Through the Lens of Leica: A Meeting with John Simmons

The weight of a Leica in my hands has always been more than just the sum of its metal and glass—it has been a bridge, a key, a passport. Through its viewfinder, I have encountered the world in ways that transcend the simple act of making photographs. But more than that, it has introduced me to people—storytellers whose lives and experiences have shaped my own.

There are countless stories I could tell, moments etched in time, friendships forged over the click of a shutter. But today, I want to talk about one in particular—meeting John Simmons.

The Call to Selma

It was at the Selma Photographic Nights Festival where our paths crossed. A festival dedicated to celebrating the power of photography, set against the backdrop of a city steeped in history. It was a three-day event, but those three days felt like a lifetime in the best possible way. That is a story for another day.

John Simmons was the guest speaker, and while his reputation preceded him—a renowned cinematographer, a documentarian of life, an artist who captured the essence of humanity in every frame—I had no idea just how deeply our meeting would impact me.

From the moment we were introduced, the conversations flowed effortlessly. Over cups of coffee, meals shared at quiet tables, and long walks through the streets of Selma, we spoke about photography, of course, but also about life, about the responsibility that comes with wielding a camera, about the importance of storytelling beyond aesthetics.

The Hero’s Journey

There’s something special about meeting someone who has walked the path before you, who understands the weight of the moments we chase, the silent poetry of a well-composed frame. John didn’t just talk about photography—he lived it. Every word he spoke carried the depth of someone who had seen the world through the lens long before I had ever picked up a camera.

He spoke of capturing truth, of honoring the stories we tell, of using our work to elevate voices that may otherwise go unheard. He reminded me that photography is not just about seeing, but about understanding.

And as we wandered through Selma, cameras in hand, he showed me—not in words, but in action—how to be present, how to anticipate, how to feel the rhythm of a place before pressing the shutter.

The Leica, in that moment, became more than just a tool; it became a conduit between generations of storytellers.

The Transformation

By the time the festival ended, I walked away with more than just a handful of photographs. I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for the craft, and the realization that the true magic of photography lies not just in what we capture, but in who we meet along the way.

John Simmons, like so many others I have met through this shared love of image-making, reinforced something I have always believed—the camera is an exceptional tool, but its community is at par. The people behind the lens, those who dedicate their lives to telling the stories that matter, are what make this journey truly extraordinary.

And so, as I continue down my own path, Leica in hand, I do so with gratitude—for the moments, for the lessons, and most of all, for the people.

This is just one story. There are many more to tell. But for now, this is the one I wanted to share. Oh and for John if he is reading this, I am over here chasing ghost.

The Battle with Time

The Battle with Time: How Freedom Can Make Staying Focused a Challenge

Freedom is a gift, but it can also be the greatest distraction.

Having an open schedule, a blank slate to fill with anything I want is both exhilarating and daunting. There’s this illusion that with all the time in the world, I’ll get everything done – work, hobbies, exploration, you name it. But somehow, the hours slip through my fingers like sand. I go from one day to the next, telling myself there’s always tomorrow, always more time, only to realize I’ve done much less than I planned. Maybe that’s why, lately, I’ve been toying with the idea of structure, alarms, and perhaps even a board to keep me on track. Because while freedom is a beautiful thing, it’s also a double-edged sword that can cut into productivity.

Part 1: The Double-Edged Sword of Freedom

Too much freedom can become its own kind of trap. With no set schedule, I can do anything – but that often leads to doing nothing at all. The day starts full of potential, and before I know it, I’m caught up in minor distractions or drifting from one task to another without ever finishing anything. It’s a strange contradiction: I crave this freedom, yet it seems to hold me back. Without deadlines or accountability, it’s easy to let hours slip away, leaving me with this gnawing feeling that I’m wasting something precious.

Part 2: Finding the Happy Medium

So here I am, stuck between wanting to maximize every moment and finding myself unable to keep pace with my expectations. There has to be a middle ground, a balance between discipline and flexibility. Maybe it’s a matter of setting small goals or creating some structure within my days – something as simple as an alarm or a checklist to keep me accountable. A happy medium where I can still savor the freedom but with enough structure to make sure I’m moving forward. I think it’s all about setting up those small reminders that time is precious, even on the slow days.

Part 3: Time Slips Away, So Make It Count

I know I have more years behind me than ahead, and maybe that’s why I feel this urgency. There’s so much to see, do, experience – yet it’s easy to lose sight of that in the day-to-day. Some days, I’m trying to do it all; others, I’m content doing nothing. But if there’s one thing I’m realizing, time will pass no matter what. So it’s up to me to use it wisely. All this to say, life’s short – get out there and enjoy it however that looks for you. Set your goals and find your rhythm, but don’t forget to live in the moment. It’s a balancing act, and I’m still learning, but that’s the beauty of it. These are just some thoughts tonight. I hope they resonate with anyone else on this journey of chasing time and meaning.

Peace,

John

Not every day has to be ‘the day,’ ...

When the Zone Doesn’t Happen: Learning to Walk Away and Just Be

Not every day has to be ‘the day,’ and that’s okay.

There are those days when the drive to capture something extraordinary just isn’t there. Today was one of those days. I hadn’t planned to go out and shoot – I had an errand downtown, so I thought, *Why not? Let’s see if something catches my eye.* Camera in hand, an extra lens in my bag, I set off, ready to dive into the city. But as I walked around, looking for that spark, that invisible thread to pull me into the moment… nothing happened. And while I know I do this because I *choose* to, because it brings me joy, I can’t deny that little voice in the back of my mind: *Will today be the day?* Will I capture the image that changes everything? Will I meet the person who changes the trajectory of my work?

Part 1: The Pressure We Put on Ourselves

It’s strange, really. There’s no deadline, no client breathing down my neck, yet there’s a quiet pressure I sometimes feel when I go out to shoot. It’s the weight of potential – the possibility that the next shot could be *the* shot. The one that captures the magic I’m constantly searching for. But what if today isn’t that day? And even more, what if there’s no such thing as “the shot” at all? It’s a mental game I play, balancing the joy of just wandering with the expectation of discovery. Today, though, nothing felt quite right. The scenes felt flat, the light felt off, and I knew deep down that I wasn’t in the zone.

Part 2: Knowing When to Step Back

As I walked, I realized there’s no shame in stepping back. There are days when inspiration doesn’t strike, and forcing it only drains the joy out of it. When I let go of the pressure to create, I remember why I’m here in the first place: to explore, to see, to just *be.* I reminded myself that photography isn’t my only creative outlet. If the camera doesn’t spark some days, maybe a sketch will. Or perhaps I’ll dive into my zine work, play around with design, or get lost in a good book. Having multiple outlets helps me shift gears and keeps the creativity flowing without the pressure of a perfect result.

Part 3: The Value of Multiple Outlets

I think any creative person must have more than one outlet. Photography is my primary language, yes, but there’s something liberating about letting go of the camera and pouring that energy into something else. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t always need to be channeled into one thing. Walking away from a slow photography day doesn’t mean I’m walking away from creativity – it just means redirecting it. And who knows? Stepping back often brings clarity, which might lead me to something even more meaningful the next time I pick up my camera.

So here’s my final thought: some days, the inspiration won’t come, and that’s okay. Walking away doesn’t mean giving up; it means creating room for something new.

Peace

John

The Art of Balance

The Art of Balance: My Journey Through Graphic Design Concepts in Photography

Design is everywhere if only you know how to look.

From the page layout to the balance of colors in an image, the design weaves itself into everything I do. As a photographer, I’m not just capturing moments – I’m presenting them, curating them, and giving them a life beyond the frame. I’ve fallen deeply into the world of graphic design, from typography and grid lines to the intricacies of color theory. Yet, it’s not always easy to translate that passion into my work. Balancing the technicality of design with the organic feel of photography can feel like a tug-of-war. I recently poured everything I’ve been learning into a zine, where each image wasn’t just a standalone piece and part of a more significant visual experience.

Part 1: The Struggle of Integration

The challenge I often face is that design is so much more than a background skill – it demands to be noticed. As much as I love playing with layout and typefaces, integrating them with my photos in a cohesive way is always a journey. Letting the images speak for themselves is tempting, but I sometimes want to add more. Sometimes, the story needs more context, and design provides that. It shapes how viewers experience each image, guiding their attention and enhancing the narrative. In my work, though, I often catch myself torn between the simplicity of a powerful image and the complexity of design elements that could add layers to it.

Part 2: The Zine as a Creative Playground

Working on my recent zine was a perfect opportunity to stretch these creative muscles. It allowed me to bring together everything I love about design – the grid systems, the careful alignment, the consideration of white space, and the use of typography as an art form. Every page became a canvas. The images were just one part of the whole; the typography and layout became their characters, interacting with the photos and bringing out subtleties that might otherwise go unnoticed. I conversed with friends, diving into how each element could complement the visuals. The zine became a conversation between image and design rather than a series of isolated photos.

If you haven’t had the chance to check it out, I made these zines super affordable—the link is in my bio. It’s been rewarding to see how people react to the design as much as they do to the photos themselves.

Part 3: The Ongoing Journey

Design is a journey, and I’m still on it. I know I’ll continue to struggle with the balance between design and photography, but that’s part of the excitement. Each new project allows me to dive deeper, experiment, and see how the two worlds can coexist and enhance each other. Photography is the heart of what I do, but graphic design? That’s the framework, the structure, the language that lets my work speak.

Whenever I open a new file or start laying out a spread, I feel that familiar thrill. There’s always something new to learn, a new way to present the story. And I’m just getting started.

Peace,

John

Leica & the Red Dot Community

Leica and the Red Dot Community: More Than Just a Camera

It all started with two words: “Nice camera.”

There’s something special about spotting a Leica in the wild – that little red dot, inconspicuous yet powerful, seems to pull people together. As I wandered the city today, I noticed a man with a Leica M around his neck. I couldn’t help myself and tossed him a casual, “Nice camera.” That was all it took. He smiled, nodded, and introduced himself as David. From there, we fell into a conversation that wasn’t just about gear but about shared experiences, community, and why Leicas are more than just cameras.

Part 1: The Leica Choice

David told me he’d spent nearly an hour on the phone with a Leica store ambassador, trying to decide which camera was the right fit. “I wanted something I could grow with,” he explained, “and the ambassador took the time to understand what I was looking for” or something to that effect. We talked about his M model and what led him to it, but the conversation quickly went deeper. For David, the Leica wasn’t just a purchase; it was a commitment to the craft and the community surrounding these cameras. Leica users often share stories like David’s – stories that go beyond specs and features and focus on the journey each camera owner embarks upon.

It’s a journey I knew all too well. I’d held other cameras before, but none had sparked conversations like a Leica. There’s an unspoken bond, a camaraderie that comes with carrying one of these cameras, as if we’re all part of the same club, sharing moments and memories through our lenses.

Part 2: The Leica Fellowship

As our conversation continued, David and I found ourselves diving into the details of the Leica Society and the gatherings that bring photographers together. I mentioned classes, events, and local meet-ups where Leica owners share their work and learn from one another. He said, “People are just as interested in helping you learn as they are in talking about what they’ve captured.”

We crossed paths two more times today, and the encounter felt less like a chance meeting and more like reconnecting with an old friend. Something remarkable about it is that a Leica in hand creates an invisible bond between strangers, breaking down barriers that might exist with any other camera. Leica users, it turns out, aren’t just operators of a high-end piece of equipment; they’re part of a fellowship that appreciates the story behind each shot and values the unique perspective every photographer brings.

Part 3: Final Thoughts – The Power of the Red Dot

By the end of the day, I told David I’d see you at the next Leica event, I am sure, and all because of that little red dot. Leicas are more than just cameras; they’re conversation starters, community builders, and connectors of like-minded souls. I’ve used other cameras, but nothing else has led to conversations about classes, community events, or friendships. There’s something almost magical about meeting another Leica photographer—a feeling of shared purpose and mutual respect.

As I walked away from our last encounter, I realized that a Leica camera doesn’t just capture moments; it creates them. It brings people together and builds bridges. For those who know the weight and wonder of carrying one, the red dot isn’t just a logo – it’s a symbol of connection, community, and the endless stories we’ll capture and share.

This, of course, is just my thoughts, but they seem to be a shared theme throughout.

Peace,

John

The Journey: Chasing the Next Shot

Every photographer knows the thrill: waking up, camera in hand, wondering what stories today will reveal.

There’s an endless pursuit in photography, a journey about much more than just snapping a great picture. It’s about searching for that next frame, sometimes endlessly, that moment that might eclipse everything that came before it. I once read a quote that’s always stayed with me: "My best shot is my next shot." (comment below if you remember who said it) The idea that the most powerful image is the one you haven’t yet captured is both exciting and humbling. Every morning, I feel it deep in my bones – the possibility that today could hold that “next shot.”

Part 1: The Itch to Create

It all starts with the itch that needs to capture something new, something unseen. Each time I step out with my camera, it feels like I’m on a treasure hunt. But instead of gold or jewels, I’m searching for fleeting fragments of time. Photography is unique in that way – it’s all about capturing a moment that only happens once. A specific ray of light, a certain expression, a movement that, when still, tells a story in a way no words could. And that’s the thrill: knowing that if I let my guard down, I might miss it.

I think every photographer has this constant awareness, like radar, scanning for something they can’t even describe until it’s in the frame. It’s a relentless drive, an insatiable hunger, and the more we shoot, the hungrier we get. Some might call it obsession, but for me, it’s closer to purpose.

Part 2: Chasing the Shot

As a photographer, you learn quickly that not every shot will be *the* shot. You spend days chasing light and shadow, watching the way people interact in the streets, listening to the rhythm of the world around you, hoping it’ll align with your vision. There’s beauty in the hustle – in catching a shot on the fly or spending hours waiting for the perfect frame to unfold at the same location. This journey isn’t about capturing perfection; it’s about immersing yourself in life’s details and catching them as they happen.

But the chase also brings something deeper. It teaches patience, resilience, and respect for the process. Photography is raw; it pulls you into unexpected places and guides you through quiet moments and chaotic streets. It connects you with your surroundings in ways you can’t experience from the sidelines. And with each click, I’m reminded of that saying: “My best shot is my next shot.” There’s always room to grow, to see differently, to improve. And that’s what keeps the journey alive – that insatiable curiosity about what comes next.

Part 3: The Final Thought – A Never-Ending Journey

So, what does it mean to pursue the next shot? For me, it means there’s no end in sight. It’s a journey of seeing, not just with my eyes but with a sense of wonder. Every day offers a new perspective and a chance to see the world through a different lens.

When I think about my best shot being the one I haven’t taken yet, I’m reminded that photography isn’t about reaching a destination; it’s about constantly moving forward. It’s about embracing the unknown, seeking moments that will never come again, and honoring them by capturing them. And in the end, that’s the journey: it’s endless, unpredictable, and undeniably fulfilling.

Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and wonder again – what will today reveal?

Peace,

John

Daily Blog

Not working always Shooting!

Recently (today), someone told me they don't like shooting on vacation because it feels like work; I was like, “I get it. " Then I sat there and thought about it, and frankly, I get it, but at the same time, it made me think.

Let me explain: for me, photography is always about wanting to make images. I take my camera everywhere, and yes, I know everyone says that, but I do. Before I go any further, this is not a jab at the comment; it just made me think. What’s my relationship with photography? Is it work?

Also, something of note: I am retired from the military, so I have a pension. I don't rely on photography for income, so it is never considered work, which I don't and won't take for granted. This might be why I kept thinking about what my relationship with photography is all about.

I was sitting there thinking about photography and “work “ while holding my camera at my daughter's swim meet. As I rushed up to capture a moment with the team, I realized that, at the current moment, photography is not working or at least doesn’t have an association with the word work (yet.) It's just what I do and a part of who I am (at least currently); if I am lucky enough to make some money along the way, that would be great, but then I have to think about, is getting paid for doing this suddenly make it “work?”

As I have said, follow your dreams, always create for yourself, and do it because you love it. Shout out to all the photographers doing this for income, whether full-time or the hustle you all are the real ones.

Peace everyone

AI vs Photographer

The question of where AI fits into today’s world of photography has been discussed for over a year.

Last year at the Sony World Photo Award, the winner, Boris El-Dagsen, a German artist, refused to accept his award, revealing that his entry was, in fact, an AI-generated image. He stated that he wanted to test the competition and create a conversation, which, spoiler alert, he did. There are many articles written, including one by the BBC, which I’ll link below.

Now, here we are in June 2024, almost a year after the AI image was entered into a photography competition, and Miles Astray, IG:@milesastray, has pulled off a great move.

Miles won the People’s Vote and Jury Award in an AI Photo Competition by @1839awards with, you guessed it, an actual photo (non-AI). There is so much to unpack here, and Miles goes on to explain his intent and his ethical concerns with pulling off this clear move on his IG, so make sure to visit (link below). The biggest takeaway was his intent to prove that “creativity and emotions are more than just a string of digits.”

The Guardian also did a great cover story (all links below).

So now that a photo competition was won with an AI image and an AI photo competition was won with an actual image, where does that leave us? Reflecting on both situations and the outcomes, there appears to be a space for both, and one is no better than the other; it is just different.

What’s your take on this?

-John

LINKS:

BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-65296763

Miles Astray IG:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8KTUy7xdwm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Guardian:

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/article/2024/jun/13/photographer-takes-on-the-machines-in-ai-competition-and-wins

6 months later…

Lessons learned so far this year.

So I stumbled across an article titled Disappear for 6 Months and Watch It Change Your Life - Here’s How. (link here:https://timdenning.com/disappear-for-6-months/)

The basic premise is to take a break from your routine and try new things or revisit old ones. I’ll touch on some of the key takeaways.

Attend live events. I have been pretty good about attending live events in the past, but mainly local events. This year, I made it a point to fly out to more events or gatherings. It probably started with attending the Leica Meat Packing District Grand Opening in NYC, which is still one of the funniest and most inspiring moments thus far.

This led to the next takeaway: directly messaging people as much as possible. Today, we have the ability to strike up conversations with people from all over the planet. These conversations have led to great ideas, opportunities, and inspiration.

I also want to touch on a point he makes on reading. More importantly, read types of books you don’t already have on your bookshelf, which he calls “unconventional books.” This one alone was super interesting; at first, I must admit I struggled to get through my first book, but I placed the blame more on setting a routine than the book itself. I love telling people about the books I am currently reading to see the look on their faces. Check out “Outwitting The Devil” (https://www.naphill.org/shop/books/hardcover/outwitting-the-devil-pb/ ) this one is out there.

So, even though I haven't been completely off the grid for the first part of the year, I have been trying to do things differently.

Quick recap from my lessons learned:

• Look for events outside your area and attend them

• Meet people in person, and get inspired

• Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you find interesting

• Pick up a book outside of your norm.

Remember always have fun.

Twenty23

Year in Review!

First, I need to thank everyone who came along for the ride. From the OG followers to the newest of the new, thank you for all the comments, likes, encouragement, and engagement; all of it is necessary to keep the machine moving.

It’s easy to get discouraged and lose sight of what exactly we are doing, especially at the very beginning when the audience is not very big and the return on investment seems nonexistent. But when you hear someone say they like your work or tag you as a means of motivation, it truly makes an impact.

I have been at my computer for a few weeks looking at what I have and what would make the cut. Of all the exciting things I learned along the way, I found it interesting that it came down to about one image a month, much more than I ever thought possible.

In that same breath, I realize the journey still has a long road ahead.

This is my first year in review, and I am taking this as year one for what I hope to be the starting point of my legacy in this world of photography.

I don't plan on going back into the archives and digging out any other images; I will leave those decades of images as practice and the stepping stones to where we are today and plan only to look forward.

Lots of fun stuff is planned for 2024; I hope you stick around.

Happy New Year!

John

The catch up

So many months have passed. Four months, to be exact.

I was lucky enough to be a part of 3 shows from September to October, so I haven't posted much since then. Being invited to participate in shows is a very cool moment, but then you realize all the work you need to put into it.

Since then, I have found my artistic direction and, more importantly, my creative voice.

It will surely be color, as that was a creative choice early in the year (make sure to read about it here: Case Study with Phil Penman) and leaning into the works of Saul Leiter and Alex Webb.

The trick was how to be influenced but not replicate. I took down all the aspects of what I like about their work. I tore down and deeply dived into each of their images. Once I had all my notes, I took the primary aspects of each piece and slowly started to implement items into my work. It is still an ongoing practice, but I am 80% there.

The funny thing is I am sure it will evolve again.

Invest in yourself & your craft

That new lens is just in time to do some fantastic work!

As photographers, we purchase things in hopes that they will miraculously change images. But do they? Getting that new lens or camera often misses the mark and, if anything, adds another layer of confusion to the experience; which lens do I take? Which camera today?

I know this cycle too well. So let me share the moves I took this year to change things up. I started investing in myself and my craft. I purchased more books, watched interviews, and lastly, attended workshops. The workshops are what I want to get into.

I recently posted on my IG a reel on this topic. I attended a Bespoke online workshop with Phil Penman, and it was just the push I needed to help guide me in the right direction and narrow my focus. I encourage you to head over to his website and read about the case study to see the results as we work together.

https://www.philpenman.com/learn/online-classes/

I promise to get back on this blogging train.

Mahalo,

John

Interview + two photos published.

I was published in Doc Magazine book Vol. 22

So i always go by the principle of, if an opportunity presents itself, jump on it!

Please make sure to Jump On This One; Below is a Code For 50% Off An Entire Collection Of Magazines So That You Can Get Inspired, Study Others Works, Composition, Use Of Color, Emotions, And The List Goes On.

you will also have Several career and business loaded PDF to help you with your passion.

Frankly, there is so much information being offered. Don’t miss out.

AND! you will get to see my work ( added Bonus)

50% off Code

Fun Point and Shoot

Sometimes i find myself in a position when i want to be a little less serious and playful with taking images.

With a recent trip Scheduled for San Francisco, i thought, Man i wish i had a point and shoot film camera. So i jumped on the internet, and the race was on.

I stumbled upon the Ilford Sprite II 35mm refillable “Disposable” camera. At just $31.00, i figured why not.

Let me tell you, it’s pretty small, making it easy to throw into your pocket, and since it is a plastic camera, it’s super lightweight.

So some key things to know before you go out and pick one up (which is not a bad thing to consider).

it’s essentially a Disposable camera, don’t expect tack sharp images. It optimal focal distance is about 1 meter, right around 3 feet, the lens is about an f9, and the speed is about 125 of a second (just for reference.). It does have a flash, which in low light was pretty good.

I’ll Post a video on my youtube channel this week where you can see some more images, and i can walk you thru some stuff.

For now, i’ll say i haven’t put it down; it’s so much fun to take around and just point and shoot; after all, that’s what i was looking for.

john

Key takeaways from Phil Penman’s book “STREET”

Phil’s book is a great size; I say this because it Allows you to get a clear feel for all the images depicted on each page.

So what is in this book?

Well, its starts with a section titled “citizen,” Where you can see a collection of images of street portraits with the occasional candid capture of a man in a space suit or gollum in the subway. A nice reminder that the streets are flooded with people waited to be captured.

Next, we have “Celebrity,” which is a look into his past, where Phil takes us on a quick journey to take a Glimpse of life, chasing down Celebrities and what exactly is required. The pages are filled with paparazzi images from both sides of the camera. In this section, we also get some great stories of what it takes to be in that business. The common thread for me was you have to be willing to work harder.

The Third and final section, titled “City,” is the one that resonated the most for me. In a collection of images in black and white and color, Phil Can Capture the grit and feel of the city i so love.

If you don’t have this book on your shelf, you need to pick it up, and please read the stories. don’t just flip through the images.

key take aways:

1. it’s ok to ask for portraits. it doesn’t all have to be candid shots; Street Photography has this stigma that everything has to be sneaky shots, “not Disrupting the scene.”

2. you have to be willing to put in the work; in each of his stories, i came to realize that he got the shot because he was the last man standing; he hustle harder, and in the end, your efforts will be recognized.

3. lastly, Try to compose and capture images that show us, the Viewers, the true essence of the scene. I believe there are three people to consider when taking images, the photographer (your vision), the subject (how you want them to be presented), and the Observer (what You want the person viewing the image to take away).

Read more books,

John

3 reasons you should slow your shutter speed.

So first, what I'm talking about;

I'll explain; if you set your shutter to a slow speed, let us say, for example, on my image, it was set to 1/12 seconds; you can blur your image.

You may have noticed that the people walking down the stairs blurred to the point where some may even appear to be ghosts.

So here is three reasons why we would want to slow your shutter:

#1. Create movement instead of freezing an object; we can help emphasize the natural movement that occurs in life.

#2. Create tension; something that seems out of focus forces the observer to work harder to translate the image.

#3. Lastly, it’s just fun to change things up.

There are many other ways to get creative with slow shutter speeds; this is to get your mind working.

Thanks for all the support,

Now you can just get out there and get creative.

John

Primarily / Primary colors?

Why primary colors? Why primarily colors?

These are the two questions I have been asked the last week.

Well, I'll explain it, if you don't mind. First, let me say I love Black and White photography as well; as a matter of fact, I owned the Leica monochrome for a while. I did a whole piece on NYC (link above) in Black and White. So why the shift?

I reached out for some mentorship (I’ll post something on that later this month), and the result was to work on my color work which is pretty good at the moment.

So I looked through all my images, did some art history homework, and came across the whole Bauhaus movement of 1919. It was fitting as it all started in Germany, and I knew I had a link with the tool I was working with (Leica cameras). As I dove deeper into the rabbit hole, I noticed it focused primarily on primary colors.

So here we are at the brink of my color movement, taking everything I know about art history, design, and photography and owning my space as the color street photographer.

I have some of my best shoots for purchase in my shop.

Thanks for all the support,

John

End of Year, What’s Next?

Resolutions? are different from goals for me. It is more in line of what is the new creative direction.

2022 with 2023 around the corner. This last week has been a great way to propel me forward because I like the images I am making.

So what do I have in store for you guys well…

A new semester of teaching at Southwest school of art, which in turn means new students to inspire. I am fortunate that I can build my curriculum and approach photography from a different direction. As well as share my experience as a current working photographer.

Last year I made eight youtube videos; I didn’t have a number in mind, just producing videos as I felt the urge. Sometimes I thought of making videos, but for one reason or another, I didn’t sit down to put them together. I have often heard how the first year of youtube can be overwhelming because it seems like you are just talking to yourself or maybe three of your close friends. But I have gotten a lot of comments and questions about my content which has inspired me to try and make more content.

Thank you for all your support, whether it was buying a print, watching a video, or commenting on my Instagram images, I truly appreciate the help. It inspires me to keep pushing. I have other things going on, and I hope you guys continue to follow along and go on this journey with me.

Enjoy your New year, and be safe

Peace,

J

Do you need to travel for good photos?

Where to begin? Can a city like San Antonio provide opportunities to create good work?

Being raised in New york city and having lived and traveled all around the world, a place like a san Antonio can be an easy excuse for why you can’t produce good work. Making you wonder if you need to travel more.

But in reality, it has proven that you must work harder and be more creative. That has forced me to step outside my comfort zone (a good thing), pushing my photographic eye to explore other possibilities. After posting this shot on my Instagram, I knew instantly that this would be the shoot to prove that the photographs are out there.

The fear is stepping outside your niche or what you are known for and coming up short. But too often have I heard that you must be willing to fail.

This image was taken yesterday here in San Antonio, and it is my best work so far, and I did not travel to another part of the world; I needed to look a little harder. So if you have ever heard the saying, “Don't be afraid to fail,” this might be what they were talking about.

Peace,

J