The Best Route Through Town

Living, first, in Chicago and then moving to New York, commuting through the city is very similar but at the same time so very different.

Chicago has the 'L' which allows you to quite literally fly through the city (roughly 3-4 levels above the street while the New York City subway (for the most part) keeps you beneath the street level unless you reside and spend most of your time in the Bronx or parts of Queens.

The beauty of connectivity and convenience is a major factor that draws people to city living. However, here in New York, it's easy to lose spatial recognition spending so much time beneath the surface. Many people pass through numerous neighborhoods everyday that they've never before seen. Life doesn't stop in transit...

For me, biking bridges the gap.  It allows the city to feel a bit more tangible to me.   These are shots taken while and between riding through some of the neighborhoods that I wouldn't normally see otherwise.

Doughnut Run through Crown Heights/Bed-Stuy

Seeing the town with one of my favorite Chicagoans

Traversing the Williamsburg Bridge

Various Vantage Points

The more parking restrictions for cars (signage) the better for cyclists

Next stop, Manhattan

In all of it's majesty, Brooklyn Bridge

Follow the line

Departure preparations

That One Time in Paris

Le Tour Eiffel Paris, France

This architectural monolith is definitely a sight to behold.  The intricate details of its construction makes this monument a must-see at some point in your lifetime.  It's really a magnificent structure.

I live for these days...

This is how I'd like to and plan to spend many more Saturday's to come:

(Taken in Montmartre neighborhood of Paris)

Dining al fresco is no foreign concept and there a plenty cities stateside that take the practice seriously and offer it in abundance.  However, in Paris, I'd have to say that they hold this practice dear and it's more about social aspect as opposed to making sure that you're spending money to enjoy a service.  The numerous places like this in the many districts of the city make you feel like you you're constantly at a picnic where there just so happens to be someone passing by that doesn't mind bringing you the food and drinks that you meant to bring with you anyway.  The way that the seating area just starts to blend into the neighborhood without strict borders allows you to lose yourself in your neighborhood surroundings.

Life from the Carry-out

Urban city life is never complete without fulfilling the prophecy of "hurry up and wait."  Whether it's the daily work commute, trying to rushi up the stairs behind tourists, or waiting in the longest checkout line at the grocery store when you only went in for two items.This lesson is constantly reinforced when ordering from the local Chinese spot in my neighborhood.

What better way to pass the time than a few quick portrait series headshots:

December 18, 2014, 19:18

December 18, 2014, 19:19

Philadelphia: A Photographic Retrospective of a Short Visit

All New York City residents know or quickly find out that it's imperative to take a break from the "city life" whenever it's possible.  Some people spend summer weekends in The Hamptons.  Some take resort weekends and ski trips to the Adirondacks or the Poconos.  I chose to take two days off from the overcrowded, bustling megalopolis that is the Tri-State area, to spend time in the moderately less crowded metropolis that is Philadelphia.

Here is a quick Retrospective that captures this beautiful city through my lens.  I shot with a Canon T3 Rebel and edited the photos using Virtual Supply Company's VSCOcam app with the Analog 5 filter and low color saturation.  I thought the more monochromatic palette would give a deeper depth to the images and I believe that it worked out well.  Enjoy...

- Esoteric

Monument or Trophy

American History

Art & Culture = Tourists

The House that Rodin Sculpted

Streets That Could Have Been Alleys

Heritage

"Please Don't Put Any Trash Here"

Side Streets: Where Life Happens

Dream Garden

West Philadelphia's Baltimore

JFK Boulevard

7tb & Arch

All Day?

Only 2 Ways Out

Stainless

Broad Street Bully

Connections

Relics

Urban Decay

Time Capsule

The Alley...

...a dreadful record of sin...

Still Shooting

Need a photographer?  I'm still working on finding my artistic touch in the form of photography.  The past few months, I've been taking the time to really invest in my craft and it's beginning to pay off.  I've booked a couple of paying jobs and I'm ready for more.  It's fun to allow the world to see life through my eyes.

Call Me, I'll do the Shooting...