This weekend I attended a number of lectures and galleries in search of inspiration and a little push. While it can be daunting at times to be reminded of all the other photographers out there fighting for the attention of galleries and clients I also see that all that is stopping me is myself. (As a side note, I often revisit this series of nude photos I took a couple of years ago, searching for that elusive photo that shows just more than the human form. Finally, I found one that has an ounce of meaningful expression. Even though it was always there in my library, today was the day I discovered it.)

More like a smoke and a Mr. Softee milkshake for the newly married couple, sitting here on the steps of the New York Public Library.

Mike and Annemarie took Manhattan yesterday. A truly beautiful couple, now in marriage, I was honored to help capture their love and the love of family and friends. Today, while I’m feeling a little fuzzy, it is a good kind of tired. (photo by paul)

Today was one of those days where I didn’t know what to post. Nothing really jumped out at me. Looking through my images I sometimes feel there is no common thread, although apparently, I do have a certain style. When I submit to contests, I’m never sure what to send in. Trying to categorize, or fit a few of my images into a group is proving quite difficult. I guess I’ve had a couple of long-term projects with a certain trajectory, but my best work seems to come in fits and spurts. How does a ’street’ photographer package that into something that is popularly accepted? I feel like a soggy kitty.

This was taken a couple of Fridays ago as our plane was being de-iced. Miraculously we took off (and landed) with ease, but a bright warm sunny day is the stuff of dreams right now.

I picked up my black and white film from the lab yesterday (one of the rare labs left that still develop b/w film). I took about 600-700 digital color photos during my last trip to AZ but only two rolls of 36 with black and white film (I’ll talk about editing in a future post). Because I know that b/w film is a little more precious these days, I was being a bit more careful with my shots, but was surprised that my percentage of good photos increased compared with the digital. I’m not sure if this pic is one of my favorites, but I thought it would be interesting to compare with the previous blog post. In addition I was sort of attempting to recreate a photo I took of my bro a couple of years ago (another future blog post) with the black and white. While I think the photograph is somewhat successful, I also think I could use a new scanner if I want to get rid of the muddiness and sharp contrast that is typically absent in a darkroom print. Anyway, I could go on but I’m a bit chatty this evening, so I think I’ll sign off since this is a “photo” blog after all.