We had a few winter storms last year in NYC and I can't think of a better time to go in the streets with the camera than when a bunch of New Yorkers go soft and scared of mother nature so they stay home, which is perfect for me. I get to see the city as a canvas being painted by mother nature and me as the lone loon happy to venture out in the maelstrom. Here are two of the shots I got, more to come...
The festival is once again upon us and it reminded of the last time I was there which was a few years back. Great seeing the eclecticism of the youth there, some borrowing from past styles other independent enough to try their own and all just out to express themselves.
I've been going down to DC for the past 18 years to visit two of my best friends. I used to take the bus early on before there was ever the Bolt or MegaBus there was just Greyhound and Trailways (who actually own Bolt bus...). Over the years I've been able to now afford a train trip which i swear if I could I was take the train through out this country stopping in blue collar towns like Pittsburgh and documenting everything I see along the ways.
If you've ever taken a train down the eastern corridor you will notice a lot. Especially when going through Newark and Baltimore. You really see a lot of shit, a lot of broken down communities some how forgotten and tucked away from the general public view.
It always kinda stuck to me that I can see this and any one in passing can also it but figure we're all transient beings and what the fuck am I going to do for these communities any how... I don't know this feels like a rambling and it pretty much is so I'm just going to shut up and upload the photos I took which are actually more documentations of graffiti and abandoned train cars. I tried playing around with my D300 and 50mm to get some good photos, not all that thrilled with these but there they are...
I've been lucky enough to have musician friends through out my life. It's given me access to parties, shows and kindred spirits in relations to art. I've been shooting this band Genes and The Machine for a while now. A mix between video and photos but always a full load of fun and lively show. They perform at a downtown club called Nublu in the East Village of NYC.
This night Saul Williams went before them and I was able to get a few shots, nothing spectacular as the biggest challenge every time I shoot here is the light. Its just terrible to be honest but the musicians like it low to create that ambient feel and I'm almost allergic to using my flash (although I'm coming around...slowly that is).
I'll say this and expect to say it many a times, EDITING is the hardest part of photography.
Getting the shot you're looking for often requires a lot of patience and to some extent. I was in New Orleans a few months back right before madi gras. If you've ever been to New Orleans you know the city is an attraction for all kinds of eclectic personalities. I was at a bar with friends one night and just hung out in spot where I could catch people walking down dressed in all sorts of extravagant get up.
I saw these two from behind and was immediately drawn to their hair styles, a wig of some sort but full of color. All I had was their back but I knew at some point they would turn around so I took several shots till I finally got them turning around. Upon closer inspection you can see the one girl has either a peach fuzz or something else on the bottom of her lip. What it is, I don't know but this is why I love photography. Capturing the mysterious and capturing the moment...
I was recently asked by the Guild East to document their event featuring Seth Meyers and the writers of his show, including one of my favorites from the 30 Rock show, Lutz. Was a great night of laughter and shared experience of what its like to write for late night. I learned a lot personally and always enjoy these types of gigs where I'm learning beyond photography.
