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.
Bronxlets
It was a dark and stormy night… Actually the storm had just passed, so it was an excellent opportunity to take the camera out. Water droplets, reflections in puddles and glistening landscapes are perfect set ups to take amazing shots. The park was deserted, it was quiet, peaceful and everything had been washed clean - a fresh new slate to begin anew. Just like the new word I titled this piece - a mashup of “Bronx” and “droplets.” Sometimes you have just to make your own descriptions and put your stamp on it.
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.
Red and White
April, one of my favorite months of the year, produces such beautiful images for flower lovers and photographers alike. The sweet smell, the bees pollinating, the brilliance of the red, the softly muted white, and the green leafy background to balance it all out - flowers just light up the concrete jungle’s landscaping. This is the first of many floral prints that I have taken over the years, and “Red and White” will be the first available here on the site!
Pastels
It was a beautiful August day in 2012. I still lived in Jersey City and was taking a walk, exploring as I always do, camera in hand. It was here where I found the most peculiar bush, with each berry a differently colored pastel hue. I have yet to find another plant like it, let alone one that even comes close!
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.
A Different Point of View
I had pulled a double and filling in at a different building for the second shift. My desk mate was kind enough to let me go to the roof of this 30 story apartment building. I had been hoping to capture a spectacular sunset as dawn broke, but I did get a consolation prize, as I had always admired rain spattered windows. Sometimes in life we don’t get always get what we want, but more often than not there is a silver lining, if you’re willing to open yourself to it.
More Than Face Value
From 11/10/15 I was on the train on the way home from work when I noticed this couple on the next set of seats across from me. Who were they, where had they come from, where were they going? One of them was surely exhausted, and the other keeping watch over this (perhaps new) environment that enveloped them. The amazing thing is that everyone on the subway has a story. Everyone in New York City has a story. Every American has a story. Every human being who has ever lived has a story. I am fortunate that I have pretty much no filter as far as sharing mine. However, the point is, "Don't judge a book by its cover" - although we can see what we want to see at face value, we all have our tales, our lives, our journeys, pains and triumphs.
Too Late, Too Soon
I always loved the Jon Secada song “Too Late, Too Soon.” It’s a melancholy song embroiled in the deepest seven shades of “What ifs?” The singer tries to rationalize on so many levels, but in his heart of hearts he knows what the deal is. Much like this picture, it’s wonderful to have plants pop up a month too soon, but is it too late to turn back the clock on what man is doing to the climate? As much as I love Mother Nature and her fragile, colorful gifts, I also know she has a dark side that we’ve only begun to experience as she seeks to restore the natural balance
Far and Away
May 9, 2018 It was a beautiful sunny day, perfect weather. I have always loved watching the sky, whether watching clouds barrel across the void while on the ground the air was still as can be, gazing at the Milky Way and constellations as I was growing up in rural Michigan, or just watching the sunset with a glass of wine on my day off. So much to see up there, so much beauty, if only we take the time out of our busy days and lives to appreciate it. Blue is also my favourite colour, so the parceling of the clouds from whisps to clumps only added to that day
Oakland Sunset
I was on vacation visiting the San Jose, San Francisco and Oakland area for my birthday back on January 12, 2012. It was a fantastic trip - my host cooked a delicious dinner every night and he showed me some of the most incredible sunsets I have ever seen. Alas we were not meant to be, but the memories of his good company, food and the sunsets have definitely lingered. There is just something about taking the time out of a hectic day to watch the sky’s palette of colors change in such a dramatic fashion. For me it cleanses my mind, brings about a sense of peace and reflection and leaves me feeling better, regardless of my mood. Not to mention that each and every sunset is different, as well as uhm, free? Check one out sometime, you won[‘t be disappointed!
Kryptonopolis
It had been a wet and rainy evening, but my need to get out of the house trumped any atmospheric precipitation. One of my favourite haunts to take pictures is on the waterfront of Long Island City, a part of Queens. The rain had stopped by the time I came upstairs from the subway, but their were gorgeous repercussions. Mother Nature and man had pretty much compiled the image for me - the golden mist of the sky met the fog enshrouded skyscraper to produce a “picture-perfect picture,” if you will. The name of this photo comes from “Superman: The Movie” and is an updated homage to Krypton’s capital city. The fate of Superman’s homeworld is already foreshadowed in the image by the glowing green light atop one of the skyscrapers.
The Speed Force
I’ve always been an experimenting kind of chap, so I wondered what I could capture with a prolonged exposure dangling my camera out of a Chevrolet going 65 miles an hour up Interstate 90 in New Jersey back in 2014. I was awestruck when I saw the results - it’s just a dizzying tizzy of color and light. “The Speed Force” seemed an appropriate name, as the picture represents some type of gateway for the Scarlet Speedster of DC Comics fame.
Night Reading
This image came about during Super Storm Sandy , October 30, 2012. The power had gone out, and there wasn’t much to do, save nap or read. Neil Gaiman’s “American Gods” helped me pass the time that weekend
