It was a dark and stormy night. Well, a dark and stormy after\noon just before Tropical Storm Sandy hit Jersey City. I was in the midst of reading Neil Gaiman’s “Neverwhere” when the power went out. Not to be outdone, I pulled out the candles and kept on reading…
Winter's Tale
“Winter’s Tale” was the match that lit the spark. I was working in NYC as a a concierge in a building of tenants who I still adore to this day. It was a cold winter night, and I went out for my nightly walk to Jackie Robinson Park, literally two blocks away. The sight that greeted me was picture perfect, and after snapping the shot I ordered a canvas print. When the print arrived I put it in the corner behind my desk discretely at work for feedback, and one of my tenants bought “Winter’s Tale” within an hour of displaying the canvas. I was shocked, nervous, giddy and a 1,001 other emotions - I hadn’t expected my first sale - I was expecting a few critiques maybe a compliment. “Winter’s Tale” was the match that lit the spark for my love of photography, that my work had value outside of “Likes” and “Thumbs Up” on social media. To this day it is still one of my favorite pieces. I’ll never forget the night I took the shot, nor the night I sold it on canvas.
I Love the Bronx
This picture was taken two years ago today. It was a full day of exploring my beloved Bronx - The Lit Bar, Beatstro, piano factories and so much more. As I rounded a corner to continue my journey on foot into other boroughs, I was greeted by a this sentiment shared by so many others - “I Love the Bronx.” The upside down heart is the crowning touch - Bronxites are tough, strong and will not conform to society’s standards, let alone expectations. The Bronx is so near and dear to me, if only others could or would explore this unique, historical, cultural and fascinating borough. Oh, did I mention the cuisine?!? I too, love the Bronx.
Jade Drops
“Jade Drops” is along the same vein as “Cool Abstraction” in the idea that I don’t exactly recall where this picture was taken, only that it was either in or around the vicinity of the Katharine Hepburn Garden in NYC. While it may have been an art installation, sculpture or just a macro shot of plastic trash, I am just grateful that I had the foresight to capture the moment to preserve it in my catalog.
Be Proud
Once upon a time society reveled in punching down those who were different, or who they didn’t, couldn’t or wouldn’t try to understand. The internet has changed much of that in the last twenty years, some for the worse, but so much more for the better. These two words, “BE PROUD” are spray painted as a random message to strangers on a NYC sidewalk, but for my friend and I that afternoon, it was a clear sign that as men who are black, gay, and have an affinity for boots that this message was meant for us, as well as anyone else who has been made to feel shame, who didn’t quite fit in to society’s norms. Times they be a changing, too slow at times for most and myself, but we will get there. BE PROUD
Electric Blue
“Electric Blue” was taken in the middle of the night whilst I was filling in as concierge at another location on break. The streetlight and the newly formed drops atop the park table was just too much irresistible. This is what I mean when I speak of “finding the extraordinary in the ordinary-” we, life and the world sometimes moves too damned fast that we refuse to just slow down, even for a moment. Yet when I took a fifteen minute break away from work, lo and behold there was a shot already prepped for me and a lifetime’s memory. Slow down once in a while…
Pastel Sunset
Working in the Battery Park section of lower Manhattan gave me the opportunity to see a variety of gorgeous sunsets, including this one above the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian and the Bowling Green subway station.
Finding the Ordinary in the Extraordinary →
My journey as an artist who likes to takes pictures has been quite the memorable one as I continue to evolve, experiment and push the envelope regarding my creativity. I am also my own worst, and harshest critic, and those days have slowly faded away to be replaced by something considerably different. Though it has taken more time than it should have, I am begun to truly see my work as others do, to have an appreciation for my work and that it not only has value for me, but for others as well. While I am the last to pat myself on the pack and try to be as humble as can be, I am proud of my accomplishments, my work, my potential and exploring new and exciting visions to capture. Thank YOU for being a part of this incredible journey with me…
Sincerely,
Jared Ray Eaton
Empire Taxi
The origins of “Empire Taxi” occurred in June 2013 shortly after I had moved to Manhattan from Jersey City. As happens so often I was out for a walk one evening, glanced to the left and I just happened to be at the right place at the right time. There is just something about the majesty of the Empire State Building’s glow, the world famous NYC yellow cabs in the foreground and the long exposure of a passing car that pulls this all together quite nicely.
Marcy Avenue Station
I had originally seen a picture similar to this posted on my Instagram feed, and I immediately knew that I wanted to recreate it in my own vision. It was one of those shots that took some preparation, such as calculating when the sun set that evening, how much time it would take to get to the Marcy Avenue Station in Queens, and the right place to be on the platform for when the next train came rolling in. While much of photography is very much spur of the moment, taking the time to set up a perfect shot is just as rewarding for me.
Coney Island Sunrise
It was one of those rare days when I decided to awake extra early, ride the train from the Bronx to Brooklyn to capture the sun rise. Watching the sun rise with the flying gulls as the skies turn golden - it’s the perfect time for self reflection, slowing down a bit and enjoying the small things in life.
Topaz at The Museum of Natural History
Sometimes it is hard to believe such precious gems and stones have taken billions of years formation within the crust of the earth, only to come to full fruition through the evolution that only Mother Nature can provide. The Museum of Natural History is an amazing experience that (at least for myself) at least two days to fully explore.
Jolly Green Greenery
This shot was taken at the southern end of Randall’s Island, which lies in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. There are bike and jogging paths galore, baseball diamonds, a small secluded beach as well as a gorgeous view of my favourite bridge, the Hell Gate Bridge. The east river “flows” differently here than in most other places - the water swirl and eddies, yet acts as though the the river itself is alive. The current is unpredictable - it slightly reverses direction, circles back on itself, slithers over here and there. Then of course there are all the gurgles and splashes as the river currents collide with one another. It’s akin to watching clouds move across the sky, in that after a moment or two you are mesmerized and lost in the voice and movements.
