A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
The day finally came. The day when I got to sit in one spot with my camera and compose a shot without my wife’s “Chop, Chop. Let’s get the show on the road.” The clouds were out and I didn’t have to fight the mid-day sun. I got some nice images. However, in a matter of minutes, it began to rain and off we went.
While some find their peace blending into a crowd. I find mine in the few moments of solitude I’m able to steal. No questions, demands or expectations. Just me, my camera, and all the time I need to compose my thoughts and actions.
The majority of this weekend and every weekend is spent in Baltimore or Washington DC. With so much more to explore and enjoy anytime soon. Chances are we won’t run out of things to do anytime soon. While Belvedere, Maryland. Our Sunday had a calmer tone, as me spent much of the early afternoon on the relatively sleepy Potomac River. Despite the very hard sun, I manged to find some shade and get some nice shots. We finally agreed on what to eat on Thanksgiving and got most of our food shopping done. Happy Holidays.
We spend so much time in the office and at home. What keeps me sane is that endless desire to find new places, travel roads I’ve never been and experience things for the first time. I may not always come home with the best pictures, stories, or experiences. But that’s life.
I fully admit to being a self deprecating prick lately. With my journey being one with it’s share of bumps. I sometimes wonder if overcoming these challenges make me strong or just some sort of punching bag for the Gods. Last weekend we visited Annapolis for the first time in a year and the second overall. It was a busy day in the downtown area as a boat show had the tourists arriving in droves.
Our goal was simple. Return to the landmark diner Chick and Ruths at 165 Main St, Annapolis, MD 21401As to experience that New York City diner atmosphere ad further explore the incredible menu. After a timely wait near the crowded door, we wer seated. As our waitress approached us with her pen and pad…..She welcomed us, saying “Wow. It’s been a long time.” “The last time you were here you had a walker. This time you’ve got that heavy camera bag. Look at you.”
Both my wife and me were shocked. We’d only been to the diner once and it was a year ago. Yet she remembered us as if we were regulars. Aside from being impressed with the womans memory and great service. My wife noted how far I’ve come. It was an incredibly rewarding exchange and one that should help me break out of this self depricating dick malaise. In the end, I’m kind of saying, “Don’t be me.” Give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack, and plan a trip to Annapolis to experience Chick an Ruths.
Apples don’t don’t grow on trees, you know.
As a child who spent much time at his grandmother’s, I always looked forward to visits from my aunt Mickey. She was a lovely lady who was one of my grandmother’s many cousins or nieces. Her visits always felt special as she lived in this magical place called Maryland . I couldn’t have been more than five years old and not yet traveled outside the borough of Queens, New York. Her visits always seemed accompanied by history books, crossword puzzles, and fancy pastries. (The kind they grew on secret farms in the country.) Those early experiences and the eventual discovery of realism were accepted. I never lost my appreciation for that historic land til’ this day. The city boy in me still gets a rush when I experience farm life and enjoy those fancy pastries. The photo below was taken as the skies turned dark and the thunder moved in.
As we entered the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Center. I looked to my left to see this shadowy, low lit hallway. It was the beginning of what turned out to be a historical journey through an often ignored important part of our history.
The key to living is to never allow yourself to stop learning. It’s an essential part of growth and navigating lives challenges. When I think of some of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a photographer. I often think of an exchange with a friend and fellow photographer. Shortly after our friendship began , our passions were shared. We met up to talk photography, amongst other things, while sharing our work. His critique “What did a shadow ever do to you?” regarding the rather flat nature of some of my studio images. Made me think and ultimately, start a journey that turned my fear of failing to a love of shadows.
An Ethiopian breakfast in Washington DC. A stop at the old familiar and nearby National Harbor and our first, and probably last reminder to never again indulge in fast food, marked a pretty damn good beginning to our first full weekend since my wife travelled to Tokyo to visit her family. As much as I enjoy my solitude. I am forever grateful to have such a wonderful person to share my life and travels with. Like a ferris wheel. Life is full of ups, downs and in-betweens. Having someone special to experience it with, only makes the road worth traveling.
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