Taking A Break

Time, with its relentless march, shapes and molds us in ways we often don’t realize until we pause to reflect. As we navigate the passage of life, we find ourselves growing into new passions while stepping away from those that once defined us. Imagine running a marathon, and just when you think you’ve hit your stride, you discover you’re only at the halfway mark, with challenges still ahead.

This is akin to my journey as an artist. Over the years, I've witnessed my art and enthusiasm evolve, influenced by the fabric of my experiences and the passage of time.

There was a time when I felt invincible, standing at the pinnacle of my craft as a street photographer. I basked in the recognition, known locally and respected in wider circles. My passion burned brightly, guiding me to create moments that resonated deeply with others.

But then, in a surprising turn, I found myself at a crossroads. The very art I loved became a burden; I felt a profound disconnect. I yearned to discontinue the relentless cycle of capturing and sharing - to pause feeding the insatiable social media machine.

What once sparkled with potential began to feel like an obligation. I had invested countless hours and $10,000 into curating a kit that once inspired me, only to realize I was ready to close that chapter.

This decision wasn’t made lightly; it was a testament to change—a reflection of how we embrace or let go of our passions. As I navigate this new terrain, I’m learning that transformation is not an end but a new beginning, paving the way for fresh dreams yet to unfold.

At one point in my life, I found myself at the pinnacle of my craft—boasting an impressive 38,000 followers and earning income from a passion I genuinely loved. It all seemed perfect, but it begs the question: why would I choose to step back when I was so deeply immersed in the game?

I chased the excitement, striving to capture “bangers” and post impactful photos that would light up my feed. In the beginning, it felt exhilarating—the thrill of creativity surged through my veins. But as time passed, I started to feel an unsettling shift.

What once ignited my passion began to dim. I found myself repeatedly photographing the same locations and scenes that countless other photographers had already captured. The creative spark that had fueled my journey started to flicker, leaving behind a sense of monotony.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

As artists, we thrive on fresh experiences, new perspectives, and the joy of discovery. However the relentless pursuit of novelty can sometimes lead to fatigue. I realized that in the chase for popularity, I had lost sight of what made photography fun in the first place.

This realization sparked a pivotal moment for me—a chance to reevaluate my passion and reignite my creativity beyond the confines of expectation. Each step in this journey has taught me that it’s okay to pause, reflect, and seek new adventures on our terms.

Learning how to be a day has become a new skill, and using my camera to tell new stories has become fun again.

Jumping into film

I currently shoot with a Canon 6d and this has been my camera of choice for the better part of 4 years because upgrading is too expensive and I still love the 6d. I have a 24 mm, 35 mm and a 50 mm. So the change in what I shoot and how I shoot is needed in my opinion. For my own creative process and photographic challenges. 

So I've done it!! I have made the jump into the film photography, its been something I have wanted to do for a long time but wasn't sure when I would want to start I and all the decisions that come with it. Which film to shoot with, what speed, and even that camera will I shoot with? 

Considering film an old form of taking photos and these old cameras can break at anytime,  it seems these days people are getting tired of digital photography. Film is on the rise and  I personally wanted to try film because of the unknown aspect of it all. How will the images look once they are scanned, did I get that photo? These days everything is so quick and easy, you take a photo now and you see it within seconds. Where's the fun in that? Film gives the element of surprise you never know what you're going to get. 

I recently went shooting and shot 2 Kodak films. Why Kodak because the internet told me so. Thats my honest answer because I have never has to shoot a film or a speed or even camera that shoots film other than the disposable camera we used to take on family trips that I have never seen the result of. Film is almost permanent unless you decide not to take your work into photoshop or Lightroom. Editing is chosen from your film choice and the speed it also chosen in the beginning. I have about 18 more rolls of film on the way because I'm not sure which film I will like.

I don't have photos yet but, Im looking forward to see how they came out and share on this blog. 

Till next time...Later days?

New York Minute

Not sure how to start this one back up again, but its been a long time since I have posted anything on here. I have been doing a lot to be honest just no time to sit down and make a post about it. 

Today I want to talk about my New York City experience in which I was soaked by the rain, had my backpack fall apart and spent 2 hours trying to get the perfect shot.

Chinatown

When I came across this location it was here when I felt like I was in New York. No, it wasn't the slick talking or the One World Trade building. This!! This somewhat iconic shot of Chinatown from the Manhattan Bridge is when I felt like I was in New York. Its places like this that we see time and time again that make us feel like we made it. A lot of the time it is not about the destination, but the journey it took to get there.  Cloudy days, rain and puddles are what made up most of the week.

Walking across iconic bridge felt like a bad joke at times. "why did the photographer cross the bridge?" To get all the shot? As much as we tried to predict the weather we had many failed attempts because predicting the weather is like finding the fountain of youth you come close, but your just not there. 

Brooklyn Bridge

The Infamous Brooklyn Bridge, iconic the first New York City bridge and one hell of a run to the other side. We got caught in a crazy down pour with nowhere to hide. No shelter to cover and all our clothes, camera equipment and bags exposed. All we could do was embrace the New York weather, as if we had any other choice. When things like this happen you take it and think its a bad thing, but its memorable so why not document it . First time in New York and on the Brooklyn Bridge we caught in the rain. (I know I have been saying we a lot, I was on this trip with my girl friend, who doesn't have Instagram but loves to travel take photos and experience different foods.)

It rained for 3 days so stayed inside...

Fulton Station pt.1

Fulton Station pt.2

The Oculus

Staying dry is key when your not walking around with a 1Dx or weather sealed equipment. Because New York is so big and has so much to offer have a day inside is still a good thing. Not all cities are like this, but I will say rain or shine NYC doesn't stop, doesn't slow down and doesn't take breaks. Unfortunately I don't have a 1Dx, but its in the woks. 

Chrysler Building 

One World Trade Centre

The rain finally settled and going high above New York to capture this busy city in one photo, finally made sense. Seeing a lot these buildings was also a culture shock because the amount of films that have been recorded in New York is astonishing. From Batman, Die Hard, Sex & The City, Fast & Furious and more, NYC has got it covered. 

Now to tell you what it means and how much dedication it takes to get that perfect shot that ends your trip. It was the last day of our trip and we wanted to see The 'Top of The Rock'. All tickets were sold out up until the next day and we were at the end of the line. The people ahead of us were buying tickets for tomorrow so by the time we get to the kiosk it would have been sold out. Did I mention it was our last day, so there was no trip back to the top of the rock for us. So, when your backs against the wall and you almost out of options what do you do? BUY VIP!!!!

We bought VIP skipped the line in a New York minute and stayed on rock for 2.5 hours because it was our last night the sun was finally out and we had no where else better to be than to watch the sun go down over one of the craziest cities in the world. It almost felt like we were in a movie watching the sunset. 

Till next time, 

Peace