Today we go from one bridge to another. Though not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the Brooklyn Bridge, this decrepit railroad crossing in Casco Bay proved an interesting subject for photographic exploration. To get to the point at which this image was snapped, I had to carefully make my way, making sure to avoid rotten beams, out over the tranquil waters of Casco Bay roughly fifty yards...

Today we go from one bridge to another. Though not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the Brooklyn Bridge, this decrepit railroad crossing in Casco Bay proved an interesting subject for photographic exploration. To get to the point at which this image was snapped, I had to carefully make my way, making sure to avoid rotten beams, out over the tranquil waters of Casco Bay roughly fifty yards away from solid ground. Let me tell you, between the fog limiting visibility to barely 20 feet and the constantly creaking, half-rotten wooden structure, the trip out was quite nerve racking. As always, the treacherous journey turned out to be well worth it in the end. I couldn’t imagine a cooler way to present this dilapidated trestle than shrouded in a thick layer of fog. I will be anxious to hear your thoughts on this one!   

I know this shot has been taken countless times. The image has been permanently stamped into our minds. However, when you stand there in the shadow of these massive granite pillars, amongst the spider web of steel cables, listening to the traffic fly by a level below, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. This thing was built well over a century ago, and with little to no help it has...

I know this shot has been taken countless times. The image has been permanently stamped into our minds. However, when you stand there in the shadow of these massive granite pillars, amongst the spider web of steel cables, listening to the traffic fly by a level below, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe. This thing was built well over a century ago, and with little to no help it has withstood not only the test of time but also some of the harshest carriage, foot, and now motor vehicle traffic anywhere in the world. Take a moment and think about the engineering and brute labor that went into making this iconic crossing a reality. Humanity has proven, time and time again, that the impossible is within reach.

When one thinks about the Brooklyn Bridge, one tends to dwell on the beautiful stone towers, the staggering engineering achievement, or the historical importance of one of this countries most recognized spans. These are the same thoughts that filled my head as I composed the majority of my images. It always astounds me how important the photographer’s state of mind is to the final...

When one thinks about the Brooklyn Bridge, one tends to dwell on the beautiful stone towers, the staggering engineering achievement, or the historical importance of one of this countries most recognized spans. These are the same thoughts that filled my head as I composed the majority of my images. It always astounds me how important the photographer’s state of mind is to the final composition of each frame. Take this frame for example. I spotted this guy as Liz and I neared the Brooklyn end of our trek. Seeing him curled up in his winter coat (on a morning where I was dressed in shorts) lying on a cushy trash bag, which I am sure was filled with his entire wardrobe. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel remorse or pity. Instead a gentle smile crept across my face. Watching him lay so peacefully in the warm morning sun, rocked on a regular interval by the quiet din of the morning traffic, how can one not be a little envious. One of the things about New York that always strikes me is the dramatic and sometimes violent mix of culture and economic status. The affluent all rush from their skyward offices to eat their lunch only feet from the bearded transients crouched at the corner begging for change. Every step on a New York sidewalk is a new experience in the social structure of our country.

My girlfriend is awesome. Why you ask? Well, allow me to explain. This summer our fair Elizabeth is participating in a summer internship with UBS in Stamford, Connecticut. Pretty cool huh? Well, everything except the fact that the only housing UBS had available was in the financial district of Manhattan…a cool hour and half commute via subway and train away from Stamford. Due to this...

My girlfriend is awesome. Why you ask? Well, allow me to explain. This summer our fair Elizabeth is participating in a summer internship with UBS in Stamford, Connecticut. Pretty cool huh? Well, everything except the fact that the only housing UBS had available was in the financial district of Manhattan…a cool hour and half commute via subway and train away from Stamford. Due to this tedious commute she must rise and shine everyday at roughly 5 in the morning to make it in on time. Why is any of this relevant to this image? Well, all of you who get up early for work all week should appreciate this, when the weekend comes nothing short of an act of congress can get Liz out of bed before 9. However, despite the lack of legislation this image was captured at roughly 4:25 A.M. and you’ll never guess who was standing right next to me when I snapped the shutter. One of the New York landmarks I have always wanted to photograph, the Brooklyn Bridge was just too good to pass up being only a few minutes walk from Liz’s summer housing. Shooting this epic span, I ran into one of the most challenging problems any photographer faces when trying to take images in a city as photographed as New York. How the hell are you supposed to find a unique angle on a granite suspension bridge, which has been attracting lenses from all over the world for a little over a century? Uh…lie down in the bike path and get verbally accosted by packs of hardened New York cyclists at 4:30 in the morning. What a way to start the day! Take that Folgers!  

Well, I survived. The city that never sleeps proved to be one hell of a host. I decided I would start this series off with a shot of my favorite model. My darling and I spent the weekend strolling down quite side streets, dining outside, and winding our way through famous museums. I tell you…there is nothing like New York. The city has a pulse, a vivacious under current that sweeps you...

Well, I survived. The city that never sleeps proved to be one hell of a host. I decided I would start this series off with a shot of my favorite model. My darling and I spent the weekend strolling down quite side streets, dining outside, and winding our way through famous museums. I tell you…there is nothing like New York. The city has a pulse, a vivacious under current that sweeps you in and refuses to let you go. My only regret – and it’s a big one – is that I wasn’t able to focus as clearly as I hoped on my photographic pursuits. Perhaps it was my excitement to see Elizabeth, perhaps the over-stimulation of a city that truly never sleeps, or more likely both. Nonetheless, my initial fervor for penetrating views of America’s favorite town was sadly overshadowed. Make no mistake. My camera did most certainly make it out of the bag. However, I found it exceedingly hard to stray away from my wide angle. I mean come on! There is so much going on! How can you focus on just one thing!? Don’t worry, though. I assure you that I have gotten all of my tourist-happy sight seeing out of the way.