all in perpetual movement. Even as we sit still. The world around us never stops. The images I’ve printed (Both posted here recently.) will serve as the basis of this project. With ones from the past and near future travels will complete it. While I’m not yet sure if I will shop a gallery, art space or digital platform. Regardless, it feels good to have new ideas and inspirations. This morning I went downstairs to our storage space to dig for an old hard drive with older pictures from my life in New York City, New Jersey, and Seattle, Washington. There are few images worth finding and printing.

Top of the Morning to ya’.

Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Street Photography

I’ve always enjoyed that hour or so before the sun rises. The air seems cleaner, the scent is much different from any other part of the day, and the quiet solitude has a charm all it’s own. I cherish these moments and try to participate in them whenever possible. On a recent pre-dawn walk, I arrived home just as the sun began to show itself. The rental across the street from me that was still be constructed when we moved here in 2021, is finally active. I snapped this at about an hour before the hustle and bustle of the rush hour began. Rewarding, to say the very least.

Washington D.C.’s Dupont Station.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Taken earlier today at Washington DC’s Dupont Station while finishing up our visit to the areas busy farmers market. My wife picked up lots of greens and and enough apples to make a pie. While I was able to take a few worthy shots while getting my first sunburn of the season.

Overcoming Your Expectations

Self Analyzing, Skateboarding, Street Photography

There I was, taking pictures and having the time of my life at a newly discovered skate park. Then, I finally made my way up to the platform of the locally elevated train. Doing what I love. With no interruptions and an open-ended timeline. All was well. I had kicked my early morning anxiety to the curb and spent the day enjoying the sun and the warm weather. All was well until I uploaded the day’s pictures and began to scroll. Suddenly, despite having a high number of excellent shots. I decided to focus on the images that failed to resonate with me. Despite being non-commissioned, just for fun excursions to places foreign to me. I harped on my misdoings. “You’ve been a photographer since! XYZ How could you not notice that branch?” and other self-deprecating judgments. It reminded me of how hard I can be on myself. Wondering, who was that person who put, “You have to be %!00 perfect %110 of the time?” “Why am I always afraid to make mistakes?” Whatever it is or was going on. I must change, adapt, and accept my mistakes while learning from them.

Water, Water, Everywhere

Documentary, Innosence, Memories, Street Photography

Growing up in Jackson Heights, Queens. The nearest swimming pool was in what seemed like a far off world. Without the money, or knowledge of the transit system. We were often left to our own devices and local fire hydrants when cooling off in the hot Summer sun. The joy of jumping in and out of the hydrants canon. Applying a hollowed out plastic bottle to better direct the waters flow. Or better yet, giving the passing cars a thorough soaking. Hoping that one unprepared driver would drive past with his guard and windows down. The childlike excitement of soaking the interior and occupants of an automobile felt as if it would last forever.

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.

Day Trip to Richmond

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Damion Photo, Exploring, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

This weekend, for the first time in more than ten years. I took a trip to Richmond to attend a long-time friends inclusion in an intimate record show. Aside from seeing this beautiful friend, getting the stuffing hugged out of me, and meeting her husband. I enjoyed nourishing food, walked the streets of a diverse city and took lots of pictures. On the right is the restaurant, delicatessen where we started our day.

The Early Bird Captures the Shot.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Color, Dramatic Lighting, Finding your Zen, Landscape Photography, Location Shooting, Long Exposures, Manual Mode, Night Photography, Street Photography

During a recent exchange with a fellow early riser. We shared our appreciation for the pre-dawn moments when one can appreciate a sense of solitude, while enjoying that quickly diminishing moment, when the air feels fresh, as it entices your senses. Whether it was coming home from a night of debauchery or leaving your home for that long commute. Whatever the reason. These moments are to be cherished. Below is a capture taken during my now daily morning walk.

March 1st, 5:50 am Canon R6 Mark II RF 24-105 F4 30.0 f22 ISO 200

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.