Street Performer & Magician

I used to shoot every week. I shot with my 35mm Canon AE1 for about a year, and before that, my prized Canonet G3 QL17... those are still my favorite camera to this day. When I see pictures that I had taken with them, I have this strange feeling of nostalgia. I remember that day when I focused on the shot and being excited for what's to come of it a week or so later.

These are a few photos from the time my family and I visited Hollywood and Universal Studios.

Street Performers...

The Magician...

"Do you remember your card?..."

As I look back at these photos... I feel as though I can relate with this particular photo of the magician with my 35mm camera. I metered over and over again, I was on my toes, working from light and trying to become familiar with it. Remembering what ISO film I had in the camera, choosing my aperture and shutterspeed... then taking the shot. I felt like a magician with a light capturing magic hat. When I would get my film processed, it felt as though I was pulling a bunny out of my hat. Even I'm surprised at times. Capturing light is still magical to me.

With my Cousin

On her rooftop in Hoboken New Jersey

NJ&NY 2011

A view from Hoboken New Jersey into New York

Some people swear by the places they live. Where they grew up, where they've spent their lives. I've been to many cities and experienced many different cultures here in America. To me, there seems to be a pattern in the way people interact with each other. That if the population density is thicker, people tend to be more welcoming or friendly (depending on the context of the area, but I'm speaking in more possible innaccurate generalities). This is what I loved about New York. The people.

A few months ago, I flew to NYC to see my cousin get married. I grew up with him and I was able to spend a decent amount of time with my cousins while I was there. The day after the wedding, Kristine, took me into the glorious city and it was a thrilling experience. I wasn't able to take many photos because of the snow and the constant worry that my camera is bound to break soon. These are some of the photos I took on that trip.

Speaking of which, it snowed in NY while I was there.

The snow was cold. I had this great idea of lining my shoes with a plastic bag to prevent water from seeping in... it eventually did but I was so enthralled to be in snowfall that I forgot that it was cold at times.

We rode the NYC subway system.

We went to a Moraccan restautant. It was great.

That was Bryan

Brittany

Kristine

We took the subway back then walked again through the snow. Wet shoes and pants.

I had so much fun with my cousins. Thanks Bryan and Kristine for taking me out to see part of the city. Come to California!

My Niece

Aprille, Addie, and Francis

Plus one coming soon!