“You’re getting one Christmas card photo from me, and that’s all you’re gonna get!” I warned Nicole & Matt when I was describing my personal project to them. “Then for the rest of the morning, we’re probably going to do all kinds of weird shit, and you’re going to have to do it – no questions asked.” By all accounts, I was probably overselling my proposition here to my fellow photographer friends. But as talented photographers in their own right, they probably understood the creative rut I was going through (as well as all the anxieties that comes along with it). In fact, there was a very good chance they would get me and my wackadoodle sensibilities and would be willing to help a fellow photog-in-need.
“That’s fine by us!” they replied. “Let’s go do thisssssssss!” (Also, not verbatim, but I’m almost pretty sure there were some socially distanced fist bumps thrown in there. But I digress.)
So one brisk morning, with my camera in one hand, and a cup of coffee in another, the three of us set out to explore my town of Plainfield, NJ- in search of dirty alleyways, littered parking lots and whatever terrible light we could find. It’s no secret that growth is uncomfortable; but I just knew I wanted to be as uncomfortable as I could possibly get.
And believe it or not, it was some of the most fun I’ve had in a while.
So a big shout-out and thank you to Nicole & Matt for indulging me and this little project of mine. I hope ya’ll enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed creating them!
PS. I never did get those Christmas card photos, but I suppose these will have to do :).
