I had a little after-thought today about yesterday’s journal. A little change in the wording of the title:
Create. Elevate. Commemorate.
I think that in a sense educate and elevate can be synonyms if you look at gaining knowledge and education as a sense of elevating both your consciousness and the collective consciousness. By uplifting others with what we say or do, we put out good energy into the world. And by spreading information about science, art, health, awareness, charity, corruption, injustice, etc, we attempt to inflict upon others the opportunity to create an outcome from these which can make the world a better place – can elevate our state of livelihood, our richness in soul and in spirit.
Anyway, it’s easy to view Mondays as the beginning of a long week. I was about to feel that way but then remembered that we can shift our perspective. I look forward to this week being more productive, diverse, fun, and positive than the last few have been. It’s been a rocky year for most of us but I’m reminded every day, or at least attempting to remind myself, how much I have to be grateful for.
This new month I’m striving to spend a few hours creating every day… And to create a better routine which supports that.
I feel like it’s not only overdue, but my right and my calling to make a post here every day. I often feel that maybe my thoughts aren’t cohesive enough to write them here, but I forget how powerful and beautiful the act of writing can be. And really, it goes hand in hand with what I have to share visually. Together, they are a catalyst of the experiences I’ve had that I can share with others. I’ve found that’s what I really want to do. Create; Educate; Commemorate.
I believe that in my life I’ve attracted specific experiences — specific souls and relationships that have either grown to become something or drifted off for the better; specific places I’ve been and photographs I’ve made, hands I’ve shaken, DM’s I’ve sent, turns I’ve made. I believe that nearly everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t quite understand it yet, or ever. Many things in life aren’t meant for us to understand, but moments in time meant for us to experience… And perhaps, for some like me, we have an underlying purpose to capture them and preserve them.
The work I do is both for myself and for the preservation of an art form which captures extremely rare, once-in-a-lifetime snapshots of our collective consciousness experience. That is a beautiful thing and I’ll simply always do it, always learning and growing along the way, as I’ve been. It’s just a beautiful thing to embrace, like all of our collective experiences together…
…And when we find there’s something that hurts our souls, that disturbs our peace, that isn’t beautiful in respect to preservation of life – we act… We protest, we debate, we fight, we rebel.
Even those moments – especially those moments – need preservation. They and the individuals who have experienced pain and injustice need their story told so that the collective conscious understands morality and learns to love each other. We have been shown time and time again the importance of documenting and telling the stories over time, and fighting for the change we wish to see.
Spread love, stay safe, stay tuned. A post every day coming from yours truly.
It’s crazy how the times have changed. With it, the standards, the tragic moments, the great wins. With everything that happens within a single year now, it begins to feel like everything has the power to be truly insignificant. The smaller moments within a single year and even the biggest moments of previous ones. And, as individuals, whether it is intentional or not, we choose what is significant and worthy of our energy in life. We choose where we set our standards; how we define a win versus a loss; a high versus a low; something versus nothing. The power of choice is so prevalent, so strong and dominant, wielded daily and often without care. Knowing that I have this power to direct my energy as I choose, I often err on the side of caution – I am often very careful who and what I deliver a lot of my energy to, because as a result some energy will be received back. Things also occur in life independently from us, and we must be careful of what we allow ourselves to take ownership of, to accept onto our plate, into our systems, into our lives. We can always make an improvement and refresh our perspective to remind us what our true priorities and goals are, and not be distracted by foolishness, tiredness, restlessness, or the deprivation of superficial needs.
These past few months have been some of the most interesting times of my life. I know I’m not alone in that.
From years of building momentum for post-college, then suddenly entering a pandemic state, which created a shift in collective consciousness, not to mention an unforeseeable future — to slowly returning to work in a newly-specified “essential” industry (THANK YOU CANNABIS), maintaining focus, balance, and momentum in a world where shit is finally hitting the fan – where discussions are actually being made and behavior is being called out because the energy for it is there. . . .
I am glad to say that after coming a long way to achieve some level of inner peace, I have found it, even amid the current state of the world. Words can’t even really explain how grateful I am to wake up today, to think these thoughts, and to type it out in the comfort of my own skin and identity. To be surrounded by people who love reciprocally. To be a part of a society that isn’t afraid to speak up for what is or isn’t right. This new generation is a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.
Furthermore, I can’t describe how grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given and that are coming my way. I truly feel that the power of manifestation and intention is real, and that I want to better harness that in my life. I want to use my skills, my powers, to help elevate and enlarge the powerful voices of the people in my communities and networks. Starting from within, always.
Jon W. Harrison – San Francisco, CAOakland, CA 2020
The above photo was right after shelter orders, before the murder of George Floyd. You should see it now. Check out Jon Harrison‘s protest coverage on his Instagram.
“It took a pandemic to. . .” “It took a pandemic for. . .”
Why is this the reality? I mean, I think we all know why. Because all this time, and still, Americans are bred to prioritize individualism over collectivism, most hours of the day. We only spend a fraction of our energy on collective efforts and benefits, especially when they don’t yield individual benefit. The energy we spend thinking we’re being socially inclusive are sharing activist links and politically influenced media, or hyping friends up on social media to ensure people you still like them and they don’t think you’re dead. But we as a collective don’t end up on the front-lines of issues like this, when the world isn’t in pandemic mode. We simply have far less to do with ourselves right now. However, with how quickly things are reopening in California and the rest of America, people are certainly concerned less with the actual problem and more with themselves, once again.
Is the world getting back on its feet? It clearly is. I’m not in a position to tell people what to do. It is really no different than simply being extra cautious to begin with. Except, for longer. But you shouldn’t be going to malls, theaters, bars; enclosed, low-ventilation places with people who aren’t taking the basic health safety precautions to prevent the spread of even basic, common germs and viruses. It is really no different than simply being extra cautious to begin with.
A reminder to watch what you let into your body and mind. Occupy your time and energy with the right things. Be a part of something bigger than just yourself. But you have to really be about it, not just talk about it for the sake of being in on the conversation. One love, Peace.
San Francisco, CA 2020San Francisco, CA 2020Oakland, CA 2020Oakland, CA 2020
Photography for me is a journal for life and a journey through the soul.
At times when life is too troubling to sit and put it into words, I turn to photography and the archives. Photography has been the great mediator. It’s a language we can bend to our liking. It’s an art form I’ve come to appreciate more by the day, especially in analog format. I think when you become intimate with the experience of doing something, then that’s something worth holding onto.
Life is, unfortunately, temporary. And, most tangible things are easily destroyed, lost, or in this age, plentiful and worthless. It’s mostly.. rarity and sentimentalism that provides value to things. Photography can, indeed, capture these elements. Something familiar that reminds us of other things that we know. But.
A lot of the work I’ve done hasn’t been to remind others, but to remind myself of what I know. Looking back through my archives reminds me of those significant memories and periods in my life, and forces the question of how I may have viewed the world in that moment. I don’t dwell on the idea I would do it differently or better or not at all. Rather, I’m extremely grateful I’ve snapshotted how I was feeling, and something to look back on. I realize that it’s for me more than anyone else. There is no use to seeking gratification from others about my work because it’s been intended for myself; my own growth, my own journey. It’s priceless for that.
As I’ve grown, I’ve realized that photography and cinematography is a real field of work in the world – an absolutely necessary and crucial asset for almost any business, now. As I’ve slaved away in school and been working to survive, I can’t help but see a place for myself in the greater world of film, media, and entertainment. Where dreams and visions become a shareable experience, a newfound reality, an alternate universe.
I want to live in that world where my peace comes from the work and the energy I put in and out of this world. It’s beyond me then, it’s the world that has greater stories to tell through my developed approaches to the arts. It’s when you’re actually on set for a production bigger than you that all those years of self-driven work taught and prepared you for. After all, whatever parts of it got you here is, to some degree, what they expect to see from you.
As a developing human artist I’ve tried my hand at various approaches to seeing out my vision – creating for a living. And even though it becomes frustrating when you feel you haven’t found the right thing for yourself yet, you gotta take a step back to admire the journey. You learned so much, and you would’ve never known or learned these things if it wasn’t for your willingness to find out what’s on the other side. Sometimes, it’s a priceless moment meant for you to capture. You’re here for a reason.
Some conversations simply strike a different chord inside. They elevate your awareness by occurring just at the right time and connecting you deeper to what’s already been weighing on your mind.
It takes a particular person and energy to bring both of you to this place. The same person and energy won’t always bring you to the same place, but life never ceases to take you where you need to go. Some things really take time, then they become unforgettable.
You can’t force your self-understanding. You can only encourage it, pray for it, manifest it. It will come, but it can’t be forced or rushed. Yours will never be true for others, either. You each walk away from the same conversation with different versions of clarity and understanding. It’s one cog in a big ass wheel of life.
You won’t always notice truth when it comes. And you won’t always accept it once you notice it. But your truth will reveal itself, and furthermore, prove over time why it couldn’t be any other way.
I’ve very much been enjoying the process of self-discovery as of late. Embracing the bumpy road and movements it has facilitated within me have only led me to practice more open-mindedness, more gratitude, more love, all with an emphasis on the self. The passion and the vision within burns like the hottest of flames and I just want to spread and reach the masses with the universal messages of life and love.
I’m reminded – by myself if by no one else – that I know myself better than anyone ever will. I’m reminded every day that I am different, that we are all different, and what makes me different is mine to embrace, to discover, and see to its very end. People will live their calling out differently. People assign their goals, set their prices, reach for their dreams differently, but the end-goal is remarkably similar. We seek a place in this planet doing something we love to do, something that sets all the bullshit aside and makes the trouble worth it.
Being patient is also at the forefront of this process, understanding that it takes time to create great things. Greatness takes manifestation, pride, practice, meditation, and faith. It takes the proper energy, the proper intentions, and the proper timing. For a while, I carried spite in thinking that I wasn’t where I ought to be yet, that my progress as an artist has been too slow, but now, I more deeply understand that you can’t expedite what the universe has in plan for you.
Among all my memories, good and bad, I’m astonished to know that I am still me. I’ve remained to be intact with myself, to carry myself with a high identity to myself and to the peers to which it matters to. My family, my best friends, those I see on a high wavelength, reciprocate that to me. Most importantly, I reciprocate that within. I know I am where and who I need to be to get where I want to go. No one else could do this. Only me.
I continue to keep all three eyes open, to voice my mind, to question the world and seek my own answers. I continue to ponder my thoughts, document my life, and seek further into my calling. Reminding myself again and again along the way to appreciate where I am, where I’ve been, and where I’m headed..
The journey I took through my soul this past year has not been an easy one, but it has been well worth the persistence to reach this point of reflection. I made it through 2019 into the New Year, and with that has come many developments and achievements I wouldn’t have even imagined attaining back in 2018, such as shooting promos, events, and music videos for local artists and businesses, selling my photographs, developing film at home, and curating this website to display my work at the freedom of my own expression.
Every ounce of struggle I felt led me to maneuver through my issues and my emotions, and ultimately, create something out of it because in those instances, I felt like I had nothing anymore. Everything I knew about myself among this world, I had questioned all over again. This amount of doubt and questioning led me on a true deep-sea exploration into my mind fishing for some answers. It couldn’t happen any other way: I was bound to hit a new rock bottom, just as I am soon bound to reach a new high.
photo: Matthew Pak
But that’s just who I am. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t question the world and question myself the way that I do. I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t get the answers from yesterday and form the questions of tomorrow, today. Everyday, I’ve new questions and new answers. Knowledge cries out to me, because I likely don’t give knowledge enough attention… But in this process, knowledge was my savior. Knowledge I already had within that I just needed to be reminded of.
The clearest messages to my soul have been: to stay grounded in my gratitude and humility to the Earth, to free myself from dependency, judgment and pressure, to handle my energy preciously, and to build trust within myself. To be myself and thus to love myself, unconditionally and unapologetically.
Such a journey and such lessons don’t just stop there. I’m in a zone of clarity and focus. I just want to speak / write out into the universe what it has been speaking to me lately. Still, every day, I face new questions, with many still left unanswered. But it isn’t about getting all the answers right, or even all the answers at all. . . As such, it isn’t about merely completing the journey as much as it is being present, enjoying the process, and learning to find and love yourself along the way.
I currently own more film cameras than I do digital, and I have no problem with that. I love to have options when I shoot film. Being able to grab a specific tool from my arsenal to enjoy its particular process and outcome is something I know I can get used to. If anything, I believe I’ve reached a new peak.
I love every tool I own for their own reasons. It’s much like owning different kinds of the same size wrench, or different depths of the same size socket to access them in various scenarios. The kind of photo I envision or perhaps the film stock loaded in the camera is part of the context which helps me select my tool of choice.
I try not to draw too much attention or importance to what the tools are; their brand name, or their value. It’s worthless to me if it doesn’t inspire or aid me in making great photographs. The process and the results are of utmost importance to me…
Some of my extended family. My aunt, centered, gifted me my M6 in 2019. (Portra 160, Leica M6)
A lot of people will judge you by the equipment you have or the mediums you shoot on. People have literally stopped me and gasped at my Leica M6, or commented on the cuteness and sleekness of my Konica Big Mini. But the truth is that both of these cameras come from my bloodline. They carry such significant intrinsic value to me that I could care less if they were to be found for $20 on eBay. They carry a history, they inspire me to create, and ultimately they are my tools of creation. That kind of value carries no price tag to me.
As a matter of fact, the most recent camera I’ve begun to use was the first film camera I became familiar with – a Nikon N8008s. It literally is a $20 camera on eBay, but would be one of the last possessions I’d ever sell, same with my M6 or Big Mini. It was also passed to me from family, this one from my father. I shot and developed my first rolls of film from this camera, some of which I made enlargements from that are still framed in my room. I still have the film, contact sheets, and proofs at my parents’ home. The below photos were taken on Nikon N8008s, Kodak BW, hand developed and printed by me in my high school darkroom. Then scanned with a shitty flat-bed scanner…
Carlo (@leftf0otforward) on my right.
Most of the time, I don’t use the whole roll when I go out shooting because I tend to be very frugal with how I consume film. And because of that, I wouldn’t prefer to “waste” a shot that I know I intended for another day or another roll. (i.e. a sunset or colorful scene on monochrome film I would have preferred to have taken in color). But sometimes, you can’t help yourself and you don’t know how tight or how whack the result will be. You just have to find out. That’s all part of the fun and the challenge. See below:
I captured this while driving next to a purple-orange sunset. I knew the creek was going to be in frame, but I was more impressed with the contrast among the creek than the sky like I intended. (T-Max 400, Leica M6)I also dig this shot. Again, I wanted to capture the tones in the sky but it didn’t go my way. It’s alright though – no mistakes, just happy accidents. #bobross (T-Max 400, Leica M6)
My Nikon D800 was the fruit of my own labor. A much needed digital FX upgrade. A much needed sharpening of my edge, a big addition to my tool-bag. The reality is, however, I could sell it and get another body and feel little remorse because although I adore it as a tool, I don’t have a personal connection to it (yet) like I do the N8008s or M6. And yes, the photos will come out sharp and clean in a variety of mixed circumstances, along with creating HD video, but the art I’d create in the process of carefully and accurately burning images onto silver-halide photographic film is a process I will never be tired of and should never be left behind.
And that’s likely why I own more film cameras than I do digital, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it stayed that way.
I admire and enjoy learning from the greatest of humankind. Humans have presented greatness in many forms through both collective and individual art and culture. I find inspiration knowing that some other successful and influential person had a similar perspective as I did or that I caught their creative intentions before they spoke on it.
One distinguishing characteristic about me is I am genuinely curious by nature. I am curious to know how things work; the properties or ideologies of things, how people think and why they act, how and why life has presents a circumstance, why I see things as I do versus for what they are – if there is even any difference between the two. . .
It is a blessing and a curse to wonder and think as much as I do, let me be the one to tell you. I’m not afraid to praise its blessing however, because ignorance is bliss and knowledge is power.
Kobe talks a lot about being curious, and his curiosity leading him to explore the question of how great he could be and setting affirmations to trial. One important part which may often go overlooked is how Kobe, with the influence of Coach Phil Jackson, had employed various forms of meditation and mental conditioning to his training regimen. One reason for this is the role that our curiosity can play when it’s doing more harm than good. That is, our curiosity is pulling us back from our affirmations and focus when it’s important to be grounded, calm, and present in the moment. Kobe cites that this kind of mental training and preparation was key to staying calm in highly stressful or distracting game [and life] situations.
Where should my focus be and where is my mind currently at? More often than not, these two are further separated apart from each other than I think they ought to be. I constantly remind myself to be aware of where my mind is, where it’s headed, and if it’s in the right space for what my current goals are. Sometimes we even lose track of what our goals really are. Every so often we have to take time to reflect on what it is we’ve been working toward, and how it differs from the future we currently envision and desire to manifest for ourselves.
With all of that being said, my latest reflections spoke to my soul deeply and further reinforced the need for reciprocating love, increased creative expression, improved work ethic, and emphasizing focus on finishing my formal education. These are my top priorities to be aware of until my soul tells me otherwise.
Kobe: “You’re welcome.”
edited 01/30/2020: My heart is broken to learn and accept the truth of the tragic accident which Kobe, his little Gianna, and the other fallen passengers. Kobe was one of the greatest influences in my life, undoubtedly, and will remain to be until the end of my time. Peace. Mamba out!
I always liked how many interpretations & applications there are to this quote, but for me personally, it also hits a soft spot because it fits perfectly within the examples of basketball & photography – two things I happen to be very passionate about. So especially recently, this motivational phrase has struck a nerve inside. Maybe it’s for a good reason.
When I exercise, I often play basketball. It is both physically & mentally exhausting, yes – but it brings me great relief despite how demanding it may be. Many could say the same for weightlifting, running, soccer, or other sports. Many others would say the same for making music, reading & writing, painting, drawing, or photography. These activities that we find ourselves naturally drawn to & spending energy on allows our passion to be a vehicle for navigating through all the craziness in the outside world.
When I’m on the ball court getting my shots in, it’s a lot about creating an intimate mind-body connection. What begins as pure intention becomes translated through my actions into healthy and effective movement. There’s a sense of self-discipline in the way I warm up, practice drills, and expect a certain level of performance to be met before I call it a day.
I don’t label it as an escape from the world, because I think it’s important to be in tune with both our personal reality & the planet’s reality. If anything, it’s about finding one’s personal connection to their own perspective. I think it’s important to be aware of what is physically & metaphysically existing outside of our own vessel & how it plays a role in our personal identities & beyond.
In a similar approach, when I’m out shooting photographs, it’s about sharing from my personal perspective what I thought was significant – whether it be beautiful, ugly, symbolic, thought-provoking, creative, telling, etc, – in that moment in time. I want to bring the viewer to where I stood; make them see the elegance in what I saw, and that could be either simple or complex. It’s partly just to let you know that this does exist, that life on our planet speaks to us in so many languages.
This perspective of art and of the world gets translated through the lens into the images I capture. I try to keep my intentions pure and my observations sharp when I’m out shooting photographs. It’s training my eye and my mind similar to how basketball trains my coordination and athleticism.
I want to channel that self-connection to all who come across my work, and represent that what I am fortunate enough to capture is a result of my own personal journey. We each have our own personal journeys to fulfill which may very well be riddled with adversity and doubt. In that process, I just want to remind you all to keep going… that “you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
The last few months have been no different from the rest of the year in that it has been a roller-coaster ride full of the unexpected.
Metaphysically, I’ve been living in the present as much as possible, soaking in what life has had to offer me… and in turn, my blog posts are pretty far behind. I have over 15 unfinished drafts, and yet I start a new idea every time the mind calls for it. I have a lot to say and a lot of information and wisdom to offer, but I’m still training myself to be better about taking things one at a time. So I’m trying not to stress on those half-finished ideas, and simply post this one to get the ball rolling again. Everything else will follow.
overcast railroad | Kodak Gold 200
My mind is always running with ideas. All of them are worth recording, and some are worth further exploring. You never really find out unless you record them and explore them all to some degree. You have to allocate the time and energy for that if it’s not by habit. But for me, it is by habit to ponder and reflect on what’s going on inside. I’m working on allocating more time and energy for business, school, and personal health; the things that occur outside of my mental barricades.
I’ve at times been so concerned with polishing a product before it exists, that it never even made it past a rough draft. I’ve been so concerned with the reception of my creations that I failed to create. I’ve been so concerned with making a specific kind of photograph that I didn’t even go out to shoot. The real difference since these times is that lately, I carry a different kind of confidence and mentality towards creating and just living life in general. I’m truly learning to embrace the unknown, spontaneity, and perhaps fate. The results of this life approach have spoken volumes for the state of my mental health, the amount of photos I’ve been creating, and the energy being attracted my way.
My heart is in a place of creation. Building connections with new people, building deeper connections with my loved ones, and most importantly building a deeper connection between myself and this Earth.
Setting Sun in Emeryville, CA. Kodak Gold 200
Physically, At the tail end of July, I decided to go full-frame. I sold my Nikon D5200 and acquired a D800, both eliminating crop factor and gaining over a 50% increase in resolution. The sharpness and functionality of my aged Nikkor Ai-S and AF lenses improved dramatically being able to use their true focal lengths. All of the detail, color, and sharpness in my latest images has not ceased to impress me. The D800 is by no means a new camera, but its performance has stood the test of time. It has been a joy to work with such a more powerful canvas when I’m out making photographs.
Throughout August and September, I’ve gotten more used to the D800 while also shooting and processing a ton of 35mm film on the side. A lot of the film dates back from July and August, but I’ve caught myself up to the end of September. I think I spent over $300 in film processing and scanning services this summer alone, so I’ve been pondering the idea of scanning my own film via an Epson flatbed scanner. I’ve cross compared the cost of develop-only services local to me versus continuing using TheDarkroom, ranging from $6-$10/roll rather than $12-$15/roll and up for develop + scan.
Film is no cheap hobby. On the contrary it’s proven to be quite costly. Film costs can vary widely, but most of the film I’m using is $4-8+ a roll depending where and what, plus processing costs. A $5 roll + $15 develop & scan + tax = ~$22, not including shipping and other potential expenses. If you round up to $24, that’s $1/shot on a 24exp. roll or $0.67/shot on a 36exp roll. This cost break-down kind of makes you re-evaluate how we consume film, but in turn, sharpens the photographic eye with every shot. I think that’s part of the reason a lot of people love to shoot film and why film photographs tend to have more substance. [In comparison to the digital camera], people save their film for a truly photogenic or memorable moment, they don’t just burst mode through their life. . .
Kodak Gold 200
Kodak Gold 200
I also found a private darkroom business nearby, whom I’ve decided to work exclusively with for making prints from any medium. See http://www.TheLabSantaRosa.com. They’re equipped with a Flextight drum scanner, a Chromira LED printer, and a traditional enlarger in the only commercial darkroom I know of in the North Bay. I’m sure others exist out there, but I’m not sure I could have been any more fortunate for this one being here.
Some of the biggest news with myself this summer is I sold my first three prints. They were all done by the Chromira LED printer at The Lab, the local darkroom I mentioned, printed on archival Fujifilm Lustre stock. These initial prints have given me much confidence in the quality of the photo lab and the rewarding feeling of seeing and feeling the picture in physical form. Making a beautiful moment be still forever and allowing others to appreciate it as I did is one of my main goals in this craft, and I see distributing prints as a great means to do that.
This photo overlooking Berkeley, Oakland, and the Bay Area was among the first prints I sold. Thank you to my friends and viewers for your support. ❤
I’ve been extremely busy doing photo and video projects for clients while keeping up with school and work obligations. Likely the hardest part about where I am in life is that I still feel held back by my need to focus on academics and to earn and save more money. However, those are things that I also refuse to limit or prevent me from expressing myself, going out and creating connections, ideas, photographs, or anything else my heart reasonably desires.
With all that being said, I’m very excited for what the future holds. My business cards have been in circulation, my head is being held up high, my shutters are clicking, my film is advancing, my perspectives are opening and changing. My life is beginning to take form as I re-evaluate what my priorities are, where my intentions lay, and where I’d like to position myself for the future chapters in my life. Until then, I’m continuing to be as present as possible, and contribute to a positive force in the world.
I finally decided to take a huge leap in my passion of photography and cinematography by upgrading to a full-frame body.
Obligatory.
I got a Nikon D800 at the local camera shop used section. I could have spent a little less online perhaps, but I’m always for supporting local businesses, especially if you aren’t getting ripped off in the process. While I do often outsource things like film/film developing, I try to stop by this particular shop, Shutterbug Camera in Santa Rosa, CA, regularly to chat with the guys, buy something small, or get some prints made.
At the shop, I was able to try on my lens, insert my memory card and snap around the store to get a feel for the camera and it’s controls. It’s very different from what I’m used to, yes, but I didn’t feel intimated by the camera nor rushed by the staff so I felt comfortable and as if I had the time I needed. Once it sank in that I actually liked everything about the D800 and the condition/price all checked out, it also hit me that this would mark an important milestone for me – at least personally. This was the day I became that much more invested into my passion, and that much more faithful of my capabilities.
The Nikkor 50/1.8 is so crisp and sharp on the full frame – I’m in love!First sunset photo – in retrospect, my 28/2.8 may have been better.
The D800 is so much better than the D5200 and any other DSLR I’ve owned to date, I am so ecstatic and excited! I expect it to last me for several years until I decide to upgrade again, but for now I have a solid tool to sharpen my skills with and broaden my canvas.
This website also underwent major updates the past few days and I am still building the new gallery/portfolio, so I’m hoping that many of you will stay tuned for and be ready to support my unique and consistent channel of art. Peace and love!
Matthew Pak 