Partially due to my wives complaining, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my camera bag when we go out. While this definitely took a while to adjust to. I’m beginning to open up to the idea of leaving all the surplus gear home and heading out with the basics. For a recent trip to Fredrick, MA. I left the extra lens, flash and usual bag of tricks behind and concentrated on just enjoying the trip. The few images I took, including this one. Received positive feedback from both my mentors and interested friends. So, unless, and even if you’re planning a serious photo trip. My advice is to bring the essentials. The weight you left behind will thank you.
Whereas, more and more cities and towns of the U.S. are beginning to purposely look the same with each one being fitted with fimiliar franchises, box stores and corporations who seem to frown on individualism. As a photographer, I try to seek out the quickly vanishing personality of small cities and their still unique downtowns. There’s no fun in taking pictures of a Starbucks or McDonalds. They seem to take up space in every town, city or throughway, all look and serve the same purpose.
Another ride to Washington DC on the Metro and another opportunity to explore the architectural beauty of the areas transit system. Saturday offered a bit more patience from my wife. Giving me the opportunity to spend a little more time composing my images. I’m looking forward to future solo trips that will allow me even more time to set up images. Until then.
In order to keep myself sane while I attempt to create a new website. I’ve decided to follow the lead of long time skateboarder, actor, and above all, photographer Jason Lee. While nourishing my soul with some recent interviews with him. I’ve taken his lead in beginning project related photography adventures. Considering I grew up riding the subway and trespassing in whatever train yard I could sneak into. It feels like a excellent place to find inspiration. Being that since the 9/11 bombing. (More than twenty years ago.) I’ve been questioned, detained and fined for photographing the inspiring time travelers. Choosing something related to transportaion, (Trains in general.) seems like the right subject. My fascination with travel should keep me focused and satisfied with my choice. Whether it takes weeks, months or a good year or two. I’m ready amd prepared to share my results along the way. Wish me focus.
Since moving to the Washington DC area in 2021. My desire to take a ride on the subway has grown faster than my ability to walk. Having a working vehicle and a wife who’s dependance on four wheels and an impressive engine. Any extensive walking is frowned upon. Due to some vehicular issues. The idea of taking the metro to DC quickly became a reality. Upon our arrival at U Street, I noticed the many murals in the area. Excited to take many photos, yet eager to enjoy my first taste of chili half-smoke, we headed inside. After enjoying what was easily the best chili dog in my life. We headed out to the adjacent alley and got to business. Considering what I’ve endured medically, losing and regaining my ability to walk. This trip to Washington DC was the most unassisted walking I’ve done in a few years.
The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.
We spend so much time in the office and at home. What keeps me sane is that endless desire to find new places, travel roads I’ve never been and experience things for the first time. I may not always come home with the best pictures, stories, or experiences. But that’s life.
I fully admit to being a self deprecating prick lately. With my journey being one with it’s share of bumps. I sometimes wonder if overcoming these challenges make me strong or just some sort of punching bag for the Gods. Last weekend we visited Annapolis for the first time in a year and the second overall. It was a busy day in the downtown area as a boat show had the tourists arriving in droves.
Our goal was simple. Return to the landmark diner Chick and Ruths at 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401As to experience that New York City diner atmosphere ad further explore the incredible menu. After a timely wait near the crowded door, we wer seated. As our waitress approached us with her pen and pad…..She welcomed us, saying “Wow. It’s been a long time.” “The last time you were here you had a walker. This time you’ve got that heavy camera bag. Look at you.” Both my wife and me were shocked. We’d only been to the diner once and it was a year ago. Yet she remembered us as if we were regulars. Aside from being impressed with the womans memory and great service. My wife noted how far I’ve come. It was an incredibly rewarding exchange and one that should help me break out of this self depricating dick malaise. In the end, I’m kind of saying, “Don’t be me.” Give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack, and plan a trip to Annapolis to experience Chick an Ruths.
As a child who spent much time at his grandmother’s, I always looked forward to visits from my aunt Mickey. She was a lovely lady who was one of my grandmother’s many cousins or nieces. Her visits always felt special as she lived in this magical place called Maryland . I couldn’t have been more than five years old and not yet traveled outside the borough of Queens, New York. Her visits always seemed accompanied by history books, crossword puzzles, and fancy pastries. (The kind they grew on secret farms in the country.) Those early experiences and the eventual discovery of realism were accepted. I never lost my appreciation for that historic land til’ this day. The city boy in me still gets a rush when I experience farm life and enjoy those fancy pastries. The photo below was taken as the skies turned dark and the thunder moved in.
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