Tag: Virginia

Achieving Motion Blur.

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Manual Mode, Motion Blur, Travel

Since purchasing the Canon R6 Mirrorless camera, I’ve explored many aspects of photography that, until recently, have been somewhat foreign to me, as of lately. I’ve set my camera settings to capture some motion blur—another aspect of photography I’ve wanted to explore. In contrast, waiting for my train to DC the other night. I caught this train heading in the opposite direction, slowing my shutter speed to 1/4 of a second. I could adequately capture the train car’s motion while capturing the building in the foreground. Somewhat neat. There I was, proving that an old dog can learn new tricks. A wise man named Albert Einstein once said, “You never fail until you stop trying.” I will keep that in mind and the many quotes regarding the subject

Day Trip to Richmond

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Damion Photo, Exploring, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

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.

Bringing Lost Treasures back to Life.

Art, Beauty, Digital Printing, Dramatic Lighting, Enlargements, Finding your Zen, Natural Beauty

I’m finally getting images off the floor, out of the closet, and onto the white walls of our condo. Thoughts arise regarding what goes where and the themes they represent—taking a nod from childhood memories. Two impactful ones immediately come to mind. The coop my Mom raised me in as a child had two bathrooms. The smaller one, just off the kitchen, was always the one that doubled as a bathroom/art gallery. Small, yet functional. The small area was lit by one of those funky colored bulbs and rotating art that varied from nudes and movie posters the company she worked for produced. At the same time, my Father ushered in my love for boxing by installing a heavy bag in his garage and sharing his love for the sport with me. A passion and appreciation that has stuck with me since.

So, when needing one last print for my boxing-themed room. I dug deep into my Lightroom 4 images and found a long-lost gem that perfectly captured my envisioned mood and vibe. Taken ten or more years ago by an actress, model, and stuntwoman I worked with in my small, Hoboken studio. The session this image came from marks the beginning of my love, understanding, and practice of adding shadow, contrast, and mood to my studio lighting.

To your right, is one of the first print/enlargements I’ve made in more than five years and my first with District Cameras Arlington location. Having done business with them numerous times in the past month, I can only say the most positive things when recommending their service.

Train of Thought

Canon R6 Mark II Mirrorless, Finding your Zen, Health, Landscape Photography, Street Photography

With the wife at the office and my wanting to take advantage of the warm weather and a barely baptized new camera. I carefully navigated the sidewalk cracks and pot holes, and walked my way down to Dolly Madison road to attempt some shots I’ve been wanting to take since arriving in the area. Arriving at the edge of the great divide. I took to time to steady myself and compose the area I wanted to focus on. With my main focus on the soon to arrive train and two towering buildings in the foreground serving as bookmarks. I waited for my photo version of Moby Dick to come into view. This photo opportunity served several purposes, as the day marked my longest solo walk since my diagnosis, capturing a shot I’ve long envisioned, and later discovering the route to a rewarding nature walk.

Once Upon a Tripod

Long Exposures, Night Photography, Street Photography

I’m not sure what made me head back into freezing temps, but whatever it was, I brought a more relaxed attitude. I might not have achieved my ultimate goal or even understood why I was having issues with taking long exposures in manual or bulb mode. I just wanted to take some pictures of the brisk night sky. Below is one of my favorites from my few minutes in the dark.

Winter Colors

Landscape Photography, Color

It’s pretty rare when I adjust my camera settings to shoot in color. With my wife now accompanying me in the majority of my outings, Her insistance that I switch to “landscape” mode is really the only time I shoot color. Right or wrong, it’s just my preference. However, when I raised the shades on this wintry morning and saw these colorful leaves showing life on an otherwise bare tree (My wife calls it “The Charlie Brown Christmas tree.”) adjacent to our patio. I jumped into action to capture what will soon be gone.

Just left of our patio.

Second Chances

Finding your Zen, Landscape Photography, Uncategorized

As I took this image, I promised to return on a cloudy day and both include and better illuminate one of the random kids riding their bike to and fro. Though I may have to wait until the weather warms up and the barbecuers return. I’ve promised to fulfill my vision. While I fully displaying a sense of solitude in my images. Adding that human element often enhances the image and message .

The Metro

Uncategorized

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.

Nelson Street Metro Arlington, VA.

Busboys & Poets

Uncategorized

As I sit here in the library across the street from Shirlington, Virginia’s Busboys & Poets. I can’t help but think of all of the amazing history the restaurant/bookstore provides for it’s community. I took this image with my cell phone as my wife and me awaited our French toast and eggs Benedict. While I dream of spending hours and hours photographing the people, art, and atmosphere of the place with my Canon. I feel lucky for the chance to capture this little moment with my cell.