Atomox
Late Nights on the E Line
(241/365)
You need to pay attention to the Universe. It will reward you for doing things properly. I've noticed, as I am working super late these past weeks, that I'm presented with little opportunities as I leave work.
Tonight, I worked an extra 4 hours. When I got out, I decided to skip my transfer, and walk directly to my second train. It's only 15 blocks. And I've been sitting so much recently. I had been giving myself camera breaks after I accomplished major things during work, and my card was almost full. "Well, 5 shots is five shots. Let's make 'em count," I thought to myself. As I got to 51, I noticed her while crossing the street. I didn't even think, just instinctively clicked. A quick stop, line up the shot, and keep moving.
To me, a brisk walk was almost more important than photography. I'm like someone once described the Italians: "We're not in a hurry, we just like to go fast." Your heart rate increases, you sweat a little. I'm proud to say I can blow by most people. Every now and then, you meet someone else as good as you are, and you have a moment of respect, of camaraderie. It's these moments I'm reminded of the "road buddy," a stranger on the highway that's kept pace with you for some time. You're almost sad when they leave. And yet, as a photographer, I'm so drawn to stillness.
But perhaps's it's the same anomaly. Often, it's when we slow down that we start letting the world in, and it becomes our oyster. Perhaps this woman draws me in through a common experience. Because where my extremes in experience come from the city rushing past, hers come from the stillness echoing, louder and louder, as the metronom of a single spot in the world grows louder and louder, filling our eardrums without raising it's voice.
Speed and stillness. Similar despite their opposites.
Speed and stillness, two sisters in extremity. Both gifts given by the universe, equally rewarded when you pay attention.
Late Nights on the E Line
(241/365)
You need to pay attention to the Universe. It will reward you for doing things properly. I've noticed, as I am working super late these past weeks, that I'm presented with little opportunities as I leave work.
Tonight, I worked an extra 4 hours. When I got out, I decided to skip my transfer, and walk directly to my second train. It's only 15 blocks. And I've been sitting so much recently. I had been giving myself camera breaks after I accomplished major things during work, and my card was almost full. "Well, 5 shots is five shots. Let's make 'em count," I thought to myself. As I got to 51, I noticed her while crossing the street. I didn't even think, just instinctively clicked. A quick stop, line up the shot, and keep moving.
To me, a brisk walk was almost more important than photography. I'm like someone once described the Italians: "We're not in a hurry, we just like to go fast." Your heart rate increases, you sweat a little. I'm proud to say I can blow by most people. Every now and then, you meet someone else as good as you are, and you have a moment of respect, of camaraderie. It's these moments I'm reminded of the "road buddy," a stranger on the highway that's kept pace with you for some time. You're almost sad when they leave. And yet, as a photographer, I'm so drawn to stillness.
But perhaps's it's the same anomaly. Often, it's when we slow down that we start letting the world in, and it becomes our oyster. Perhaps this woman draws me in through a common experience. Because where my extremes in experience come from the city rushing past, hers come from the stillness echoing, louder and louder, as the metronom of a single spot in the world grows louder and louder, filling our eardrums without raising it's voice.
Speed and stillness. Similar despite their opposites.
Speed and stillness, two sisters in extremity. Both gifts given by the universe, equally rewarded when you pay attention.