Dream Tomorrow, Live Today, Cherish Yesterday

Fun Friday - NYC Street Shooting

Leica M9, 28mm F/2.8, f/4.8, 1/60, iso 1000

Street shooting - it's all about the moments. And they don't last long.

The Odeon

Leica M9, 28mm F/2.8, f/4, 8 secs, iso 160

I only went out shooting one night. Actually, this was early evening. I liked the look of the restaurant, and wanted to see if it would work with the Vespa in the foreground. Because I don't carry a tripod when street shooting, I get shots like this by holding the camera against a convenient structure, in this case a streetlight pole.

The streak was caused by a bus going through at just the right time. And... the food was excellent there too!

 

 

Wordless Wednesday

On Wordle3ss Wednesday, you tell the story...

 

Looking at you from NYC

Leica M9, 28mm F/2.8, f/9.5, 1/60, iso 1250

As today's post is being published I am returning home from my NYC trip. It was an excellent trip, and I'll have much to say and share in future posts. For now, let me just say that I believe nearly everyone can find a lot to like in NYC.

For those of us with a passion for street photography, opportunities abound. As usual, I did a lot of my shooting "from the neck strap," that is, by setting the focusing distance manually, and tripping the shutter when I believe I'm at the right distance and I'm happy with my subject.

You get some interesting angles and looks this way. I have my share of misses, and my share of hits. Like this one, a favorite. Stay tuned!

Model Memories

Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm F/1.2, f/2.2, 1/800, iso 200

I have mentioned previously how much I miss the model shooting group I belonged to, back in Sacramento, right? Just checking.

Scratcher

Canon 5D Mark II, 300mm F/4, f/4, 1/125, iso 100

Imagine being able to turn your neck around and scratch your own back. Somedays that would definitely feel pretty good. Lovely creatures, aren't they?

The Old Warriors

Canon 5D Mark II, 85mm F/1.2, f/5, 1/10, iso 200

I have a special new friend who is a potter. We were talking about kilns, and I was telling her about my day at Gladding McBean way back when. I sent her this image with an email and she said "thanks for showing me the old warriors." I like that.

Gladding McBean is a ceramics factory in California. I published a series on my shoot there, two years ago in case you haven't been following the blog that long.

Peace, Bainbridge Style

Leica M9, 50mm F/1.4, f/2, 1/500, iso 400

I made a new friend recently, while on a walk. And as we have done a few more walks together, she showed me some places that are new to me. Like this house. We have a funkiness here I can relate to, especially as a child of the 60's. As my friend Tony Sweet would say: "far out, man!"

Thankful Thanksgiving

Canon 5D Mark II, 16-35mm F/2.8, f/8, 1/250, iso 400

I submit this unconventional Thanksgiving image in the spirit of hope, adventure and fun. I have definitely been a lucky person in so many ways, and I'm thankful and grateful. I'm celebrating the holiday with great friends, and that's pretty nice.

On a personal note, this Thanksgiving I'm extremely thankful for two new things in my life.

First, my fall in Cuba. I didn't really talk about it here, but I had a fall and got hurt while in Cuba. After a few months, I could barely walk. This led me through a path where I eventually ended up in physical therapy. And from where I was, to the healthiest body I have had in probably two decades. Not only did I deal with my hip, the main problem from the fall, but a torn rotator cuff, as well as daily back pain I have had since I was 16 years old. To say it has been a personal miracle is not an overstatement.

And secondly, for the new friends I have made this year. You know who you are.

Hoping all of you are having a wonderful holiday!

If Van Gogh did Fall Colors

Leica M9, 50 mm F/1.4, f/2.8, 1/500, iso 800

This was a lovely scene I was working at the Art Wolfe workshop previously mentioned here on the blog. Was kind of cool waiting for leaves to float by on their own, with this reflected background.

I knew that my view on the bank would look quite different when captured by the camera. Once I saw it on the screen, I was reminded of Starry Starry Night, one of my favorite paintings.

This effect is not a result of post production (i.e. software). Just nature and that old Leica magic. A beauty, in my opinion.