Taking the Red Line
Taking The Red Line – Chicago, Illinois
Agfa Vista Plus 200 with a Canonet QL17.
photography
Chris + Rebecca
I don’t do weddings, except when I do – for good friends like Chris and Rebecca. They had a great ceremony and reception at an old Christmas tree farm near Port Huron, Michigan.
Behind the scenes photos are some of my favorites, so here are a few from the two day trip.
Good family, good friends, and good fun. What more do you need for a wedding?
Bending Light On The Wall
Bending Light On The Wall – Jackson, Michigan
Great light in a studio space in downtown Jackson. I was there for a portrait project, but the way the light was coming in the windows was too great not to grab.
In Praise Of The Coney Island
I’ll tell anyone who will listen: I’m a fan of the coney island hot dog.
You have chili dogs, and kraut, and brats, and Chicago style, and whatever NY happens to be bragging about, and all the rest – and I love those, too. But to me, the coney island is the hot dog style.
When I worked in downtown Jackson, Michigan, I had two coney islands across the street from my office. Every Friday, I’d hit up the Virginia Coney Island and, every week, order “the usual”: two coneys, fries, and a diet Coke.
I miss that. So I try to grab a coney for lunch wherever and whenever I can – even a Detroit-style coney, like the ones above from Lafayette Coney Island across from Campus Martius in downtown Detroit.
An Artistic Perspective
I don’t have a specific type that I like more than another. It’s just when I feel inspired. I like to look at life through the lens and show people how I see the world. Like photography is more than just taking pictures with a nice camera. It’s about creating an artistic perspective on something everyone sees every day. In today’s times it’s easy to get a nice camera for an affordable price but not everyone can create compositions like you. And it’s impressive the way you turn pictures into art
Thank you. I appreciate that.
And you’re so right. It takes way more than a camera. Or a lens. Or a VSCO preset. I’m finally feeling like I have something to say as a photographer, after many years of experimenting and trying and fits and starts.
The gear is fun. But making stuff is way more fun.
Which Way Sunlight
Which Way Sunlight – Concord, Michigan
Sunrises this time of year are pretty special.
Shadows & Light
As a photographer, shadows and light (along with maybe color) are your paint and paintbrush. You are a recorder of light, or the absence of light.
It’s what I love about taking urban exploration photos: finding those areas where light meets dark, and creates mystery. What’s in the corner? What lies waiting in the shadows? What can’t I see?
I found a great abandoned warehouse in mid Michigan where these big, bright windows let in a lot of light. But as usual with window light, it falls off in such a great way. There’s just enough illumination to highlight details on the interior, and just enough shadow to make some mystery.
I’m drawn to these areas when I find something to photograph. Where just enough light leaks in to make something magic.
Canon Generations: EOS M and Canonet
My two portable Canons, and probably my most used digital and film, respectively. Light, easy to use, and capable of great photo making.
