Photography
I pass this everyday. It's an ever-evolving bulletin board updated by the neighborhood schizophrenic obsessed with keeping the peace, and who can often be seen running around in a Batman costume.
Most likely these are the handprints of someone trying to push open the window. But nonetheless, there is something creepy about seeing these from the outside. If I had to give it a name, it would be: He Was a Quiet Man.
Salt on a fence. I love the pattern especially because I know it will be washed away with the next rain.
I noticed this window while waiting for the bus. After a few moments of watching the woman inside, I realized that the layer of dirt on the window gave her a sense of privacy even though she was facing the street. I then wondered if she behaved the same way when the window is clean.
I sat across from a very tired man on the train. I liked his face but I didn't dare raise my camera. Instead, our feet had a conversation and we established a mutual respect.
My view everyday on the way to and from work. I have grown to appreciate it. Each scuff and mark is like a ring on a tree stump.
This building baffles me. I can't make sense of it, but that's ok because it makes me smile every time I pass by. Onward and upward.
This is an interactive display in a Macy's window in downtown Brooklyn. It is an ad for Jay Z's GOLD. It's an LCD screen and camera facing the street which captures passers by and distorts their image into flowing gold. This is me "shooting from the hip".
This always makes me a little sad. That some people spend all their waking moments suppressing their natural state. How horrible must it be inside their sober heads.
There was a time not so long ago that these guys were the cream of the crop.
I found this walking in Fort Lee, N.J. tucked in a corner of a back yard. I feel like there's a sad story attached to it somehow.
My experience with crossing guards is that they are either friendly and warm, or like this guy.
I enjoy the times when I stop and realize that I am not that jaded.
Survivor. I love seeing these guys. Not only because I keep them as pets. I think it's because they live such seemingly terrible lives, but still find a way to thrive.
Today was quiet. This is what I look like when I don't leave the house.
Tonight was also quiet. This photo was my only reason for leaving the house.
I can take pictures of this one all day, especially of him being really into it.
Really, really into it.
I hate going to this store, but these kids made me smile. They didn't know I was taking a photo of them, this is just their reaction to me as a human being.
Please, no photos. On the couch with ice.
These two ladies were exactly the same and completely different all at the same time.
This place is most amazing when it's deserted, which is like never. It's like capturing a glimpse of some exotic and elusive creature.
Pretty soon, this sight will be as rare as a deserted amazing savings.
Pretty but mean. This was a brutal winter. The fallen tree branch is the loch ness monster of Brooklyn College.
Ritual.
On the future bus.
Which blasted me right into the 70s. It was a long, stop-and-go ride.
I admired this man's ability to accept that it was going to be a long ride and to just go with it.
Mine wasn't the only commute the snow made a mess of. This might have well been a mountain. I was thrilled he hame it without falling.
I made it to my destination. I've been helping my friend with her demanding baby. He likes to sleep in his stroller outside and this was my view for half an hour while he slept.
It was a tough day and I was glad I could be there.
It's amazing that something so small and sweet could wreak such havoc on the ones that love him most.
I stopped in this place to use the bathroom before getting on the train. I found it totally bizarre that there was such a pretentious place inside the Port Authority which is teeming with the down-and-out. It was like being in a third world country.
This young man wanted to talk about Jesus. We bartered his testimony for a photo.
This is my favorite photo of the day.
The Porky Pig made this nasty garbage truck a smile inducer.
I know taking pictures of people on the subway may be passé, but I love how people who wouldn't otherwise have any interaction are forced to be in each other's space. I took a pic of this couple because the girl was hideously annoyed by the fact that she had to lift her bag off the seat so this man could sit down. I'm glad he was able to get some rest.
I did give the musicians a dollar, however, I did not give one to the father and child. Is that wrong?
This is a drive-by pic of two people who are WAY cooler than I could ever hope to be.
This kid laying on the ledge gave me half a heart attack.
duh.
The kid who has no idea how amazing he is.
Insanely amazing.
I got lucky.
This is one of these random things that makes me happy and thankful that there are people out here who do it.
I was told that a cup appears on this bench almost everyday. I hope this is true. I was also told that the only reason this cup was not disposed of yet because it was literally frozen to the bench.
The ban going through the door bared an uncanny resemblance to the butler from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in the best possible way. Before going in he looked at me, smiled, and said "Nice weather we're having."
Took a trip to Chinatown to shop for the first time ever, for relatives I will be visiting. I parked myself on one corner and snapped away. This one sums the place up perfectly.
Space for rent (I think).
It was really cold in every sense of the word.
He seemed to be heading to, while I was heading fro.
SNOWEVERYWHERE
Today's odyssey. We made it intact. Grey waited a long time for this day.
We made it in better shape than these two.
For three and a half hours, he sat like a champ.
Bathroom break.
Something about getting tattooed unleashes a ravenous sense of hunger. Time to hit the road again. Driving from NJ to MA... In the snow.
This was one of the scariest rides of my life. Highway had insanely low visibility and the car was sliding all over the road. But even with the tension headache, I couldn't deny how friggin' pretty it was.
The new tires were of little help.
Staying in MA, we found out that we were a short drive away from where my friend's mom grew up. Funny enough, I also call her mom because she legitimately wanted to adopt me when my guardian and I fell out. This store was down the road from where her childhood home once stood.
(My honorary mother) Sally's home is now a vacant lot. But the cemetery directly across the street is still there. For now.
This beautiful behemoth is down a different road. This photo does no justice to the scale of the thing. The round window is probably as big as the house I live in. Beautiful.
My original baby on his first college visit. He is literally leaving me in this photo. Sigh.
My great aunt smuggled a painting out of Poland in a pillow case. It was political. Our visit uncovered a whole lot of history, amongst other things. This is one sent to the experts for insight.
Uncle Wito. One of the kindest people I have ever ever know. A master of communication, he knows everything about everything, but is gracious and in tune enough to let you have your say.
A smuggler in the kitchen. It had to end sometime. We were sad to go.
This guy has it all figured out.
I guess nobody cares about the circus animals. I know this isn't true. This flyer wouldn't exist if it were. But seeing this laying on the ground made me a little sad.
I was thinking a lot today about the uprising in the Ukraine. About the video I saw of unarmed protesters being shot by snipers while trying to gather the dead and wounded. And about the body they found in the woods of another dissenter kidnapped by the police. Maybe this is why when I saw this coat, I saw a body cradling the track.
More bodies.
Then this young man made me happy. Though he was sporting a button commemorating a tragedy, it was nice to see someone not willing to forget something so awful and unjust, but still being able to smile.
I see this lady in my neighborhood all the time. She looks miserable every time and today was no exception. I walked past this doorway and was actually startled. I think this is one of the best photos I ever took.
Once again, just making my way.
It was insanely foggy. Almost missed my stop on the bus because I couldn't see down the road. The top of my friend's building was totally engulfed and hidden.
On the way home I stopped by my friends's office/studio. It was a long day for them. This was taken well after midnight.
Even the dog toy had had enough. As Xosé put it, "Baby belongs on an episode of SVU!"
Finally, time to head home.
The ride home was kind of awesome.
Ventured into the city. Saeler was kind enough to point this out to me.
Something on the way.
I love the shadows other buildings cast on this one. Neato.
Stopped for some dinner and did some people watching. The layers of reflections and colors are super cool.
Finally finished the vest. Somebody's a big Walking Dead fan.
This train ride is always bitter sweet. Right about this time I'm going over the water approaching my stop. Right about this time the ritual is interrupted because I realize she won't be there waiting for me. Never again will she ask me about how my week was, how the kids are doing. She won't be there bald, gaunt, but smiling ear to ear.
This is what's left. The spot where her urn lived for the last year. I'm thankful we were able to make our peace. It's never too late until it's too late. Happy birthday mama Kasia.
Then her daughter read to me while I fell asleep and all was good again.
My grandmother is a fascinating to watch. She's a time capsule of a world and time that no longer exists.
Good morning sunshines.
Sweet beast. When mama Kasia died, this guy and his parents didn't move or eat for two days. Animals are amazingly sensitive.
My hero. This girl can't be stopped.
This is what a soldier's soles look like. This is only about a month of wear.
And a stretch. Girl worked out for an hour and a half. She. Blows. My. Mind.
My family. I knew all was forgiven and I was "in" when I made it on the wall.
All good things come to an end. Onward and upward.
Who needs to see stars in the sky when you have all these pretty lights to look at.
In the loading area, the devil's in the details. Walking through, the lines, shapes, and reflecting surfaces are always catching my eye.
I love everything about this wall. The red brick, peeling yellow paint, and vines. Harmony.
This woman sits in this box for hours everyday. Stitching, mending, and hemming other peoples belongings for pennies. I would love to know where in her life she finds her happiness.
I love the shadow at the man's feet. I couldn't figure out what was casting it.
A dying breed. Literally. Men who wore dress hats when outdoors.
Parallels, perpendiculars, and shadows...
"Oh you know, I'm just riding my skateboard towards an escalator inside Port Authority whilst sporting really cool hair."
A welcomed sight. One of the checkpoints on my way home. This is the halfway mark. Yes!
I remember how much it sucked to have to schlep my my kids on the subway past their bed time. And how I would look around me and wonder if people were judging me.
Laura and Kyran, y sister-in-law and nephew. Laura is a very natural mom. That may seem like an oxymoron, but many first time moms are nervous and overprotective. That energy can spill over to the baby and anyone else near them. These two are cool as cucumbers and a lot of fun.
Everyone loves a baby hand. It's almost impossible to believe we all started out as one of these. Life is so incredibly short.
The Brooklyn College campus can be beautiful. The brick and ivy have earned it the nickname "poor man's Harvard".
She crossed the street very slooooowly. Her coat and booties were fantastic and reminded me of my grandmother and all the babcias in Poland.
Young love. Young dope fiend love. I noticed these two furiously making out. Thought it was teenage stuff. When they stopped and turned towards me, eyes droopy and voices choked, the moment went from romance novel to horror show.
One of the longest bus lines I have ever been on. I wasn't the only one being pensive.
Cruel winter. We are all in need of a little sunshine. I hoped this woman was kind to him.
First drum lesson at Norm's Music. A family run place that has been around since '81. Saeler's teacher is the successor of his own instructor who recently passed away. These places and their history are disappearing at an alarming rate all over the city. I wonder if by the time my kids have kids, will any of these places exist? Or will it be music lessons from a soul-less chain.
I hoped he was on his way to a hot date.
My eye was drawn forward and through. Unfortunately the man moved. I liked his previous pose and posture better, but still not too bad.
Don't know where they came from, but suddenly they were there. First heard, then seen.
These two gentlemen are a welcome sight every morning. I am not fully awake until I see them. Always a good, affordable cup of coffee. Always a kind word and inquiry about the health of my children. Always a pleasure.
Waiting for a friend outside of SCOPE, an international contemporary art show. These were unguarded, left behind.
The bathroom area. A strikingly vast and empty space housing two tree sculptures and two security guards that complement them.
Quilted embroidered tattoo torsos. One of these is not like the others.
This woman was creating some sort of typewriter illustration. She was typing furiously, stopping every few strokes to look up and around. It kind of made me uncomfortable, but the two girls if front of me were a perfect barrier.
The man in the background was amazing with his daughter. He radiated love and kindness. It was beautiful.
I missed the last stop on the 6 somehow. I was in the front car and the conductor came out. He was very pleasant and pointed out the abandoned train station as we passed it. I wish I could have stopped the train and gotten out. Wow.
A sight for sore eyes. When trains aren't cooperating, this is a beacon in the night. When I looked up I loved the colors glowing, the lines and shapes.
Stillness on the inside of the train against the movement outside. I think this perfectly illustrates the experience of being on the subway as the train moves past a station.
2 miles from where this man is sleeping, live a number of the richest 400 men in the country. Billionaires that would step over him to get into their car. It is a known fact that the gap between the richest and poorest in this country is comparable to that of third world countries. Welcome to NY, NY... It's a hell of a town.
The Brooklyn form the Manhattan.
This way, from the bus yet again.
Yet another hatted gentleman. With the tan trench coat he could pass for a retired ad exec or public bathroom flasher. This almost feels like a surveillance photo.
Floating staircases, always impressive.
If Jesus were here walking the earth today, I imagine he would find himself in similar surroundings.
I strongly believe that the MTA is behind my premature graying.
"It's showtime!" Dreaded announcement after a long day. But it's also one the the few reasons why the city is still fucking awesome.
Some people filming some thing.
Her hair got my attention.
The star, the film maker, and the husband. The premiere of "Modworld". A documentary in which my good friend Chloe is a subject. It was bizarre telling her how good she was in it, when there was no acting involved. She IS fascinating, funny, and kind. I am a fan. Like my son later said, "that shit should be on Netfix".
It wasn't a traditional theatre, per se. It was a multi-level somewhat dilapidated building with converted niche event spaces, which included a grungy bar, and a 50 seat theatre. Walking the hallways, I felt like I was in some urban Stanley Kubrick movie sequence.
The "Producer's Lounge".
Finally, a dose of reality on the way home.
I walked past this building and was struck by the reflections cast by a building it's opposite. It's as if the other building was letting this one know that it needed some windows.
Lurking in the shadows. The cast out smoker's fate.
These mannequins are ridiculous. I mean I get it, but really? I love that in the background on either side of the nippled wonder are shoppers. Average women who are a mile away from the form and brazenness of the model.
I hate the cell phones in this picture. I feel like these people should be talking to each other, not looking at their phones.
Scenes like these make me fearful for gentrification.
An unusually quiet cabdriver. He had an Irish accent but claimed to be from California. At a certain point I felt I was pressing him, so I shut up, sat back, and enjoyed the ride.
Larry don't mess around. He's scary by design, but it actually one of the sweetest people in the joint.
This was mine and Scott's collaboration. I drew a doodle. Then he added some stuff. Then I added stuff. And so the night went.
This lady struck me because she was draped in brand-name EVERYTHING. I doubt she realizes that dressing like this has the opposite effect she desires. She might have well been doused with mace, as far as I'm concerned.
This is on of my favorite people in my neighborhood, though I'm pretty sure he only works here. He is one of the few people there who is willing to acknowledge me (I live in a religious neighborhood where it is customary to ignore the presence of women, in fact, they are told to cross the street if they see men approaching). Anyway, after about 6 years of exchanging "hellos", I finally thought to introduce myself. When he told me his name was John, I was surprised it was not something more exotic. Then I thought about it. Touché, universe. Way to remind me not to be so presumptuous. This smile he offers me with his hello sometimes makes my day.
As this man rolled past the bus I wondered what he was thinking. He kept looking at it as if it was something he missed. In that moment I was thankful that I was able-bodied enough to easily maneuver the shitty MTA.
He is sitting in front of his fruit and vegetable stand. I don't think business was good today.
When I got to the platform, it was packed. That is never a good sign. The lady on the right has a kind face and it made me happy she was finally getting to where ever she was going.
These two men were very tall and very fancy, and not at all ironically. If it weren't for the modern backpack on the left, it would almost be difficult to date this photo.
This is the couple the song "So Happy Together" was written about. They're kind of amazing.
The band just found out the small label just made a deal with Capitol Records. Oh hey. life is good.
There was something really profound about this woman with a cane, eyeing Manolo Blahnik high heels that she will probably never be able to wear. First reason being obvious as women who need the aid of a cane to walk generally don't wear high heels. Second, a pair of these shoes goes for about one or two months rent for the average New Yorker.
Bok Choy on her death bed. I wasn't her favorite, in turn she was not mine. But nonetheless , she was a beautiful creature. She ran the cage show and I respect her for. it. Bok Choy, I'm sorry we weren't friends, but I'm more sorry you're gone.
Saying goodbye. I read that you're supposed to put the dead back in their cage if the pass outside of it, so that the pack can understand why they are gone.
I'm not sure what happened here. I hope the woman is alright.
It took some doing but good for him, he won her over.
So I guess in this guy's universe it is ok to wear a sleep mask on the subway. He's either really brave or batshit crazy.
Line stepper. It's common knowledge smoking is not allowed anywhere but out on the street. I am kind of envious of people who just don't care. I'd have a ticket before I even lit the damn thing.
Just a couple of monks on a smoke break. I'm reassured by this revelation that even the most enlightened of men have vices.
The National Museum of the American Indian
In the museum gift shop, the man on the left was a little too friendly and totally misinformed. A few moments later he asked I take his photo with his phone and complemented me on how I framed it. Maybe he was just lonely.
I love grandma love.
This photograph has an amazing soundtrack featuring lots of bass.
I paid three bananas for this photo. One banana was half rotten and I had bad light. I got what I paid for.
A tree grows in Brooklyn.
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Photography
