Studio Photography – Photogeek Blog

The Unimpressive Decline of Street Fairs.

Below are a couple of pictures from our weekend trip to Snacktown, PA. You would think Snacktown would be governed by someone like Guy Fieri and would foster bad nutrition and dietary choices. Imagine finding a cover bands version of that over played Nu- Metal standard. As the years go by, I am convinced that all street fairs are alike. Needless to say. I might be done. Still, I enjoy finding interesting things and unique aspects of each town I visit. This particular theatre had plenty of character and bring home a cool shot made it all worth while. So, as they say. Never say never.

Those Who Made a Difference.

Finding your Zen

Found this old picture of a close friend. One who often lent her beautiful smile and spirit to me to help improve my skills and shape my passion for levels of studio and street photography. Looking back, I wish I can individually thank the many people, both subjects and photographers, who inspired and guided me along the way.

Keep it or Let Go.

Memories, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

As a photographer who has a hard time letting go. Often thinking, once the image is deleted, so goes the memory. I can assure you, that train of thought might score you an appearance on the show “Hoarders”, if not in a chair with a licensed psychotherapist. Therefore, I highly recommend that you regularly revisit and delete photos that no longer feed your art. Trust me. Your closet and computers hard-drive will thank you.

As someone who’s been a slave to that before mentioned belief, I’m incredibly grateful for both the space I’ve created and the emotional freedom of not holding too tightly to the past. When I think of my earlier days of getting peple to show up at my tiny home studio in Hoboken.

Looking back, I can’t help but recall Roksolana. Her energy and personality were and are unmatched. She was always two steps ahead of me while often sharing her own ideas. And rather hard to keep up with. In the end, she helped to teach me about patience and expression through her beauty and personality.

Taking Musicians Out of their Element.

Rock Photography, Studio Lighting, Studio Photography

For thirty years, I brought my camera to every show I attended, from the bars, basements, and cavernous venues of NYC and beyond to the clubs and concert halls that required a negotiated photo pass. My camera was my excuse to get close and stay close. When all was said and done, I always envied the photographers who got closer by photographing their heroes in a more intimate setting like their photo studio or somewhere on location. Those were the shots I worshipped and hung in my own home.

Giving Thanks

Beauty, Damion Photo, Expression, Finding your Zen, Happiness, Measuring Success, Memories, Natural Beauty, Portraiture

For all the people I met and those who allowed me to take just a few moments to capture their beauty and individuality. I am forever thankful for their time and patience in indulging in my weirdness and helping me grow as a photographer. Thinking back to those days and looking upon the days when my apartments linen closet was filled with books of negatives, slides and random photo products important to film photographers. It’s hard to believe that, while I was quite occupied with the art. I wasn’t all that serious and wouldn’t bust a gasket when I made a mistake.

An Obsession of Sorts

Portraiture, Storytelling, Studio Photography

My obsession with photographing people goes back to my teens, when I got my first 110 film camera to take pictures of my two-week trip to Ireland. From that day on, my passion grew. Throughout my teens and early twenties that passion turned into an obsession. My camera was always the magic wand that allowed me to start a conversation with complete strangers and invite them into my world. While I’ve become somewhat as an introvert in recent years. I’ve turned ti carrying a business card that features one or ten of the countless people I’ve worked with. While time has moved me towards landscape and travel photography. Portraiture of any kind is where my heart remains.

The Power of Expression.

Beauty, Dramatic Lighting, Expression, Portraiture

As I continue combing through past sessions, I am reminded of the importance and power of expression—that mood, attitude, self-confidence, or lack thereof. Of course, things like lighting, it’s direction and many other things play important parts. But when you have someone who can effortlessly pull off that look or mood. It’s pure magic.

And You Can Dance…

Anecdote, Beauty, Expression, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty, Studio Photography

It was a short, yet fun session with two girls I met through the local music scene. Music is always a source of inspiration to me, but I have no idea what inspired her to suddenly break into dance mode. Regardless, these images remain favorites after all these years. I’m including a video of Superchunks “The First Part” due to the simple fact that these images always remind me of it.

One More Year?

Blogging, Damion Photo, Photo Geek, Social Media

Last week, I received an email notifying me that my account with WordPress needed to be renewed. Easy Peazy, right? Just pay the man and continue doing your thing. Only this time, I honestly wasn’t sure I wanted to do so. What started as an attempt to share images and stories with friends and family. Turned into a numbers game and an admittance that I really suck at navigating social media platforms. However, with new business cards ordered just weeks ago with photogeek22 earmarked as the place to find my work. I decided to renew for one more year. Giving myself time to finish that website I’ve been working on for so long. In the year ahead, expect more images and less chit chat. Enjoy.

The Challenges and Rewards of Photographing People.

Beauty, Finding your Zen, Storytelling, Studio Photography

While photographing people has been my passion since day one. It wasn’t always easy. From my earliest days photographing friends and working for retail studios. To working with models and complete strangers That personal connection peels away the layers and depth of people’s personalities was one of the best feelings I could describe.. Forging a trust in a matter of minutes. One that allows you to peal away layers to show them in a way they may not have expected. I want to get back to that, while exploring the stories and experiences behind the session and image. As much as I’ve enjoyed and benefited from travel and landscape photography, I’ve dearly missed the challenge and rewards of portraiture and studio photography. What once looked like a closed chapter seems to be opening up again.