‘Stern’, 2019 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

I like to play with geometry in my work. Sometimes I like to accomplish this with shadow, but in this particular image I was able top do that with the ‘natural’ surroundings of the building. The lines of the interior of the building create a natural frame for the Subject. As we discussed in PREVIOUS blog posts, I believe the secret to good photography is learning how to manipulate where the viewers eye is drawn.

It is interesting how much geometry plays into my work. While I am out walking looking for subjects, I make every effort to frame the subject. While this does not always work to my benefit, I find that in the moment, it is better to frame in this way.

I think the immediate inclination of newer street photographers is to move as much as possible and take as many pictures as possible. I started this way. I thought the more the better. When I was more inexperienced in the craft, I found that I would have 1-2 ‘good images’ out of 500 shots taken. Really a waste of time and effort. The extra second I take to frame, to find symmetry and geometry in every shot, no matter what, has paid dividends. If I check an SD card now as compared to when I began this journey, I would say that at least 40% of the images I have after a long day of shooting are good enough to relook at in the future.

To my readers, who are looking to get better at street photography, take the extra second to frame. Take the moment to define the space in that definitive moment. Take the nanosecond required to find your own geometry.

In this case, I would say the geometry, coupled with the stark contrast of the dark area against the subject, really draws the viewers eye to the subject, ultimately his stern appearance. Let me know what you think of this work.

For the editing process, I did not have to do much at all. The image was taken at night, and the those deep darks were already there. The contrast of the light areas was also already present, so I really just had to do a simple crop to get the ‘effect’ I wanted.

Thanks so much for reading this far, for the support, and for being awesome.

-Maurice

'Selfie_1', 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

"Be yourself, there’s no one better." - Unknown

Today I am doing a little self love. Check out the older posts in my BLOG, but for me, today is about a little self care.

Make sure, in all of your efforts, you take time for yourself. Reflect.

Artist work is often very outward. We spend lots of our time as artists reflecting on what others will see. This is, by definition, what happens in visual arts. Of course, this can be a downward spiral, where we artists forget to do self care.

What do you care about? Which images (songs, paintings, sculptures, etc.) of yours are your favorite? What have you done to reach your dreams today? Have you taken a day for yourself to let go of what others want?

Have a great day all.

• Maurice

I did very little post processing for this final edit. I did use my PRESET 8th Street Station as a starting point. It was a good way to visualize what the final product should look like. I lowered the grain and black and did some brushwork details on the face. Let me know what you think. Thanks for reading this far.

‘Enlightenment’, 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

‘Half of art is accident, but there is no accident without free experiment’ - Ralph Steadman

My work is my work. Sometimes it’s experimental, like this piece. It’s not for everyone. I am ok with that. Are you ok with someone not liking your work? You should be.

True art is about experimentation. The experimentation happens both through your artistic expression and in yourself. For me, art has changed how I view who I am. Following my artistic endeavors has made me a better person, in that I believe in my work, fully. I wouldn’t have reached this understanding without experimentation.

In photography in particular, breaking norms some artistic satisfaction. This image is not necessarily perfectly composed as I normally would, but I liked the lights on this crowd. This was my artistic vision.

To my artist friends reading this, I encourage you to re-examine your relationship with your work. Has the world seen (or heard) your artistic expression? If not, why not? Are you playing it safe, or experimenting?

In editing this piece, I really attempted to push the cropping capability of my 61mp sensor. As a normal starting point, I used my preset , specifically Radio City Music Hall . I use my preset as an initial idea, then I move on from there. As always let me know what you think.

-Maurice

'On the edge', 2019 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

NYC Subways Will always be a significant part of my work. There are a few reasons why this is the case. First, I grew up in New York City. I was born in Manhattan. I lived in both the Bronx and Brooklyn in my teenage years. I had to take the train to get everywhere growing up. Only (what I considered) rich people had cars. I had to learn the subway system backwards and forward. It’s just part of a teenage life in the city.

Now, with a camera, I can capture some of the allure of the MTA. While I’m sure it was created for efficiency first, there is some beauty in the lines, you simply have to find it.

I really like the GEOMETRY of this work. The leading lines of the lights and all of the different angles throughout the work. I am simply fortunate that the subject of this work happened to be sitting where he was.

In post, I did darken some of the black areas to make sure the subjects contrast was appreciated.

As always, I would love to know what you think about this work, or about my editing process. Thanks so much.

'Visions of a city', a series, 2022

‘So much on my mind, that I can’t recline..

Blastin’ holes in the night ‘til she bled sunshine//

Breath in…inhale vapors from bright stars that shine..

Breath out…weed smoke retrace the skyline//’ - Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common

I enjoy this type of work. I also enjoy exploring color scenes. I can show the full breadth of the city with these in ways that black and white cannot. 

Interestingly, the great photographer Ted Grant said, “When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. When you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their soul!”. Humbly, I disagree; I think this is specific to taking pictures of people. Street photography is NOT only about people. This is the truth about my type of work. As with most crafts, the craft has evolved as we have moved farther and farther away from its origins. I would argue that this is a good thing. Street photography had to develop, and with each new technological advance, the art evolves, and the cycle continues. 

In the context of my images, I don’t think that black and white would have given these scenes their true expressive capability. Without the context of color in these scenes, the viewer would not ‘feel’ the city. There is a particular living element that a city gives off. Some people on social media call this ‘mood.’ Regardless, these scenes in monochrome would only show light and shadow. The ‘feeling’ would be lost. This concept is somewhat hard to describe in words.  

Every day I am wrestling with words, ideas, and concepts to bring my work further. But, ultimately, I don’t just want to be a part of the photography community; I want to have contributed something new to the craft. 

What do you think? Should I continue exploring in this way? Am I right about the evolution of the craft?

I applied Color EFEX pro for editing these and used the Kodakchrome 64 simulation. These were also shot with a Tiffen Black Pro-Mist filter on a 28mm lens….review of that filter and lens is coming soon. 

If you read this far, thanks for all the support. 

-Maurice

‘Tread’, 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

I still am fascinated with documentary street photography. I really like this emotional content on this mans face. It is always the emotional content that tells a story. I found this scene deep in the Bronx. After about two hours, I was fully lost in my search for…..(I leave that to the interpretation of the reader).

There are many tire places up the Bronx, that’s just how it is. You need some shit fixed, you head uptown. There’s likely a guy that can hook you up.

Ultimately, for this scene, I think the eye contact made it work. If this man hadn’t looked up, I don’t know that I would have cared about this image. Knowing what images to keep and which should be passed is a skill that each artist learns to develop and hone. I think my honing process is much better, but I am constantly learning.

For editing, as usual, I had to really play with the shadows here. I started with a Bronx Park East (an Adobe Lightroom preset I would fully recommend) as a guidepost. My preset was a great start, but there is a long way to go before this image would pop in my eye.

I used a small brush to manipulate the shadows further, to brighten them mostly. The scene was initially very shadow heavy and I wanted to change that first and foremost.

What do you think of this edit? Would you have done anything different? I would to hear from you

-Maurice

'Choices', 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

When I stepped off the escalator I took a left.

First the light struck me in as a thunderclap.

The light’s exhibition and embrace was exciting.

The subject was inconsequential to the mission.

I recorded the light that day in its symmetrical beauty.

• Maurice

'Front Street', 2021 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

These are becoming my favorite types of images to create. finding the isolated person amongst a busy city is really a basis of my work. Finding that single person requires a calm mind. A calm mind has been a challenge for me since I have left the military. Often, my state of calm is inundated with visions and memories of shit I do not want to remember.

In the moments where I have to concentrate on that single person, compose every aspect of the work, and press the shutter release at the correct time to create art requires all of my concentration. That focused mental energy almost negates the negative thoughts I may have. Those thoughts don’t have time to form.

Of course, I get addicted to that feeling. Of finally having a release from constantly having a pressured brain space.

As with previous work on my daily Street photography blog, I used my preset 7th Ave Express as a starting point. The preset has high contrast and heavy grain and is my take on Kodak Tri-X 400 film. The grain and contrast of that film will always be a favorite of mine.

I would love to know your thoughts on this. Thanks so much for reading this far.

-Maurice

‘Through’, 2022, a series - Street Photography Image Breakdown

There is certain level of context and depth that windows give to my type of work. Pun intended, they seriously help frame my work. They can accentuate and isolate a subject, drawing the viewers eye directly where you need them. 

Really, that is the big secret to any substantive street photography (or really any artistic endeavor), find a way to ensure your viewers eye is drawn EXACTly where you want it. Timing a luck play a great role in one’s success, but ultimately, you have to make your viewer find your subject. 

Not much editing was needed for any of this images. Of course I applied my preset as a starting point for each. I spend lots of time ensuring the grain structure of each of my presets would help with starting your work, especially if you are not used to black and white editing. As always, I would love to know what you think about the work. Thanks so much for reading this far. 

‘Jailbird’, 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

I was instantly drawn to this cute little guy. After a while he warmed up to me and became a great little model. His eyes were a very sharp green, which looked great against his black coat. I really wanted to showcase his eyes and the contrast his body created. 

This makes me think of composition. I once had a conversation with a photographer when I was starting out. I asked her, “what tips can you give me about composition?” She replied….”Forget composition. I formally disagree with this approach. 

I find that, in the moment, when I am the most ardent about my composition, is when I tend to have the best outcomes in my work. Truly, it’s when I stop ‘shooting whatever I can’ and simply focus on making a piece of art I, again, have my best outcomes. 

But what is a best outcome? What is the correct metric to measure one’s success in an image. I argue that composition has a lot to do with this. In any art, hiphop music, painting, photography, we artists tend to be bound to our past. For example, where would I be if I didn’t study past masters and truly attempt to perfect, with every image, an exact composition. I want to accomplish something that is immediately pleasing to the eye, regardless of context. I think I did that here. 

What are you thoughts? Please let me know in the comments. 

'The staircase', 2018 - Street Photography Image breakdown

As an artist, I am often overly critical of myself. This image is an exact example of me being overly critical. I finished this work, edited it to look like this, and have sat on it for the past four years. I have not posted it anywhere and no one has seen the work.

I hold myself to an impossible standard sometimes. It is impossible to be able to put out a perfect image every single day. As with any practice, my artistic practice is indeed a practice. I am practicing at a craft, and with that level of practice will come mistakes. I have to remember that.

The negative space in this work is what was concerning me. This image was my first attempt at high contrast, high negative space minimalism in my work. This was one of the first images where I really explored the creative space while using post processing software.

This image was initially seen in the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.

In post I increased the highlights and levels of white around throughout. I used a brush the lightly darken the subject as well.

What are your thoughts?

-Maurice.

'White Plains Road', 2021 - Street Photography Image breakdown

As an adult, I see things completely differently than we did as children. Prior to my mother moving to Brooklyn, when we still lived in the buildings on Allerton Ave and Bronx Park East, I would always walk under this structure. Back then, I could not see the beauty in it. I did not understand that art could be created out of the most mundane things, if done correctly. I am happy that I have the perspective and mental clarity of adulthood to see things in images better. Now, I try to wake up and find beauty in the mundane everyday, its part of my therapy.

For editing, the starting point for this image was my preset pack ‘Sunday Stroll’, specifically the preset entitled Bronx Park East. I played with the sliders until I found something optimal. Nothing more was required. What do you think of this work?

-Maurice

‘Uptown blues’, 2021 - Street Photography Image breakdown

This is the corner Burke Avenue and White Plains Road. I had my first apartment about a block from this spot. I was 17 and wanted to prove that I could take care of myself. My mother allowed me to, as long as I stayed with an older family member. My 20 year old family was my roommate. The rent was $450 a month. I worked at a McDonald’s about 25-ish blocks away on  E 241st Street. This was also when I bought my first camera. 

My first camera was a used Olympus XA (I reviewed the Olympus Mju-II, its successor, HERE.) I wish I understood at the time what I understand now. I would have paid the extra money to maintain all of my film negatives. I would take my already shot film to a place band have them make 4 x 5’s. Lol

for editing, I used Silver EFEX Pro on this image and applied The Kodak Tri-X 400 simulation. After some simple tweaks to contrast, I think it came out great. Let me know what you think. 

-Maurice  

'Winter's Chill', 2022 - Street Photography Image breakdown

This is one of my last shots of a wintery scene before things started to somewhat warm up. I love the neon glow. Nothing is prettier than being somewhere deep and cold in a city at night, wouldn’t you agree?

In post, I really wanted to brighten the lights on the train and along the platform. Then I did a copy of that mask in Abobe Lightroom and inverted the selection, to darken the rest of the scene. I love the way this image cane out. What do you think?

• Maurice

‘Wanting’, 2018 - Street Photography Image breakdown

“There are almost too many possibilities. Photography is in direct proportion with our time: multiple, faster, instant. Because it is so easy, it will be more difficult.”
— Ernst Haas

It interesting that some people do not consider photography as art. While I agree that there is no agreed upon definition of art, I assume there is some consensus that human activity which produces ‘something’ that can express either technical prowess, elicit emotion, or even tell a story, can be considered art. I would argue that photography does all three. 

Hass’ quote I chose today is actually very intriguing. Consider the ubiquitous nature of cameras in the contemporary context. They are on phone, tablets, watches, in glasses, and probably in other places I haven’t mentioned. Since every one alway has a camera, does that negate a photographer’s efforts? What actually separates a photographer form a rando with a camera? What do you think? Let me know below. 

For this image, I will somewhat describe this memory. In Fayetteville North Carolina there is a Flea Market that sells all sorts of odds and ends. Small boutique style shops selling old wares and knickknacks, including cameras are at this Flea Market. Somewhere in the maze of a facility, there is a door leading to nothing. I saw this person on the other side of that door. I don’t really know what compelled me to take this image. 

I had just started really getting into black and white photography at the time. I was studying in earnest how the masters of their time composed their work. What were these amazing artists looking for? The main element each GREAT black and white image had was some sense of contrast and mystery. This image is one of my first attempts at bringing those two concepts together. 

I did minimal editing of this work in post. I did, of course, do some Lightroom adjustments to accentuate the contrast between the subject and white around them. Not much else. 

What do you think about this work? What about how my edit turned out? Finally, what are your thoughts on my questions above. I would love to know. Finally, this image is available as either a Framed Prints and Giclee Fine Art Prints in my shop, check it out.

-Maurice. 

"Hibachi", 2022 - Street Photography Image breakdown

I was at a restaurant directly below hers. It was some pseudo French stuff in Manhattan. I try to pay attention for scenes like this all of the time. It is often the moments when you least expect that you will see another great image. I’m very glad I looked up. I would have missed opportunity.

When I initially saw her, I waited for while. I wanted to see if she would look out of the window. Some of the images previous to this are her eating. While this could have worked, I did want to see her face looking at me. finally, the moment happened. Apparently she didn’t appreciate the camera. 

There was not much editing needed on this piece. I did enhance the contrast a bit in Lightroom in post. I also used a brush and did a slight clarity enhance on the subject. Everything else is straight out of camera. 

As an aside I have enjoyed shooting with the Leica M11. The camera has the ability to handle anything I throw at it. I have been very pleased with the files. The new *.dng format that this sensor outputs seems to work better in Lightroom, which is also helpful. I can really push my digital negatives to new places without compromising any clarity. I have been happy and impressed with the camera, thus far. I will be doing a comprehensive review of the Leica M11, in this blog. Stay tuned. 

-Maurice. 

‘Ox Tails’, 2019 - Street Photography Image breakdown

I captured this image in the Bronx over by Gun Hill and White Plains, right under the 2 train. They have this banging Roti shop around that block. Go in there, get some good rice and ox tails. Finish it off with an Irish moss. Damn good food. I had just finished eating when I found this scene. 

So now, whenever I see it, I smell that place. Is that weird? Do you smell stuff like that when you see memories? Or is that just me?

Ultimately, an image is nothing more than a memory, isn’t it? Functionally, a photograph is identical to an image. Consider that your eyes are currently allowing some amount of photons to enter your optical nerve, and images are forming in your brain (there is of course much more involved, but you get it). 

Your brain either retains those photons, along with what smells occurred, what tastes where available, what emotions you had at that time, etc. So, I ask, what is the difference between a photographic image and an actual memory? One could argue that photographs are permanent where memories can fade. But so can a photograph. A photo can be burned, lost, stolen, ripped…..just like a memory. Can you think of a tangible difference, other than medium? 

Hmm…I like the composition of this image. It was lucky that the subject’s hair is so dark. The dark hair really is a prominent part of this image. I could it has the potential of being a more powerful image had I truly had the subject isolated. I applied a small amount of clarity to the image with a brush, specifically at the windows. I always find a small amount of clarity or structure on a wet surface makes for some drastic changes (in a good way) on my images. 

What do you think? I would love to know. 

• Maurice.

'City of dreams', 2022 - Street Photography Image breakdown

Being an artist is a challenge. Truly, it is one of the most challenging things one can do in their life. The artist must be controversial, tell a story, and be true to oneself. Being true is often a hard road. That very truth is what we must find, and as often what we are searching for. Every artist has to find their own way. Of course it's easier said than done. One of the hardest paths we, as artists, we have to figure out, is our way. Your work should mean something. Your work should be what defines you. 

However, as I'm out looking for images, constantly scanning, I don't have these thoughts in my head. I will let other define me. I am not concerning myself with what will define me what my next image should look like why I should do anything. Ultimately, I'm going to put out lots of work. Some people aren't going to like some of it. There isn't much I can do about that. Truthfully, if they don't like it, that's OK. Everyone is not gonna make everything. It's just like hip-hop, some people like classic hip-hop, some people like 90s boom BAP, and some people like the new stuff that's out now. There is room in art for all of these ideas.

Most of my time was spent in post production, trying to find the best crop for this work. I shot this with a 28 mm lens, and the subject is quite far away. So, a lot of the image was unusable to my eye. 

Using the raw image (28mm, f/4.0, 1/160th sec, ISO 320), I always like to use one of my presets as a starting point. I applied one of my presets, specifically 7th Ave Express. Try-X is my favorite film, and I thought this could use that that type of contrast and grain structure. 7th Ave Express was ok, but needed some serious tweaking. I turned down the grain, and enhanced the blacks in the scene. Finally, I did some small and very specific brush work, to increase the visual contrast with white and black around the subject. 

Let me know what you think

-Maurice 

'Biding time', 2021 - Street Photography Image breakdown

This image was captured during the height of the COVID 19 lockdowns in America. As a reminder, they sucked. I found it extremely difficult to be as creative as I wanted to in 2020 and 2021. I’m sure some people used that time of lockdown and COVID being at the front of mind to gain their footing in the artistic space. I more used it as a way to refine my monochrome editing skills. Perhaps I should work on my personal resilience? Anyway

I did, however, try to get out and practice my skills as much as possible. The train passing by is the Amtrak train going through downtown Fayetteville, NC. It was one of those perfect days where the rain creates an interesting shine on any asphalt surfaces. I’m always on the hunt for a subject with an umbrella, because I think the umbrella tends to accentuate the human form. The umbrella also serves as a definitive place for the eye be drawn.

The subject standing still was helpful. I changed the shutter speed to 1/30 of a second. Compositionally, I wanted to really exaggerate the space and distance of the image. So, the subject is not centered. In post, I found I had to accentuate the blacks a little more than normal to get the effect that I was looking for. I really like the final outcome. 

Let me know what you think

-Maurice 

‘Business’, 2019 - Street Photography Image breakdown

This was a fun image to find. Often, when I am walking through subway stations I am completely engulfed in looking for another image. It’s a passion!. Believe it or not, this image (and subject) caught me off guard. I keep my camera set as wide open as possible and had the lens set to its farthest focal distance. I try to keep my camera this way so that I don’t have to make any immediate changes when I see a scene. However, this was different. 

This man was moving fast. You can tell from the subject’s posture that he was moving as fast as possible. He was already well past the farthest focal length on my 35mm lens, so of course I had to focus quickly as well. I had to shoot from the hip and guess the focal length! This is one of the joys of not using autofocus, ever. I spun the manual focus ring of the lens speedily and hoped for the best. I think it came out great. 

Compositionally, I really like the immediacy of the contrast in this work. Fortuitously, the subject was wearing a dark suit, light shirt, and tie. Perfect for striking composition for me. As with most photographers, I like my subway work to be somewhat impactful. I used the dark areas of this subway to accentuate the contrast of the entire scene. Finally, the natural lines in the scene are very leading. I hope you enjoyed this work, let me know what you think. 

- Maurice