From the archive | Off season

"Passerby make their way down the beach in Ocean City, Md., Sept 9, 2010."

I am heading to Ocean City, Md., today to avoid the rain. Well, I won't really be avoiding the rain since it will be raining down there, too. But I'd much rather be anywhere but home when it's raining.

Most likely I'll be sporting my camera, 35mm, strolling around, and eating some comfort food I've longed for.

I haven't been to the beach since last year, and even then, it was a really quick trip. It was when I first herniated my disc in my lower back and visited with my parents for a short weekend. I was supposed to be resting after a cortisone shot, and I thought what better way to rest then with the company of my parents and on the warm beach.

When there, I manged to snap some iPhone pictures when walking to and from a pool where I was doing some therapy. I maybe fired off 40 frames, and these were my favorite, including my own feet at the end.

I doubt there will be anyone on the beach this time in March, but keep an eye out for a post from "the beach" next week.

Lounge

"A man lounges in the unseasonably warm temperatures on Conkling Street in Canton, Baltimore, Md., Friday, March 18, 2011."

While this frame is from the same walk as the other day, I've been really getting more into the street photography scene as I try to get back into the rhythm of shooting daily.

Street photography is something I love equally as photojournalism - I just don't do it as much as I should, and only do it abroad. It's always fresh, new and exciting. There is a rush in walking the same street and it never being the same twice. It's also a fun way to explore.

Baltimore isn't a huge city, and there isn't the abundance of folk say like New York or Chicago. It's for lack or better term - less chaotic. But there are a lot of characters and a vast of difference neighborhoods.

A lot of the time it's a tough crowd, so being inconspicuous and shooting from the hip is a must. In addition, it's difficult trying to pick areas of the city that I feel safe in by foot.

This is another from Canton and Highlandtown.

Purposeful rothko

"A graffiti cover-up colorfully stands out on a mural on Conkling Street in Canton, Baltimore, Md., Friday, March 18, 2011."

Saw this mural a while ago. Then just the other day, I literally walked right by it, and then paused.

I thought I could incorporate some warm bodies into the frame, but no one was passing, except me.

Instead of not shooting this wonderful art, I thought of Chip Litherland. The guy is a total color junkie, loves a good rectangle and can't pass up a well placed rothko.

Chip even sells a book, "Accidental Rothko" which you should check out.

While you check out his book, I'll continue to dream of an unpolluted ocean and seek non-territorial Baltimorons to photograph on the streets.

Smallitmore

"George White drags on a cigarette on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore City, Friday, March 18, 2011. 'I'm like a bad penny, I keep popping up,' White said, in reference to where he can usually be found. White has lived in Baltimore since 1958 and is a self-proclaimed 'bum' who has been on the streets for about a year."

This week at my four month post-op spinal surgery follow-up, I was told by my doctor to "break in" my back. In other words, start doing more, get out and start shooting, and see how I feel.

I thought what better way to start break in my back, which in my book is a fine line with breaking my back again, than to shoot some street photos and street portraits.

I've been eager, and very anxious, to dust my cameras off and start shooting again, but have been terrified. This marks the first time I've picked up my cameras since having surgery back in December 2010. Of course, I am lying because my iPhone blog is frequently updated.

I don't want to ramble, so I'll make this short. You have to love Smallitmore, otherwise known as Baltimore. Today I walked around East Baltimore in Highlandtown and Canton. Different in many ways.

As I packed up for the day I bumped into a self proclaimed "bum" who I wanted to shoot a portrait of back in October. I had seen him in his Orioles gear back in October when I was back east from Utah. This time I had my cameras. We talked. I shot a handful of frames and we both moved out separate ways.

While sore, it felt really good to get back out again today. One day at a time. One day at a time.

Help Japan

"Children play a game in front of Himeji Castle in Japan, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. This flatland-mountain Japanese castle was originally constructed in 1346."

I have a deep respect for Japan, know many wonderful people there and have traveled the country a pair of times.

I don't usually do things like this, but I figured since I am currently not shooting because of recent spinal surgery, the very least I can do is to help those in need following the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

I'm offering a selection of images, in which all profits from the sale of the images will go toward relief efforts in Japan.

You can help donate by directly visiting my PhotoShelter page and clicking the "Help Japan" gallery or by e-mailing me directly. Please note, I can only sign those prints that order by e-mailing me, as my PhotoShelter page orders are fulfilled by an off site printer.

Thanks for your support.

From the archive | Running in the wind

"Britnee Nguyen runs through the strong winds in Simpson Springs, Utah, on Sunday, April 11, 2010."

Back in April 2010, on my off day, I ventured out west of Salt Lake City to the middle of nowhere with my old co-worker Mark and his girlfriend Britnee.

Those two were in search of geodes and I decided to tag along. The only problem was that the roads were graded and pretty much impassable by a Mini Cooper. We should have taken my Subaru, or even better, an SUV.

Alas, we didn't make it very far before all of our teeth rattled out of our skulls.

During the adventure we managed to find some places to stop and shoot pictures of inanimate objects and landscapes, as there weren't many people roaming around out there.

I managed to snap a couple images off as Britnee ran through my frame after we photographed a sign. Yes, a sign. We all should have taken her running back to the car as a sign to turn around.

But we didn't. Nonetheless, we still had a good time.