I wish I had brighter shots to post but most of my pics lately have been taken under darker conditions. Is it because of impending winter or is it a reflection of an inner darkness?

More like a smoke and a Mr. Softee milkshake for the newly married couple, sitting here on the steps of the New York Public Library.

I can’t look at a camera right now. (this is actually a self portrait)

I’m back in black.

I love color. Most people do. But it is definitely not my strength when it comes to my photography as I tend towards more monochromatic tones — black and white being my truest love. I guess my subconscious was craving a bit more of the rainbow even though my focus was on the little [...]

I see some strange things in the city. But there are different kinds of strange out in the country.

Mike and Annemarie took Manhattan yesterday. A truly beautiful couple, now in marriage, I was honored to help capture their love and the love of family and friends. Today, while I’m feeling a little fuzzy, it is a good kind of tired. (photo by paul)

We felt close to the clouds up in the Shenandoah mountains.

They just keep getting younger…

Last week was a much-needed trip to Shenandoah, Va. New York was very far away.

I had yet to see a NY parade… until last Friday. It was a doozy.

Hopefully this is a scary enough picture. It’s sometimes hard for me to overcome my cute, and sometimes sweet sensibilities.

Yesterday I went to the Museum of the City of New York to fulfill another artist date. With my growing fascination of New York’s history (also in the midst of reading The Fountainhead) I am much more aware of the buildings that surround me on my daily walks through the city.

From the photo archives.

After a day of classes and trade show gawking at this year’s PhotoPlus Expo I became a bit bleary-eyed. The shiniest part of the day was having dinner with my favorite college professor, Sue Bloom, whom I hadn’t seen in like, a lot of years.

Except for the leaves on the ground, it almost looks spring-like.

When times are tough, go and support your local salon.

I have started the Artist Way, which includes a series of exercises that will hopefully make me more creative. One of the lessons is to have an artist date with yourself once a week. It can be anything that you want but it should have a very personal meaning. This past week, I went [...]

Colder weather and shorter days make me feel a little bit sleepy.

Yes, I’m still experiencing some weird computer problems which is most annoying. Fortunately, I was able to walk away from them and observe a bunch of photography at the Art Director’s Club’s annual show. I’m all photo’d out now, so I thought I’d post an illustration on my blog instead of a photo. But [...]

A last minute trip came together perfectly. Yesterday a group of us waited in long lines to ride some of the most exciting roller coasters I’ve ever been on. I almost lost my glasses on more than one occasion and can barely comb thru my wind-blown hair, but what a blast. No pictures to [...]

So, blogs. About a year and a half ago, I was encouraged to design a website to showcase my portfolio. A blog soon followed, but it was for me, family and friends — a tool to keep my photography fresh. As the world of blogs evolve, they are becoming a greater selling tool for photographers [...]

While I experience frustrating technical difficulties with my workflow, I need something soothing to look at.

Until they become a gourmet dinner at Blue Hill.

After 6 plus hours of celebrating the marriage of Jeff and Erika, our abilities to capture a serious, tender moment faded.

The bus was late last evening but at least I had my camera to help pass some time.

My friend Marcos’s interview with me came at a really good time — http://www.marcossalazar.com/. Sometimes I feel I have a long way to go with my art, but I need to step back once in a while and acknowledge the things I have accomplished. You might recognize some of these images from previous blog [...]

Today was one of those days where I didn’t know what to post. Nothing really jumped out at me. Looking through my images I sometimes feel there is no common thread, although apparently, I do have a certain style. When I submit to contests, I’m never sure what to send in. Trying to categorize, [...]

So I didn’t have my ‘real’ camera walking down a west village street the other day, but iPhone to the rescue.

Actually a squirrel caught by my flash.

in a boat on the Potomac if you got that too…

I was also able to lunch with my sheep friends (and human friends) at Stone Barns, 30 miles up the Hudson.

At the end of this journey stands a most elegant memorial. From the ashes of an event so horrible and hateful to a renewal of soundness and life, this place is like no other — as individual as the people who died on 9/11/2001. My heartfelt and most sincerest thank you to all who [...]

Paul and I attended a swanky event last eve., posing as the press, of course. Free drinks, celebrity sightings, a spectacular view of the financial district and this intense bartender made the evening more than worthwhile.

Just your run of the mill scenic shot taken near the IKEA in Red Hook.

Hurricane Hanna did her thing, and while some of us got soaked and lost shoes in torrents of rain we are now looking forward to a peaceful, dry Sunday.

At first glance this photo has no real drama. But, the interest is definitely in the details. Every time I look at this picture I see something new.

About 5 minutes of pure bliss and 6 hours of after shocks.

The DC area finally got some much needed relief in the form of rain. While it interfered with my photo plans, I wasn’t going to whine about it too much.

A rare, but, if I might add, effective use of flash used on super star Frances.

Not much going on in the middle of this photograph, but top and bottom reveal a little more interest.

Sometimes having the camera annoys me because I can get lost in a moment and then think, “oh, I need to take a picture of this” and my special moment is lost in getting my camera and fixing my settings, etc. But then I get home and look at the results and find I [...]

Train or the Turnpike? I choose train. Gave my brain a rest from reality and got a lot of reading done on my trip home today.

big weekend of sailing.

Today was our first day of sailing lessons. We learned about luffing, beating and jibing. I also learned I’m still swaying even though I type this from terra firma.

After spending some of the afternoon in the steamy NYC subway system, I needed to look at something that would cool me off — not that I want winter back or anything.

Just a random people shot taken on the IKEA ferry back to Manhattan last Saturday.

Riding through tornado country in Ohio, my friend Jess and I suddenly became very nervous when we spotted this suspicious formation of clouds. Glad I had my camera and glad I’m here to talk about it :).

Some fancy duds on this lovely little lady. I love New York.

Ivan, clearly, was done with his breakfast.

I was in flight again today, this time returning from a very nice visit with my dear friend in Dayton, OH.

We were in Boston this weekend attending an opening at a gallery in which one of my photos was featured. Taking a break from the cramped gallery space, I spotted this Bulgarian beauty just outside, wearing my favorite color.

In the back of a cab the other night, I noticed that the low evening light really accentuated the hues of my lovely bruise. I think this sucker is going to be around awhile. Maybe I should give it a name. The cause of this monstrosity was…

Sometimes I wonder if I’m being too sly and underhanded sneaking photos of people without them knowing. But I like to think of it as simply capturing an honest moment. And yes, it is slightly blurry, but something I’m working on :).

This is probably the view if one has had too much to drink. Fortunately just my camera was that low to the bar.

For those of you that watch The Wire, this is probably a familiar sight. From the view of my train, I saw with my own eyes that these corners in Baltimore really do exist — and this particular one is for the taking. Mos def.

Yes, another pool shot, but I’m loving the late afternoon/early evening light.

My mom’s kitty feeling cozy in her tissue paper bed.

On a more temperate night last week, we rode our bikes up the Hudson and stopped at one of my favorite landmarks, or should I say watermarks. Float Bridge No. 4, built in 1911, transferred rail cars to barges. “One of the most significant marine structures remaining in the city… showed less inclination to [...]

From the overly air conditioned car of my train, I gazed at the hot, hazy scenery outside my window.

Kitty’s claws got trimmed today.

This little one has many names — fizzy, Ava Grace, monkey, dude, Dahlia (her real name, but only when she says). Here she makes her debut as the Little Mermaid.

One of the cute sights we saw in Connecticut over the weekend.

I could go on and on with these Tucson beauty shots, but I should probably get back to earth with some other subjects.

One of many amazing sights from my brother’s backyard.

As some may know, I’m a weather nut. Needless to say I was completely enthralled with the show the skies put on for me in Tucson.

This 4th of July weekend was spent at my brother’s house in Tucson. I have always wanted to experience the extreme heat of the desert during summer but temps only hovered around the high 90s. Good enough for me and thank goodness for swimming pools.

Just another day walking through the west village.

Yes, I’m having a fine time with this 14mm lens. Ernie wanted to check it out too and took a big sniff.

My dear friend Pamela has let me borrow her camera before I actually take the plunge and buy a 5D for myself. It’s a good sign that this camera is the one for me when I capture a shot like this.

When I first really ‘looked’ at this picture I took (the moment I clicked the shutter, I wasn’t sure exactly what I had captured) it totally reminded me of a photo one of my instructors took in Italy (and is now on the cover of his book, Movimento). While I can only aspire to [...]

Last night a bunch of us hit up an outdoor concert at the South Street Seaport. I was so enthralled with the setting and the people, I barely moved two feet from my seat.

Photo by Rob

Daniel, with the locks of love, doesn’t necessarily blend in to his surroundings — especially sporting this extra stylish getup while on Friday afternoon’s boat ride along the Potomac River.

This photo was taken a few years ago, but as you can see in a more recent photo posted in March, I attempted to recreate its look.

We capped our long journey home from Annapolis at the Corner Bistro, our friendly neighborhood pub where we devoured a rejuvenating meal of burgers and beers.

My brother and I decided to try video conferencing. Of course, we had to take pictures of the event.

Actually, yesterday was quite fair with hardly any foul except a few minor criticisms of a Polish version of Macbeth, viewed in a gorgeous open air theater under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge.

There are times when I know I should take a picture, but if I’m in a hurry, slightly distracted or just plain lazy, I often miss a golden opportunity. The other day, I managed to pause, pull out the camera and photograph the activity surrounding me. Probably one of the most photographed stations in the [...]

… and a clean kitty, who often escapes to the bottom of my laundry basket.

Well, actually a café up in Westchester where my friend Debbie’s work is beautifully displayed. The artist (pictured), my friend Pamela and I shared lunch and a relaxing afternoon together talking shop and taking in the gorgeous surroundings.

Last Saturday I had the distinct honor (and about 2 minutes) to photograph my friend’s daughter right before her graduation party.

Someone had set my G9 camera to shoot in sepia which turned out to be a refreshing switch from my usual color. Definitely a long exposure judging by the blurry figure in the foreground.

These little ones were having a grand time at my friend Elaine’s daughter’s graduation party last weekend, as was everyone else in attendance.

Last night I dreamt that my dad and I visited the memorial together. To get there we took an elevator from a very high floor of a tall building. It was a fast and fun ride down. When we stepped off the elevator, we were surrounded by shimmering pools of water broken up by [...]

It was so nice the other night to sit at Union Square and take in city life.

Last evening I shared drinks with an old friend at the Paramount Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The last time I was there was a few years ago when my dreams of moving to Manhattan were about to become reality. I took this photo back then, and while our room was smaller than a large [...]

More from the archives but fun to revisit this subject of hands in nature.

I love photography, but I spend a lot of time indoors in front of a computer editing and marketing the work I’ve done. Maybe, at some point I’ll be at a higher place, but I might as well enjoy the climb.

Pretty view, pretty restaurant, generally pretty people, and pretty food could all be found last Saturday evening at the Old Hickory Steakhouse in National Harbor, MD.

Our last stop before heading back to NY was a visit with Paul’s brother’s family.

I decided to use the fringe on an old lamp as hair on one of my classmates while in Cape May to help pass some time.

It’s rare to come across someone as giving and photogenic as this guy.

During our tour around Wildwood, NJ, we saw a lot of fancy cars and blue metal palm trees.

It all began last Friday afternoon — a NY celebration of bdays and best friends. Monday afternoon finds me tired and hungover in an empty apartment, but with many delicious memories.

Wandering around Wildwood, NJ, during the off-season one will find an abundance of empty swimming pools. Diana, my model du jour, and I made the best of the situation.

Today marks my 365th post — one year’s worth of pictures.

While the weather held out for our photo workshop yesterday in Cape May, NJ, we weren’t as lucky today.

Nothing too adventurous about this photo, but to me, the Peony is IT. Today, in the morning light, I was enthralled by my purchase of peonies. The longest used flowers in ornamental culture, they are delicate, rare, seasonal, and soaked with an alluring scent.

It was a busy and productive weekend, at least for some of us…

These cold rainy days are getting real old. The first warm, sunny day I’m taking a leisurely walk to get my favorite dark chocolate ice cream down on Bleecker St.

This is a favorite from the archives. The rainbow color on the windows is real — I think a combination of mist and sun reflected on the glass. I did, however, enhance the color slightly in Photoshop for emphasis.

My bro gives my mom a quick lesson in the use of chopsticks at a favorite dim sum restaurant.

Sunglasses, iPhone (w/headphones), purse, camera and furry tote bag.

This past weekend I was on the road again, visiting friends who allowed me to photograph them in their homes for a project I’m working on. It was raining outside of Abe’s house and available light was difficult to come by but I think I captured a moment in the life of a man who [...]

As some may know, I’m not a big fan of (human) feet but I have been learning how to embrace them ever so slightly. They have to be pretty nice looking feet to be posted on my blog, however, and these are some of the nicest.

Slightly jet-lagged, I felt like I was in another world at the Holiday Inn in St. Louis last week. The smell of chlorine and humid air trapped by the ceiling added to my overall displacement. I secretly wished my room faced this indoor playroom, but you can’t have it all. (I’m not exactly sure [...]

At approximately 8:30 a.m. yesterday morning in a factory in Missouri, the last 4 benches of the 184 total for the Pentagon Memorial were formed. Poured from 3,000 degree molten ferralium (titanium equivalent) the hardened benches will be polished and shipped to their final destination in Arlington, Virginia.

Always good times with my thirsty friends, Deb and Dina. The table we sat at was illuminated which was a bit annoying but I like the results in this photo.

What a wonderful thing to be able to photograph my dear friend Elaine and her beautiful kids.

Paul’s niece, Frances, about to embark on a super taste sensation.

Always looking for people and things to photograph I seem to have hit a slow spot. So I turn to myself in a dirty public restroom. At least my nose, which I’ve never been a huge fan of, is conveniently hidden.

Just one of those moments when I notice a special kind of light.

A pleasant treat awaited me at my mom’s house last week… her home made enchiladas.

As I learn more and more about the history of NYC and the surrounding area, I always try and imagine what it would have been like a mere 200 years ago. From historical accounts, the area was teeming with wild life and there was this amazing, unmistakable floral scent. Oysters a foot long could be [...]

Ernie was so relaxed, he didn’t realize he was slipping off my lap. This pic was a tad difficult to take, but thanks to the simplicity of the iPhone, I was able to capture the moment.

Somewhat similar in nature to my previous blog post and just as fun to photograph. I realize he’s without arms, but I love the dust coming off his shoes and the light reflecting off his hat.

Taken from my table on the second floor of Merkato 55 last night in the west village.

Last night we went to Fette Sau to “pig” out on some amazing bbq. Once our food coma set in, I pulled out the camera. Lately, I’ve been shooting from the hip (avoiding looking through the viewfinder) and it seems that people react differently to the camera. I like the look on Josh’s face (pictured, [...]

Ernie usually gets all the limelight but its about time Sammy Sam got some too.

But sausages. Vienna Sausages (said to contain riboflavin). Dedicated to my friend Kelly.

The lovely lady is my grandmother. My mom and I recently went through a collection of old photographs, and this one is my favorite. What modern camera can take a picture like this? And, at the time this was taken, photographs were usually posed whereas this image capture was more spontaneous. There is hint of [...]

Always on the lookout for bright, shiny objects, I spotted this little heart of glitter in the middle of a pocket of filth on the sidewalk. As I was taking a closer look at it, someone stopped next to me thinking I had dropped something, but when I tried to explain I thought this would [...]

Taking advantage of the soft afternoon light I shot this slightly overexposed photograph (intentionally) just a few minutes ago. Making the bed is never really an option when the cats have fresh-out-of-the-dryer sheets to play in.

This was taken a couple of Fridays ago as our plane was being de-iced. Miraculously we took off (and landed) with ease, but a bright warm sunny day is the stuff of dreams right now.

This gorgeous cocktail table (or coffee table, depending on your preference) is almost done. Courtesy of my bro, this priceless bday gift will soon find its way into my living room.

Photo courtesy of Rob Ploger.

I picked up my black and white film from the lab yesterday (one of the rare labs left that still develop b/w film). I took about 600-700 digital color photos during my last trip to AZ but only two rolls of 36 with black and white film (I’ll talk about editing in a future post). [...]

In keeping with yesterday’s post, here is another shadow shot. BTW, taking pictures with a heavy camera while riding a horse is a little on the difficult side. I’m just glad my horse, Notch, kept her cool.

My brother’s cat, June, found a yummy crumb on the table. Her shadow looks kind of like a bunny. I like bunnies.

Fuzzy portrait of my brother, Rob.

The Lazy K Bar Guest Ranch in Tucson, AZ, has many unusual smells particularly for a city dweller like me.

It’s back to the cold after a warm vacation out west.

 Phoenix to Tucson today, on a bus (not running).

Leaving the snow behind, I find myself in the southwest again to visit friends and my bro (pictured).

Generally, it was a crappy ride down to DC until I witnessed this amazing sky.

The trip home is always long, but I just made the train and spent minimal time out in the blustery cold.

Weekends usually mean at least one breakfast at Le BonBonniere, a scruffy diner in the west village. This “temple of grease” attracts movie stars and average folks like ourselves.

Our room at the Sagebrush Inn, Taos, N.M.

…and the people who dared to photograph him. This guy and his buds were at Coney Island to watch the Polar Bears do their thing.

I haven’t posted a food shot in a while. As much as I have been avoiding all ‘fast’ food I will make the occasional exception. This was my lunch on xmas day. It tasted about as good as it looked, which isn’t saying much.

A trip to the West Side Rifle Range, hidden in the middle of Manhattan, was like visiting another world.

Tonight will be the opening night of a gallery show featuring a variety of work from up and coming artists, including five (5!) works of my own. Come to the HPGRP gallery to see!

Not an artsy shot but relevant. I spotted this cute couple the night before the big game.

Today my photo group took a tour of Grand Central Terminal (if you call it a station you’d actually be referring to its original name pre 1913 or the current post office nearby). We learned lots of interesting historical facts. Back in the late 1950s, in order to bring in revenue to a struggling depot [...]

Another bday for the record books. I was trying to think of something deep and meaningful to write for this post — how bdays are great but suck, etc. I’m over it. Simply put, I had my gin (with one olive), cards and notes from all my loving friends and family, and that was just [...]

Little kitty, here, dismembered his red mousy toy. So it was off to the pet store to find a red (aren’t cats supposed to be color blind?), real fur, mousy that rattled, or else. I had turned into the dog owner in the movie Best In Show that had to have the Busy Bee. The [...]

As I am attracted to all things clear, this frozen grate on the grounds of the Saint Francis Cathedral in New Mexico captured my attention.

Photographing while inside of a moving car does not particularly yield good photographs. Undaunted, I clicked away, using the condensation on my passenger window as a filter.

I went to Wal-Mart for the first time ever and Nazar captured the moment perfectly.

This is probably one of the pics that I shot literally from my hip. I love how there is tension around the bottom of the photo. Technically its bad to ’see’ any sign of the photographer in a shot but what the heck. All the things that are wrong seem right to me in this [...]

This statue outside the Saint Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe, NM had an eerie light around it. Other religious icons in and around the church also had an air of creepiness. Is it intentional or is it just how I see it?

Yikes. I never intended to go so long without a blog post. Apologies. Maybe it had something to do with being completely transfixed by the New Mexico scenery over the past few days…

After a long day of travels our group has all convened in Taos, N.M.

In keeping with my southwest theme, this is a pic from an excursion to Plaza Blanca, or as Georgia O’Keeffe dubbed it, “the White Place.” A little off the beaten path, the sandstone cliffs and bleached rock formations feel otherworldly. Over exposing the shot emphasizes its natural brightness (I meant to do that ;).

I have winter on the brain. This photo, courtesy of guest photographer Rob Ploger, was taken last year after a rare snowfall in Tucson.