Stop being so emo

Question everything

Yin and Yang

Female and male

Don’t use hot water.

Stay outdoors all day.

Only eat right before bed.

You need nothing to survive but a portion of greens, some meat, and clean water. We actually have unlimited resources despite what billionaires say and every human can thrive together.

When I wake up I have been taking cold showers everyday. Not only does it make my muscles feel good, but any challenge I face feels easier as a bi-product by overcoming sleight discomfort first thing in the morning.

Think bigger than basic

Street Photography is Not Hard

Simplify the Process

Street photography isn’t hard—we make it hard. The truth is, photography is one of the simplest and most intuitive art forms. You look, you observe, you react. The camera is just a tool, and once it’s set up properly, the rest is about being present.

“Photography is simple: you look, you observe, you react.”

The Camera Does the Work

With my Ricoh GRIII, everything is streamlined. The camera is always ready:

• Turn it on.
• Frame.
• Shoot.

In two seconds, the shot is captured. I don’t overthink settings or worry about perfect framing. The camera is already optimized with my go-to setup—f/8, snap focus, auto ISO. All I need to do is point and click.

Why Overcomplicate It?

Forget about fussy technical details when you’re on the street. If you’ve set your camera to work for you, the only thing left to do is see.

• No endless calculations.
• No second-guessing shutter speeds.
• Just shoot and move on.

“Learn the technical stuff once, then forget it. Let the camera do the work so you can focus on what really matters: the moment.”

It’s About Seeing, Not Shooting

What separates great photographers isn’t their ability to manipulate settings; it’s their ability to see. The hardest part of photography isn’t the technical side—it’s learning how to observe the world around you.

What You Need to Master:

1. How to see: Train your eyes to notice the details, patterns, and gestures that others overlook.
2. How to move on the street: Blend in, anticipate moments, and position yourself for the shot.
3. When to press the button: Timing is everything, and that comes with experience.

“Street photography is about learning how to be on the street, how to carry yourself, and how to react at the right moment.”

It’s Not Hard—It Just Takes Time

Capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments takes time and patience. But the process itself? It’s straightforward. Master your tools, trust your instincts, and let the streets guide you.

“Photography isn’t hard. What’s hard is committing to the time it takes to see and capture extraordinary moments.”

So, stop overcomplicating it. Set up your camera, get out there, and let the magic unfold. The rest will take care of itself.

If you shoot high contrast black and white small jpegs with the Ricoh GR, just import them directly to the photos app on an iPad into a dated folder for each day, cull through them by looking at the small thumbnails like a contact sheet, hit the favorite button on photos that seem semi-interesting.Then go back and create curated folders of the pictures you deem as “keepers.”

I like to observe every detail and walk slowly on the streets- letting things come as they will and being present in the moment

Color vs. Black and White Street Photography

The Case for Color: Reality as It Is

Color photography captures life as it is—vivid, vibrant, and true to reality. The red trash cans, the red car, the red paint on the ground, and the guy in the red shirt—line them up, and you’ve got a color story right there.

But here’s the thing: color can quickly become the subject itself. It’s easy to get caught up in the visual appeal of matching hues and forget the essence of the moment. In color, you’re working within the natural conditions of light and color harmony, which can limit your opportunities.

“In color, you’re showing life in its purest depiction. But sometimes, reality alone isn’t enough.”

The Power of Black and White: Abstracting Reality

Black and white photography strips the world down to its essentials—light, shadow, and form. It forces you to see differently, to abstract reality and focus on the raw emotion and texture of the moment.

“The world’s not in black and white, but black and white allows us to abstract the world in ways color cannot.”

Why Black and White Wins in Longevity and Speed

1. Longevity: Black and white images have a timeless quality. They age gracefully and maintain their impact across generations.
2. Speed: Shooting in high contrast black and white JPEGs with small file sizes means no post-processing. What you see is what you get—beautiful, gritty, and ready to share instantly.

In black and white, you’re not dependent on perfect light or golden hour magic. You can shoot anytime, anywhere, and still create striking images.

Breaking Free from Traditional Aesthetics

There’s a difference between traditional black and white photography and what I aim for with high contrast. I’m not interested in replicating the classic film look. The goal is to push boundaries, to innovate within the digital space.

“Black and white isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about creating something new.”

Icons like Daido Moriyama and Ray Metzker explored high contrast black and white, but today’s technology allows us to expand on their work in fresh ways. With modern digital tools, we can continue to redefine what street photography can be.

The Limitations of Color in Digital

Even today, shooting in color presents challenges:

• Slower workflow: RAW files in color require more post-processing.
• Dependence on light conditions: The best color shots often rely on specific times of day or weather conditions.
• Overemphasis on aesthetic appeal: Colors can overshadow the narrative or emotion of the image.

Meanwhile, black and white simplifies everything. It allows for faster shooting, processing, and delivery without sacrificing the emotional impact.

Why Philly Belongs in Black and White

Philadelphia is a city that thrives in textures, grit, and contrasts. Its streets deserve to be immortalized in black and white. The rawness of the city’s character comes alive through the stark interplay of light and shadow.

“Philly deserves to be photographed in black and white. Period. This ain’t a color city.”

Conclusion

Color and black and white both have their place in street photography. But if you’re looking for speed, abstraction, and timeless impact, black and white reigns supreme. Strip away the distractions, focus on the moment, and let the essence of the streets speak for itself.

Minimalism in Street Photography

Embracing Simplicity in Photography

Minimalism is more than just an aesthetic; it’s a philosophy. In my street photography, I’ve stripped away the complexities, focusing solely on light and shadow. By doing so, I’m able to create images that are easily readable, yet deeply impactful.

“I’m no longer interested in making the viewer look left, right, up, or down. I’m focused on light, shadow, and the simplicity of the moment.”

Why Minimalism?

Simplified Process, Instant Results

With my high-contrast black and white settings, what you see is what you get.

• Small JPEGs: Lightweight, minimal files straight out of the camera.
• In-Camera Adjustments: Crushed shadows, boosted contrast—no post-processing needed.
• Focus on the Moment: No cropping, no fluffing. The image is complete as soon as I hit the shutter.

“I’m making instant sketches of life—abstractions of reality with no tricks.”

Longevity and Curiosity

Minimalism sustains my passion for photography. It keeps my workflow fast, my focus sharp, and my curiosity alive. Each shot is a clean, concise capture of the world around me, designed to last and resonate.

Minimalism in Action

Minimalism isn’t just about photographing empty scenes or lone subjects. It’s about setting up your camera to capture life in a minimalist way.

• High-contrast black and white simplifies every scene.
• Even a crowded street becomes minimalistic when reduced to its essential elements—light, shadow, and form.

“Anything I photograph becomes minimalistic because of the aesthetics built into my camera.”

Extending Minimalism Beyond Photography

Minimalism influences not only my photography but also my life.

• All-black clothing: Simple and functional.
• Barefoot shoes: Stripped-down footwear that prioritizes function over form.
• Fasting and living simply: A focus on essentials, rejecting luxury and excess.

“Minimalism flows through every aspect of life, shaping how I move, think, and create.”

From Complexity to Minimalism

I’ve explored color. I’ve embraced layered, complex compositions. Now, I’m shifting gears. My focus is on reducing visual noise and emphasizing the core elements of a scene.

“I’m moving from complexity in color to minimalism in black and white.”

This isn’t about rejecting the past; it’s about refining my approach. Minimalism isn’t a limitation—it’s a gateway to new possibilities.

Let Minimalism Guide You

Minimalism will seep into your psyche if you let it. It will shape how you see, how you move, and how you approach life and photography. Walk slower. Shoot with intention. Let the simplicity of light and shadow guide you.

“I photograph everything with my new minimalist approach, letting the essence of the streets flow toward me.”

Minimalism isn’t about having less; it’s about making more of what you have.

If your camera can’t fit inside your front pocket, leave it on the shelf and try again!

My body is a holographic projection of my consciousness