Shadows – Photogeek Blog

What Did A Shadow ever do to You?

A long time ago in a studio far away. A photographer friend and mentor asked the question. “What did a shadow ever do to you?” At the time, I had worked for several retail studios and was hoping to take my studio experience, and knowledge of lighting to a new level. Terrified of making mistakes. After starting out on my own. My lighting setups were basic and lacked any depth. However, through working with this gentleman, I learned that mistakes were essential in learning and experimentation was key to becoming an artist. That question opened a lot of doors for me. Not only did it help me erase my fears. But it changed my studio work forever. The shadows, the contrat, the highlights and the ability to adjust and properly see the light. Game changers that gave my photos new life and depth. Once you ask yourself, “What did a shadow ever do to you?”

It’s About Time.

Anecdote, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Landscape Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Truth be told. My photography and the inspiration to take photos have been at an all-time low. Going out in record heat during times of the day that aren’t conducive to the rules of light and shadows. That and other factors have seriously put a damper on my creativity. So much so that I was beginning to think I needed an open-ended break from one of my true loves. Thoughts such as “Haven’t you taken enough pictures already?” and “Maybe it’s time for something else.” With thoughts like that working their way into my mind. Leaving the camera behind on occasion have worked its way into my subconscious. That thought, “Leave the camera home.” immediately came to mind when my wife and I travelled to Baltimore to satisfy her craving for a great burger. And while Baltimore had been a regular destination since our return to the east coast. This time, we’d be traveling to an area we had yet to explore. Luckily, we brought it along. As we found this industrial beauty somewhere in between our burger and search for refreshing iced coffee. It’s many shadows and interesting lighting provided a boost and many opportunities to shoot in different modes that helped bring me out of what felt like an everlasting slump. Thus, allowing me to realize, while it’s okay to chase. Letting the right time come to you might be the most rewarding approach.

Adding Colour to your Palette.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Color, Graffiti, Sunrise, Sunscapes

Often, while working with models and clients, the question most often asked was, “Do you ever shoot in color?” Not wanting to waste the moment and secure the job. Or miss the opportunity to work with an attractive subject. I’d gather the best words available to my vocabulary.Thinking back, The art of Black & White taught me to compose while allowing me to tell a story of the subject through depth and shadow. The more I photographed my subjects without what I considered distracting. The better my results and feedback. Despite my preference. I realize there’s are always time to add color without distractions. Growing up photographing New York’s lengendery graffiti scene and the beautiful sunrises and sunsets around the world demand color and suffer with applying such. Why choose when there are so many options.Yes, I prefer shooting in black & white. But shooting on a digital, or in my case, mirrorless. One can switch up at any time.

Awkward Moments

Communication Breakdown, Finding your Zen, Storytelling

In recent weeks I’ve been asked several times, once by a complete stranger, what I loved most about photography, and what I most liked to shoot. In each instance, I went on a far out rant about my years of shooting, and other useless nonsense. that by all means, made me look as if I was nuts. Earlier this week, I had a chance to chat with one of them. During the exchange, I backtracked and brought up his question. Explaining my recent awkwardness and how I would have just responded with, “Everything.” Essentially because I love all aspects of the art. The colors, shapes, and tones. The storytelling elements of a good capture, and the moods they create. I look back with pride regarding the friendships and trust I’ve built during photo sessions over the years. Holding my camera, pressing the shutter and going through the days session bring me a joy that’s hard to explain. Getting off my soapbox and back to that original question, “What do you love most about photography?” My simple reply is and always will be, “Everything.”

Experimenting with Music Photography

Damion Photo, Editorial, Finding your Zen, Indie Rock, Memories, Music Journalism, Rock Photography, Show Photography

It’s safe to say, my interest in photography was born out of necessity. As a teenager in love with hardcore punk and going to Sunday matinees, I started a fanzine which needed pictures to go with my interviews and show reviews. Admittedly, my pictures were terrible. I really knew nothing about composition or camera settings. When I think about it, I didn’t even own a film SLR until I was twenty four. by then I was more interested in documenting my new surroundings in a neighborhood known as Hell’s Kitchen. While I was still going to shows regularly. and taking much better photos, I eventually got bored, which started my focus on experimentation with light and movement. Ultimately, is was within the shadows, movement and darkness, that I found my love. The more I learned about composition and waiting for the right moment, the more my images stood out. While it wasn’t alway pretty, I felt that I was finally capturing the energy, raw emotion, and elements that capture the essence, and intimacy that smaller venues offer.

But Still…

Finding your Zen

As exhausted as I might be from our move back to the east coast, my mind can’t help but think of photographing and documenting my new surroundings. A new town or city will do that, and both Washington DC and Virginia offer many visual opportunities. And as we move from two nights of hotels in both Seattle and DC to our temporary Amazon apartments, I couldn’t help but grab my camera and 50mm lens to experiment with some of the light and shadows in our apartment and spooky hallway.

Once Upon a Toilet

Art, Interpreting Art

When I got up to go to the bathroom before leaving the Starbucks headquarters located in the SODO area of Seattle, my wife looked up at me and laughed before asking “Are you going in there to take pictures?” I frowned as if to I was reacting to some ridiculous question from a half out of her mind crazy lady. “Pffft” I quickly replied as I rolled my eyes before wandering towards the facilities. Though relieving myself before the ride home was my key reason for my sudden departure. Bathroom-1 My wife’s knowledge of how incredibly predictable I can be, had me reaching towards my back pocket to ensure I was indeed carrying my iPhone.

When you enter a room, whether it’s a cheap hotel, a lavish ballroom, someones living room or a bathroom. You are sure to get a sense of what went into the thought process and overall design. Bathrooms are by far the most overlooked when it comes to proving anything more than the basics. However, when you walk into one where you can tell a lot of thought and artful attention went into creating a space that is often overlooked when it comes to art. So after making my deposit, thoroughly washing and drying my hands. I took a moment to capture an image of the sink that extended throughout like a brook and the lighted mirrors that adorned the wall above. Note the contrast and shadows disabling the flash gave me.

Greetings From Asbury Park

Finding your Zen, Happiness

For our first trip to New Jersey since our move to Seattle back in June, we decided to stay in Asbury Park in order to remain within striking distance of both New York City and my Dad in Tom’s River. When we booked a hotel within spitting distance of the pier and the beach. I made it a point to get out early enough to watch and photograph the sunrise there. While setting my cclock alarm for 4:45 gave me more than enough. time to get ready. Being met with rain and per-dawn darkness, left me with few options. While returning to my hotel room for a couple of extra hours of sleep definitely came to mind.. Finding enough cover to shield me from the rain while I worked on setting my camera to manual won out in the end. After a brisk walk that included it’s share of morning strollers, joggers and dog walkers. I returned to the hotel and my wife to plan for breakfast and map out the rest of our day. Looking back, I’m glad I went with the latter of the two options.

Asbury, II Asbury, NJ

Exploring Common Interests

Canon lenses and equipment, Dramatic Lighting, Exploring, Finding your Zen, Location Shooting

It’s often I find a friend who not only shares my passion for documenting the off-limits. lai-1-of-1 Even more of a rarity when one asks if they can come along. When that friend just happens to have worked with me in a studio environment. The urge to capture that beauty among the rubble is surely alluring, but then again. When will I have time to spend wandering with this friend. Why would I steal time from this perfect moment, only to turn it into something it was never intended to be? Realizing just that so quickly not only allowed me to enjoy her company. It served as a lesson in that I in order to become a better communicator. I need to become a better listener. I’m not there yet. Far from it, but knowing where I want to be heading just might get me there faster. The images I posted below will hopefully express my intention to include her while allowing her a sense of ambiguity.

Closer Than You Might Think

Canon Lenses, Canon lenses and equipment, Exploring, Finding your Zen, Industrial Photography, Jersey City

It’s not every day I find such gold within spitting distance from my home base, but when I do, it’s just as much of a thrill, if not more than having to put it in the time and mileage often required. And while I’m thrilled to share some of the bounty from today’s excursion. I’m going to remain tight-lipped and secretive about its location. Hopefully there’s someone out there that enjoys this type of thing as much as I do. tower-1-1-of-1