Results of Leaving My Camera Behind.

When picking up our car from the Montgomery Mini dealership. Much to my wife’s delight. I left my camera home and decided to let my iPhone handle any such photo opportunities that might come about. While transferring trains at Rockville, Maryland, Shady Grove Station. The opportunity came and instead of digging into my camera bag and finding the right setting for the perfect shot. I whipped out my phone and BINGO! And while my phone will not become my new tool for photography. It’s good to know. I don’t have to pack it in preparation for every trip.

Choosey Choosers

Choosing my favorite photos from my first experience taking the local transit from Fairfax, Virginia to Washington DC. While, by all means, my objective in bringing my camera along with me, lay ahead on the streets of DC. It was the transfer and the few minutes I waited for the connecting train to arrive that created the images that gave me a rush. Though many of the best shots taken focused on similar ideas and techniques. There were some that stood out more than others. The photo below is one of those photos. Having taken my first train ride at the age of seven and acknowledging it as my introduction and long time vehicle for freedom and exploration. I’ll forever credit it for it’s lasting contributions to my life. Growing up in New York City. The stories and dangers related to a ride on the subway were epic. Becoming an adult and experiencing transit in different cities, countries and continents continue to impact my life.

Ongoing Project Continues…

Another ride to Washington DC on the Metro and another opportunity to explore the architectural beauty of the areas transit system. Saturday offered a bit more patience from my wife. Giving me the opportunity to spend a little more time composing my images. I’m looking forward to future solo trips that will allow me even more time to set up images. Until then.

Ongoing Project (Trains)

In order to keep myself sane while I attempt to create a new website. I’ve decided to follow the lead of long time skateboarder, actor, and above all, photographer Jason Lee. While nourishing my soul with some recent interviews with him. I’ve taken his lead in beginning project related photography adventures. Considering I grew up riding the subway and trespassing in whatever train yard I could sneak into. It feels like a excellent place to find inspiration. Being that since the 9/11 bombing. (More than twenty years ago.) I’ve been questioned, detained and fined for photographing the inspiring time travelers. Choosing something related to transportaion, (Trains in general.) seems like the right subject. My fascination with travel should keep me focused and satisfied with my choice. Whether it takes weeks, months or a good year or two. I’m ready amd prepared to share my results along the way. Wish me focus.

Why We Print.

After picking up my 11X14 print from the camera store/lab we use in Arlington. My wife asked if I would frame it and where I wanted to hang it. I replied “I don’t plan on framing or hanging it.” Puzzled, she looked at me and asked, “Then why did you print it?” That is a good question. One that I gave numerous reasons for. One that I asked myself. Having grown up in the film camera age and developed every role we ever shot, countless and often terrible images ended up in photo albums or crowded boxes in bedroom closets. I look back and wonder. Was any of it worth the money spent or space occupied?

These days, I take thousands of pictures but rarely print any. But when I do, I’m rewarded as I see the differences or the details between the image I see on the computer and the print I can touch and avoid getting my fingerprints on. Today was one of those days when I immediately saw the vast difference in the quality of a quality printed image. It both inspires me and gives me hope that someday I’ll get my shit together and sell my work at a more consistent rate.

Ongoing Project

After picking up a couple of enlargements (My first in over a year.) at Arlington’s District Camera. I decided to begin working on a project that focuses on transit. (With most, if not all of the images taking pace on train platforms and stations. With my entire life taking place just blocks from the local and express trains. There is a pulse, a certain eb and flow that inspires me and has taught me that we are all in perpetual movement. Even as we sit still. The world around us never stops. The images I’ve printed (Both posted here recently.) will serve as the basis of this project. With ones from the past and near future travels will complete it. While I’m not yet sure if I will shop a gallery, art space or digital platform. Regardless, it feels good to have new ideas and inspirations. This morning I went downstairs to our storage space to dig for an old hard drive with older pictures from my life in New York City, New Jersey, and Seattle, Washington. There are few images worth finding and printing.

Washington D.C.’s Dupont Station.

Taken earlier today at Washington DC’s Dupont Station while finishing up our visit to the areas busy farmers market. My wife picked up lots of greens and and enough apples to make a pie. While I was able to take a few worthy shots while getting my first sunburn of the season.

Going Underground.

With about a half hour to kill before my haircut appointment, I took a trip down the escalator to check out the subway stop to fuel my newest obsession with photographing trains and the stations they frequent daily. I’ve lived in Virginia for over two years and have just started exploring its complex interiors. Having toured and ridden the subways of London, Paris, Tokyo, and others. I’ve come to appreciate the architecture and designs incorporated by many. Inspiring my respect and appreciation for what comes from the minds of true artists and respected methods that often convey the visions of gifted minds. It’s easy to take things of this nature for granted, as we are so focused on our daily travels and mindsets. Please think of the countless times I’ve focused on my phone screen or kept my head down to avoid unsolicited contact. There was a moment when I focused on the moment at hand, fixated on this colossal and timeless gift to creativity.