What I See in the Street

Not sure if I will ever make it to become a street photographer… I am so bashful to break the ice with strangers. It is a challenge for me to approach a stranger and ask for permission to take their photos. However, what’s happening and what’s displayed in the street seem so fascinating to me.

beautiful Portland waterfront

Street photography is mostly relating to people and their social content. If I just walk down the street, glance at people and keep going, I won’t have any emotional contact with them and they are no impact on me.  It is a completely different scenario when I have a camera in hand and people in the street are my subjects.

It was almost a ten hours walk in Portland downtown area.  Portland is the largest city in Oregon and the most representation of a mix of northwest casual, contemporary, cultural and particularly its unique fashion and lifestyle. Some said that Portland has fashion style of its own. For the most part, I tend to agree. Liberation and free spirit are definitely well pronounced here.  And, among everything else, it is a beautiful city.

travel High

Street photos strike me the most are the ones illustrating the reality, the grim part of life in the street. And, the unmeasurable resources of artistic talents, all sorts and for all purpose. As I am not very good to reach out people to shoot their portraits, I had my zoom lens with me in order that I can peek from distance.  It is also due to my previous job training, I tend to look at design aspect and looking for fine design mind. Speaking from creative prospect, I am also interested in lifestyle shots. What I mostly show here is the general lifestyle, something I found interesting, funny, informative or purely to get you to smile.

We took train to Portland and started our walk from Union Station.  Inside the lobby, I noticed this lady standing in the line in high heels, the casual wedge, but still, high. It is a bit to carry while traveling, not the casual Northwest style (sneakers, moccasins, backpacks) that I often see. But again, I have not travelled internationally for a while and I am too out of date.

This lady's outfit reminds me of layers in Photoshop. I am so dedicated to photography now that I did not first think about layers from wardrobe aspect, I thought about layers in photoshop! How much I have changed since I left fashion industry. I like how she has drapery look skirt going with contrast laced ruffles and down to the boots with echoed curve, and the boots on cobber stone sounds classic. Here is a typical street fashion style. Is my busy mind wandered too far?

Worked in fashion industry for more than a decade, I like to know what's trendy and what not, but I believe, key is to choose the styles best fit for yourself. It can make yourself a joke if you purely go by the trend. To me, I like to watch how people dress themselves because a person's outlook, in most of the case, well represents his/her personality.

In front of the large window with trendy orange red tassels, I think highlight of her hair color looks beautiful. I don't care for tattoos, but I actually think that subtle touch of dragon graphic pairs the curve of her hair. Beige demure dress with yellow dots balance the exotic portion of the look. And, cozy sunlight was lightly toasting her hair... My eyes were glued on her the moment when I saw her. She has a bike with orange and yellow stripes. She wore yellow bracelet and earrings....

Eugene has excellent bike path, along the river, too. In this May perfect temperature weather, biking is absolutely rejuvenating and same in Portland. Whenever I see people jogging or biking, I feel there is hope for the future. People want to be fit and are making efforts to remain physically fit.  When I was young, I rode bike to school because that was the only transportation tool besides bus.  My father rode bikes to wherever he wanted to go because there was no automobile affordable to middle class people then.

And now, bike becomes a trending exercise device, a cure to people who are usually sitting too much in the car or in front of the computer. Our future is for us to go back to the past, to paddle the simple wheels.

Back to the Past

Excessive meat consumption is not healthy and now we are going back to the basics, eat more grain for more fiber. Instead of juicy steaks, we are now yearning to have oatmeal and wheat bread with coarse fiber, originally poor folk's meal.

Iphone invention has changed the world and still dominating people's heart and mind in daily life. Couples do not stare at each other at a restaurant any more, they are busy looking at their phones.  I was sitting with a young and loving couple on the return train. They behaved like newly wed, but Iphones are surely something neither of them willing to completely surrender.

Texting while biking

Myself included, I would not go out of the door without my android phone. So is the guy in this image. How much longer do you think she would remain her patience till he is done with his texting?

I bet if we randomly walk into a store with customers and we will see at least 80% of them are looking at their phones.  I was in a coffee shop to rest my feet.  Two Spanish soccer teams were playing against each other.  Guys were cheering and yelling, then, there was usually a pause before another applause came back again. You know what the pause is about.... they are worshiping their phones.

Many talented musicians start their debut performance in the street. While I am writing now, I can imagine there are hundreds of them are now playing at New York Time Square and corners of Fifth Avenue off other side streets. In the past when I traveled to New York, I would rather walk down the streets to enjoy street talent shows than to dress up going to Broadway shows or museums.

passion

It is not hard to bring an old violin or guitar, find a traffic spot and start to play. But if the goal sets only the small changes from the pedestrians, it might not be as fun for the money collectors and neither the audience. Musical instrument does not produce pleasing music if the player does not have the persona like a true musician, like this guy pictured. He has that chiseled chin and bony face, long mustache and wrinkled hat, a resonate of an artist.

the Musician

Several years ago, a famous musician dressed like an everyday civilian and played his guitar at New York subway...People walked by, dropped the coins in his guitar case all day long, but nobody recognized this famed musician.

I had a good and fun job being the new product development manager for years. Fashion and market research being my imperative duty, I have spent lots of hours inside high end department stores, boutiques in posh district and branded shoe stores. The products I was in charge are men (mostly) and women's leather accessories. Men's leather goods trend is often first applied on shoes, then goes to belts. So I got into a habit to shop shoe stores. When I passed through the airports, I looked at men's belts and shoes. I also checked out women's shoes and handbags.

At Keen store, I was barely able to examine all the creative displayers there in a short twenty minute stop. Not only that they used Chevrolet rear fender as the back of the bench, the sitting area is the design of a keyboard. Chairs used to try on shoes are made from colored oil barrels. They also have ceiling high shoe displays operated by a turning wheel. Keen's shoes feature casual and sustainable. Industrial flare of all these metal merchandisers are perfect fit.

Chevrolet keyboard 

Such details may be nothing to street photographers, but meaningful to me. An innovative design mind is how we can enjoy so many choices of everything in our life today.

It is not by coincidence that I was drawn to shoot the lady with red hair above. It is her fashion statement caught my attention and she happened to stand in front of that store window decorated with fashion colors and details.

Traditional diners are often older or intentionally decorated like an old timer. There are plastic red and yellow bottles of ketchup and mustard on the table. Plastic water glass is dripping wet in and out. Waitress in short skirt and white socks came by immediately when you sit down, nostalgic, familiar, friendly and fast-paced.

Portland Penny Diner sign caught my eyes. It is contemporary, tidy and welcoming. One penny coin is fabricated with laurel section raised. Laurel makes me think of a winner. The coin is perpetually turning 360 degree that draws people's attention and also symbolizes of constant flow of the  clients. The sign makes me wanting to go in. I bet their table is clean and not sticky.

So much to discover in the street. Resources and talents are endless. I bet that I can walk down the street every day and discover new things every day.  Hopefully one day I will be more gutsy to ask people to take their pictures. I believe most people are happy to be photoed.  It is up to me to take that step.

Calm and not

Ever since I did my first ‘painting’, I was infected with painting fever throughout the whole week.  I looked at many of my pictures and imagined how they will look when they are all turned into painted images. I made many attempts to paint pictures after pictures, and guess what, I ended up deleting most of them.

I realized that there is a learning curve to go through, slowly and patiently.  If art can be produced within a time frame and at speed, then it may not be the art piece worth pursuing.  Try and error. Through the experiment of using different brushes, I have now a better idea which brush to choose for certain types of pictures and what pictures are better choice for painting. For the fact, I so love to learn new things, I am very content in the process.  I am well aware myself that I will be challenged by my patience and bonded by being a perfectionist. Some day I will find my balance. Hope it won't take too long.

Too much sitting in front of computer. On Saturday, I decided that I need to stay away from my camera and computer for change.  I want to leave my house WITHOUT a camera. How did I do that? We went out for a 1-1/2 hour bike ride along river bike path. I brought only my HTC android and a water bottle. This was the first bike ride since we stored our bikes away last fall. I thought we would only do a warm-up ride, but we ended up riding longer than the plan.  It is a nice feeling that we are in good shape. Not only that, we took a different route and went into an area that we have never been, a natural wildlife area with a vast green forest and bird's haven. It is within city limit. 

This new (to us) path is embraced by lines of thriving evergreen and wild flowers. Birds, lots of them, are opening their throat and singing. They cruised high in the air, dived quickly by me and vanished in split second before I could identify them.  I can hear their beautiful voice but visual is impossible. And the river, I saw sunshine sparkles on water and the white silhouette in distance, the egrets.  Varieties of geese and ducks are a sure thing in the area. There were joggers, couples, mom and the stroller, woman with a dog and bikers. So many photography subjects, but I did not have my camera. I had my moment of regret but I was immediately reconciled with myself that this was exactly what I intended. I breathed in fresh air mixed with a bit of toast smell from the sun. Calm, comforting and soothing.

I thought about the image taken one week ago at our family cabin.  Water is calm and clear down to the bottom. Few floating clouds add some white tint to blue sky, a little enhancement, but not a churning drama. And the lonely dock, quiet but inviting.

Down on one of my regular walk path to take a picture for the magazine.  The path is shady, nice for a cool and peaceful walk in summer time, but not a good choice for pictures.  But I found some wild flowers that I have not noticed before. A small streak of light quietly shone through the branches and showered the flower. I felt the share of cozy sunlight and surreal peace.

Often time I found small flowers have more intricate details and make more interesting images. Large flowers like Rhododendron, Peony and Iris are striking to the eyes, good to be pictured in larger portion but not my favorite flower subjects.  I just like to pry the intricacy and secrecy of small flowers.

Husband of a couple friend that I often saw and chatted just died from an accident. There was no drastic natural disaster or serious car accident. It was an unexpected and unfortunate incident. They were enjoying their family weekend at the coast. A large wave suddenly roared in and drenched his mother. While he tried to pull his mother away from the hazard, an approximately 40 feet long and 1 feet diameter log came loose from the stack and fell on him... a fragile human life was taken.

Pondering what shall I say to her, I'd dragged a few days before I went to see her. The moment I saw her, I was overwhelmed by the poignant grief on her face. I gave her a big and long squeeze and we melted down together. Even when I am writing now, I still have hard time controlling my emotion for the loss. Below is not an extra-ordinary image, but it so accurately portraits my current state of mind. I thought of her, the helpless wife and two girls, and how they will begin to overcome the fresh wound and get back to normal.

Stepping Out of Box

Flowers and birds are created in such a vast variety and beauty that I am often down on my knee to try ing to capture every bit of fine details. The more I dig in, the more I am obsessed. It is just so fascinating.

April rain does bring May flowers. They are popping left and right. Day is getting longer, but for the amount of flowers blooming at the same time, I certainly don’t feel I am gaining more time in a day. Up to this day, most of my photos are still snap shots. Close-up flower shots require more concentration, time and patience. I cannot quickly aim and click the shutter. My passion is nourishing my patience.

I can be hours into the shooting without thinking about time. By the time when I think about quitting, I can barely stand up and that paralyzed feeling lingers. Just this last week, I found out that two pairs of my jeans have holes on the knees… It darned on me that I need a break, a break from single macro flower shots that has enslaved me since I had my macro lens. I have invested too much of my time on one aspect while there are whole wild world waiting for me to explore. Time for me to step out of the box.

And yet, flower season is on. I can not miss the opportunity to shoot flowers, but I need a change. Instead of one single flower to fill the frame, I want to bring in more and think more about composition and artistic aspect. On another note, I have also been tossing around the thought about painting. I have no talent drawing or painting. That’s why I am taking pictures.  But I seem not be able to let go the thought of painting particularly now I am exploring Photoshop and its painting capability is quite amazing. Besides, my blog is about exploring something new or even something presumed impossible, why not just to give it a try.  You just never know. Often times I looked back at my life, I realized how God has worked in my life and helped me to accomplish so much that I would otherwise never dream of it. I come to a conclusion: If God is willing, everything is possible.

So I watched a few tutorials and I began to play with the Brush in Photoshop. I think I can at least paint over the pictures I have taken. It won’t be the original oil painting or water color, but at least I can get a hang of it. I want to experiment something new, something that I have never done it before.

Cinco de Mayo, a holiday to celebrate Mexico's military victory in Puebla that both Americans and Mexicans celebrate, was just here. Thinking of Mexico, I first think about salsa and fiesta. I think about this spicy culture with loud Latin music and salsa dance at fiesta. I envision confetti flying out of piñata while children are cheerfully picking up fallen candies and toys. 

Fiesta

They also reminds me of my days sitting in the restaurant at South Beach, Miami watching the chef stirring a big pot (more like a large wok) of paella right in front of me while romantic Latin guitar music was playing in the background. People love to go out and have a drink after all day work at trade show, but I would rather play solo to enjoy the peace and ambiance.

I freshly remember that I just walked to Versace Mansion at South Beach to admire its fashioned architecture and owner's glamour. The next thing I knew, Gianni Versace was murdered in front of his mansion where I just passed by a week earlier... I know I have good reasoning to enjoy life and do more, not less. I am retiring from working, not from having a life.

When I went back to tulip farm this last time, I particularly locked my macro lens in the truck. When my most favorite option is not an option, I started to pursue alternatives. I pointed my camera from all angles, made some unusual attempts and I had a great time. With experimental mind, I picked up the brush, the digital version in Photoshop and painted it. Oh, my goodness, I am painting. I have looked at this image multi times. It is out of norm, but I like it. Isn't that all about? If the picture is not intended for commercial purpose, what matters to the author is the most important. 

Yielding

Scary but it is real. Photography is changing my life. I am taking it in whenever and whatever it comes. I am seeing the beauty and opportunities everywhere. I feel a new life just began and I am not living like a retiree.  Life is too precious, too versatile and too fun for me to kick back and sit on the rocking chair... at least, not yet.

I was sitting on the dirt ground to take this shoot. Not as long as taking macro shots, but it was a while I was pursuing different angles. When I was ready to get off the ground, I raised my camera and I spotted an older man’s face in the live view. He apparently had been watching and investigating my doing on the ground. I felt a bit silly and I heard, “did you finally get what you want?” I saw a pity on his face, and immediately it turned into a big smile. 

Lilac Dream

I have made three attempts to plant lilac in my yard, but all failed. It is all because of the ‘residents’ in our neighborhood. They are called ‘deer’ (no ‘s’ for plurals).  The color and fragrance of lilac is such an attraction to me that I tried it the fourth time except that I had it fenced in this time.  The flowers bloomed last year the first time and again this year in bigger way.

The flowers are fairly small. I ended up having to use my macro lens again, but my focus is not on one single flower. I thought to try Focus Stacking to make all flowers tack sharp, then I decided that is not my taste. I still like the dreamy and soft look. I believe all image needs to have a focal point. Everything we do and everything we say need to have a point. 

My physical adventure days will gradually be coming to an end, but I think I can still engage my adventurous endeavor through a camera and a digital brush to fulfill the dream in my bucket list.  Creativity can be applied in a different level and can be expanded to all things which only a human mind and exploration spirit are required. I am finding my satisfaction and joy here and that’s all what matters.

Painting over pictures must be easier than painting from scratch and by hand, but it still cannot be done without patience. I am lack of patience and I don't have any painting experience. However, this is exactly why I am doing this exercise.

I am impatient to paint slowly and thoroughly. On the other hand, I have hard time to stand imperfection. This will get really interesting to watch myself battling against patience and perfection. I am game regardless.

American Spirit

Committed to a volunteer help on Friday night, I was dragging the idea to get up early on Saturday morning and drive on freeway for 1-1/2 hour for the event – MS Walk fund raise.  However, when the day came closer, my heart was leaping and I felt it difficult to resist my urge to participate.  I seemed to hear a voice saying, “follow your heart”. So I signed up and went for it.

Event location is at Riverfront Park in Salem. Participants will be walking along river path and the streets nearby. I thought I will be shooting while they are walking, possibly in the rain, too.  It does not seem very exciting from photography point of view. But my goal is to record the event, not to have fun, I am cool with that.

The morning was cloudy and cold. Volunteers just had registration booth set up. Some merchants were displaying their products. I was a bit surprised to see a full crew of a high school music band there, too. People started to show up for registration. There was one line, two lines, multiple lines and the lines got longer. This is a much bigger event than I anticipated.

Cheering for toddler 'walkers'

I walked around the place and gradually sneaked into the crowd, mingling.

Most of the walkers wear MS Walk orange T-shirts and some have their own group 'uniform'. Almost all the T-shirts have wordings on them, either it is 'I walk for someone', 'Cure for their loved ones' or words of encouragement.

Some teams include the whole family, some husband and wife, some friends and family, young and old, big and small. Many teams also have their sick ones on wheelchairs. They look weak and yet strong. I spotted smiles on their faces.

'Kure for Kari' team

More than anything, I felt encouraged and inspired by the display of their spirit and purpose. They came here for a cause, not just for their loves one, for the awareness of MS disease to the public as well.

Never ever that I felt so energized and not bashful to approach people for ice-breaking conversation and ask to take their pictures. Left shown is the largest team that I photographed. 

The crowd is getting larger. The atmosphere is cozy and warm. Coldness was pushed away and replaced with courage, determination and hope. People are wired to walk for a cause.

The walk is scheduled to launch at 10:00am. People began to gather at the start line around 9:45.  There are all age groups of people, the sick on wheel chair, and the little ones on strollers. At 10:00am sharp, the crowd broke through the balloon gate and the Walk began. I was a bit emotional to watch the large crowd coming through...

Breaking ballon gate

It is in America where people are zealous to participate meaningful events as this one. Volunteer helpers are always so available to help out in non-profit social events. There are also volunteer neighborhood patrols and volunteers to direct traffic and chaperon school kids walk across the streets in school zones.

Americans know how to have fun and to exercise humor at its best. They know how to make work like play. I certainly don't feel that I am here to do a job because I had a great time and I met so many inspiring souls.

'Not going down without a fight'
'Walking for my Dad and Aunt'

'Walk MS 2014, Mandy's Marchers

Kram's Krew
'Every step takes us closer to a cure for MS'

Americans are not only courageous themselves and also encouragers to others. You can count on immediate help and support when you need it. One school boy fell on the bike, fire truck and ambulance will show up within 5-10 minutes. When ambulance siren sounds, all cars in the street immediately stopped and letting the way.

There is overflowing freedom if you want to take the advantage of it (not to abuse it). You can write your team's name on your face;  You can play trombone on grass. Nobody will give you a strange look. It took me years to comprehend and appreciate this free-spirit, the resource of free thinking and American's creative and innovative culture. 

Surely Glad that I am here and feeling proud to be an American.