Finding Your Photography Community: My Journey and How You Can Find Yours
In the journey of photography, one of the most rewarding parts is finding a community of like-minded creators. In October, I attended two incredible events in New York City: the Adobe Lightroom Photo Walk and the Beers & Cameras Meetup powered by Harlowe. Each of these events was more than just an opportunity to take photos—it was a chance to connect with other photographers, exchange ideas, and feel part of a larger creative network.
Adobe Lightroom Photo Walk: Exploring New York City
The Adobe Lightroom Photo Walk took us through the vibrant streets of downtown NYC. Walking alongside other photographers, sharing tips on lighting and composition, and capturing the energy of the city together made me realize the importance of community in enhancing our skills. I’m sharing some photos from that day, hoping to capture the spirit of the event and inspire others to seek out similar experiences.
Beers & Cameras Meet Up NYC: A Space for Creators
Next up was the Beers & Cameras Meet Up in NYC, a gathering of photographers that combined community building with a relaxed social setting. Powered by Harlowe, the event allowed us to discuss gear, share our stories, and learn from each other. Here, I was reminded that finding your community can be as simple as joining a meetup—sometimes, the most inspiring connections happen over a conversation with a stranger who shares your passion.
Building My Own Community in Philadelphia
Being part of these events emphasized the value of community, and it’s inspired me to keep building my own right here in Philadelphia. I’m constantly seeking ways to connect with local creators and photographers who are as passionate about storytelling and artistry as I am. If you’re in Philly and want to connect, let’s create something amazing together.
For those of you on a similar journey, finding your community starts with putting yourself out there—attending events, sharing your work, and being open to collaboration. It’s a journey worth taking, and I hope this post, along with my YouTube video on the topic, can help you take that first step.
Capturing Chicago: Street Photography, Luxury Collaboration, and How Philadelphia Clients Can Connect
Reflecting on my recent trip to Chicago, I found myself once again immersed in the energy of a new city, exploring its streets with my camera. Chicago, known for its architectural marvels and vibrant neighborhoods, provided endless inspiration for my street photography. Every corner had a story, from the bustling scenes at Millennium Park to the quiet charm along the Riverwal
Exploring Chicago Through Street Photography
There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in a city and capturing its essence through a lens. Chicago, with its vibrant streets and iconic architecture, offered the perfect playground for street photography. My approach to shooting a city involves blending in, observing the rhythm, and finding moments that represent its character.
In each neighborhood, I tried to capture Chicago’s unique atmosphere, from the lively energy in Millennium Park to the historic charm of the Riverwalk. Here are some shots that I think capture the city's vibe, providing glimpses into the diverse culture and pulse of the streets. I also shared my experience in this recent vlog on YouTube, where you can watch behind-the-scenes footage from the marathon weekend.
A Unique Collaboration: Waldorf Astoria Hotel
During my stay, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Waldorf Astoria, capturing the hotel’s luxurious ambiance and the unique experience it offers to its guests. This collaboration was more than just a photoshoot; it was a chance to reflect the Waldorf’s world-class service and elegant design through my lens.
Working with such an iconic brand was inspiring, and it pushed me to experiment with new techniques and compositions that align with luxury aesthetics. Below are some of the photos from the shoot, showcasing the Waldorf Astoria’s beautiful interiors and the refined experience it provides. Collaborations like these are what drive my creativity, merging my love for capturing moments with brands that have a unique story.
Philadelphia Clients: Let’s Work Together
If you’re in the Philadelphia area and looking for a photographer who brings a fresh perspective and versatility, let’s connect! Whether it's street photography, high-end collaborations, or a personalized project, I’m passionate about crafting visuals that speak to your brand or personal vision.
My approach to photography is shaped by my experience working with diverse clients and environments. From urban landscapes to intimate settings, I tailor each project to bring out the best in every subject. If you're interested in working together, feel free to reach out, and let’s discuss how I can help bring your ideas to life.
Where Creativity Comes From Post #2 Reflection as a Source of Innovation
Introduction: The Foundation of Creativity
In this mini-series, we delve into the roots of creativity, especially for photographers in Philadelphia. We challenge common myths surrounding creativity, explore practices that nurture it, and discuss how limitations can enhance our creative processes.
When we think of creativity, it's easy to imagine sudden flashes of inspiration or artistic breakthroughs. However, true creativity often stems from a relentless pursuit of quality. Whether in art, photography, technology, or any other field, real creativity results from a continual dedication to refining your skills and elevating your work.
For me, this relentless pursuit has been a key aspect of my creative journey. Whether I'm troubleshooting complex systems or capturing street photography in Philadelphia, I’ve found that striving for quality leads to unexpected bursts of creativity. Let’s explore how this pursuit can shape your creative process.
Why Reflection Matters:
Many of us are focused on forward momentum. We want to finish one project and move on to the next as quickly as possible. But in the process, we miss out on valuable insights that could help us grow creatively.
Reflection allows us to slow down and consider our past experiences. It’s in these moments of looking back that we can see patterns, recognize what worked and what didn’t, and ask the kinds of questions that lead to new ideas.
For example, when I took time to reflect on one particular street photo that earned me $5K, I started asking myself deeper questions:
Why did that photo resonate so strongly?
What was special about the moment I captured?
These questions led me down a path of exploration that eventually inspired new creative projects and ideas. Without that period of reflection, I might have missed the opportunity to learn from that experience.
Reflection in Photography:
Photography, especially street photography, is a craft where reflection plays a huge role. Every photo you take is an opportunity to learn something new. Whether it’s about composition, timing, or lighting, reflecting on your work allows you to see things you might have missed in the moment.
When I look back on my photos, I’m not just admiring the final result I’m asking myself questions. Why did I choose this composition? What was the light like that day? How could I improve on this shot in the future?
This reflection doesn’t just make me a better photographer it sparks new creative ideas. By analyzing my past work, I can find new directions to take my photography, new techniques to try, and new stories to tell through my images.
Reflection in Tech:
In tech, reflection is just as important. After troubleshooting a system or solving a complex issue, it’s easy to move on to the next problem without looking back. But by reflecting on how you approached the challenge, what worked, and what didn’t, you can find ways to improve your process for the future.
For example, after successfully debugging a particularly challenging system issue, I took the time to reflect on my approach. I asked myself:
What steps did I take that led to the solution?
Were there any mistakes I made along the way that I could learn from?
How can I streamline this process next time?
This reflection not only improved my problem-solving skills but also inspired me to think more creatively about how I approach similar issues in the future.
Asking the Right Questions:
At the heart of reflection is the ability to ask the right questions. Whether you’re reflecting on your photography or your work in tech, asking thoughtful, probing questions is key to unlocking new insights and ideas.
Some questions you might ask yourself during reflection include:
What did I learn from this experience?
What worked well, and what could I improve?
How can I apply what I’ve learned to future projects?
Are there any patterns or trends that I’ve noticed in my work?
By consistently asking these kinds of questions, you’ll start to see connections between past experiences and future opportunities. This process can lead to unexpected creative breakthroughs.
Conclusion:
Reflection isn’t just a nice-to-have it’s an essential part of the creative process. By taking the time to look back on your past work and ask thoughtful questions, you’ll unlock new ideas, improve your skills, and find fresh inspiration for future projects.
Whether you’re a photographer, a tech professional, or someone pursuing creative growth in another field, make reflection a regular part of your process. You’ll be surprised at how much creative potential is waiting to be uncovered when you take the time to pause and look back.
The Relentless Pursuit of Quality: The Foundation of Creativity
Where Creativity Comes From Post #1: The Relentless Pursuit of Quality in Photography
Introduction: The Foundation of Creativity
In this mini-series, we delve into the roots of creativity, especially for photographers in Philadelphia. We challenge common myths surrounding creativity, explore practices that nurture it, and discuss how limitations can enhance our creative processes.
When we think of creativity, it's easy to imagine sudden flashes of inspiration or artistic breakthroughs. However, true creativity often stems from a relentless pursuit of quality. Whether in art, photography, technology, or any other field, real creativity results from a continual dedication to refining your skills and elevating your work.
For me, this relentless pursuit has been a key aspect of my creative journey. Whether I'm troubleshooting complex systems or capturing street photography in Philadelphia, I’ve found that striving for quality leads to unexpected bursts of creativity. Let’s explore how this pursuit can shape your creative process.
The Myth of Instant Creativity
In today’s fast-paced world, we often hear about instant creativity—a brilliant idea striking out of nowhere, leading to success. While this can happen occasionally, it’s not the norm. Most creative professionals understand that the best ideas come from hours, days, and even years of hard work. Creativity often reveals itself slowly, through trial and error, learning from mistakes, and mastering the fundamentals of your craft.
Take street photography as an example. Capturing a perfect moment may seem like luck, but there's a reason certain photographers consistently produce high-quality work: they’ve mastered their craft. They know their equipment inside and out, understand composition, lighting, and timing, and have invested the time to practice.
The same principle applies in technology. Creative problem-solving doesn’t just happen overnight; it requires a deep understanding of the systems you're working with and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Building a Foundation of Excellence
In both my photography and tech work, I've learned that the pursuit of quality is the bedrock upon which creativity is built. Without a solid technical foundation, exploring new ideas or pushing boundaries becomes challenging.
Taking the time to refine your skills—whether in photography, where you're constantly learning new techniques and equipment, or in tech, where you’re troubleshooting and fine-tuning systems—lays the groundwork for creativity to flourish.
A prime example is the $5K street photo I captured. While it may appear to be a lucky shot, it resulted from countless hours spent mastering my camera, honing my eye for composition, and practicing the art of timing. Quality isn’t achieved overnight; it’s a continuous pursuit.
Quality Breeds Confidence
One significant benefit of pursuing quality relentlessly is the confidence it instills in your work. When you've honed your skills, you can tackle new challenges creatively without second-guessing your technical abilities. You can focus on the creative aspects of a project, knowing you have the skills to back it up.
This confidence is especially crucial in tech, where creative problem-solving can determine success or failure. If you're uncertain about navigating complex systems, generating innovative solutions becomes difficult. However, when you’ve invested the time to learn, refine, and master your craft, your confidence empowers you to think outside the box.
Creative Freedom Through Mastery
One of the most important lessons I've learned in photography and tech is that mastery grants creative freedom. When you’ve mastered your tools, you can experiment, explore, and push boundaries without being hindered by technical limitations.
In photography, this mastery allows me to take risks with composition, lighting, and subjects, confident in my technical expertise. In tech, it enables me to try new approaches to troubleshooting without worrying about handling complexities.
This creative freedom is where the magic happens, allowing you to explore new ideas and stretch the limits of what’s possible.
Conclusion: The Pursuit of Quality
Creativity doesn’t stem from chasing quick wins or relying on luck. It comes from a consistent, relentless pursuit of quality in everything you do. By dedicating yourself to honing your craft—whether in photography, tech, or any other field—you lay the foundation for creativity to thrive.
The next time you face a creative challenge, ask yourself: Am I relentlessly pursuing quality? Because creativity is most likely to strike when you’re at the top of your game.
Where to Check Out My Work:
Mini-Series Introduction: Unlocking the Roots of Creativity in Photography
Introduction: Where Creativity Comes From
Creativity is often seen as a mysterious force—elusive and unpredictable, sometimes leaving us waiting for inspiration that may never arrive. For photographers and creatives, however, we understand that creativity is much more than mere inspiration; it’s a skill, a process, and something that can be cultivated over time.
In this mini-series, we’ll explore the roots of creativity in photography and beyond. We will challenge common myths, dive into practical practices that nurture creativity, and discuss how limitations, reflection, and consistency play vital roles in unlocking our creative potential. Whether you’re a street photographer capturing urban life in Philadelphia or a studio photographer working on client projects, creativity is not about waiting for the perfect moment—it’s about developing habits, embracing challenges, and innovating within constraints.
This series will break down how creativity manifests in the real world, revealing often-overlooked aspects that contribute to consistently producing meaningful and impactful work. Together, we’ll uncover the process of creativity and demonstrate how you can apply these principles to your craft.
From valuing quality over fame to harnessing constraints as a creative force, each post will offer insights and practical takeaways tailored for photographers in Philadelphia and beyond. Are you ready to explore where creativity really comes from? Let’s dive in!
Where to Check Out My Work:
Capturing the Vibes: My Experience at Vegandale Philly 24
The goal was simple: do what I do—capture what I see and photograph as many people as possible with interesting outfits. As some may know, I’m not really comfortable talking to strangers, so I loved the challenge.
From Shy Photographer to Festival Explorer: A Day with Gajan’s Team at Vegandale Philly
A few weeks ago, Gajan reached out to ask if I knew anyone in Philadelphia with a drone who could do POV shots. That’s when I realized I don’t know many POV drone pilots and wondered if I should learn at some point. Of course, I’d need to figure out if there’s a real demand for that skill. When I told him I didn’t know anyone, he mentioned when and why he would be in town. I first met Gajan in March in New York City during a photo walk hosted by Leica Meatpacking. I had followed and watched his videos on YouTube for a while before meeting him. He asked if I was around and if I wanted to join his team for the day.
The goal was simple: do what I do—capture what I see and photograph as many people as possible with interesting outfits. As some may know, I’m not really comfortable talking to strangers, so I loved the challenge. When else could I walk up to people, ask them for a photo, and not worry about rejection? I had so much fun that it made me want to shoot more festivals. The funniest moments were when people asked if they had to pay for the photos I was taking, which was interesting in many ways that I might revisit later.
While there, I was just running around, trying to capture as much as I could. The lines at the vendors were so long that I didn’t get to try much. When I did catch up with Gajan and his team, it was just jokes about what we’d been seeing and how Philly is such an interesting place when it comes to the crowd.
I shared a few thoughts and ideas I had with Gajan about the future and where I want to be. I talked to him about my shyness and why I’m finally taking steps to combat that fear. He shared some great insights and reassured me that I’m capable of doing whatever I set my mind to.
I arrived around 1 p.m., but the first performance didn’t start until about 6 p.m. By that time, I was tired. I hadn’t been on my feet that long since working as a stock supervisor at J.Crew, running overnights. Polo G was the first performer. I wasn’t familiar with his music, and I’m not sure many in the crowd were either. I also think the crowd was tired and annoyed by the on-and-off rain all day, so I totally understand why their energy level was low.
When Saweetie came on with her background dancers, the crowd’s energy started to pick up. I was surprised that I knew a few of her songs. My taste in music usually has me listening to artists I grew up with, like Usher, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, and Rick Ross!
When Rick Ross came out, the energy level hit 1000%. I think the crowd released all the energy they had left at that point.
Vegandale Philly 24 was a blast, and I hope to go again next year! I’ll just bring a chair for a few breaks.
I want to say thank you again to Gajan for allowing me to join his wonderful team for the day. Everyone on the team—Sharuka and Stephan—was amazing in their own right!
From The Projects to Leica
At the time, I didn’t understand what my living conditions meant. I didn’t realize my parents' income was lower than average. I was fortunate to have both parents and friends uptown to hang out with whenever I wanted. I didn’t leave the projects until I moved out to live on my own, which was when I was around 23 or 24 years old.
I don’t recall when my parents decided to move to the projects, but I do remember being in elementary school at the time. My school was a bus or train ride away, and my father would bring me to school every day. I recall every Friday, we would go to McDonald’s for breakfast. At the time, I didn’t understand what my living conditions meant. I didn’t realize my parents' income was lower than average. I was fortunate to have both parents and friends uptown to hang out with whenever I wanted. I didn’t leave the projects until I moved out to live on my own, which was when I was around 23 or 24 years old. So, it’s safe to say I grew up in the projects. Saint Nick is my home.
Before moving to the projects, I lived on 148th Street. My closest friend lived one avenue away. When I moved to the projects, he and his family ended up moving just three blocks away. We hung out all the time, even though we lived very different lives. My projects were in the middle of Harlem, located on 127th Street. This was before gentrification. I remember thinking I might want to leave the area because there weren’t any bars or places to hang out after I turned 21. I was very wrong about that.
I didn’t get into much trouble when I was young. I didn’t really hang out with anyone in my projects. In middle school, I met one classmate who lived in my projects, but that was it. I wasn’t a standout student; I just didn’t get into trouble. My middle school was in a building that housed multiple schools. I believe my school was the first charter school in Harlem at that time. When it was time to look into high schools, I thought I really enjoyed math and science. I ended up going to a high school in the MLK building located right next to Lincoln Center. I skipped school a decent amount and went to day parties in the Bronx. The Bronx was a different place back then, and I had no business being there. I met so many interesting people during those years, from those hanging on the corners to those aspiring to become lawyers. One might say meeting all these different people made me street smart and semi-book smart.
Meeting and being in different environments taught me a few things:
Watch my back
Understand someone’s tone
Read the room
Be very observant
Living my life in the projects, I definitely saw people showing off the money they had by wearing certain brands and sneakers. That was just Harlem back in the day. There were plenty of people showing off. When I got older and started making money, I started doing the same thing. It took me a while to realize it wasn’t needed and it was also dangerous. For example, during college, I worked at J.Crew and dressed up for every shift. Leaving my building, I noticed people always watching (I never had a problem). After a while, I toned down how much I showed off, especially after seeing someone come into J.Crew with a black card and a Rolex on his arm while he had holes in his sneakers.
If you’ve made it this far, you might be wondering why I’m writing about this and where the photography comes in. To that, I say sometimes you need to look back to understand why you do the things you do. For example, I mostly shoot with Leica cameras because I like them and I want to. Of course, I can list a bunch of other reasons why Leica cameras are great, but the truth is, I like the fact that not everyone can afford one. I know that might sound messed up, but knowing what I know now about my upbringing, it represents a milestone in life. My family didn’t have much money, and seeing people showing off made an impression on me. The camera represents that milestone. Also, no, I’m not a lawyer or doctor or whatever else people think you have to be to afford the camera. I just work hard for the things I find cool. If you ever see me out on the street (outside of the summer), you’ll see me wear all black. I never want anyone to notice me. I’m always aware of my surroundings because I grew up in one of the most populated cities and lived in one of the most urban-dense areas.
Christmas in July At River Twice
During the week of July 15-19, River Twice hosted six chefs from five restaurants to share their incredible food.
Let's start by saying I still don’t know where "Christmas in July" came from, but I love it if it means I get to capture so many amazing chefs doing what they love. During the week of July 15-19, River Twice hosted six chefs from five restaurants to share their incredible food.
Zachary Engel, the Executive Chef and Owner of Galit Restaurant in Chicago, opened up the week.
Justine MacNeil and Ed Crochet of Fiore Fine Foods followed on Tuesday.
Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit took over on Wednesday.
Ian Graye the chef and owner of Pietramala cooked on Thursday.
Last but not least was Shola Olunloyo of Studiokitchen on Friday.
This was the first challenging assignment in a very long time. I’ve been doing photography for years and am now getting into video. I have so much to learn, but I won’t bore you with the details. Maybe I will create another blog post about how I went about filming, editing, and finding music to match what I felt during the dinner.
For now, I’m excited to see what I create next.
If you need a videographer click this link.
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I Just Want to Create Dope Shit
Creating dope shit is hard as hell. We all get trapped into looking at what others are doing. We also get annoyed with ourselves because we believe we aren’t doing enough or what we are doing is crap. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide and live with what you are passionate about. Sometimes this happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. How does someone come to terms with that?
After meeting Jim during the Hobolite X Adorama event, we kept talking about life and the challenges we face. He said something that I always think about and say to myself: “I just want to create dope shit.” When he said that, I told myself I needed to write a blog post about this.
Creating dope shit is hard as hell. We all get trapped into looking at what others are doing. We also get annoyed with ourselves because we believe we aren’t doing enough or what we are doing is crap. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide and live with what you are passionate about. Sometimes this happens, and sometimes it doesn’t. How does someone come to terms with that?
I just want to create dope shit! Every time I go into the studio, I want to create something dope. When I hit the streets, I’m hoping I can create/capture something dope.
Dope. Dope. Dope.
Quality over quantity is something you often hear out there in the world. I personally somewhat agree with it. I posted that line on Threads and got some amazing comments.
Willie Velazquez said:
“What if quantity results in quality?
Sales is about getting through many no’s to get to that yes. It took me 2 years of getting told to fuck myself to go from 30k/yr to 6 figures.
Building muscle requires failure. I didn’t see results until I consistently woke up in pain (before getting back to being a fat fuck).
Any good shot I took occurred between hundreds of okay, decent, and straight trash ones.
I don’t like this saying because it takes quantity to learn what quality is… and what it takes.”
Dimitry Mak said:
“The two aren’t mutually exclusive. Quality is subjective and varies based on taste, context, and purpose. Producing more work can enhance quality over time through practice and experimentation.
A larger body of work offers more opportunities for discovery and refinement. It’s about recognizing how they complement each other in the creative process.
My 2 cents.”
Both are great comments, and I agreed with them both when I was reading the comments. When I started writing about this, it reminded me of my post around “I don’t want to niche down.”
I need to get out of my own head about what is dope and what it takes to create something dope! Dope could be as simple as taking a photo of my dog hanging around because it is dope to me and he is very entertaining.
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I don’t Want to Niche Down
A few weeks ago, I posted the following on Threads.
I will probably never niche down - I like to many things
There were some awesome comments, and one of them suggested I should blog about it. So here I am!
A few weeks ago, I posted the following on Threads.
I will probably never niche down - I like to many things
There were some awesome comments, and one of them suggested I should blog about it. So here I am!
When I started photography in 2010 (new blog post about that coming soon), I began with fashion. A few years later, I realized my best friend's uncle was also a photographer. This is when I started learning how he worked in a studio environment. This was the first time I began using professional lights as well. He was very into boudoir and fashion photography, so I also started taking more portraits and boudoir-style photos. Then COVID happened, and I began to get into street photography. Some might call it urban landscape photography because there weren't many people on the street to photograph, and of course, we had to stay 6 feet away. During that time, I started to look up other street photographers from New York, and in that moment, I wished I had found street photography earlier. At this point, I thought I had found my calling. Then, as the restrictions started lifting, I began to travel and love traveling. Depending on where I was, I took street, landscape, and urban street & landscape photography. I also had the opportunity to photograph two of my high school friends' weddings during that time. I had never shot a wedding before, but I am very grateful that they trusted me. During COVID, my fiancé started a business, which led me to do product photography. I didn't realize how hard it was to take interesting photos of a subject that doesn't move or talk. Now speeding up the story to 2024, in the last few months, I've done event, food, studio, street, product photography, and added video to my skills.
I understand why many people want to niche down. Is it easier to be put into a box? Maybe. Is it easier to fine-tune your website to find your ideal clients? Maybe. But unfortunately for me, my mind and what I become obsessed with changes week by week, month by month. Just earlier this year, I started learning about perfume (random, I know). I think it is fine to niche down and keep the type of photography you are passionate about to yourself.
For example, this year, I've been trying to shoot more in the studio. I still post street photography on Instagram, and a client of mine loved my street photos and wanted me to continue doing street photography for their business.
If there was one type of photography I think everyone should do personally or for business, it would be street photography. You learn so much in such a little time. Now that I’ve been doing street photography for a while, going into a wedding or a studio seems a bit easier. Of course, both have their challenges, but the way your muscle memory kicks in during those environments makes you feel less stressed about missing the shot.
While writing this post, I realized I might just want to do more weddings, either as a second shooter or primary, but I would only want to photograph more intimate weddings in black and white. Let's see if I can make this happen.
Weddings
Events
Street
Landscape
Studio
Food
Product
Maximize Your Creativity: How to Achieve More with Less
When I got into the studio early, I took a look at all the backgrounds and items already in the space. After a few seconds of thinking, I noticed one textured background that I had used for another shoot.
A few weeks ago, I had a test shoot with a model(Steph). I wanted to do something different, so I made sure to get to the studio early to think. I’ve been considering purchasing textured backgrounds because of some amazing photos I’ve seen from Abdulai and Jonny. However, I wasn't ready to invest in the backgrounds just yet.
When I got into the studio early, I took a look at all the backgrounds and items already in the space. After a few seconds of thinking, I noticed one textured background that I had used for another shoot. I had an idea to mix the background with a gel. As you can see above, I used a green and red gel on the background. For this shoot, I used both the Pro and Avant Hobolite. I placed the gel on the Avant and used the Pro to light the model.
For the black and white photos, I used a mylar sheet. I’ve seen on YouTube that people use it to create interesting water-like light effects. Since I love black and white so much, I thought, why not use it? I used the Pro with barn doors pointed at the mylar sheet and the Avant with barn doors pointed at the model.
Here are some more photos from that shoot:
As I mentioned in this blog post, using continuous lights allows me to shoot video simultaneously.
The main point of this post is to share that to increase our creativity, you probably don’t need that new item. Instead, try to explore more and create new references. To start, take a good look at the tools and items you already have. Experiment with different combinations and uses for these items. For example, try using gels on existing backdrops to create unique lighting effects, or repurpose everyday objects as props. Next, gather inspiration from other artists and photographers. Look for creative techniques they use and think about how you can incorporate or adapt those ideas. Lastly, challenge yourself to create a specific project or theme using only what you have on hand. This constraint can push your creativity and help you discover new ways to achieve your vision.
Equipment:
Photo - Leica SL3
Video - Lumix S5ii
Lighting - Hobolite
IPAD IOS 18
This week, Apple just had their WWDC event, and it was amazing. Apple Intelligence will change everything. This blog post will be simple and serve as a directory to other super technical websites. Unlike many users who purchased the latest iPad Pro, I didn’t assume Apple would release anything groundbreaking during these announcements.
I've worked in tech for a long time and used a lot of different products. As a system admin, I've collaborated with vendors to test new features and help create roadmaps. In my job, I would never buy anything hoping that the supplier would actually release something.
My journey with the iPad started with the first iPad Pro released in 2015. I primarily used it to watch videos while traveling. Over the years, I've done a lot of traveling, and my iPad was always with me. When Apple updated the iPad to use Face ID and removed all physical buttons (Third Generation), I upgraded. Funny enough, I upgraded a few months before Apple announced the fourth generation. I was a bit upset because I've always loved having the latest and greatest when it comes out. I used that iPad honestly in the same way. So why upgrade to the M4?
I recently started doing video work, and I believe the iPad will be the best solution when I'm on location. I had the opportunity to shoot some video for Four Seasons in NYC during one of their corporate events. This opportunity came from an amazing photographer, Mark (MoodsByMark). After the event, I was able to import all the clips captured and started organizing the files to begin my editing. I began with a video recap of the FS chef from Chicago. Everything went well. I created my nodes, color-edited the video, and created transitions from multiple clips. The only issue I ran into was that I couldn’t export the video. I then went into the forums to understand why DaVinci Resolve on iPad was crashing. I discovered that the app needs 16GB of RAM to run smoothly. Of course, I opted for the 8GB RAM & 512GB configuration, so I had to make the decision to upgrade. Once I did, I tested the same project, and the exporting went great.
I'm not sure what clicked, but now that I'm on the road with my camera, I want my iPad with me, especially when I have my Leica SL3 in the bag. I just connect them both via USB-C and start editing via Capture One.
Here are a video and photos edited on the iPad:
Weekly Recap #1
This weekly post series might not actually be weekly and might not be release the same time during the month.
Thank You for Your Support
After writing my first blog post last week, I’ve received a lot of kind words, so I want to start today's post with a big thank you to everyone who has read, shared, and reposted so far. This year, I really wanted to start building my community, and after having amazing conversations with so many people this week, I’m mad at myself for not starting sooner.
Weekly Posts: More Than Just Photography
This weekly post series might not actually be weekly and might not be released at the same time each month. On Instagram, I started to only post roughly 2-3 times a month. I really enjoy creating carousels of my highlights of the month. The crazy thing is, there is so much not seen or shared within my monthly posts that I’m hoping to include here. I also plan on posting about more than just photography because I am more than a photographer. I’m someone who is interested in a lot of different things ranging from fitness, fashion, technology, TV, and video games.
Favorite Photos and Random Thoughts
So, in today's post, I’m going to share some of my favorite photos from the past week and random thoughts I had over the week.
I attended an event this past weekend at American Trench, hosted by MensStylePro ( Sabir). It made me realize that I should probably try creating fashion flat lays. I have all these interesting pieces of clothing that I sometimes don’t wear because I don’t go out as much as I thought I would. I also realize that I really do like menswear fashion, so my goal this week is to find more fashion brands local to the Philadelphia area.
Have a wonderful week.
3 Months With The Leica SL3
What more can I say about the Leica SL3 that hasn’t already been said online or on YouTube? Today marks 90 days since the camera's release, and I’ve been enjoying everything about it for my use case. This year, I decided to return to working in the studio. I picked up the SL2 late last year in preparation for this decision.
What more can I say about the Leica SL3 that hasn’t already been said online or on YouTube? Today marks 90 days since the camera's release, and I’ve been enjoying everything about it for my use case. This year, I decided to return to working in the studio. I picked up the SL2 late last year in preparation for this decision.
There were some issues with the SL2 in the studio. The camera would freeze up while tethering and trying to use autofocus. Right before I bought the SL2, I purchased the Lumix S5II because I wanted to be part of the L Mount Alliance. At this point, I’ve been using Leica M cameras for at least two years. A review is coming soon.
When I purchased the S5II, it gave me hope that the SL3 would be released soon, so I purchased a few lenses in preparation. When the camera was officially announced, I got on the phone with Sire (Projectroman) from the Leica New York City Store and purchased the camera. The next day, the camera was in my hands, and I took it to lunch. This was on March 8th.
I enjoyed what was coming out of the camera. The photo to the right had more than enough details in the shadow areas to edit the image easily. That Sunday, I had my first in-studio test with the SL3. I brought the SL2 just in case because the camera was new to me. I connected the SL3 to the computer, and everything worked amazingly. As many reviewers have noted, the autofocus eye/face detection improved significantly. For my needs, the SL3’s new autofocusing system is fantastic. It is still a bit behind the S5II, which I’m not sure why, considering both companies work closely together. I assume it has to do with the fact that the SL3 has 60 megapixels, while the S5II only has 24.
Here are some photos from the shoot. It was a photo shoot for a local thrift store called Noni. There were four models, and the goal was to capture product shots and styling shots.
When I got back home and saw that I only missed focus a handful of times, I was sold.
Here are some of my favorite frames from the first week of owning the camera:
Within the first week of the launch, the New York City Leica store also opened, and Jason (Stockezy) had a photo walk, which I made sure to attend. I got to meet some amazing photographers I’ve connected with on social media.
Here are a few of my favorite frames using the SL3 in the studio:
In short, the camera is great for my style of shooting. I know many like to bring up Leica heritage and history as reasons why they love shooting with Leica cameras. For me, it’s simple: I enjoy using equipment that brings me joy. I enjoy the conversations I have with other Leica shooters. Their passion motivates me to continue shooting as well. Leica is a brand that brings people together to create together. The camera is an amazing tool. There are some things I miss from the SL2, for example, the height and the shutter sound. I wish there was a way to lower the shutter sound outside of just turning on the electronic shutter. I can’t wait to see what additions they add to the SL3. For example, if you keep autofocus on when using a manual lens and the camera can still pick up a subject, it would be nice if the camera then zooms in to ensure we are hitting critical focus. That would be amazing.
If you have the opportunity to hold and test this camera, you should take the chance.
P.S - These are my own thoughts and no one from Leica asked me to create this blog post.
Hobolite
When I got back to the studio, the first thing I needed to figure out was what type of lighting I wanted to use.
When I got back to the studio, the first thing I needed to figure out was what type of lighting I wanted to use. I started with the Westcott system, which works wonderfully. I was on YouTube and saw Joseph's review of the Hobolite. I was amazed by the build quality. Joe started talking about all the minor details Hobolite added to their creator kit, and I knew I needed to get my hands on their lights. I spoke to Joe online about it, and he said he would get me in contact with the team at Hobolite. That same week, I was at an event in NYC for Jason's photowalk at the new Leica Meatpacking location that had just opened up. The group decided to hang out afterward, and while we were hanging out, I was able to meet Kiran in person for the first time. I didn’t get to speak to her one-on-one, but I reached out via email, and later that week, I was able to get a Pro and Avant on loan to test out. I was so excited and opened everything that same day.
When it comes to new technology or products, I’m like a kid in a candy shop. The following week, I had a shoot at a speakeasy in Center City, Philadelphia. I thought it was the best time to test out the new lights because I needed powerful lights for a dark environment, and I needed lights that could last at least one hour. Both the Pro and Avant creator kits come with V-mount batteries. This was my first time using V-mount batteries, and they last for a very long time.
I used both the Avant and Pro for these photos.
Here are some photos from that night:
Here are some frames from the first time using the lights in the studio. I believe I used just the Pro. The first thing I noticed was that even the Pro 300w isn’t enough to light up a scene with a lot of daylight, which is fine when I’m in the studio because I can block out all the natural light coming in through the windows.
After using both the Avant and the Pro, I had a few questions. I had the opportunity to meet with the CEO of Hobolite, Helena. That alone made my year because it was the first time I ever had the chance to meet with a company’s CEO to discuss the things I liked and the things I was confused about. The conversation was about more than just light; it was about how the only thing that matters in this world is whether you can tell a story. She helped me redefine what it means to be a content creator. We also talked about the number one thing that matters after finding a great story: lighting. If you take enough photos, you realize light is the most important thing to a scene. While cameras are capable of going to high ISO, nothing will beat using the right lighting. I left the conversation inspired.
I then realized I should try to document life more, either in photo or video format. Here are some photos I took around the house with my fiancée hand modeling:
The next thing I realized is that my Lumix has been starting to collect dust. This was the next thing the Hobolite opened up for me during my studio shoots. I can now shoot video during my sessions. Here are some videos:
Here are some of my favorite photos taken with the Hobolite:
In conclusion, I’ve been enjoying using Hobolite. I now use the Avant for all my studio sessions. I don’t keep the Hobolites in the studio, so I travel with the Avant, which is the perfect size to carry around. I bought the Bowens mount adapter, and all the modifiers I have in the studio I can use easily. I do wish the Pro was a bit lighter, but I understand that with the type of build quality Hobolite is providing, the weight makes sense. I use the Pro whenever I have more than one subject in the frame. A few things I hope to see soon are more modifiers to help shape light, like an optical spot. I know because of the heat output they don’t sell any gels yet, but I hope to see some soon.
P.S. - I now own the new Iris and will have a review once I use it more. All Frames were taken with the Leica SL3.
Hobolite X Adorama
I recently attended an event hosted by Hobolite & Adorama in New York City, and it was an incredible experience.
I recently attended an event hosted by Hobolite & Adorama in New York City, and it was an incredible experience. I've been wanting to attend more events to meet people I've connected with on social media, and this event, hosted by Jim Sullivan, was the perfect opportunity. Jim's work is amazing. I've been using Hobolite lights in the studio for the last two months and love everything about them. I will be writing a detailed review of the Hobolite Pro and Avant lights soon.
The event took place at the Mulberry Bar in Soho, a venue I had heard about but never visited. Jim did an excellent job explaining his thought process on how he lights up scenes.
The first scene was set at the bar, featuring two models: one behind the bar and one at the bar pretending to order drinks (Daniela). The scene was illuminated with several Hobolite lights, including the Avant, Micro, and Mini.
The second scene showcased Mynxii , an amazing producer and photographer, modeling on the couch. This setup allowed us to capture more frames using the Hobolite Pro and Avant lights.
During the event, I had a fascinating conversation with Kiran, who asked if I had ever considered writing down my thoughts. I admitted that I always tell myself I should, but then I forget. Writing this, I realized I forgot most of our conversation, but it was impactful enough to inspire this blog post.
I plan to continue blogging regularly, sharing my thoughts and experiences. Blogging will also be a great way to showcase new work, as updating my website every month is time-consuming.
Talk soon!
All Photos were taken with a Leica Camera Sl3 with a 35mm Summilux