Mindset – Photogeek Blog

Overcoming Your Expectations

Self Analyzing, Skateboarding, Street Photography

There I was, taking pictures and having the time of my life at a newly discovered skate park. Then, I finally made my way up to the platform of the locally elevated train. Doing what I love. With no interruptions and an open-ended timeline. All was well. I had kicked my early morning anxiety to the curb and spent the day enjoying the sun and the warm weather. All was well until I uploaded the day’s pictures and began to scroll. Suddenly, despite having a high number of excellent shots. I decided to focus on the images that failed to resonate with me. Despite being non-commissioned, just for fun excursions to places foreign to me. I harped on my misdoings. “You’ve been a photographer since! XYZ How could you not notice that branch?” and other self-deprecating judgments. It reminded me of how hard I can be on myself. Wondering, who was that person who put, “You have to be %!00 perfect %110 of the time?” “Why am I always afraid to make mistakes?” Whatever it is or was going on. I must change, adapt, and accept my mistakes while learning from them.

Forever Young.

Communication Breakdown, Finding your Zen, Happiness, Innosence, Mental Health, Philosophy

When we’re young, we can’t wait to grow up. Then as we grow up, and inevitably grow older. We often reflect on our youth, wishing we could go back, or get some sort of redo. When recently watching a classic movie from my teens “The Breakfast Club.” Alley Sheedy’s character Allison laments “When you grow up. Your heart dies.” As an older person, I can’t help but feel the disconnection between generations and how we often discount, or completely write off the impact that each have, and continue to contribute on a daily basis. When we learn to become better listeners, I’m sure we can reconnect, share, and learn from one another. I captured the images below years ago while in downtown New York City. I refer to them when I feel an absence of balance and understanding. Reminding myself that, no matter how old I get in numbers. I should always remain open minded and young at heart.

A Sudden Change of Plans

Pacific Northwest, Seattle, Street Photography

As the Labor Day weekend approached, my wife and me began making plans about where to go and how to take advantage of the three day weekend. By Wednesday of the week we narrowed it down to two concentrated plans of action. Plan 1 involved a three hour drive to the Pacific Ocean for a day at the beach. Plan 2 was a three hour trip to Vancouver, BC for a day of exploring the nooks and crannies of the city’s expansive Chinatown.

However, after a Friday night of my not sleeping ans my wife’s preference to sleep late on Saturday, our plans went through a series of shifts and changes. As much as marriage has become a constant rerun of my wife asking “What do YOU want to do?” I’m rarely prepared to offer any answer beyond “Eat bacon and go record shopping.” I proudly trumpet my attempts to come up with an exciting., detailed plan of action.

Luckily, no significant plans were made and we were able to stay somewhat close to ourhome base. With stops on 4th Ave in SODO as well as the international center, we were able to get our food shopping taken care of while allowing me to stop and take in that giant Ken Griffey Jr. mural. All in all, it was a laid back three day weekend that allowed us to stay close and take advantage of the great things that are close by and within reach.