Tag: Black and White Photography

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.

Time is Not on Our Side.

abstract, Finding your Zen, Mental Health

This image reminds me of how fragile time is. Life goes by so fast, and we rarely stop to appreciate the countless moments that have enhanced how we approached things. How we choose to treat people. Today, a brief encounter with a family at the hospital reminded me that intimate moments can remind you of the person you are and choose to be. Seize those moments and place them in a memory bank to be recalled when needed. Simply put, every now and then, we all need reminders of who we really are.

The Places You Frequent.

Creative Writing, Philosophy, Travel, Travel Photography

While it’s hard to believe. My wife and I have called Virginia home for four years now. With four years in Seattle and a life living, working, and going to school close to, or directly in New York City. The common theme was always finding a spot where the food was consistently excellent and the hospitaliy of the waitstaff, management and owners made you feel like family. With spots in all the five boroughs of New York, the diner scenes in New Jersey and the many spots we enjoyed in the Seatttle area.being such a source of joy. Finding such a place in our new setting was of the utmost importance. Whether it’s the food, the waitstaff who serve you week to week, or the owners/mangement who stop at your table to check on you. These people and the food they provide are part of your community and extended family. As far as Bob & Edith’s are concerned. It would be a hard task to find anyone who combines good, simple food with an atmosphere so welcoming. Your often tempted to invite the waiter/waitress to take a brake to join you for a cup of bottomless cup of coffee. Of course, I’d never do that, combining the possibility of getting them fired or getting looked at like a three headed monster.

Her

Family, Family Portraits, Finding your Zen, Portraiture, Portraiture in natural light

Getting a spontaneous photogragh of my wife, a loved one or any friend has always been difficult. From the freezing process that takes shape once a camera appears. The groups shot of a groups of friends who quickly feel the need to appear tough by throwing up gang signs or giving the middle finger. It’s become one of my least favorite aspects of photography. Often time, capturing a subject unaware of the camera and fully in a moment is the best way to avoid the cheesy smile, awkward look or staged pose. In this particular image, I was able keep my distance while to capturing her reading a good book while protected from the suns harsh rays on a late Summer day. Try it,

A Calmer Moment.

Anxious, Happiness, Industrial Photography, Mental Health

I am sitting at the bar, writing reviews of recently released records that are absolute bangers and enjoying a robust cup of coffee. Meanwhile. after a brief battle with anxiety. I’m enjoying a calm moment after snapping this image. Being one of the many whose happiness and fulfillment depends on copious amounts of coffee, I am suddenly writing with a more focused and fluid focus. Fully realizing that coffee, music and the written word often anchor my happiness. Here’s to the good things.

Happy Travels are Often Fueled by Exceptional Food.

Storytelling, Travel, Travel Photography

Travel is a key. to happiness and fulfillment for many, including myself. Having visited many cities and small towns in the United States and throughout Asia and Europe. I’ve been treated to so many opportunities to explore different cultures. Meet amazing people and eat fantastic food. From escargot in Paris. Scorpions in Tokyo. Alligator in New Orleans. Snake meat in Taos and more. A full belly makes any trip worth taking. I took this picture while heading to the southern tip of Virginia. The food was great and we met a lively couple with two adorable daughters. As experienced countless times. It not the destination, but the journey that matters.

Dog Tag Bakery. Georgetown, DC

Uncategorized

After giving up on finding parking near the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. We went to plan B and headed to nearby Georgetown. Stopping in at Dog Tag Bakery for some ice coffee and a remarkable frittata. As we chilled out and took our time cooling off. We noticed an impreesive display of dog tags hanging above our adjacent table. I quickly grabbed my camera and found a good angle that would best highlight its importance. The overall experience at Dog Tag was great. A warm and relaxed vibe with above and beyond service, food, and support for veterans. Personally, I can’t wait to get back. Below is an image I captured while wondering if anyone counted how many dog tags were on display.

Travel, Travel Photography. DC, Washington DC, Georgetown, Dog Tag Bakery, Dog Tags, Black & White,

A Trip Through History

Art, Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Finding your Zen, Travel, Travel Photography

As the weather gets warmer and Spring continues to develop. I hope to take full advantage of the history, culture and museums of the Washington DC area. Last week signaled somewhat of a start to this as we experienced the somewhat heartbreaking exhibits within the Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. As someone who became addicted to history at a very young age. I was always aware that our teachers and history books were lying to us, or at the very least, telling us less than half truths. We learned more in out two plus hours there than we were taught our entire life. I did my best ro be respectful and keep my piture taking to a minimum. I took the image on the right as we headed downstairs the the eventual exit. I tend to appreciate the images that fall on the dramatic side when it comes to shade and lighting.