Communication – Photogeek Blog

Heading into the Weekend on a Positive Note.

With good news regarding recent tests coming from my neurologist. My long-suffering Mets surprising everyone with their wild-card win and success against long-time rivals the Braves and the Phillies. I welcomed the weekend with a sense of joy that seemed fleeting lately. Come Saturday, upon arriving home a just published book featuring one of my images was awaiting my return. The book, itself was amazing. Not only did it cover and reflect a very important period of my life. Many of the show flyer and fanzines illustrated within its pages. Mirrored that of my personal collections and boxes of memories of the time. The picture below features a friend at a mid nineties hardcore show at CBGB’s. The subject, whose name shall remain anonymous. Was/is a monumental influence on how I wanted to approach photographing bands and artists. I am extremely impressed with the books build and quality within. I’ll leave a link in case the subject matter (Fanzines and their importance to independent music.) interests you. https://tribalbooks.myshopify.com/products/cut-paste-the-american-hardcore-fanzine

Photographing People

Portraiture, Portraiture in natural light, Uncategorized

Though it’s not always easy to get the right subject to sit in with you. Photographing people has, for me, always been the most rewarding aspect of photography. The eyes, expression, and peeling away the layers that allow the true soul of the person to appear. There’s honestly, nothing like it. While many of the people who I wanted to photograph weren’t confident or comfortable in their own skin. Others, flat out turned down my offer. “No. I hate being in front of a camera.” are words I’ve heard countless times. The hardest part for me was not taking their refusal personally. The times when the reaction was positive and the answer was “Yes”. Put me into this instant happy place.

When meeting the woman above. I was captivated by both her beauty and talent as a musician. It wasn’t long before I realized she was one of the sweetest people I’d ever met. The image above is from our third and final session. The final results were rewarding, as I convinced her to peel away some of her makeup and change into a fun and laid back tee shirt. One of the hardest things for me has always been telling people exactly what I want. My life as a photographer became a lot easier when I learned to better communicate with the people I photographed and express exactly how I envision them.

Getting Strangers to Open Up.

Anecdote, Editorial, Expression, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Portraiture

I had just taken a job with a new studio that was experimenting with adding short video interviews to the studio photography session. It was a brand new idea at the time, and the photographers were given a chance to improvise and scrip their own interview questions. My first customers were a young couple from Brooklyn who had this amazing chemistry together. I sped through the photo session, giving them a nice session of images to choose from. When it came to creating a video that would bring in some extra cash to the studio. I was in new territory. For Christ sake. Aside from the training. I had never held a video camera before. However, having seen the couples chemistry throughout the photo session. I was ready to give it a try. Besides, both of us were new to this. Finally, lights, camera, action and they’re introducing themselves. Who they are and where they came from. Then it happened. Boom. My first question. “What was it that made you fall in love with one another?” Click, click, boom. As the woman started her response. Tears began running down her cheek.I knew, then and there they I had not only made a sale, but I made a connection. One that taught me how to communicate with complete strangers in order to get them comfortable enough to not even notice the camera.

Learning from the Past.

Beauty, Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Studio Photography

Earlier this week, I came across some photos from a session I often refer to as, the worst due to the lack of communication between myself and the model. Regardless of the fact that she was, by all means, beautiful and a great canvas to work with. Much of the hour we booked was marred by her insistance on looking tough and making what would most be considered a gas face. Luckily, my friend and mentor was willing to step in to make some suggestions that really turned things around. Shortly after her departure, we shared a deep exhale, grateful that the worst part of our day was over. Looking back, I’m thankful for both. The model for testing my patience and pushing me to become a better communicator. My friend for stepping in and showing me how a true professional gets things done.

Life is Beautiful. Give it a Try.

Finding your Zen, Mental Health, Narrative, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Earlier today while enjoying breakfast at at Washington DC’s Union Market. I conversed with a stranger, recommending one of the booths for their outstanding pastrami sandwich. (Yeah, I know I shouldn’t be eating pastrami for breakfast. But I’m from New York City. So here’s my get out of food jail card.) I haven’t been very social and conversations with complete strangers have become something of the past. Considering his reaction to my recommendation and the smile that came with it. I went away feeling good.When I ran into him again as we were heading to our car. He approached me with that same smile telling me that he took my recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed it. That small exchange made me feel like my old self again. The person who made friends with a smile and a wink. A tip of the proverbial hat. I miss that guy.

Stops Along the Way.

Commentary, Culture, Editorial, Exploring, Finding your Zen, Location Shooting, Narrative, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

If you’ve been paying attention, there’s this phrase by some guy named Emerson, that been passed around that says, “It’s not the destination. It’s the journey that matters.” Emerson was also quoted as saying, “Always do what you’re afraid to do.” Not being a philosopher myself. I have often sought understanding through travel and exploring different cultures, different ideologies, and economic imbalances. My experiences traveling (To another continent or just down the hall.) and interactions with people have educated me and informed me. Eliminating many prejudices and stereotypes, I might have had if I’d stayed within my bubble. And for that, I am forever grateful.

I’m back. Roll dialogue.

Blogging, Commentary, Photosharing

It’s been a few months, time spent writing, traveling and taking a lot of pictures. Time wondering if moving forward with this blog was worth the time. In reality, the people who visit and subscribe to the blog are the ones who are going to help me decide on whether or not it’s time to call it a decade. So here I am asking ever so humbly for reach out and comment. Your thoughts and reactions are essential to the continuation of this blog. Until I have my website up and running, this is how I’ll be sharing my work. So please, like, share, and above all, comment.

Reaching Out.

Communication Breakdown, Finding Solutions, Finding your Zen, Friendship, Narrative

As of late, I’ve been doing my best to reach out to long-time friends and loved ones. With the advent of social media, many of us, myself included, have overlooked the importance and joy of hearing a friend’s voice over the telephone or opening a handwritten note or card from someone you once shared frequent exchanges with. Just imagine if one of your hundreds of friends on Facebook ever got a call from you. Don’t worry. You’ll be struck by lightning while accepting your lottery win before that ever happens.

No matter how much time has passed, there will always be a place in our hearts for friends, family and loved ones — sharing memories and getting updates on their current or recent doings. In contrast, exploring a new way to see one another. Although, those first words, “Hey …, this is …” might take a little courage. There is almost always a reward on the other end of the line.

Photographic Minimalism

Industrial Photography, Manual Mode, Street Photography

When thinking of photography and whatever approach I might decide to take in the near future. Much like life itself, I can’t help but think of minimalism. What that actually means? I’m not sure, but living out of a suitcase over the past months with a single camera body and a 50 millimeter lens has been difficult yet educating. Moving to Arlington, I’ve found a renewed interest in photography and documenting my new surroundings. With my newfound interest has come a desire to approach each picture with a new sense of purpose and focus. Asking myself, what attracted me to this image and what message, if any, do I wish to convey? As much as I’ve alway been to telephone lines and cell phone towers. I can’t help but think, with all these connections and gigabytes, we seem to be communicating less. Sure, we talk a lot. But, are we listening?

Communication and the Lost Art of Listening

Communication Breakdown, Lower East Side, NYC, Street Photography

Listen-1 Everybody has a story to tell. Rich or poor. Young or old. Black or White. We all come from diverse backgrounds and have lived different lives. Yes, we’re all related to this earth and one another to a certain degree and share a common bond, but in so many other ways, we are unique. As I get older, I’ve tried to become less of a talker and more of a listener. Though it’s taken a lifetime, I’ve come to understand and embrace that the only time we learn is when we listen. So, after years of talking, I look forward to the hopes I can become a better listener.