Category Archives: Essay

Photographic Intent: Making vs. Discovering

I’m asking all 2 Guys Photo readers to settle a dispute, one that’s been rolling around in my head for a while now.  It has to do with photographic intent, the notion of being deliberate in the manner in which … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

And on a lighter note… the power of GRATITUDE

A friend once told me that she keeps a ‘gratitude journal’ on her night stand and that she never goes to bed without writing down all of the things from the day that she was grateful for.  My first instinct was … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Aunt Mary’s

“This is the spot, pull in here please.” It rose up inside of him.  He hadn’t expected it.  Just the mere sight. “15… no 16 years.  It’s been 16 years.” The Town Car halted in the shadows of the banner. … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

When one bad apple does spoil the whole bunch…

There’s more to the story, I’m sure.  The whole Ray Rice, Commissioner Roger Goodell, Baltimore Ravens kerfuffle story that is.  There’s almost always more to the story… … but let’s move past the issue of how and why the gladiator mentality … Continue reading

Posted in Essay | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

wet plate memories

According to the seers at wikipedia (see here for even more details): “The collodion process is an early photographic process, invented by Frederick Scott Archer. It was introduced in the 1850s and by the end of that decade it had almost entirely replaced the … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

A Cloistered Life

It’s an annual rite, an obligation actually.  I depart from my life to unplug and renew for a few days, to retreat. This year, I chose something a little different.  I decided to live among a cloistered community of Catholic … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

PLEASE Do NOT Read This Blog…

… if it keeps you from taking pictures.  In other words, what he said.

Posted in Essay | Tagged , | Leave a comment

I stand alone

I am never late for breakfast.  Or lunch or dinner or medical appointments.  I am never late for anything for that matter.  I was always punctual by nature, but was never quite so mindful of the clock, that is, until … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Are you a trimmer or a sculptor?

Spring has made way for summer, and with that change come all the rituals and chores that summer brings.  Amongst these is the task of maintaining the yard, and specifically, the shrubs. Now this is something I actually enjoy doing, … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The aftermath of a bad decision

Not long ago, we, and just about every other blog, website and media outlet, reported on the firing of the entire photography staff by the Chicago Sun-Times, and that they were being replaced by reporters armed with iPhones. My first … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Now I know why they call it “The Moving Wall”

This past weekend, The Moving Wall, a half scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC, came to a local cemetery. Having never seen either the original or The Moving Wall, I stopped by to take a look. … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

One of my favorite portraits

Orlando was our guide.  When we first laid our eyes upon him, we judged the book by its cover and thought, “no… not him… anybody but him” as the guides were lining up and considering which of the wasichus they … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Travel | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Weekend inspiration: John H. White responds

National Public Radio interviewed Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist, and former Chicago Sun-Times employee, John H. White. If you found yesterday’s post interesting, (and from the activity, it appears you did), then you’ll want to read what Mr. White had to … Continue reading

Posted in Essay | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Photojournalists Fired! What it tells us…

Last week, the Chicago Sun-Times abruptly fired all 28 of their photojournalists. Included amongst these professionals was Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun-Times photographer John H. White. The rationale behind this decision is economic: like most newspapers, circulation at the Sun-Times is off … Continue reading

Posted in Essay | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments

Courage, Faith and Love

Today is Memorial Day in the United States, when we commemorate those who served and sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Dedicated to their countrymen, committed to their cause, Selfless, strong and focused, in spirit, mind and core. … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Decisions, decisions

9 to 5 was the furthest thing from reality for Carl. His day was more of a 7 to 7, and a lunch break was a treat enjoyed about every third Friday. Under-supported and under-staffed, his firm relied on him … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Thoughts, prayers and “the full weight of justice”

Thoughts: How could this happen, in my city, on such a beautiful day, Patriot’s Day, and at one of the most revered sporting events in the country, the Boston Marathon?  Why would anyone want to hurt innocent people, simply enjoying … Continue reading

Posted in Essay, Images | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments