December 31, 2019. Last day of the year, a decade and the last day of the first 20 years in the 21st century. Without a doubt, quite a heavy load to synthesize in one post. Instead, I leave it to whoever is suited for such a task, so, to make it easier for me, I choose to share my favorite five pictures taken in 2019. A year on which I gained some confidence with the camera doing street photography and editorial portraits. I hope to make this historic date count with this post. For me, the act of recreating life in a picture never fails to teach me something new. Whether it’s about the subject, the theme, light or shadow and even myself. So, I choose these pictures based on what they have taught me; whether it’s on a technical or emotional level.
Bianca in the Laundromat
I met with Bianca at her mom's laundromat in Bridgeport, CT, shortly after new year's, so Christmas lights were still hanging from the ceiling. This shot came about 30 minutes into the shoot, I was not very pleased with what I was getting, and then I observed the interesting angles she was creating with her forearms as she leaned on the top of a washing machine. I intentionally asked Bianca to block her right eye with her harm, so only one eye was visible, thus given me this frame that invokes a touch of abstraction, reminding me of a cubist painting even. This photographic experience set my way for the rest of the photoshoot I would have the rest of the year.
Chris in Bryant Park Reminding me of Beethoven
I saw Chis on a cold winter morning at Bryant Park in Manhattan, NY, when he was seated on a metal chair with his guitar by his side. Having a film camera loaded with Fomapan 400, I managed to overcome my anxiety and asked Chris if he wouldn't mind allowing me to take a picture. Thankfully, he agreed, and I took several frames from different angles, which I developed at home with Kodak D76 solution. While shooting photographs, I learned from Chris that he's a musician with some tracks available in Soundcloud. Not asking him more questions is perhaps one of my most significant flaws from practicing photography this year.
6x6
Film Format Exploration Gaining experience with developing film at home, stirred my interest in older film cameras, and I was able to get my first twin-lens reflex. With that, I got to try the intricacies of framing with the square format both in landscape and street photography. 6x6 is a framing format I intend to keep exploring in the future, as it raises the challenge to focus even more on composition. I took this picture at eye level in early spring near Columbus Circle in Manhattan, NY. Film stock of choice was Fomapan 400 and developed in Kodak D76.
Is Not Only About Sharpness
I was very active in taking trips to the city and practice with street and portrait photography between the spring months and later in the fall. Venturing into the New York Subway was an eye-opener in so many ways, I especially enjoyed the many possibilities to get inspired by looking at people go about their business. I would find exciting subjects at just about every corner I would turn to. This picture opportunity came up as I was walking up the stairs, though I first was disappointed with the ending result, the picture started growing on for the tender moment that it encapsulates.
Beauty of the Moment
The moment I captured this scene, I felt I had something very significant that w always make me feel humble. The picture was not taken at eye level as I didn't want to intrude on the precious moment, and one single shot is all I took when I was walking through Madison Square Park. Something that never ceases to amaze me when using a camera is how searching for beauty; life surprises you with beautiful moments.