I do wish artistry, regardless of kind, was treated differently in America. Here is what I mean. Artists, by definition, express themselves all the time. It’s what we do. To me, this work deserves to be seen. However, because of the nature by which America itself was built, everything is seen through the lens of capitalism, specifically ‘does what you do sell?”

I am asked this often when I am out shooting and stopped by a passerby.

‘Do you do weddings on the side to really make money?”

“You have a drone, right?”

“Who buys these?”

“ Have you tried NFTs?”

None of that really interests me. I want my work to be seen, of course. I would like people to get what they will from the work. I would love to get some emotional change in the viewer. If that person then wants to have that piece, then fine.

I don’t, however, want my work to be nothing more than a money grab. I want my work to speak for itself.

Apple Computers is the perfect example. I think this applies to all of their products, but I will speak about the iPhone specifically. When the iPhone was first created, it was BY FAR the most innovative instrument in mobile technology. Even now, every phone is reminiscent of that original phone. The first iPhone WAS ART.

Since Steve Jobs (Apple’s visionary artist CEO) died, there has been a distinct change in the ART of the iPhone, and of the company in general. Each new iteration of their iPhone has some incremental change, but ultimately LOOKS and FEELS the same. Why? Perhaps Apple has indeed lost its soul, as this author suggests. Some thing about money taking over the artistic process. Go figure.

I don’t want this to happen with my work. It’s something I will constantly work on. Let’s get to this image, shall we….

I walked past this man and could not help capturing him with my camera. In the middle of midtown Manhattan, you do not often see this type of headgear. He definitely caught my eye. I am glad I finally did see him.

I used my all mobile approach I have been using, including Adobe Lightroom Mobile and RNI FIlms app. In Lightroom mobile, I started with my preset, specifically 8th Street Station, which is my simulation of fujifilm Acros 400. I then adjusted the grain and highlights form that preset to ge they look I wanted. Finally, I used RNI FIlms app to apply final touched to the work.

Let me know what you think

• Maurice.