Humor Meets Irony

Humor, Roadside Attractions

My stepfather was a hardworking, tell-it-like-it-is kind of guy who had a few rules in life. One that always stuck with me. He refused to go to funerals. Saying, “There’s no sense in waiting until someone’s dead to honor or show respect to them.” Though it might seem cold to many. I understood and came to agree with him.

I have similar feelings about weddings. While being the best man or watching a close friend or family member tie the knot fills my heart with joy. Receiving an invite from a co-worker, colleague, acquaintance, or dare I say, friend of a friend. Doesn’t appeal to me. Dusting off the old suit, purchasing something off the couples wedding list, and being sat with people you don’t know, and don’t want to know is not my idea for a long kiss goodbye. Capturing this sign on the way home from one such wedding encapsulated my feelings and future decisions to begin narrowing the gap to weddings and functions I have no interest in. Sorry, but my crotchety, old man instincts are quickly taking over.

The Long and Winding Road.

Finding your Zen, Mental Health, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

There are few things that bring me calm as much as being left alone to take a few pictures. Whether it’s in the city, the suburbs, the countryside, or by the water. Being left alone to do my thing is the best gift you can give me. Thanks to my understanding wife, I had the chance to experience that today. Below is an image I feel, best describes the peaceful mood.

It’s About Time.

Anecdote, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Landscape Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Truth be told. My photography and the inspiration to take photos have been at an all-time low. Going out in record heat during times of the day that aren’t conducive to the rules of light and shadows. That and other factors have seriously put a damper on my creativity. So much so that I was beginning to think I needed an open-ended break from one of my true loves. Thoughts such as “Haven’t you taken enough pictures already?” and “Maybe it’s time for something else.” With thoughts like that working their way into my mind. Leaving the camera behind on occasion have worked its way into my subconscious. That thought, “Leave the camera home.” immediately came to mind when my wife and I travelled to Baltimore to satisfy her craving for a great burger. And while Baltimore had been a regular destination since our return to the east coast. This time, we’d be traveling to an area we had yet to explore. Luckily, we brought it along. As we found this industrial beauty somewhere in between our burger and search for refreshing iced coffee. It’s many shadows and interesting lighting provided a boost and many opportunities to shoot in different modes that helped bring me out of what felt like an everlasting slump. Thus, allowing me to realize, while it’s okay to chase. Letting the right time come to you might be the most rewarding approach.

The Unimpressive Decline of Street Fairs.

Commentary, Exploring, Festivals

Below are a couple of pictures from our weekend trip to Snacktown, PA. You would think Snacktown would be governed by someone like Guy Fieri and would foster bad nutrition and dietary choices. Imagine finding a cover bands version of that over played Nu- Metal standard. As the years go by, I am convinced that all street fairs are alike. Needless to say. I might be done. Still, I enjoy finding interesting things and unique aspects of each town I visit. This particular theatre had plenty of character and bring home a cool shot made it all worth while. So, as they say. Never say never.

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.

July 4th Antics

Beach People, Travel, Travel Photography

About a week ago. My wife suggested spending our July 4th on the beach. Not that it was a bad idea or anything. However, the fact that we’ve been experiencing record heat, and the day we picked would tear the skin right off ya. Still, she insisted. A three-day plan followed, involving three beaches. That sunny morning included a ninety-minute drive. Forty eight-dollar breakfast.Twenty dollar park entry. Twenty minutes from the car trunk to the sandy spot. Ten minutes on the beach before my wife decides it’s too hot and we should go home. Well planned.

When it Rains…

abstract, Dramatic Lighting

As long as no one gets hurt or damages their property. A full-on thunderstorm with thunder and the kind of downpour strong enough to keep the roads clear is beautiful. While most of the photographers I know run for cover to protect their expensive investments. I’ll, at the very least, find a window or a doorway to capture something. (My camera hood when I’m brave enough to venture outside.) Living in Virginia, storms appear at a regular. On Monday, July 1st. Shit got pretty real. The storm lasted long enough to grab my camera and adjust it’s setting in order to capture some shadows without getting struck by lighting. Over the last couple of months. I’ve had a few opportunities to take photos in the rain. Perhaps it will give me the confidence to shoot in other extreme conditions. One can only hope.

Abstract Moments

abstract, Finding your Zen, Motion Blur

We were on our second hour at the car dealership when boredom quickly took over. I had gotten pretty deep into my copy of Slaughterhouse Five… and had enjoyed my share of free coffee, when I decided to grab my camera to see what I could find. It wasn’t long before the heat had me return and melt into a chair adjacent to the door. It was then that I realized the shot that I was looking for was right in front of me. The reflections and flecks of light coming off the Mini Countryman gave me a shot of inspiration. Light, shadows, and a sense of abstract weirdness. helped me get over my boredom and into a creative mindspace.

Well, that didn’t go well.

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

As we arrived home from our day’s trip to Montgomery, Maryland. My wife was eager to see the images I had taken of the airfield, Cafe Sophie’s outdoor deck offered. Being that we arrived at a time when the scorching sun and record heat were bearing down on us. My expectations were almost nonexistent.