Tag: Art

Art Inspires More Art

Art, Finding your Zen, Travel, Travel Photography

As artists of any kind, we are all susceptible to artistic droughts and dry spells. Coming home with a day’s worth of less-than-inspiring work. It’s something I’ve experienced numerous times over the years. Enough to make me think it’s time to sell my camera and invest the money in a hot dog cart. Hell, why not? There’s no shame in providing tasty food to hungry customers every day. Luckily, I have a fail proof plan that always brings me back from the edge. That plan is, immerse yourself in art. The closer I get to art, the more I’m inspired to make my own. Museums, exhibitions, books. During my life in New York City and New Jersey. A visit to Washington Square or Union Square was like a like a lifesaving blood transfusion. Yesterdays trip to DC and the Bansky, Basquiat exhibition was the kick in the head I needed. With their art inspiring me since childhood. It was the swift kick in the ass that no time on the side lines could have provided. Sooner than later, the creative juices were flowing and an opportunity to take a picture I had envisioned for close to a year, came. Proving that, art and creativity is often sparked or refueled by placing yourself among it. Never let that drought or numbness settle in and destroy your creativity. When the well seems dry. Nourishment is never far away.

What Did A Shadow ever do to You?

Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

A long time ago in a studio far away. A photographer friend and mentor asked the question. “What did a shadow ever do to you?” At the time, I had worked for several retail studios and was hoping to take my studio experience, and knowledge of lighting to a new level. Terrified of making mistakes. After starting out on my own. My lighting setups were basic and lacked any depth. However, through working with this gentleman, I learned that mistakes were essential in learning and experimentation was key to becoming an artist. That question opened a lot of doors for me. Not only did it help me erase my fears. But it changed my studio work forever. The shadows, the contrat, the highlights and the ability to adjust and properly see the light. Game changers that gave my photos new life and depth. Once you ask yourself, “What did a shadow ever do to you?”

Results of Leaving My Camera Behind.

abstract, Art, Travel, Travel Photography

When picking up our car from the Montgomery Mini dealership. Much to my wife’s delight. I left my camera home and decided to let my iPhone handle any such photo opportunities that might come about. While transferring trains at Rockville, Maryland, Shady Grove Station. The opportunity came and instead of digging into my camera bag and finding the right setting for the perfect shot. I whipped out my phone and BINGO! And while my phone will not become my new tool for photography. It’s good to know. I don’t have to pack it in preparation for every trip.

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.

An Obsession of Sorts

Portraiture, Storytelling, Studio Photography

My obsession with photographing people goes back to my teens, when I got my first 110 film camera to take pictures of my two-week trip to Ireland. From that day on, my passion grew. Throughout my teens and early twenties that passion turned into an obsession. My camera was always the magic wand that allowed me to start a conversation with complete strangers and invite them into my world. While I’ve become somewhat as an introvert in recent years. I’ve turned ti carrying a business card that features one or ten of the countless people I’ve worked with. While time has moved me towards landscape and travel photography. Portraiture of any kind is where my heart remains.

Lost and Found

abstract, Art, Beauty, Portraiture, RAW Files, Studio Photography

So, here I am, listening to the criminally under-acknowledged album “Broken Hearts Are Blue.” by Minneapolis indie rock standout The Truth About Love and mulling through images I might have overlooked. Perhaps something that just needs a crop or touch-up to give it new life. Funny how I can easily recall a photo shoot and whatever chemistry or connection that was made over that thirty or so minutes we shared, while allowing countless images to go unexplored. This one image of a badass musician / artist I met on the lower east side of Manhattan jumped out at me while appeaing to my recent obsession with edgy punk rock captures. It also draws me to the core of a style in which I’d love to photograph going forward. Please, share your thoughts. If you think this image and it’s dramatic style suck. Let me know. I get so little feedback on this blog. Let me know you’re thoughts on the matter.

Thank You for the Memories.

Art, Friendship, Memories

Over the weekend, my wife and me took a trip north to the area of New Jersey we once called home. During those two days we covered a lot of ground and met up with a respectable amount of old friends and loved ones. One, a long time friend and photography mentor met us at a otherwise overlooked Irish spot on Clifton. This friend, one who had met some health issues head on and conquered them was full of life and laughter. He made my wife smile from ear to ear and even knocked my hardened personality back to life. As our meet up began to wind down. He pulled out a coffee table book on the famed photography and directorial icon Herb Ritts While the book served as a priceless token of our friendship. One I can’t imagine I earned. It served as a reminder of my childhood visits to DDB (Doyle, Dane, Bernbach.) where my Mother was a financially struggling secretary.

As a ten year old, it was such a privilege being brought up to the art department where artists and designers were working on the next, best sketch, art piece, or movie poster. The work, along with the artists I met, gave me an early passion and understanding of art that influenced me to draw and ultimately dive into photography. Years later, I was sitting next to a friend catching up on one another’s travels and run ins. The time was short, yet conversations through regular phone calls Kept us up on the important things. As our time came to an end, he revealed a old brown bag. Within, a book to brought back the memories of the apartment I grew up. Yes, we were poor, but my Mom always brought art and art books given to her at work. Things and memories that enriched us in countless ways. Funny how two unrelated stories reflect one another. I guess that’s life.

With a Little Help from my Friend.

Beach People, Comparison, Editing, Friendship, Life is a Beach, RAW Files

Last week I shared several pictures taken while exploring a Baltimore beach. My wife took a liking to the picture on the left. Adding “I really like this one, but I think it would look better without the automobile.” With little to no experience in many Lightroom techniques. I handed it over to a good friend who can best be disguised as a “pro’s pro.” Personally, I’d consider my long time friend to be a magician of sorts. As he has blown my mind with his skills many times before. I posted a before and after just below. I’d love to get your feedback. Feel free to comment below. Thanks.

Things to come.

Art, Blogging, Commentary, Creative Writing, Editorial, Promotional, Travel, Travel Photography, Uncategorized

After ten-plus years, a small following, and virtually no feedback, the thought of bringing Photogeek to a merciful end has crossed my mind more than a dozen times. Though I still love sharing pictures with others. I get more feedback from friends and family there than I ever will here. Still, this blog was started and began with just that in mind. I want to share my images and stories with friends, family, and whoever might want to join. A few things bring me peace and calm, like photography and capturing a moment. Throughout my life, I’ve always been an explorer who enjoys documenting the moment. All things said. A recent inquiry from a follower interested in contributing an essay to the blog ballooned into the possible contributions from a poet, an expat, and a fellow photographer, which inspired me to keep this train running. So, who knows, perhaps these outside contributors will spark more creativity. It’s worth a shot. Hopefully, it won’t be long before these contributions get the love they deserve. Only time will tell. Any interested parties looking to contribute. Step forward.