Going Underground… Again.

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

Another weekend and another trip to Washington, DC. This time to the Smithsonian Museum for two exhibitions within The Natural Museum of American History. Both “Food” Transforming the American Family and “America on the Move”. Examining how transportation—from 1876 to 1999—has shaped our American identity.Were both entertaing and educational. I continually enjoy the beauty of the architecture of the areas subway stations. The shapes and contrast creating moody and textured moments that I can live over and over. Cool beans.

Ongoing Project and Unexpected Opportunities

Travel, Travel Photography

After hitting a pothole sure to earn it credits to eventually rise to the ranks of sinkhole. My flat tire and damage to the car’s steering column. My wife and I have been forced into utilizing the nearby metro train. Located just a half mile down the road. It’s done wonders getting us to and fro without incident. As I’ve previously mentioned my ongoing project photographing trains and many of the artful architecture of the stations here. Over the weekend, we took the train to DC. It was then that I took the opportunity to take my project inside to focus of the travellers. Of the images taken along the ride. This one resonated with me the most. As the subject looked out towards the trains map to see how many stops there were before reaching her destination. As I become more comfortable capturing strangers. This image stands out more than the rest.

A Visit to DC’s National Gallery of Arts.

Art, Art Exhibition

Last weekend, we took the train to Washington, DC, on a beautiful day to visit the National Gallery of Art’s “The 70’s Lens” exhibition. While roaming through the halls. I enjoyed taking pictures, often using the shadows to add contrast and anonymity to my images. One of my favorite images was taken a matter of feet from the exit. I plan on printing this in the upcoming weeks. For now, I’m eager to share it.

Street Photography in Washington, DC

Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

It was our first visit to Washington, DC, via train, which was a great idea considering finding a parking spot is nearly impossible. Being that tourists and locals make for a steady crowd of people looking to spend any and all disposable income while feeding themselves with countless unhealthy spirits. Any food truck looking to profit from such weaknesses are wise to provide. Unfirtunately, for this photographer. The only opportunity to capture the hardworking self-made entrepreneurs is when they’re setting up, closing or extending their arm to deliver the goods. On this day, I honor this hard working man as he took a break to enjoy the view and enjoy the fresh air.

Shooting from the Hip.

Street Photography, Travel Photography

As I’ve mentioned, my recent interest in streep photography and YouTube binge watching has got me exploring has got me revisiting old habits and practising age-old techniques that I’ve never quite utilized in my own domain. While in PA.’sIntercourse Village. I made my first ever attempt at shooting from the hip. Not wanting to catch the ire of the gentleman standing outside the restroom, or, for that matter, any passerbyers who might deam me a weirdo with a bathroom fetish. In the end, I’m happy with the results. Giving myself a chorus of approval going forward. Not bad for a rookie.

A Possible Return to Street Photography.

Location Shooting, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Having been stuck working from home due to winter temperatures that have me craving the Spring, where I can return to shorts and legs whiter than milk. I’ve turned to binge-watching a You Tube channel that spotlights street photographers and their daily practices. Thus returning me to my humble, yet care free days of roaming the streets of New York City and New Jersey with no goals, other than taking a few memorable shot. While Union Square and Washington Square Park always provided inspiration. A trip of the subway to nearby Brooklyn and Coney Island added adventure to the map. As I revisit countless images found on discs found in our storage unit. I return to an era when street photography dominated my journeys and everday exchanges. While being older and living in an area where it takes a quarter mile walk to explore the real come and go of the human race. I can’t help see myself roaming the streets, hungry for inspiration.Perhaps warmer days will inspire such interactions and adventures.

Humble Beginnings

Art, Beauty

As I continue to purge past images from my computer and hard drive. I reflect on many of my early encounters. The people I met, the places I frequented outside my home studio, and the countless mistakes I made. And while I’ve built a cottage industry with self doubt and not giving credit where credit is due. In the end. I captured many moments worth keeping. The image below goes back to a timeI often photographed people at Hoboken’s nearby Monroe Center. The five story building deep within Hoboken served as the areas art center and housed every form of art one could imagine. With endless halls of cascading natural light and access to it’s roof. The Monroe Center always provided the right mood and environment to create. This particular woman had beautiful, emotive eyes and became a good friend. This just might be my favorite shot from our several sessions.

Keep it or Let Go.

Memories, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

As a photographer who has a hard time letting go. Often thinking, once the image is deleted, so goes the memory. I can assure you, that train of thought might score you an appearance on the show “Hoarders”, if not in a chair with a licensed psychotherapist. Therefore, I highly recommend that you regularly revisit and delete photos that no longer feed your art. Trust me. Your closet and computers hard-drive will thank you.

As someone who’s been a slave to that before mentioned belief, I’m incredibly grateful for both the space I’ve created and the emotional freedom of not holding too tightly to the past. When I think of my earlier days of getting peple to show up at my tiny home studio in Hoboken.

Looking back, I can’t help but recall Roksolana. Her energy and personality were and are unmatched. She was always two steps ahead of me while often sharing her own ideas. And rather hard to keep up with. In the end, she helped to teach me about patience and expression through her beauty and personality.

Because the Night.

Long Exposures, Night Photography, Uncategorized

There are times when the only thing I can do to escape my thoughts is to head outside and take pictures of the evolving night. Aside from a concerned look from my wife and her assuring I bring my cell phone. I can head out without a thought. With minimal traffic speeding past my condo. Capturing a notable shot can be tricky. The key, however, is to find the light in the darkness. To find the light and the matching elements of darkness to surround and create the proper contrast to surround it. On this particular night. I didn’t have the energy to walk down to the main drag where the automobiles frequent and the train station sits. Luckily, that light I was searching for, lay just outside my door.