A Glimpse into the Unseen

In the midst of our daily commutes, we often find ourselves lost in thought or buried in our devices, unaware of the small things that surround us.

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When we board a train, our focus tends to be on the destination, the people around us, or the tasks at hand. But there's an entire world that remains hidden unless we choose to look for it. The space between train cars is a realm that most passengers pass through without a second thought.

The space between train cars is not just a physical transition; it's also a metaphorical one. It's a threshold between two worlds, a momentary pause in the journey, and a reminder that every trip, no matter how routine, contains its own unique moments.

So, the next time you board a train or find yourself in a seemingly mundane situation, take a moment to pause, to look around, and to appreciate the subtle details that make up the tapestry of life. There's a world of beauty waiting to be discovered in the unseen.

Waiting for the Perfect Subject

Street photography is a dance of serendipity, where the photographer becomes an observer of the ever-unfolding human drama on the canvas of the city streets. One of the most valuable skills a street photographer can possess is the art of patience—waiting for the right subject to step into the frame.

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Street photography is inherently spontaneous. The streets are alive with constant motion, with people coming and going, and scenes changing in an instant. As a street photographer, you must adapt to this fluidity, but that doesn't mean you can't take control of the narrative.

Sometimes, the streets may appear chaotic, but they are also filled with stories waiting to be told. The art of patience lies in your ability to see beyond the surface and anticipate those moments when the elements align to create a compelling narrative.

Consider a crowded street corner during the morning hour. At first, it might seem overwhelming, with people hurrying past in all directions. But if you pause, observe, and wait, you'll begin to notice patterns, interactions, and potential stories unfolding.

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Patience in street photography is not mere idleness; it's an active form of anticipation. You're not waiting for something to happen; you're waiting for the right moment to happen. It's about recognizing when all the elements align—the right subject, the perfect light, the ideal composition—and being ready to capture it when it does.

Patience in street photography also encourages the development of a keen sense of observation. As you wait for the right subject, you become attuned to the nuances of human behavior, the interplay of light and shadow, and the fleeting moments that define street life.

In the world of street photography, patience is not a passive virtue; it's an active skill that empowers you to shape the narrative of the streets.

Shades of Narrative: Why Black and White Street Photography Triumphs in Storytelling

In the realm of street photography, one often faces a pivotal decision when it comes to processing images: should the photograph be left in color, with all its vibrant hues, or transformed into a timeless black and white masterpiece? In this blog post, we will delve into the art of storytelling through monochrome street photography and explore how the absence of color can sometimes reveal a deeper narrative.

Black and white photography has an undeniable allure. By stripping away color, it eliminates distractions and focuses the viewer's attention on the essence of the image. This simplicity allows for a more profound exploration of composition, contrast, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow. In street photography, these elements are the building blocks of storytelling.

It also excels at distilling the essence of a moment. It forces the photographer and viewer alike to look beyond surface details and consider the broader story. It's as if color, while beautiful and vibrant, can sometimes act as a veil, obscuring the subtleties and complexities of life as it unfolds in the streets.

Perhaps the most significant strength of black and white street photography is its ability to serve as a canvas for the viewer's imagination. By leaving certain aspects to interpretation, it invites the audience to become active participants in the storytelling process. This collaborative aspect of monochrome photography often leads to a more profound and lasting connection between the image and the viewer.

While color photography certainly has its merits and a unique ability to capture the vibrancy of the world, black and white street photography offers something equally valuable: the power to tell stories that transcend time, ignite emotions, and engage the imagination. In the absence of color, we find a world of shades and subtleties waiting to be explored.

So, the next time you're out capturing the world through your lens, consider the narrative potential of black and white photography. Sometimes, the richest stories are told in the simplicity of shades of gray.

New York Nights: Capturing the City that Never Sleeps

There's something truly magical about New York City after the sun sets. The bustling streets take on a different character, a surreal blend of neon lights, deep shadows, and the constant hum of urban life. It was on one of those exhilarating nights that I captured a moment that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the city that never sleeps.

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I find myself wandering through Lower Manhattan neighborhoods more often than not. It was a typical New York night, filled with energy and anticipation and the city's nocturnal inhabitants were out in full force, and I was armed with my camera, ready to seize the moment.

As I continue to explore the streets of New York City and beyond, I'm reminded that there's always more to discover, more stories to tell, and more magic to capture through the lens of my camera. New York, with its endless energy and ever-changing landscape, will always hold a special place in my heart, especially after dark.

Polaroid i-2: A Magical Concept, but Is It Worth the Price?

Image taken from B&H Photo

Image taken from B&H Photo

As a photography enthusiast with a penchant for nostalgia, I couldn't help but be captivated by the concept of the new Polaroid i-2. The idea of instant photography has always held a special place in my heart. It's a medium that combines the thrill of capturing a moment with the joy of holding a tangible photograph in your hands. However, as much as I'm drawn to the i-2, I find myself grappling with its hefty $599 price tag.

Instant photography, pioneered by Polaroid, is a medium that has transcended generations. There's an undeniable charm in the immediacy of it all—the snap of the shutter, the whir of the developing process, and the moment when your image slowly comes to life before your eyes. It's a unique and magical experience that has stood the test of time.

While I admire the Polaroid i-2's concept and potential, I'll admit that I'm still on the fence due to its price. It's a camera that seems to offer the best of both worlds—nostalgia and modern technology—but it comes at a premium. Ultimately, I believe that instant photography is about capturing moments and creating memories, and that can be achieved with a range of cameras, each offering its own unique charm, but the decision to invest in the Polaroid i-2 or opt for a more affordable alternative is a matter of personal choice. It depends on how much value you place on the features it offers and your budget considerations.

Bergenline Avenue aka B-Line

Bergenline Avenue (also known as B-Line) is considered the main drag for Union City, West New York, and North Bergen, NJ. From the ’90s till now, it's where you go for some home-cooked food or a fresh pair of kicks for your new back-to-school look. 

Recently my friend Jeremy Asgari and I went on a walk down Bergenline Avenue to take some photos of the Iconic mom and pop shops that seem to still be going strong, despite the very risk of landlords raising rents too high and big corporate America coming to replace them. 

The last photo of the series is of the legendary Pastore Music which was in business for 81 years before shutting down. It's the only place we featured which is sadly no longer in business. Thousands of people in the area learned how to play instruments there, so many memories and so much history gone just like that.  The photos below are a tribute to the local businesses that maintain the authentic cultural diversity in their neighborhoods.  Somehow we hope to bring attention to these cultural landmarks and prevent them from disappearing forever. 

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