I am in a bit of a dark period and what better place to practice chasing shadows and subtle light changes than the Eastern State Penitentiary. The archetypes that the textures and shadows contain in these aging cells can render interesting ideas. This image in particular sends me deep into thought about spirituality.

Missing the gang up in Alberta - wish I was there!

Cheers!

I am not sure why it bothers me. The guy had hostages. He indicated that there would be consequences if his demands were not met. He inconvienced hundreds of people. Yet it still bothers me that he was shot, killed with a single bullet.

I wasn't there. I don't know the details. Maybe it was a no win situation for the men and women who were dealing with the situation. But I still don't under stand.

It is almost as if it was a public execution. The news media in the D.C. area are always right on top of the story and provide up to the minute updates. People were gripped by the event, watching the moment to moment coverage or getting updates on twitter.

I was driving in my car for part of the afternoon when this took place. A local radio talk show was "covering" the event as a side bar and incorrectly announced that it was over. "James Lee is in custody". The D.J. then went on to state how he would have handled it. How he would have just shot the guy in the head. Bang. It would be over. They went on and on about how Mr Lee was a lunatic and how he did not deserve to live. All of this long before law enforcement handle the incident.

As I get older (and another day closer to death) I find my self reflecting more and more about the meaning of life and realize how precious every moment is. Every individual has the opportunity, in what ever small way, to make a difference in the outcome of this world and I wonder what I can do to help others or to at least contribute in some way.

I am not defending Mr Lee's actions in anyway. I am just wondering (out loud) whether he was just trying to make a difference in some way and nobody was listening. How many other desperate souls are out there thinking that they are doing the right thing and will wind up being silenced.

I know this is just a can of worms that should not be opened - it just bothers me and maybe I should just keep my thoughts to myself...

It didn't take long to catch the fever again after only shooting street and catch as catch can for the last couple of months. This is a shot from ESP last weekend. Next free weekend that I get I am heading back to this location to reshoot the ones that got away (OK actually the ones I messed up on). I have got to figure out what I did with my bubble level...).

Cheers!

Back from a wonderful, restful weekend attending an HDR workshop with Tony Sweet in Philly. I had been wanting to attend one of Tony's workshops for a long time and was fortunate to get into this one after being wait listed. I now know why all of Tony's workshops are booked up as soon as they get listed - Tony does a fantastic job of motivating his students while gently guiding us in the right direction.

I had not shot the graffiti under ground in the beautiful morning light so I was thrilled by the amazing colors that we had. A morning in the underground is enough to cure any level of stress - Its the kind of place that makes you forget where you were yesterday and helps you to be present in the here and now.

Cheers!

I was able to get away this weekend for a workshop in Philly that I had signed up for last January with Tony Sweet. The trip took twice the normal time due to traffic but no matter it was a gorgeous day. Got here in time to meet Tony for a few minutes and then wonder around to see what there is to see. Already I am in love with this place. There is so much potential for shooting street as well as urban stuff here - it is amazing.

Tomorrow morning we are off to shoot some graffiti before heading over to ESP. Its going to be a busy day!

Cheers!