Photogeek Blog

Apocalypse Soon

Living somewhere between Dulles Airport and the Pentagon. We see our share of aircraft. Strangely enough, the number of helicopters might be concerning for someone who’s seen enough conspiracy theory movies. (Not to say I have.) One hovering over your home for a good hour can rattle the nerves. The time. Allowed me the opportunity to change my Canon 28 – 105 to a 100 – 400. Giving me the ability to document the moment. With the cuurent political atmosphere being what it is. The idea of the secret police coming to take you away, Is not as outlandish a thought as it once seemed. Be safe. Stay safe.

What if I Told You…?

Anecdote, Storytelling

If you’ve ever been taken to your local hospital’s emergency room. I can empathize. Having been taken their more times than I’d like to share, by ambulance, friends, and loved one’s due to an unfortunate life threatening condition. Well, what if I told you that your local hospital’s emergency room was actually a secret layer of hell? A place you went seeking for immediate assistance, only to be left for dead?

The Most Fun, Ever. Part II

Concert Photography, Rock Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

In a recent post, I mentioned my wife surprising me with a trip to Brunswick, Maryland, to catch the Amish Outlaws. While I knew we were going to a festival of sorts. I was expecting the usual food oddities and carnival rides. I had no idea about the entertainment. Below are several pictures of the mighty, mighty. Amish Outlaws. A.K.A. The Most Fun You’ll Ever Have. Enjoy.

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.

The Most Possible Fun, Ever.

Finding your Zen, Happiness, Show Photography, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Over the weekend, my wife surprised me with a trip to see the Amish Outlaws perform at a spring festival in Brunswick, Maryland. Though I had seen them three times. Once with my wife at a close friend’s wedding. It had been a good ten years since I last experienced what is surely the most fun and engaging show to ever take the stage. As we drove home I smiled and noted that it was the most fun and inclusive I’d ever seen her. To watch her sing, dance and engage with the singer was priceless. Thanks to the Amish Outlaws for bringing out the best in everyone. Below is an image of some of the crowd participation.

Spring Ahead.

Beauty, Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless

Though our area has seen it’s share of rain. When it clears. The signs that Spring is right around the corner are becoming evident. Our first trip to the beach and more walks around the courtyard have offered many returns. While I admit to not being much of a nature photographer. It’s given me a chance to use my Canon 100 – 400 millimeter lens and practice using maual focus mode.Looking forward to allergy season, extreme heat, and historic humidity. Until then.

Pace Yourself.

Event Photography, Finding your Zen, Philadelphia, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

It always seems we’re running to, from, or for something or other. “In the race of life, sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. We must never be afraid of losing. There is a chance for winning when we press-on to reach the end of the race.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!

Before and After

Comparison, Editing, Friendship

As much as I’ve benefited, and love the process of coming home, uploading the day’s images, and applying the basic editing tools I’ve learned over the years. Those skills are basic at best. Removing objects is something I’m pretty heavy-handed at. Thankfully, when the need calls. I have a long-time friend who is kind enough to step in and apply his magic. In this case, a recent thunderstorm interfering with our trip to Philadelphia’s Woodlands. My focus on the middle figure was crashed by two uninvited figures. I was incredibly grateful when this friend agreed to work his sorcery and twice as impressed upon seeing the results. Slowly, but surely, I’m learning new applications in Adobe Lightroom. And while I try and hope to get things right when shooting. Know how to use the tools at my disposal.

… And When There’s Darkness.

abstract, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Dramatic Lighting, Travel, Travel Photography

Taking the lyrics from a song of an obscure 80s hardcore band. (One my friend and I discussed about in length just last night.) Much of my love of photography stems from shadows and small pockets of light. Long ago, when I had my work reviewed by a mentor. His question, “What did a shadow ever do to you?” helped me see the error of my ways. In a sense, his words awakened something in me that not only changed the way I lit portraits and studio work. It unlocked a curiosity and passion for finding pockets of light in the dark and creating drama and depth in photos. While it opens the door to possible failure and mixed results. It brings me a lot of satisfaction as a storyteller. A puzzled look and a longer, more in depth look into the photo and it’s part of the story. This image was taken without the aid of a flash, at a parking garage in Annapolis, Maryland over the weekend.

When Composition is not on the Table.

Problem Solving, Travel Photography

As we raced down the back roads of Lancaster, attempting to make it to our breakfast designation before the cut-off time. I knew that any requests to stop in order to allow me just a few minutes to capture Lancaster’s beautiful landscapes would be looked at with fiery, bloodlust. So, lately, I’ve been forced to limit my stops and depend on shooting from the passenger’s seat through the car’s front windshield. Though not in any way. Ideal. It’s the only way to stay sane while trying to indulge in my passion. The key to my imagined success, of course. Is a clean windshield and quick response in the seconds worth of reaction time. Though not ideal by any stretch. I’ve adapted pretty well while appeasing my better half. Like they say, “Whatever it Takes.”