A Photo Geeks ups and downs through words and images.
Below is another image from my time at Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary. While taking pictures, I learned a lot about the way prisons were run. How inmates and employees interacted and early influences on the current penal system. I hope to go back in a few months, but for now I’m very happy with the images and knowledge I left with.
If you’ve been paying attention, there’s this phrase by some guy named Emerson, that been passed around that says, “It’s not the destination. It’s the journey that matters.” Emerson was also quoted as saying, “Always do what you’re afraid to do.” Not being a philosopher myself. I have often sought understanding through travel and exploring different cultures, different ideologies, and economic imbalances. My experiences traveling (To another continent or just down the hall.) and interactions with people have educated me and informed me. Eliminating many prejudices and stereotypes, I might have had if I’d stayed within my bubble. And for that, I am forever grateful.
This weekend, for the first time in more than ten years. I took a trip to Richmond to attend a long-time friends inclusion in an intimate record show. Aside from seeing this beautiful friend, getting the stuffing hugged out of me, and meeting her husband. I enjoyed nourishing food, walked the streets of a diverse city and took lots of pictures. On the right is the restaurant, delicatessen where we started our day.
Sunday afternoon, we took advantage of the days weather forecast to make a trip to National Harbor to do some sightseeing, shopping, and extended walking. Though it turned to be a lot colder than advertised. We wholeheartedly enjoyed our time there. As I took this picture of the ferris wheel. I was reminded of my fear of heights. My knees wobbling like a bowl of jello. Dizzied from the sight alone. Assuring myself, that someday, I will conquer my fears and face down that Moby Dick of amusement park rides. Until then.
During our time here, my wife and me have been doing our share of exploring areas that are, by all means, new to us. If you’re like me. There a few things as enjoyable as experiencing something for the first time. Back in November of 2022. We took a trip to Annapolis, Maryland to soak up the sites and history of the storied city. During the day we ate at a Diner that reminded us of the many greasy spoons we frequented while living in New York City and New Jersey. Spent time on the docks and admired the culture and architecture of the historic area. I took a picture of this mural honoring Supreme Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before heading home.
We recently returned to Pike and Rose in Bethesda to do some shopping and capture those funky stairs with the proper gear. (I don’t consider my phone to be a camera.) After taking my time to capture the flow, I was approached by a security guard who seemed a bit too intrusive as to what I was doing. “I’m doing my thing.” was all I could think of. Which, in the end, seemed good enough.
Taken on a long stretch of road driving through Pennsylvania. Stopping for gas was a good excuse to get out of the car, stretch our legs and take a few pictures. Since I was four, there’s always been an unexplainable fascination with gas stations. Having grown up just blocks from the local airport, there were many available to refuel the countless automobiles traveling to and fro. Shot at 100 ISO to offset the mid day sun. Taking this image rewarded the reason for stopping while making the long ride home more relaxing. It’s always good when a long day ends with some proper documentation.
Imagine yourself sitting at a bar with nothing to drink, no bartender to serve you, and no alcohol to serve. That was me today at Baltimore’s Cross Street Market. Kind of cool. Don’t you think?
Coming back to Jersey before the closing on our Virginia condo has allowed us to indulge in some of our favorite things we missed while living in Seattle. Though far from our years in Hoboken and Jersey City. Asbury Park was a beloved and often weekend destination. Whether it was on the beach or the boardwalk. Our experience was always a good one. After a nourishing breakfast at Frank’s Diner where we we wisely decided to sit at the counter. We headed to the boardwalk where we spent a fun day relaxing and enjoying the sights, which included but were hardly limited to weddings, an official zombie walk and enough sun and cool breeze to carry away whatever might worry the mind.
Every weekend my wife and me try to get out of the everyday stress of the work environment and whatever stress the work week and it’s related trappings. No matter the city we called home, there was always an outlet or a route worth taking. One that would allow us to expand our minds and realign our focus. Having grown up and lived in the boroughs of New York City and lived much of my married life in New Jersey, there was always somewhere to go and something to do. Moving to, and living in Seattle for four years provided more than its share of exploration and mind expanding experiences. With only a few months back east in Virginia. There’s still so much to do. Lucky for us, that desire to explore and experience new things still burns. As many days of exploring Virginia and Washington, DC lie ahead. The several trips to Maryland have been rewarding. I took this image of the Patapasco River in the midday sun with the only equipment I have with me now, my Canon body and 50 mm lens. While I’m looking forward to being reunited with all my lenses, filters and flash, shooting with the bare minimum has been a fulfilling challenge. Here’s to more weekend challenges, exploration and of course, documentation.
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