A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
About an hour before lunch. I took a walk down to the nearby Metro on Dolly Madison Rd. Though the sun was at its peak hours. I was still able to find a little shade to avoid overexposure. One day, I’ll hop on the train again to find a fresh spot and new adventure. Until then, enjoy.
As artists of any kind, we are all susceptible to artistic droughts and dry spells. Coming home with a day’s worth of less-than-inspiring work. It’s something I’ve experienced numerous times over the years. Enough to make me think it’s time to sell my camera and invest the money in a hot dog cart. Hell, why not? There’s no shame in providing tasty food to hungry customers every day. Luckily, I have a fail proof plan that always brings me back from the edge. That plan is, immerse yourself in art. The closer I get to art, the more I’m inspired to make my own. Museums, exhibitions, books. During my life in New York City and New Jersey. A visit to Washington Square or Union Square was like a like a lifesaving blood transfusion. Yesterdays trip to DC and the Bansky, Basquiat exhibition was the kick in the head I needed. With their art inspiring me since childhood. It was the swift kick in the ass that no time on the side lines could have provided. Sooner than later, the creative juices were flowing and an opportunity to take a picture I had envisioned for close to a year, came. Proving that, art and creativity is often sparked or refueled by placing yourself among it. Never let that drought or numbness settle in and destroy your creativity. When the well seems dry. Nourishment is never far away.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Photogeek Blog 