A Change of Plans

By Thursday of every week. The questions about the weekend regarding where we’re heading and what we’ll be doing surface. Come Friday, and even Saturday morning. By that time. Any and all ideas brought up in the prior days are more than likely, old news and we’re eventually off in a different direction. No matter the destination. The journey and stops along the way are the moments that matter the most. The complaints about traffic and conversations about the next step and the upcoming weekends. It’s the company we keep and the moments you experience together that matter. So go out and experience life. Whether you’re on the road or just around the corner. Go. Now.

An Outing for the Ages.

Starting our day at Waffle House has always been a good choice. Choosing to sit at the counter? Even better. Today, however, we were given an unexpected bonus when the entire staff spontaneously broke into an impressive song and dance routine while song from the Backstreet Boys, NSYNC and TLC resonated over the speakers. It was the perfect example of living in the moment. An experience my wife and I will cherish for a long time. As both of us instantly became an adoring audience. Singing along and dancing in our seats. I can’t think of a better way to start my weekend. Well, a satisfying breakfast with a bottomless cup of coffee come to mind. But experiencing both at the same time can only be described as a once in a lifetime event.

Happy Travels are Often Fueled by Exceptional Food.

Travel is a key. to happiness and fulfillment for many, including myself. Having visited many cities and small towns in the United States and throughout Asia and Europe. I’ve been treated to so many opportunities to explore different cultures. Meet amazing people and eat fantastic food. From escargot in Paris. Scorpions in Tokyo. Alligator in New Orleans. Snake meat in Taos and more. A full belly makes any trip worth taking. I took this picture while heading to the southern tip of Virginia. The food was great and we met a lively couple with two adorable daughters. As experienced countless times. It not the destination, but the journey that matters.

A Visit to Marylands Rocky Point and Beach.

The day finally came. The day when I got to sit in one spot with my camera and compose a shot without my wife’s “Chop, Chop. Let’s get the show on the road.” The clouds were out and I didn’t have to fight the mid-day sun. I got some nice images. However, in a matter of minutes, it began to rain and off we went.

Updating the Site

Since the website launched (about a week ago), I’ve attempted a few tweaks and updates that felt beneficial to its overall look and appeal. Most importantly, the official name of the site damionphoto.format.com. While still attempting to replace a few images that feature small watermarked images I didn’t notice while posting. Additionally, there are a few other minor changes I hope to apply. In the meantime. I’m confident in sharing what I hope to be an evolving website that will display and host my skills and passion. Be sure to visit. Thanks.

https://damionphoto.format.com/gallery

One More Year?

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.

A Trip Through History

As the weather gets warmer and Spring continues to develop. I hope to take full advantage of the history, culture and museums of the Washington DC area. Last week signaled somewhat of a start to this as we experienced the somewhat heartbreaking exhibits within the Smithsonian Museum of African History and Culture. As someone who became addicted to history at a very young age. I was always aware that our teachers and history books were lying to us, or at the very least, telling us less than half truths. We learned more in out two plus hours there than we were taught our entire life. I did my best ro be respectful and keep my piture taking to a minimum. I took the image on the right as we headed downstairs the the eventual exit. I tend to appreciate the images that fall on the dramatic side when it comes to shade and lighting.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail.

Our recent, first ever trip to West Virginia turned out to be a good one. Despite my wife being the only Asian the state had ever hosted. We enjoyed hiking and exploring the Appalachian Trail, Bridge, Shenandoah River and other historic activities. We stopped for baked goods at Bolivar Bread and completely knocked our self out. To be truthful, we enjoyed the day a lot more than we could ever hope. Granted, crossing bridges is my greatest phobia. But, the rapid heartbeat and anxiety were worth it. Though I didn’t spend a lot of time stopping for pictures. I was able to capture a few moments. If you have any thoughts to add. Please do so below.

Travel Light.

Partially due to my wives complaining, I’ve been trying to lighten the load in my camera bag when we go out. While this definitely took a while to adjust to. I’m beginning to open up to the idea of leaving all the surplus gear home and heading out with the basics. For a recent trip to Fredrick, MA. I left the extra lens, flash and usual bag of tricks behind and concentrated on just enjoying the trip. The few images I took, including this one. Received positive feedback from both my mentors and interested friends. So, unless, and even if you’re planning a serious photo trip. My advice is to bring the essentials. The weight you left behind will thank you.