And just like that summer’s gone?

I know, it’s cliché at this point… but seriously, where did the summer actually go? One moment I’m gearing up for t-shirt weather, planning all the days I’m going to head out and shoot, next moment I’m watching leaves change colour and dry up before my feet.

How did you fair? Is it summer where you are? Did you make the most of it? Did you get out and shoot? Road trips? Do reflect. Do tell.

All that to say, I’m looking back at summer ‘22 as a reintroduction to the practice of quality over quantity. I shot a lot less than I thought I would but I took some of my own advice and did so with a lot more intention. That meant not just limiting my mind to traditional street photography. I experimented with street scenes (less people in my composition), landscape photography, created more images of my family, organized portrait shoots of people I truly wanted to photograph (I’ll be sharing some of those images next month). As I write this, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I feel fortunate to do what I love every day even if it’s just one single snap.

Now, relax, not everything is peachy and perfect over here. You see, with all that I just shared with you, I still find myself struggling with one thing… consistency. Do I have a million excu… I mean reasons as to why it takes me so darn long to get more of my art, stories, and opinions out to you? Yes, but NO.BODY. CARES. All I can say is, I’m improving every single day and sometimes slowing it down is the best way.

Now, let’s get into some things. Have you seen my latest & fairly new-ish YouTube video? I chat about the darn recession we’re all in. Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom, I’m here to motivate, y’all!

Street Photography Tips in a RECESSION

Tighten your belts. Time to make some adjustments, my friends.

5 Images That Changed My Photography

Looking back at a few frames that in many ways changed how I shoot.

Last month, for the first time I actually bought another photographer’s memoir. Most, if not all the photography books I’ve picked up to date are image-heavy, so this was truly refreshing. Let me explain. Joe Greer is a multi-talented, American, street, landscape, and portrait photographer that makes beautiful pictures BUT that’s just half the story. In his new book, Lay of the Land, Greer takes the road less traveled by putting pen to paper, opening up about his life, the tragedies and triumphs he’s experienced thus far in his young life, and it’s pretty darn special. Though I’ve followed his work for a few years now, I did find myself wanting to know more about him than just his images. Cheers to you, Mr. Greer.

I haven’t watched conventional TV since 2015. In that time I’ve been taking in podcasts, YouTube and audiobooks. I realize that I retain waaay more info as an auditory learner. Plus, I like the idea of deciding when I listen. With all that said, here’s a go-to for me atm.

Comedian Bill Maher usually known for his outspoken views mostly centred around American politics takes a little more of an “after-hours/laid-back approach with random and not-so-random guests on his fairy new podcast, Club Random with Bill Maher. I’m a huge comedy fan so a few extra episodes with some of my favourites never gets old. Plus, as I said, it’s way more chill. Guests sip on their fave drinks and talk that sh*t.

I randomly came across the work of Jamaican-born, UK photographer Charlie Phillips on YouTube. After a lifetime of making special images in the city what stuck out for me was his revelation about who he was: a boy from the country at heart. He’s a true documentarian who never got his just due. Check out his story on Nowness.

Sometimes I get into a mode where I love a piece of content so much that I will play a song or video repeatedly over the span of a couple of days. Can anyone relate?

This is true for this mini doc on long-time, hip hop music producer The Alchemist. I’ve always been a big fan of how he puts his head down and gets to work. Humble and talented. Take it in.

Thanks for being a part of the ever-growing, Streetsoul community!

Until next time, stay creative and believe in yourself.

Peace,

t. ✌🏽