As humans we naturally seek some sort of external thing that makes life more interesting. Perhaps the best thing that we can do for ourselves is to get outside and to explore more. Typical activities that are done indoors do not provide the same stimuli that the natural environments in a park or in the streets offer.

Perhaps there’s some sort of natural inclination that I have for adventure. As a kid I was always outside exploring in the woods, building forts with my neighbors, and riding my bike along the trails. My lust for life is fueled through photography now. As I get older I realize how important it is to be present and find beauty in every day life.

For the last ten years I’ve been exploring the great outdoors through photography and don’t see myself ever stopping.

The camera gives me an excuse to go out into the world. To seek more, conquer more, and become more.

Before you hit the streets, you should lift weights. Not only will this make you stronger, but it will give you the confidence and courage to go out there into the world and to face the chaos headstrong.

The farmer’s walk is the best lifting technique for street photographers. It promotes full body strength, perfect posture, and is something you can do daily.

I believe walking slowly can improve your street photography. The slower you walk, the more that you will see, and ultimately the more that you will photograph. Walk 50% slower than everybody else on the street.

It’s easy to get caught up with the tempo of other people on the street and to follow the beat of their feet. I’m guilty of this too and sometimes subconsciously will move faster than I should when I’m practicing my street photography. I believe you should intentionally walk as slow as humanly possible with your head up, shoulders back, and chest open.

Walk elegantly on the streets.

The camera should be treated as an extension of your body and moved fluidly during the act of photographing. Recognize the connection between your body, mind, and eyes. The slower you walk, the more you will enter the zen state required to observe the patterns in both nature and human behavior.

Street photography is like meditation. There’s no need to rush.

$4 per pound from the Amish!

A World Without Art is an Ugly World

Imagine a world without great art.

As I look out of my window, I see the free public library, the Franklin Institute, the art museum, and the beautiful fountain at Logan Square. These spaces and structures bring life and beauty to the world, yet we often take for granted the places we inhabit.

Philadelphia: A City of Art and Beauty

When I walk past beautiful art, I can’t help but admire the beauty that surrounds me. Philadelphia, in particular, holds a wealth of artistic and architectural treasures. Take a stroll down Broad Street, through Old City, or down any side street in Rittenhouse, and you’ll find that the alleyways are rich with details—hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Philadelphia has some of the most beautiful architecture in the United States, and for that, I am forever grateful.

When I think of life I consider it like an adventure. Every new experience becomes a new chapter. Your story naturally unfolds the more that you move through the world itself. Traveling has opened me up to the endless possibilities of the world and has given me a greater sense of things. It’s impossible for me to stay still and I’m always looking for a new adventure.

Perhaps I seek danger. I am naturally drawn to situations that make me feel challenged both socially and physically.

Consider the box your iPhone.

I believe the more that we gather information about the world through our phones and stay connected to the world this way, the further we stray from what truly matters. What matters is the physical flesh in front of you.

We should focus more on our own communities and whatever neighborhood it is that we live in. Our immediate surroundings are what is most critical.

This is why I’m not a fan of consuming social media, the news, and staying in touch with the world. I’d rather create my own world through the process of making art and photographs each day.