Night Desert - Rain is one of the most useful photography tools in urban settings. It naturally adds contrast to your scenes and reflections where they usually don't exist. On a dark, cold rainy night, this gentleman returning his nozzle to the pump at this gas station added that extra bit of human interest to an already stark scene set before me.
All The Blue - I went on an adventure to explore blue skies more in 2021. Through all the seasons, the time of day I have most available for photography is when the sun is high and the sky is clear. Combined with a tin building trying to match the sky's tones successful scenery can be found!
Glass and Light - The mirror effect of so many surfaces in street photography can completely transform a scene within minutes. Here I was on this late summer afternoon, chasing the light. The clouds I could see setting in the distance, coming out almost reluctantly after the rain. Then of course I get to this intersection on Portland's waterfront. The opportunity to refocus my intentions brought all the elements I was chasing together perfectly. The light, the traffic, the heavy rain clouds and the late afternoon retreating light.
Contrasted Lines - If you have ever walked by someone with a camera pointed in a location that looks like nothing interesting is happening, believe me there is something lovely in that frame. On this occasion, I was looking to catch the various layers of this building, then as I was framing it up, I noticed the birds flying over. Waiting for one of them to come into frame took some time but added some great interest.
Bayleys Ice Cream - There are some curious buildings around town and many of them look stunning to me under the right light. These shots are inspired by another photographer's work; Nick Carver. I love the classic look, ironic colors and seasonal interest from these shots. More of them will pop up from time to time.
Static Movement - This bike was my companion during a late afternoon shoot. I found that while the light was blaring and people were exploring Portland from the angle of the street I was standing on, I noticed everything but this beautiful Harley sitting right below me. I was break the street photography rule of scrolling through my shots when my eyes focused on a truck rolling by the front of this bike - that's what brought this image to life. Doing what I was not supposed to.
Long Shadow Day - This may be one of my favorite places to photograph in Portland, I love the way the light hits the buildings at sunset and the steeple from the church sitting between these two. I come back anytime I am in town around this time, wondering if there is anything a little interesting going on that can change the way this scene looks in picture.
Winter's Corner - I come back to this corner every now and again often times just to try out new camera gear, sometimes on a night when I have a feeling something interesting could exist due to the conditions. The wet surface and rushing lights meant this building was lit up beautifully and I was more than happy to take it all in.
Cloud Tracks - Follow the path to the sunset. Portland, ME has a skyline brimming with facades from another age. Coincidentally, many of the brick buildings are also draped in the perfectly contrasting colors and tones of a bright blue sky. Add a sunset like this one and clouds showing their intent and the perfect photographic cocktail is mixed.
The Classic - In the early fall of 2020, I had ideas in my mind of photographic ornate brick facades around Portland. Sadly I was in the middle of a creative slump. Work was particularly busy and I found myself too tired at the end of the day to turn my mind on for photography. One evening, I was sitting on my porch drinking a beer and decided, grab the camera, one lens, and go catch the late afternoon in the Old Port. I hadn't taken a photo in weeks, I stepped out of my car, changed my camera settings to where I remember them working for this time of day and took this shot as a test. I walked away with it being my favorite of the day.
Blue Reflections - The sky and the water with wonderful tones is fantastic. Shadowy days along Portland's Old Port is great to saunter around and take a look at. Sometimes a scene that's pleasurable to the eye doesn't make for a good photo, but the working wharfs of the Old Port don't fall under that category.
Burning Morning - I caught this sunrise by chance. I woke up thinking I would go out to catch a few snaps, but I had no idea where I would go to. I hit the Old Port parked my car and started walking. Then as the light poured through, against this raw architectural surface, I was reinvigorated out of my creative slump. This moment right here is why sunrise never disappoints.
Brick and Sky - Pointing the lens up towards the corner of a building is something I never get tired of. While I was standing around warming up for the day, I noticed this cloud creeping between this scene, lined the shot up, and snapped away.
Bayleys Fried Clams - In the middle of winter, after a few strong snow storms, I braved the cold on a dark evening to this clam shack. The sky is open and clear, not disturbed by any light and with the parking lot full of folks waiting for the food they purchased the scene was set
Beach Barn - Old Orchard Beach, ME is an interesting spot. The beach spans forever with hotels and motels spilling off the edge of the sand. Every few buildings or so, happens to be a bar/restaurant. This one during a golden lit morning, with it's very classic look and feel, painted in colors expected from a time past and that single sconce was such an appealing composition.
Lean on Me - One of the easiest ways to get around any city, and yet finding a safe haven for the intervals between use can be a bit tricky. I pass this bike regular on my jaunts through town, and I am tempted to photograph it every time. The curve of the handle bars in their powder blue dressing against the rigid tough brick is too much contrast to resist.
Bloom Street - Springtime really brings a neighborhood alive. My wife and I spent every afternoon we possibly could exploring the streets around our house. We went down the streets we didn't know and gazed upon the houses we never noticed before. But this perfectly lit classic home was an absolute homerun!
Commerical Gas - I drove past this gas station once while the snow was falling and noticed the bright glow in the background from the snow accumulating. Unfortunately I did not have my camera gear with me at the time. So, I returned one night after we had a few snowfalls and captured this in the brutal cold. How strange it must have been to see someone snapping away at this shot in the dead of winter at night.
The Old Port - I don't often take the chance to catch the sun blasting away on the Portland skyline. While the light was perfect on this mid winter afternoon, the windy conditions coupled with my need to throw a long lens on and zoom in to get the well lit details made for a difficult adventure. It was a beautiful afternoon, the sky was full of color, the waves were crashing, but I just couldn't bare the cold gust filled wind against my back. The reward was this shot!
COVID-19 has restricted most of my street photography to the closest city to me; Portland, ME. That said, being in a city I know well has given me an opportunity to reconnect with the randomness and vitality of street photography. People, where we live and how we interact with our environments create these unique, if even fleeting moments. I think as a photographer, my duty is to document these phenomena, to offer us perspective as our culture grows!