The Genesis.

If I can be quite honest, when I bought this camera my intention was to return it as soon as the weekend was over. I was only planing on using it to take pictures at the Puerto Rican Day parade which I had never been to before. I thought it would be cool to take pictures of my people celebrating our heritage, you know? The funny thing is that those types of maneuvers never go well for me. I didn’t even get to use the camera. I didn’t get on time. First, I put the wrong card number. I noticed a day later. Then, I ordered the wrong batteries. TWICE. I was obviously very upset with myself. I mean, how can you order the wrong batteries twice? But what ever. Shit happens right? The problem was I still had a camera that, even though I was planning to return, I was still curious to know how the pictures would come out. So I took it with me to my first time visiting Jones Beach. Later, to my first time going to Coney Island. Then, I took it with me to work. I took some pictures on my way to work. Then I did it again. And again. And again… Like everything in life, the more you do it, the more comfortable you get. Little by little I started noticing more. I started to become more aware. I began to feel more comfortable with the camera in my hands. I started hesitating less and less. If I saw something I thought it was interesting I would shoot. With film, you shoot with no pressure or strings attached. You can’t see the photograph right away. There is no instant gratification or disappointment or over analyzation of the frame. You simply have to move on, wait and hope for the best when you finally scan your roles. This process has made me appreciate the art of photography a lot more. When I first became interested in photography, it was through the work of two photographers; William Klein and Vivian Maier. At the time I had never held a camera in my life, but I remember being amazed by their work. I loved, and still do, how they both were able to capture everyday life in a poetic way. They made the mundane seem interesting. They made the grittiness of urban life seem beautiful even if what was in the frame was unsettling. This work I am sharing is the beginning of my own journey. I can only hope to one day make photographs as striking as these masters did. For now, I’ll enjoy the ride. Thank you for tagging along.