A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
About an hour before lunch. I took a walk down to the nearby Metro on Dolly Madison Rd. Though the sun was at its peak hours. I was still able to find a little shade to avoid overexposure. One day, I’ll hop on the train again to find a fresh spot and new adventure. Until then, enjoy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Below is a twenty-plus-year-old image I don’t recall ever seeing from a celebration I first attended as an eight-year-old. New York’s China-Town and Chinese New Year have long captivated my imagination and left me in a state of jaw-dropping amazement. Watching and photographing the event has always fueled my respect and interest in different cultures, their noteworthy observances and celebrations. In case you were wondering. Yes. This rare, yet rewarding B&W image is designated to be printed. Any thoughts on the celebrations you enjoy partaking in?
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.
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.
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.
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