Photography - Everywhere I go

Groggily, I opened my eyes. It was 545 in the morning. I had finally been asleep, but, the world was not ready to let me enjoy it for long. Sirens blared outside the window. Fumbling for my glasses, I got up, and went looking for my camera. There were four fire trucks driving past on the street outside. That was enough to let the shutter loose, and I took about 15 photos before the trucks were gone. Its a different matter that, being in such a somnolent state, only one picture was worth looking at later.
Narrating this incident to a friend later, I was asked a very simple, yet rather profound question.

"Why does everything you see need to have a photo go with it? Why can't you just let things go by and relish the moment?"

The question really hit home. Photography had become almost second nature to me. It was so much a part of me, that there were now types of pictures that defined me. This doesn't answer the question, however. What was it that drew me to my third eye, an eye which can be changed at will, depending on the need? It had reached a point where just calling it a hobby may not be enough. Just yesterday I woke up at 445 in the morning, to get to the coast to capture the total lunar eclipse over the Golden Gate Bridge.

No, there had to be something more. Lately, I chased pictures with a passion that I rarely felt for anything else anymore. There is some sort of thrill involved in being in the same place and time as so many other people, but just seeing things differently from everyone else. But thats not all it is. Like everything I had evolved in my photography. Now, I am the only person around. I seek out new places, lonely as they may be, just so I can see what treasures lay hidden around me. Once done, I dont lock myself away either. I relish sharing them. There is quite a sense of satisfaction in that. Sharing knows no bounds - friends and then strangers. And, every picture has a story to go with it. After all, we are visual beings; it helps to have art to describe a story.

…[pictures are] a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me remember... I need to remember... Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world, I feel like I can't take it, and my heart is just going to cave in.

Out of sight, out of mind

There really is no excuse. I've been thinking of one, but nothing convincing comes to mind. Sure, one can always argue one way or the other, but then every story can have two faces.

Like a city under a flood, we all seem to be inundated these days. Like toddlers, we are distracted by the latest thing to catch our eye. Sometimes, even that is not enough. I guess I'm just old fashioned in that when I ask a question, I'd like to hear an answer, even if its not immediately.

True, in today's world, we're inundated with inputs from all avenues of our life. Email, Twitter, Facebook, text messaging are some of the ways the world floods our senses. We've gotten so used to the distractions, ADD is almost part and parcel of who we all are now. If its not in grabbing our attention, its out of our mind. And with all that rushes in, its hard for anything to grab our attention.

I guess that's why to some, email is dead, to others so are texts. The new wave? Face-to-face-attention-grabbing-conversation?

All he ever wanted….

Sunday began with a purpose. Most Sundays don't, so this one was clearly different. He woke up, and looked out the window from where he lay. The golden rays were just beginning to climb over the tops of the buildings he could see from his vantage point. Today would be a good day. Something in him just "clicked".

Filled with this drive he tackled the morning with a gusto one normally reserves for Thursdays or Fridays, days when the weekend is almost upon us. By 10 am, he was all set to head out to the Conservatory. He had managed to convince a friend to join him, under the ruse of teaching him how to use his newly acquired camera. All set, he walked out the door, and headed to the car. Reaching the car, he realized he left the all important Theia at home. Already late, he rushed back home. That's when the Sunday dipped.

He opened the door and hurried towards the camera bag. In his haste, he failed to completely pull the key out of its lock, but continuing in stride, eventually the key came loose. Bag in hand, he walked out, and closed the door behind him. Proceeding to lock the door, he looked at the keys in his hand. He had successfully bent the tip of the key 90 degrees, and now unable to let himself back into the apartment.

A call to the friend waiting for him, and another to the friend with the spare. He was off to get the spare, to ensure he could let himself in. The thing about spare keys, however, once you make them, you should verify they work. As it turns out, 1 out of the 3 keys duplicated were unable to open their locks. Given the day that it was, this was the one key needed.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. He called the landlord of the building, asking for a recommended locksmith, or a spare. Nice guy that he is, he kept a few for when tenants manage to do something like this. Things were looking up, this morning might actually be salvageable. One catch, the landlord lived 25 minutes away. The morning was dead.

An hour later, he walked back home, and opened the door to his apartment. Relieved, he had some water, and picked up the headphones that would lead him into the world of Pandora, as he exercised Theia's muscles. Finally, he made his way down to the conservatory of flowers, to capture the exhibit, in the early afternoon light.

Quite a start to a Sunday, and all he ever wanted to do, was take pictures.

The Eye and the Mind

He sat at the keyboard, listless. He'd been trying to write. Again. It'd been a while since he was able to put his thoughts down. It wasn't so much that there was nothing to say. There was just a confusion of thoughts, swarming around each fighting with the other to be allowed to escape. In the chaos, the door remained closed, and the swarming ideas kept at each other. Lately, he'd been having quite a roller-coaster of a ride. There had been crests and troughs, sweeping in and out with the regularity of the tides. But that's all part of the normal flow of things. He looked at his screen. Nothing.

Frustrated, he got up, and decided to get some fresh air. Hopefully that would clear his mind, and something worth writing would come out. Just as he left, he stopped to pick up something that had now become an integral part of life. He slung the backpack on his shoulder, and went to relish in the world.

"There's so much beauty in the world."

It takes going out and looking to finally see it. With his new passion, he would go out often, sometimes alone, sometimes with company. There were always new places to see, new things to see being done. There was a new drive, to look at things in ways that most people would think crazy. He would contort his body just for that perfect angle. He felt it was worth it. Some people laughed, but many grew to understand. A few even began to appreciate - if not the process, then definitely the end result. Slowly, it consumed him. He had a new hobby, one that he really enjoyed.

The city consumed him. On any given day there were so many options. So many new things. Some would last for days, some would be gone in the blink of an eye. The vista near his home gave him plenty of practice. He seemed to be able to like the night. The calm and the darkness that shrouds the world, can be easily exposed if you wait long enough. Sometimes it just shows you how pacific things can be.

He set himself goals. He wanted to stretch himself beyond the colors and the madness that is the metropolis around him. There was always so much to learn. He used to capture the many moods of the people around him, but one day that desire stopped completely. It is returning now. Slowly. This time as a challenge, rather than a documentary. It's not only expressions that seem to drive him, but actions too. If he's lucky he might even catch a ladybug in action.

He sat at the keyboard. Relaxed. He'd just been out with his camera. Again.

Six Years

A long walk down memory lane, and things just continue from where they left off. In fact, things improve from where they were. Four random people, ten years ago, made a decision that entwined their paths for four years. Six years ago, the paths diverged, one would think, never to meet again. This past weekend, and the four paths, having traveled various parts of the globe, met again, if only for a brief moment. One was just passing through, the other three, we can only hope will move relatively closely for sometime to come.

A lot can change in six years. A lot would be expected to have changed in that time. Somehow, no matter how much things change, they always remain the same. Here's to the times at KJSCE, and a wonderful evening catching up with old friends.

Pittsburgh!!

A city is defined, in part, by the people you knew in it, the people you know in it, and the memories you share. Who'd have thought that the steel city, the city of champions, the city of bridges, the city of first meetings, the city of sleepless nights, of intense rivalries, and amazing bonding, would one day, so soon, add one more fun filled memory to its cap?

Spring carnival is always a huge event on campus. Even as students, we would always find time to soak in the festivities, and just have an all out fun time. This year will be a hard one to follow up. Maybe not for the spring carnival itself, but for the added alumni celebration that drew us to the city after almost 2 years of being away.

Friday April 16
Landing in Pittsburgh always provides some amazing views of the three rivers, downtown and Heinz field. This time, however, the lack of sleep catching up to me, I was forced to miss the circle around Pittsburgh before we finally hit the tarmac. I woke up with a jolt, and the sound of the flight attendant welcoming me to Pittsburgh.

Walking past the familiar Steeler and the T-Rex at the gates brought back memories of the first time I touch Pittsburgh, tired, lost, and with the company of a very friendly Pittsburgher who guided me to baggage claim. This time, having lived there for two years, only two years ago, I marched down familiar territory and like always, stood in line for the arterial airport shuttle, the 28X. A change of route in the bus was a bit disheartening, as it skipped the Robinson Shopping center on its way to the university.

We had managed to get ourselves a hotel right in the heart of Oakland, next to the Cathedral of Learning. By the time I had reached, a couple of people had already checked in. This was the start of all the hellos throughout the weekend. As I freshened up from the flight, a fourth member of the early arrivals reached our room.

It was a beautiful day, the sun smiling down his warmth upon the visitors. While the girls got ready, we decided to go up the Cathedral, and capture all of CMU from an aerial vantage point. The garish new building marred the view for the most part, but it was nice to get a view of the buildings that housed our classes, and friends.

What followed was a series of "we have to go here." Lunch was from the kitchen at Salem's and quickly disappeared outside Pitt campus on Forbes. A stop at INI to absorb the changes, meet the staff, and of course to play some pool and we were off to the UC.

Pittsburgh weather showed us her fickle nature here. A clear bright sunny day, suddenly turned dark and grey, and before we knew it, a quick downpour followed. This was what was called rain, not the "drizzle" we get out here in California, that seems to freak everyone out. As the rain seemed to die out, we decided to head back to our hotel and get ready for the game. A quick duck into PHI to pre-game, and we were set.

As for the game, all I can say is "Lets go Pens." Crosby's awesome stick-play in the third period sealed the intense, yet low scoring game.

Joe Mama's and then a long night of catching up over drinks, and we were already well on our way into Saturday.

Saturday April 17
Its never easy to wake up early after a long night, but this was Pittsburgh, alarm clocks drove us for two years here. Getting ready we were joined by a few more friends who couldn't take the previous day off. It is amazing how rarely one meets people in spite of them being so close, yet it takes a trip to the other side of the country to reconnect.

Lunch was where we finally got to see almost everybody. Hugs and hellos greeted us all as we caught up with familiar and were introduced to the unfamiliar faces. We found a table and sat down to lunch, catching up on missed times. What followed was a panel discussion by alumni talking about their experiences in the world, and how their time at school shaped their lives. In the midst of this all, I acquired and then lost Scotty, and we got a formal introduction of new relationships.

About 15 of us just walked around the university, remembering times as we strolled past the various buildings we had come to know. CIC, Wean, Doherty, Hamerschlag, the Cut, the Fence, Warner Hall, UC, the tennis courts, and the INI. One can never talk about the INI and not talk about the pool table. A few of us congregated there, a few of us sat in our first year clusters. Memories drove the various sets of roommates to have pictures taken in front of their respective buildings in the area.

Soon it was dinner time, and we were off to the Carnegie Museum Cafe. A lot of mingling with the crowd, catching up on old times, discussing new ideas. While talking to a bunch of the alums, and a few of the students here from Greece, I even got a chance to talk to the photographer for the night. Cameras were discussed and possible ideas of pictures too.

As the night wore on, there was a need for an after party, and the alums all headed out to Doc's Place on Walnut Street. The night only began there, and moved onto Zen, before we headed out to Duquesne Incline and then Mt Washington for a burst of late night photography.

Four am, and hungry we headed out to Eat'n'Park to be greeted by some amazing "breakfast". Back in bed at 530 in the morning, and we were done with Day 2 of Pittsburgh.

Sunday April 18
Sunday was our final day in the city. There was still so much we hadn't done. Yet, we still had the important matter of checking out of the hotel to do as well. Getting that wrapped up allowed people some leeway as they went to their haunts, and others went to walk in awe along Devonshire St once again.

We headed out to Pamela's for brunch that became lunch and gorged on the hotcakes. A short walk around the Strip District, an area we never saw as students, had us feeling like we were in a quaint old town. I tried looking for Steelers and Penguins merchandise, but apparently Sunday afternoon is not the best time to shop in the area.

Soon it was time for farewells. The New Yorkers, the Texan and a Californian took a cab to the airport, the locals headed back home. That left the four of us on one flight out later in the evening. Two were reminiscing their days together, while two of us, decided to head out to Point State Park. It is incredible, having lived so close to the park, and having actually been in the area several times, we never actually ventured to the park. This was soon corrected.

While still under construction, the park provided some nice vistas of the city. A stroll through the park, and then across a bridge, and we were soon right outside Heinz Field. To be at the home ground of the most successful team in the country, the capital of Steeler Nation, was a memory I shall treasure. Until, of course, I watch a game there!

Finally, we had to bid adieu to the city. We drove out to the airport, but there was more to be done. Meeting old friends is always something that manages to rekindle lost memories. Meeting someone you've known since kindergarten takes that one level further. We caught up at the airport, for an hour, just before my flight out. The Campion bond holds strong.

Through security, and off to the gate, we discover, that Pittsburgh had a surprise in store for us. Due to delayed planes, we could not leave the city. We were given one extra night in the area, to just soak it all in, and in the Hyatt no less. Dinner at the Hyatt, watching my 2nd Pens game in 3 days, was a beautiful cap to the entire weekend. Of course, the Pens won!

Thanks to all the staff at the INI for all the hard work involved in putting this thing together. Its been only two years since I left, but if two years can cause such happiness, and a perfect reunion amongst friends scattered across the country, one can only imagine what time will do. The event was simply superb, and was a lovely way to get us all together. Great job, and look forward to the next one!

Powerless...

What do you do when things you take for granted suddenly disappear on you? I'm not talking people, but things that everyone in a "developed" world takes for granted. Today, for half my day, I got to see such a world, and, well, I'm not sure how I feel.

This afternoon, there was a power outage at work. With no power, and no idea when it would return, a few of us collected in the cafeteria and played some table tennis. It was fun seeing and interacting with colleagues in a new manner. You get to see a new side of people, that you don't really expect of them. After a couple of hours, I decided to head home and catch some much needed R&R.

Reached home, and, thankfully, the blackout had not affected my apartment. What it had done, however, was knock out my cable and internet connection. Now thats something you don't see everyday, and more importantly its not something one expects.

Now if there's a blackout, you obviously cant really do anything sitting at home. This, however, is like a tease. You have electricity, but you cant watch TV, or get online. Everything we do, seems to revolve around this. (I should add, I couldn't go out because of the heavy downpour that was at play. ) I probably should have caught up on my reading, or played with my camera, instead, I pulled out the dvd player, dusty and unused, and cleaned out my netflix queue.

Four hours with no connection to the outside world (yes, I restricted use of the iPhone), and yet, somehow I manage to revolve around some form of technology. Is it an addiction, or just a force of habit, that drives this? I wonder… but I know, today I relived a time when this was natural, and it felt so very unnatural.