April

A Master Chef- Ali of Kebab Cafe in Astoria

The Other Ali

Reading in a Bar

Underwater Opening

Some familiar faces:

In a Restaurant

Thoughts on Subject

I borrowed the book On Being a Photographer from Ryan and after reading the chapter "Selecting a Subject," something really clicked. It goes back to my dilemma that I discussed in an earlier post, do I wait for a unique photo op or do I choose a subject beforehand? Now the answer is clear: the selection of my subject is fundamental to the development of my photography. To quote from the book: "It comes down to the choice of subject. The photographer must have intense curiosity, not just a passing visual interest, in the theme of the pictures. This curiosity leads to intense examination, reading, talking, research and many, many failed attempts over a long period of time." My goal this week is to take time to think about what really interests me and ignites my passion outside of the realm of photography, and then to go from there when choosing what to photograph. There is still place for the artsy snapshot, the random photo, the unexpected spark of inspiration. But I hope that as I develop my individual style it parallels the process of exploring particular subjects in depth.
The following photographs preceded this "revelation" (I hate to use that word). What do you (fair reader, fair co-artist) think about the role of subject-choosing in making art?

I started taking photographs when I was an intern at a food website and I was assigned the task of taking pictures of seasonal produce at farmers' markets for a weekly series. I went to a market last week to "return to my origins" if you will. A farmers' market is one of my favorite places to be, and yet I'm not sure I've quite captured the love I feel for this environment in the photos I've taken there.

More photos taken while strolling around my neighborhood:

Walking home from my work at a restaurant, I observe other food establishments and industry employees finishing up their night.

I suppose I can't depict my neighborhood without capturing Prospect Park.

Gowanus

I read an article recently in the New York Times about the city's latest efforts to clean up the Gowanus Canal. I live close to this area and the article inspired me to take my camera to the streets and explore the neighborhood further. Here's what I came away with in one afternoon, walking up 3rd Avenue and down Union Street. It's a walk I'd like to take again, seeing what new discoveries my camera might bring to light.

Nearby

At last week's ThisOneCamera meeting, I asked the boys a question about how they approach their photography: Do you have your camera with you at all times and wait for something unique to appear? Or do you choose a subject beforehand? I think both of these approaches work in their own way, but I struggle sometimes with waiting for a photo op. I spend so much time in the same neighborhood, I see the same things every day, and I begin to take these sights and experiences for granted. How do I make art from the everyday? The following pictures were taken during a stroll in my neighborhood, with the exception of "Faces," which was a random sighting in Manhattan. I think both the quotidien and the unexpected can be powerful in their own way, but I hope to continue exploring how I can find new ways to view the ordinary.

Walk

Balconies

Graveyard

Clothesline

Faces