‘Aria of Nocturn’, 2022 Street Photography Image Breakdown

This image is the first I’ll present in a series done exclusively at nighttime in NYC. I find that my PTSD and ADHD have interesting effects on me. Both of those mental conditions have overlap in insomnia. I have not had a ‘good’ nights sleep in 10 years. In those times I like to go out and explore the city. Aria of Nocturn, and all of the images that will follow, were all captured between 1030pm and 430am, when most are asleep. I hope you enjoy.

There is an interesting disquiet past midnight in certain parts of New York. When one moves away from the ‘busy’ areas off Manhattan, like the Village and Times Square, the sites change drastically. It’s sad, but the homeless population really takes over certain places at night. I think this was in the 20s. I often wonder what things got them to a position such that they are where they are.

For this image, and for the subsequent images in this series, I will be using a Tiffen Pro-mist filter. The filter, especially with the strong lights of the city, blows out the whites. I like this effect, as it really adds to the contrast of the overall final image. I also appreciate the grainy effect that presented itself after processing.

-Maurice

‘Desperado’ 2022 Street Photography Image Breakdown

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.

‘Apparition’, 2021 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

Sometimes I take late night strolls. There is a definitive peace and quite about the night. Normally, the night is where I take my contemplative thoughts and make them become action of some sort. Especially if I am stressed about some situation, I find that a midnight stroll is often all I need to get my mind back on track.

Of course, the night also offers some semblance of artistic vision and freedom. As a photographer that often specializes in black and white work, I am usually looking for strong back light and a central subject to frame. Some attempts are better than others.

This attempt I found a subject who I assume was about to open those curtains. I’m glad I wasn’t too deep in thought and saw this scene happening above me.

This image was shot in JPG mode on the Leica Q2 Monochrom. This is straight from the camera with no edits.

Let me know what you think.

• Maurice

Creating what others like vs. What you like

I decided to do an a more in depth and deep dive into the topic of creating. During my essay, I edit one of my images to completion.