I’ll
be back soon.
San Francisco, Nov / Dec. ‘14
Retrospection, Gratis : May ‘14
Ugh. Missed another month. I hate making this thing bi-monthly because it’s meant to be true to the experience of that current time. Since May, I’ve visited six countries and two states. I’ve lost touch with certain friends and strengthened new relationships. I’ve picked up interests and gained perspective. I’ve also lost a phone and wallet. There’s too much to really fit into a single retrospective. Because of this, I’m going to split up May and June, and will post next week about the trip.
I only have a few words for May since it’s hard to recall. I didn’t take that many photographs. I was busy working, preparing for my trip and the summer video job I’m doing for the NBA. I spent my free time with my friends, with more drinks in my hands than cameras. I’m not complaining. This was the most complacent I’ve felt since moving here. It was a lovely month where the cold finally left and New York started showing it’s green. I remember not wanting to leave New York when I boarded my plane for Qatar.
This was my last month living with my roommate, Nik, who was one of the people that indirectly recruited me to Brooklyn. We spent last summer teaching at Amherst together and he’s reprised that role along with a full-time spot at Duke in the fall. All will work out for him, as he’s one for “clear eyes, full hearts.”
His departure does make me question the longevity of a situation like living in New York. There’s a consistent thrill to it that feels ephemeral, like your apartment is an extended-stay hotel that you pay overpriced rent for. While I know plenty of people with solid jobs here, it almost as if everyone’s in a temporary living situation, whether that be with their apartment, relationship, project, etc. It’s not exactly “home,” but there’s no other place we’d prefer to be. I’m adapted to regular changing of scenery at this point, and I think I’ll remain okay with it for a long time. I only hope the same for those I care about in this city and miss in others.
Pictured here: a guy at Capricious gallery, lovers at Bushwick Inlet Park, Molly’s hand and Kait at McKarren, a guy at the downstairs bodega and the new kitten. Last shot is of my parents at Wadi Rum- a little preview into the trip.
Retrospection, Gratis : March & April ‘14Sorry I skipped last month. Things got a little crazy towards the end of March. As is known in gig-life, “when it rains, it pours.” It was nice to see the New York drought come to an end, as the jobs have been consistent and a good time. Doing a little bit of everything these days.
I’ve settled into being twenty-four seamlessly (not like there’s much to get used to.) More importantly, I’ve settled into New York as my home. I know my streets and surroundings decently enough to give strangers directions and love showing visitors around. It’s a place that doesn’t lose it’s photogenic quality even after learning its intricacies. Manhattan is still Disneyland to me, but Williamsburg is very home-y.
My spirits have been the highest they’ve been since moving to New York. Employment may have something to do with it, but I’ve also been trying to move on with certain things in my life that I hadn’t been able to let go. It’s been a lesson in self-forgiveness and still wanting the best for myself and those who I’ve regrettably hurt. I know this is coded, but this blog isn’t the best place for this.
Anyways, here’s a mix of work and snaps. I’ve become very close with longtime friend and brilliant mind, Leland Gorlin. He doesn’t mind getting his photo taken-hope you don’t mind looking at his handsome man-bun and beard. He also snapped the last photo of me somewhere in the world.
Got a chance to go to Seattle last week to assist my good friend, Jonpaul Douglass, on a shoot. The trip was work related but was as refreshing as any vacation to a new city. I was charmed by Seattle’s weather and enjoyed the company of the dudes I was hanging out with (Andy Melo, Joshua Ariza, Zach Miller.) Here are some snaps.