Back in ’97, I attempted what would become my first-ever photography portfolio. While I had three or so years of experience photographing the city I lived in and had even published a few in local newspapers and magazines. More than anything, I wanted to photograph people. And by people, I meant “Real People.” Not the emaciated, disinterested kind you saw in magazines and billboards. “Real People” like the ones you saw during your daily outings and wondered, “Hmm, what’s their story?” I was somewhat shy, but I was curious and had a camera. So, with all the drive of a formula1 racer and the knowledge of a kindergarten dropout. I took advantage of my night slot at the east village record store and asked many individuals to help a young artist reach his goals. To say the very least, it was a great time. Meeting people from all over the world made friendships that remain strong today. I was and still am in love with slide film. Recalling that most of the images captured then, (including the four posted below.) were done with slide film.
Tag: Monochrome
Funky Stairway
After grabbing some gear and noshing on some tasty, but incredibly overpriced, bagels at “Call Your Mom.” We headed back to the car to head home. Just before the garage entrance, we came upon this funky looking, winding staircase. Not having my camera, I grabbed my iPhone and geeked out while pedestrians passed and a woman screamed into her phone. The moment was a nagging reminder to bring my camera with me wherever I go.
Haunted House
After enjoying some Dim Sum in Hanover, we took a short cut through Laurel to avoid a long thread of highway traffic. As we were driving alongside Brock Bridge Correctional Facility. We came across some abandoned houses that warranted further exploration. With my history of trespassing, the “Let’s keep it safe.” motto of my wife, and my recent binge watching of “Stranger Things.” I decided to take a few shots without getting too close to the creaky house. Better safe than…
Road Trip to Lancaster
My wife and me had been talking about taking a trip to Lancaster ever since we moved back East. Her love of food and my obsession with photographing farms and Amish culture made for a determination that far outweighed the long drive and whatever traffic that might accompany it. Being less fleet of foot and a bit less willing to trespass. I depended on my Canon70-200 to grant me the distance I so desperately sought.
Second Chances
As I took this image, I promised to return on a cloudy day and both include and better illuminate one of the random kids riding their bike to and fro. Though I may have to wait until the weather warms up and the barbecuers return. I’ve promised to fulfill my vision. While I fully displaying a sense of solitude in my images. Adding that human element often enhances the image and message .
The Metro
As the days pass, I’ve become more and more obsessed with learning new skills regarding both shooting and editing while taking the pictures listed on my so called bucket list. As someone who grew up and spent most of his life living in the city. I’ve always marveled at the wonderment of trains and subways. With a metro stop just blocks from my condo, I hope to spend more time photographing the many different elements that make the subject so interesting to me. Below are a couple of results from the previous weekends.
Mclean Metro Station Fairfax, VA.
Solitude
Of all the images I’ve captured in recent months. Few express the emotion I was trying to capture as well as this one. While enjoying a heavily populated and lively beach on this particular day, few of the images I had taken stood out or conveyed my thoughts quite as well as this one.
Fueling Your Art
There are times, like this one, when I might get distracted from what I’m intending to capture, something that is far more appealing to the eyes and creative sense. Such was the case when a soccer team assembled while I was in the midst of framing the planes descending to land at Ronald Reagan International airport. While seeing airplanes up close and personal can be a rush. The formation of enthusiastic athletes grabbed my attention long enough to want to capture their sudden burst of energy. Not wanting to be too intrusive or get hit by an errant soccer ball. I reached into my bag and grabbed my Canon 70-200 focal lens.
Busboys & Poets
As I sit here in the library across the street from Shirlington, Virginia’s Busboys & Poets. I can’t help but think of all of the amazing history the restaurant/bookstore provides for it’s community. I took this image with my cell phone as my wife and me awaited our French toast and eggs Benedict. While I dream of spending hours and hours photographing the people, art, and atmosphere of the place with my Canon. I feel lucky for the chance to capture this little moment with my cell.
A Moment of Solitude
Imagine yourself sitting at a bar with nothing to drink, no bartender to serve you, and no alcohol to serve. That was me today at Baltimore’s Cross Street Market. Kind of cool. Don’t you think?
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