Shutter Therapy: My Minolta Returns

"Film forces you to be deliberate. There's no spray and pray - just patience and presence." ~ Nina Patel, film photographer

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ Before I attended this career fair at HRA Business Link in Lower Manhattan today and I decided to dust off my Minolta X-370 since I hadn't used my camera in a long time. Last time I used my Minolta X-370 was in 2021, the shutter had stopped working on me while I was on my photography walk in 2021, and I was more concerned about the cost to repair the shutter since I'm on a budget. If you're a film photographer with a full-time position, it helps being able to fund your film photography hobby or career. Part-time employment is alright but not the best but not the worse and it would sure as hell help having a full-time job after you're caught up with your expenses (bills), splurge on film. I was very giddy when the camera began working again and I gathered my camera, zoom lens, and Kodak Portra 400. You don't know how I've missed going on my photography walks and I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks over the summer. I still have film left over since my cousin's wedding and I'm still feeling giddy in a childlike way! I still need to stop by at B&H for the Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case, the one that holds ten rolls of film at a time or I may order Evergreen 35mm Film Storage Case | Holds 18 Rolls | Preserve and Protect Your Film | Waterproof, Crushproof, & Freezer-Safe from Amazon. Although it may make sense to purchase the case from Amazon, just saying and I highly doubt I will shoot all eighteen rolls of film within a single day but at the same time, it may make sense to purchase film that holds ten rolls of film. If I do order the one from Amazon, that case will just remain at home for any film that I've used during my photography walks. Next roll of Black and White film I'm looking to shoot is CineStill BwXX Double-X Black and White Negative Film | 35mm, ISO 250, 36 Exp. If I were still with the Parks Department since it is a full-time position with a guaranteed forty hours per week in comparison to working eight hours per week at my retail job which will remain nameless and I'd be able to drop the film off at B&H to develop the 29 or so rolls of film when it's more in my budget. I'm ready to rock and roll hitting the ground running with the intention of going on my photography walks! However, I'm aware that my wallet doesn't agree with dropping film off at B&H and I'm not sure when I'm able to drop off the film off at B&H. For the moment, the rolls of film will have to sit in the refrigerator until I'm ready to head to B&H. I hope it's soon!

"There's no instant gratification in film photography - only lasting joy." ~ Tina Rayburn

There is one roll of film I purchased at B&H just before Halloween (the day before) of 2023 that I haven't used yet, and it's been sitting in the fridge for nearly three years. I knew I had a roll of Kentmere Pan 400 Black and White Negative Film in the fridge but then at the same time, I kinda forgot about it since I still had the sales receipt wrapped around the film. I do need to go out by day while my son is in school and shoot (film). It'll be a challenge as the MTA had retired the MetroCards on New Year's Eve of 2025 (I still disagree with the MTA's poor decision to unfortunately retire the MetroCards when at a time MetroCards worked out in certain people's favor such as mine because it gave a handful of us the ability to do more and get more done without having to be a slave to the idea of refilling our OMNY cards weekly instead of giving us the freedom to do more if we still had the monthly pass without talking out of my ass as a direct way of doing things but that's just my opinion at the end of the day). I'm still exploring different types of 35mm film and in a world of digital photography, nothing compares to film. Everyone may have an opinion of photography, and which is better. Yes, it is cheaper (cost effective) to shoot digital versus using film where it drains your wallet per film and where you drop your film off, but it is cost effective if you have your own darkroom at home. My only knowledge of developing film is black and white film. I do miss being in the darkroom developing my own film or working on prints with my Ilford paper. I miss being in the dark room and how therapeutic it truly is. If I could turn my bedroom into a dark room, I definitely would in a heartbeat without a second thought! As long as I have my Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts drink on hand but hold the ice. I need my therapeutic fix of going on photography walks solo and spending time in the dark room, you may never see me, ever.

"I never know if I've got the shot until days later. That's what makes it thrilling." ~ Sam Yu

For those who are old enough to know about film photography and yes, film still exist in the world. Yes, there are places that still develop and sell film. Just do your own research and heck, even Amazon sells film, so you're not limited to your local photography store near you. Here in New York City, I will recommend three photography stores, whether if you're from out of town or visiting the New York City area or whatever your situation is, there's B&H Photo, Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Computers which is my main go to store by the way, Adorama, and K&M Camera. Nonetheless, be mindful for when B&H and Adorama are closed for Jewish holidays and early store closing. I'm very much looking forward to going on future photography walks in the unforeseeable future for as long as my camera cooperates! At the end of the day, I am very much looking forward to seeing how the pictures came out once when I drop off the film to be developed at B&H and I'll be sure to find a way to scan, save and upload to Flicker (not sure exactly when). I currently do not own a scanner and I'm not sure when I'm able to find time to use the scanner at LaGuardia Community College in the photography lab. I'm still planning on going back to college to earn an associate's degree in Commercial Photography or I may end up doing Commercial Photography Certificate.

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." ~ B.B. King

Since I haven't completed my studies at LaGuardia Community College, I still have positive intentions of going back to college and earn my associate's degree in photography. I have my own personal goals before going back to school and I'm looking to pay off an existing student loan from when I was a student at TCI: College of Technology before they had closed down on September 01, 2017. Feel free to jump down the rabbit hole on why the college closed down. In time, I will make it into a reality of graduating from LaGuardia Community College with an associate's degree and not sure as of now whether if I'm looking to earn my bachelor's degree, we shall see when the time comes! I don't want to rush into anything, and I personally would feel it would be a waste of money if I'm not going to follow through (not throw or threw since a majority of you confuse the two words when you're using them in a text message, yes, they sound similar but they have different spellings and different definitions of each word, a little grammar knowledge for the ones who weren't paying any attention in English class during your formative years in school when it comes to proper grammar usage and I am trying to save you from pure embarrassment and humiliation for your lack of proper grammar) on going for a bachelorette degree but it is something I am taking into light consideration since I'm not anywhere near completing my studies at LaGuardia Community College. My time will soon arrive to officially decide what my next move will be. As the saying goes, reading is fundamental and it does help you become a better writer! Let that sink in because the more books you read, the better of a writer you will become and even if you're one of those people that hate reading books. I'm a prolific reader since elementary school with those free Pizza Hut rewards when I was younger. For the time being, I need to focus more on my health during this time and knock out these upcoming medical appointments, specifically dental! I'm not certain if it's a suspected root canal or a possible infection on my right side of my jaw which feels very uncomfortable yet swollen and especially when I'm looking forward to my beauty sleep at night.

I've had my Minolta X-370 since the spring semester of 2013, and this is my baby! Be well, stay hydrated, and be safe out there.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Beyond the Camera: What I've Been Up To

"Sometimes the best thing to do is to take a step back and get a little bit of a different perspective and re-evaluate things." ~ Unknown

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ It's been a while since I've written a blog about photography and things have been all over the place in recent months, specifically since November 2025, working two jobs but it's a conversation for another time and place. I had or still have my project on hold on wanting to self-publish a book on Blurb Books. I've originally began this as a class project for the spring semester of 2013, although I had already passed the class and it will mean the world to me if I complete this photography project. The first book will be in black and white, and the second book will be in color, but both will have the same concept of them being street photography. There may be a third book, but it'll mostly be a family themed book but let's see what happens with my first two projects and I'm feeling pretty hopeful but optimistic about finishing my first project. Once I finally am in a better position to have my Minolta X-370 repaired, it should be a green light, and I am very much looking forward to going on my photography walks as a form of self-care and therapy. As a single mom, I need time alone (though it's encouraged), and I can't be a mom 24/7/365 because there will be moments I need solitude to actively pursue my own hobbies and pour back into myself so I can be a better person to myself, a better friend, a better mom, a better cousin, and the list goes on. I need to do something that makes me happy for once since I'm temporarily stuck at a retail job that isn't doing me any type of justice but in some way, there's some form of gratification when it comes to assisting customers before I'm told to go back to what I was doing before being approached by customers with general questions. I guess you can say I'm more of a Janitor at my retail job and wait until the day I quit, I'll be celebrating but don't expect me to tell people at the bar that they're getting free drinks as Oprah Winfrey told her audience that they're getting a car. I have a full-time job that's better because I work forty hours per week and the hours are very much consistent in comparison to the eight hours a week at my retail job which is below part-time hours if you ask me!

"Following your genuine intellectual curiosity is better than following whatever makes money." ~ Naval Ravikant

I am hoping for this full-time job will be my ticket way out and not worry about how I'll make ends meet, however, I'm fully aware it may not be enough to fully pay or keep up with the monthly cost of living here in New York City. Anyway, I find photography to be very therapeutic and yes, granted not everyone finds photography to be therapeutic since we're all into different hobbies that we find therapy and joy in. I would love to get into photography but lack professional experience and I'm not fully sure if I'll need a college degree to show that I've completed my studies in photography. I don't want to say yes that you need a college degree just to work as a photographer. I don't know if it makes sense to think that way! Well, if I do decide to go back to LaGuardia Community College. For now, I still have a student loan from TCI and I'm looking to focus on that before I worry about anything else (such as any vacations or anything to do with socialization with my peers). I don't need people adding more to my plate when I'm already dealing with my own dilemma of having to pay down the maintenance that accumulated over the past year that haven't been kept up with after my mom had been in and out of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset for falling.

"If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit." ~ Banksy

Aside from what's been going on, I've gone for a recent mammogram, and they've found an abnormality in my left breast. Overall, I feel fine and I know feeling "fine" may not mean anything. I don't want to miss work all because of an appointment at Queens Hospital, and I'm aware that my health is way more important than a paycheck. I currently work at Parks Department and it's a seasonal job for six months. I'm aware that I need to prioritize my health over any job, any relationship, or any friendship. I'm not saying they're all bad, but I feel they could and should take the back burner so to speak. It's something I'll leave as is without having to overly explain myself to people who barely have more than two brain cells.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Life as of Late: March Edition

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life." ~ Steve Jobs

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ I'm not sure if this counts as for anything or if it makes sense, life has been a roller coaster ride as of late and I am making the best of this experience without putting my business out there completely, However, this involves my mother, Shiu and for the past year, she's been mismanaging her own health and I suppose the ancestors and the universe had other plans for her but by  all means, I suppose this is a blessing in disguise. I had plans of doing spiritual work on sending her out to Las Vegas, Nevada and have her spend whatever time she has with my sister, Gwen. With everything going on in my personal life, everything including all relationships/love life, as well as friendships and just know that I'm taking care of things before I focus/shift my attention, time and energy to enjoy the simplest things in life such as photography. I will mention this, I genuinely miss going on photography walks and yeah, I'll have people saying that I need to take care of my son, Stephan who is on the mild autism spectrum but is functional and verbal (thankfully). I'm sure there'll be people who will say that I need to prioritize my son and I feel sooner or later he will be doing for himself. Meaning, he'll have to go out and earn an income; I'm sure he'll want to go out with his peers or even go on dates, simple things as the things I've just mentioned without my presence being known. Essentially become independent in his own birth right and that's what I want for my son but not to sound negative or anything, I'm not always going to be around, but I'll be around spiritually to guide or teach when needed and protect. Let's not get this twisted, where did I say anything about something so negative regarding something natural and sacred. I feel that death should be feared by many since have zero control over what happens to us at the end of our lives!

"If you don't love yourself, nobody will. Not only that, you won't be good at loving anyone else. Loving starts with the self." ~ Wayne Dyer

I'm hoping to say this once and I'm fully aware that there are guys out there who would want love to be with me, I'm only going to assume one thing that most heterosexual "men" want to get me in bed with them and yeah, sex is normal if you weren't sexually abused by your own stepfather or have any guy approaching you just for having a vagina or getting raped and getting pregnant by the father of your child! With everything that I've experienced in my life, I can live the rest of my life without sex but there'll be natural moments that I need to release that sexual tension as needed when that desire feels natural to me, and I'm not looking to pick a random person off the streets to have sex with. However, I don't have anyone in mind since I have my personal reasons. I'm in no rush for a relationship and I do want to take my time because I don't want to feel like I'm "trying too hard" to enter a relationship and end up unhappy and miserable. I'm taking my time because I want to, I'm doing this for me, and I want to take care of myself first before I consider going on dates, etc. without coming off as selfish. Life is too short to live life with the wrong people, but you live, and you learn, right? I'll let everyone know now, I know I'm not ready to settle down just yet but let's revisit this conversation in about ten years or so, and I want to have my own adventures to put my curiosity at ease or rather quiet down my curiosity of the world. It'll be a bunch of 35mm film to last for about three weeks or so. At this point, I want to view these trips as self-care retreats and think of it this way, it'll feel like a spiritual retreat for the mind, body and soul. Away from people, the hustle and bustle of life here in New York City, it'll be good for the mind and I'm sure life would be a bit more enjoyable for me to be around people. There are moments that I want to enjoy time alone and there are moments I don't mind being around people. There's that balance if you know how to evenly balance each one out and I feel there are people for some reason have an issue with solitude in their own life, it may not make sense to me at the very moment. Maybe it's reason unknown to me as to why people are afraid to be in solitude (especially for both psychological and spiritual reasons) and I may not fully understand their reasons just as much as I enjoy being single! I fully enjoy spending time in solitude and as well as being around people. I enjoy spending time alone because being around people for any long periods of time is and can be draining to me, no questions asked.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Not a girly girl? Boudoir for the everyday woman

"A lady never shows her soul outside the boudoir." ~ Shonda Rimes, Year of Yes

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. 🧘🏾‍♀️ As I'm hanging out at Starbucks waiting for my laundry to finish at the laundromat around my way and I've been looking into boudoir photography. I've heard of boudoir in the past but never considered the concept of doing boudoir photography whatsoever and it may not be a bad idea because I'd rather keep my options open as a source of additional income. So far, I've found several articles online in regards of boudoir and what caught my attention when I was searching for articles to post on Twitter. I've come across The Growing Popularity and Creative Versatility of Boudoir Photography first and then I also came across How Boudoir Photos Are Redefining Sexy. Let's get into the technical bits and pieces of what Boudoir photography is and it started in the 1890's as lewd or obscene photos in France. However, this concept became more public in the 1920's, long story short, this type of photography was popularized by Albert Arthur Allen in the United States and you can read the History of Boudoir Photography at your own leisure. Being able to do a project on boudoir photography will be an interesting experience and I hope to turn this into a book that will eventually be on Blurb Books! I am very much looking forward to booking these photo shoots! Here are the top three videos for your viewing at your own leisure: Long History of Boudoir Photography; WHAT IS BOUDOIR PHOTOGRAPHY (AND HOW TO GET STARTED); and Intro to Boudoir Photography (for beginners!). It's going to be very interesting trying to list each video in order in the upcoming paragraphs without overloading our minds with all these videos and articles. I had originally found thirteen videos and two articles.

"The key to feeling absolutely alive in your own skin lies in your ability to transform or channel your hardships and dark shadows into sensual energy." ~ Lebo Grand

If you're like me, just starting out and for now, let YouTube be your best friend and guide! When you're not sure where to begin, feel free to begin with these videos on the whole boudoir experience, whether you're a photographer or a model and I hope these videos are helpful to many of you. Keep an open mind when it comes down to boudoir photography, whether a beginner or a seasoned boudoir photographer. Let's begin with How Much Is a Boudoir Photo Shoot | #AskaPhotographer with Mike Lloyd; How Much to Charge For Boudoir Photography | Mike Lloyd's Boudoir Guild; Earning +$90,000 in a Month as a Professional Boudoir Photographer; and 5 Tips for Variety on a Budget | Beginner? Boudoir photography without a studio, wardrobe, etc.?; How To Learn Boudoir Photography Fast (8 Tips); Boudoir Prep: 3 Tips To Help You Prepare For Your Session. I hope these will help you take off with your Boudoir Photography business and I wish you best of luck on your endeavors and success! I personally haven't been checking out other works of fellow boudoir photographers who have this type of [boudoir] photography and I'm open to this experience of boudoir photography. If you're not looking to "offend" anyone, specifically if you're a male and I'm going to suggest checking out this video: What NOT To Say at a Boudoir Photo Shoot and communication is key at photo shoots of almost any kind, not including live performances (meaning concerts). It's a learning curve when it comes to photography, especially boudoir photography and I have a lot to learn when it comes down to boudoir photography along with the history of boudoir photography. You don't have to be a Victoria's Secret model [skinny] to be boudoir model! If you're looking to avoid losing a potential client, watch this video: How To Eliminate Price Shopping Inquiries for Photographers and it's very interesting. If you've never modeled before, stay tuned for more information!

"Confidence is the ability to feel beautiful without needing someone to tell you." ~ Mandy Hale

As many of you already know, this blog was born with the idea/intention of photography in mind and I've written random things in the past as well. If you've never done anything to do with posing people, here are several videos for you to watch: How To Pose People Who Are NOT MODELS *Top 10 Pose Ideas From a Photographer*; Posing Tips for Women; TOP Boudoir POSES - Flow Posing on the Chair; and 30+ Male Boudoir Photography Ideas For A Seductive Photoshoot. As mentioned before, I'm looking to do a project that involves self-publishing books and all that jazz on Blurb Books in the near future, which will be very, very exciting indeed! It'll be an amazing experience and yet gratifying at the same time and it feels like Christmas when you get the film and contact sheets from B&H! If you're looking to book potential clients for a boudoir photo shoot, here is a video for your viewing: How To Advertise Boudoir Photography | Mike Lloyd's Boudoir Guild and best to do your research before going down the rabbit hole of boudoir photography. If you're not familiar with Photoshop, best to learn via YouTube until you're confident enough to begin booking photo shoots and here is your final video on editing titled: Editing Boudoir Photography in Lightroom & Photoshop #3. I hope this blog is helpful on your journey of photography but you don't want to go too deep down the rabbit hole of boudoir photography but just enough to have knowledge of and pass on the knowledge to the next person! Best of luck.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

The Photography Life

"It's about reacting to what you see, hopefully without preconception. You can find pictures anywhere. It's simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what's around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy." ~ Elliott Erwitt

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. It's been a year, three months and twenty-four hours since I've been on a photography walk. I miss going on photography walks because it's so very therapeutic and relaxing! Last time I've gone on a photography walk was in Long Island City here in Queens (October 2021) and a long story short, I got to see Blue Bloods being filmed not far from the Pepsi Cola sign. Several years ago, I had a dream I met Donnie Wahlberg but it was on a school bus. In this particular scene, Donnie Wahlberg was in a scene with Steve Schirripa (he played Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos). Michael Imperioli (he played Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos) was also from The Sopranos, and I believe he's had three episodes on Blue Bloods as Robert Lewis. Anyway, it was a pretty cool experience, and it was my second time seeing a scene being filmed. In 2009, I got to see Nicolas Cage film a scene with Alfred Molina in The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Nicolas Cage looks the same in person as he does on television and movies. At the time I seen The Sorcerer's Apprentice being filmed around Worth Street near the birth certificate office. My camera is currently out of commission and if I'm unable to have my trusty sidekick, Minolta X-370 repaired, then I may as well invest in another Minolta [35mm] camera so the 50mm and Minolta 70-210/4 MD zoom lens won't go to waste. I had purchased the Minolta 70-210/4 MD zoom lens at Adorama in 2014 for $49 bucks instead of $59 dollars and it's a pretty cool lens. I'm looking to find a prime lens for film photography. When I've finally paid off any [and all] debt, I'd have to take a trip to K&M Camera on Orchard Street and browse around for a bit and I'm that kind of shopper who will take my time who will take my time because I don't want to go home then realize I forgot something! Going on photography walks can be very therapeutic if gone alone and I'm not afraid to do things alone such as going on photography walks, however, I don't mind the company but would prefer to go alone to clear my mind. Again, I'm not afraid to go alone on photography walks and a great way for me to recharge my mind. Yet, I don't mind extending the invitation but on the other hand, I enjoy my own company a majority of the time. Expect random snapshots of you and I will ask you if you're cool with the idea of me adding you to my project, no one will know who you are if you make the cut. The invitation is only extended to those who are interested in going with me.

"If you photograph for a long time, you get to understand such things such as body language. I often do not look at people I photograph, especially afterwards. Also when I want a photo, I become somewhat fearless, and this helps a lot. There will always be someone who objects to being photographed, and when this happens you move on." ~ Martin Parr

I would love to get back into photography as soon as possible because other than photography; writing is my escape from this reality. Away from my own mother because of how she is and it's impossible for me to have an active social life. I feel like it's one of those: "If I can't have you around than no one can!" so, she tells me: "Who's going to watch your son?" or she'll say "You find a babysitter" when I recently told her that a colleague, Camille and I are planning to go to Atlantic City, New Jersey for several days. I told her I can save up from now until April when she asked me where I was going to get the money and it's a challenge being a single mom with a single income (no support system from anyone), no encouragement from my mother and no financial help from my son's father. I can't do much in a social setting such as having a girl's weekend at Atlantic City for several days. For sanity's sake, if I have to, I'll give my mother some bullshit excuses that I'm going to do live in home health attendant so I can spend several (three to four) days at the casinos. This is a blog for another time.

"If a day goes by without my doing something related to photography, it's as though I've neglected something essential to my existence, as though I had forgotten to wake up." ~ Robert Mapplethorpe

When time permits itself, I'll search for a Minolta camera so the 50mm and 70-210/4 MD zoom lens wouldn't go to waste. I know it's not the right timing to go shopping for a camera and for the moment I'd research which locations to check out. My main intention is to finally finish my project I began spring semester 2013 and I can't wait to finally finish my project. At least (in hopes) that this will give me the head start on where I'd want to go, and this is providing if the vaccine mandate is ever lifted. I've found this article from B&H, by all means, this article is from 2016 titled: Five Great Photography Location In New York City. Another article is 29 Best Photography Locations in NYC; 60+ Best Photography Locations in NYC: Tourist Classics & Hidden Spots. I'm open to checking out Calvary and Green Wood Cemeteries since I have this morbid fascination with cemeteries for the longest. I do want to hold down a photo shoot in a cemetery and hopefully in time I can stop by at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn so I can visit my grandparents' graves. Speaking of my grandparents, there's something I need to do and light some tea light candles in order for spiritual work to manifest into reality. Maybe the universe is saying "Be patient, your time will come..." and hopefully with time I get to shop around for a Minolta camera so I can resume with photography walks. I'm very much looking forward in going on photography walks for therapeutic reasons and I honestly enjoy spending time alone. I've found a website for a group street photography workshop on Shoot New York City and for those residing outside of New York City and would like to come to New York City for a day or a week to go work on your photography, best to Google search where to go. My favorite place is Manhattan because there's so many places to check out if you're curious and adventurous enough to check out various different places, second is Queens than Brooklyn and the Bronx.

"There is a creative fraction of a second when you are taking a picture. Your eyes must see a composition or an expression that life itself offers you, and you must know with intuition when to click the camera. That is the moment the photographer is creative. Oop! The Moment! Once you miss it, it is gone forever." ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson

Hopefully by the time I've paid off any of my existing debt, I'll be able to buy a blender so I can make my green smoothies, as well as dropping off the film I've already used at B&H. I also want to focus on other photography projects as well and being able to self-publish on Blurb Books. I have several projects lined up and one of them is music themed book of where I go to several different music venues in the Lower East Side. As I always do, before I check out these places and before I invest my time and energy into going to these music venues, I check these bands on YouTube to see if they're worth my time [and amount of money spent on buying film]. I like the vibe at Rockwood Music Hall on Allen Street and there is another music venue of interest, Arlene's Grocery on Stanton Street. For this particular photography project, it'll be five different music with five different live performances, and it'll be similar but different than my first two projects. It'll be two projects each, meaning two street photography books and two live performances each, two books will be in black and white and two will be in color. Another place I haven't been to in a very long time is Madame Tussauds New York and I've been there once in 2003 (by the way, it was pretty fun).

"The golden rule is work fast. As for framing, composition, focus - this is no time to start asking yourself questions: you just have to trust your intuition and the sharpness of your reflexes." ~ Jacques-Henri Lartigue

With my project I've started during my spring semester of 2013 at LaGuardia Community College and it's going on ten years in March, something I'd want to finish my project. My current issue is that I need a scanner of interest is very expensive but will take several months to roughly set money on the side for and at the time of this blog, the Epson Perfection V850 Pro Scanner costs $1,299 before tax and before manufacturer warranty. If I were to get the Allstate protection plan for three years, it would be an extra $129.99 for three years and not sure about the protection plan. Since I don't have the appropriate space in my bedroom, it'll have to wait until I have a place of my own and for the time being, I can live without the scanner because it's not a national emergency. For now, I'd have to learn Photoshop and best way is to go on YouTube and learn! Until I feel confident enough to take it to the next level which would be booking for photo shoots [as well as looking for employment opportunities in the photography field] and at this point, I'm ready but then at the same time I'm not ready. For now, I'd have to go to Bushwick Community Darkroom to use their scanner and they've relocated from Troutman Street and their new home is on Melrose Street.

 

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Navigating Life Through the Lens: My Story, My Peace

"There was the life you lived, which consisted of the choices you made. And then, there was the other life, the one that was the things you hadn't chosen." ~ Gabriell Zevin

Welcome to my corner of the internet. If you are new here, grab a coffee (or a tea), get comfortable, and let me properly introduce myself.

My Roots and My Heart

I am a child of a Panamanian Air Force father and a Chinese mother, born in Arizona but brought back to Queens as a baby. I grew up in Queens with my mother and grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. shortly after WWII. That heritage has always been a quiet, grounding force in my life - even if I mostly just understand Cantonese rather than speak it!

I am a Scorpio/Sagittarius cusp, a proud aunt/sibling, and an introvert through and through. I am also proudly asexual, bisexual, and navigate life without strict pronouns, as that is what feels most authentic to my experiences and who I am.

I'm an introvert at heart. If you are trying to date me, know this: I require a lot of time and patience to warm up. I may seem completely uninterested at first, but it is just my way of protecting my energy while I figure out who is safe.

Today, my time is focused on healing and self-improvement. I'm prioritizing my health, spirituality, and fitness. I've been journaling since junior high, and I love getting lost in a good novel or listening to music. But my truest therapy is writing and photography.

Life as Therapy: Photography and Writing

I have been journaling since junior high school. Writing, much like photography, is my ultimate therapy. It allows me to channel my artistic way of looking at the world. My camera of choice is my trusty Minolta X-370. I love shooting on Ilford, Kodak Portra, and the occasional CineStill film. When I need supplies, B&H Photo Video is my go-to, though I always hit up K&M Camera when B&H and Adorama are closed for Jewish holidays.

Navigating Life's Chapters

My journey hasn't been easy. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. From those dark moments came my beautiful son, who is on the autism spectrum. I want to be open about something important: I never had a natural maternal desire for motherhood. Not everyone does, and that is a valid, okay truth to embrace.

Today, my time is dedicated to healing and self-discovery. I am heavily prioritizing my health, my spirituality, working out, reading novels, and listening to music. I also happen to be a firm believer in the paranormal! Because my older sister and I didn't grow up in the same home, our relationship has been estranged and awkward, but I am taking life one day at a time.

If You're Looking to Connect...

I am a firm non-believer in the institution of marriage, and when it comes to dating, I move at my own pace. If we ever cross paths, please know that it takes a lot of time and patience for me to warm up to you. I may not seem interested in the beginning, and that is okay. I require genuine patience.

I'm also gearing up to eventually return to LaGuardia Community College to finish my associate's degree when the timing feels right.

And if sports ever come up? While I'm not a huge sports fan, I will always represent the Yankees and the Diamondbacks.

Thank you for reading and for holding space for my story. I'm excited to share more of my photography, writing, and life journey with you all.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

The Humble Lensman

"Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever... It remembers little things, long after you have forgotten everything." ~ Aaron Siskind

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. It's been a hot minute since I've posted anything photography related and I'm sure I'm going to get plenty of weird looks from non-photographers on why many of us actual photographers actually place 35mm or 120mm film in the refrigerator or freezer. I don't care what anyone says and I find it annoying having to explain exactly why photographers keep film in the fridge. For now I have to take it easy and rest my knee since I have Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, according to my orthopedic in Great Neck earlier this month. Don't ask how I've injured my knee and will go back to watching 'Birth of the Dragon' on Netflix shortly. At this point, I hope this particular blog is informative in a way that it clears things up for the non-photographers with zero experience in handling photography so actual photographers aren't trying to "educate" the non-photographers on why we actually put film in the fridge out of sheer frustration and don't make me pimp slap you through the computer screen!!! Sit down and take some notes, if not, grab some chop sticks and catch some flies. Yeah, I'm using a Karate Kid movie reference, if you don't know how to use chop sticks, I don't know what to tell you non-Asians and you're lucky I'm unable to stab you in the eye with a chop stick at this point. I'm feeling very Bruce Lee mixed with Daniel LaRusso (the tournament scene from The Karate Kid - Daniel Vs Johnny in the tournament). I'm going to list several YouTube videos to view at your own leisure: What's in my Film Photography Fridge - How to Store film for film photography; What Film I Keep In My Fridge - Vlog What film is in my fridge (YouTube Cribs Edition); and How to store your photography film safely! Here are several blogs for you to read at your own leisure: Everything you need to know about refrigerating and freezing film; How to store film properly, and what happens when you don't; and Film Storage 101: How to store film before and after development for brilliant images. Nonetheless, I hope everyone understands why I've posted these articles and as well as several videos so you, the reader can have some type of understanding on why people in the photography field store film either in the freezer or refrigerator. No, we're not weird or odd or whatever term you wish to utilize.

-This May Sound Strange-

"A photographer went to a socialite party in New York. As he entered the front door, the host said, 'I love your pictures - they're wonderful; you must have a fantastic camera.' He said nothing until dinner was finished, then: 'That was a wonderful dinner; you must have a terrific stove.'" ~ Sam Haskins (🤣)

I'm so looking forward in going on my photography walks and generally when I go on my photography walks, I enjoy my own company so to speak and I hope people aren't offended when I say things like that. It helps clear my head from the stress and everyday life. Yet, I don't mind the company but I prefer going solo on my photography walks. Since my trusty sidekick, Minolta X-370 is currently out of commission, I'd have to find a camera to adopt and I usually treat my camera as if it was my own child because there is no asshole baby daddy involved with excuse after excuse or if you wish to use the term sperm donor with mental health issues and bullshit excuses or showing lack of interest in fatherhood whatsoever. The only time your camera "talks" back is when your camera refuses to cooperate so to speak and I still love my camera as if it were my child! At least I don't have to worry or stress myself out when it comes down to child support or anything of that sort. Anyway, I hope this blog is so far helpful with why many photographers who place their film [both used and not yet used] in the fridge and no, it's not film abuse (think child abuse) and like with writing, photography is my form of artistic therapy, artistic freedom, artistic expression or whatever you want to call it. I am very protective of my camera and the only people to handle my camera are fellow photographers. We're not weird just because the only we look at the world is different than how you view the world and maybe we look at the world from an artistic standpoint. Here is another article for you to read at your own leisure: Tips for storing photographic film... and it is not always in the refrigerator and as mentioned in a previous blog, I enjoy shooting film more so than digital. However, it would be much more economical to shoot digital verses shooting film. I have this Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case (Black, Holds 10 Rolls) in black and I also have an extra Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case but in red! Who knows, I may go back and purchase two additional film hard cases when I'm back at B&H for more film. Adorama have an awesome deal where you can buy in bulk, depending on what your budget is and which type of film you enjoy using. When I go on my photography walks, I already have an idea on where to go with my trusty sidekick and it's very soothing going on photography walks. It really is and if photography was never your thing, maybe you should try it sometime! 😉 I'm good in the hood with my Bose headset; good music from my Spotify playlist (depending on my mood at the moment); walking shoes; and plenty of film to last me for the day.

-Dreams or a Bust-

"To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy." ~ Henri Cartier-Bresson, The Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers

In regards of my plans of going back to LaGuardia Community College, for the moment, it seems like my plans of going back to college anytime soon will have to be placed on the back burner for now because I am not inoculated and I'd rather do the whole COVID-19 testing each week. Yes, it'll be annoying as fuck having to get tested each week but I refuse to get the vaccine and let me make mention of this, I don't trust the vaccine. If I have to, I'd have to review the information that Pinball Preparedness had sent me once when I had contacted him just before New Year's (2021) for the Religious Exemption that I needed for work since my job wanted everyone to get the arm ticket (vaccine). Check out Pinball Preparedness video titled: NO entitiy can LEAGALLY mandate the jab and OSHA says Employers who mandate the jab may be held liable for "any adverse reaction". I still have some hope left for being able to go back to college and when I graduate from LaGuardia Community College with an Associate's Degree, I am deciding which college to transfer to: Fashion Institute of Technology; The New School Parsons; International Center of Photography or New York Film Academy for a Bachelor's of Fine Arts in photography. While I'm a student at LaGuardia Community College (once when they lift the vaccine mandate), I want to give myself time to carefully decide which college to attend for photography and my goal is to go for a Bachelor's of Fine Arts as an undergraduate. At this point of where I'm at, I feel like college is my only ticket out of a minimum wage, dead end job and who knows if I could be wrong because I've heard people studying whatever they're studying in college, whether if it's engineering or whatever people are majoring in and when they graduate from college and they can't seem to find a job in their chosen field and then they're forced to go back to school and start from scratch. I'm hoping I wouldn't have this experience and I honestly have no other backup plans. Before the pandemic, I was considering in going to school to obtain a degree in photography; go back and study to be a teacher so I can teach photography in a high school (hopefully Intro to Photography or the history of photography) until I'm able to go back to study business so I can eventually open my own business. Sadly, there's a lot of math involved for this particular major and math is my kryptonite (I have a fourth grade math level). Nah, I'm going to skip the idea of business and I'm considering anything to do with crime scenes, something I've always had a fascination with for the last several years. Anything morbid I'm happy with. I'm sure there must be a coat school that offers photography courses here in New York City!

"A great photograph is a full of expression of what one feels about what is being photographed in the deepest sense and is thereby a true expression of what one feels about life in its entirety." ~ Ansel Adams

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Portrait Sessions in NYC: Our Top Film Photography Packages

 "To me, photography is an art of observation. It's about finding something interesting in an ordinary place... I've found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them" ~ Elliott Erwitt

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namaste. New York City 35mm photography packages range from $400 for basic portraits to over $1,500 for luxury, full-day weddings. Including 35mm film generally adds an analog surcharge to digital rates to cover film rolls, developing, and high-resolution scanning costs.

NYC 35mm & Specialty Photography Pricing

Basic / Headshot & Portraiture

• Price: $400 - $800
• Details: 30 to 60-minute session, 1-2 rolls of 35mm film, digital scans, and 10-25 edited images.

Lifestyle, Editorial & Fashion

• Price: $700 - $2,000+
• Details: 1 to 3-hour sessions, multiple looks, high-fashion styling, and extensive post-production editing.

Wedding & Elopement

• Price: $3,500 - $15,000+
• Film-Forward Packages: 8 - 10 hours of coverage, 35mm documentary coverage (2-3 rolls), an engagement session, and an online gallery.

Maternity & Newborn

• Price: $550 - $1,500+
• Details: 60 - 90-minute in-home or studio lifestyle session, combined 35mm and digital camera shots, plus print credits.

Music & Creative

• Price: $700 - $1,500+
• Details: For artists, DJs, and musicians. Ideal for album covers, press releases, and music video behind-the-scenes.

Boudoir

• Price: $800 - $1,200+
• Details: 2 to 3-hour session, hair and makeup, wardrobe changes, and a custom-tailored shoot.

+Prints are available for an additional fee if needed. Image Retouching available for $25.00/per image

+All Prices Effective 07/05/2021 and subject to change without notice.

Blessed be,

Jennifer

Film vs. Digital Focus

"If I didn't have my camera to remind me constantly, I am here to do this, I would eventually have slipped away, I think. I would have forgotten my reason to exist." ~ Annie Leibovitz

Happy New Year and first blog of the year! Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans out in the world taking care of business or sitting down reading this during their spare time. As the year is just beginning and I would like to give my review on [35mm] film and digital photography. I may not own a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera but a proud camera mom to a lovely Minolta X-370, a 35mm film camera and have a point and shoot camera. Since the spring semester of 2013, I have not used a point and shoot camera since, I've gone with a 35mm film camera and have invested hundreds and thousands of dollars investing in film since then. Yes, shooting film can be cost effective between purchasing film and dropping them off at B&H, well, whenever I use colour film. Since I haven't been in a classroom environment at LaGuardia Community College since the fall semester of 2014; I'd have to be a current student in order to use their darkroom to develop my own black and white film such as Ilford Delta 100; Ilford Delta 400; Ilford Delta 3200; Ilford HP5; Kodak Tri-X and just to name a few [36 exposure]. That's the struggle of using film for street photography or any event. Have no fear, I'll eventually upgrade to a DSLR camera once when I've furthered my educational in Commercial Photography and have enough funds to transition to a DSLR camera.

-Film Photography-

"I fell in love with the darkroom, and that was part of being a photographer of the time. The darkroom was unbelievably sexy. I would spend all night in the darkroom." ~ Annie Leibovitz

Since shooting film from the spring semester of 2013 until present day, I enjoy shooting film despite the financial cost of buying and dropping the film off at B&H. I do intend on buying the fifty pack of the Ilford HP5 and/or Ilford XP2 films from B&H or Adorama when I've paid off my two charge cards and begin paying off my [Nelnet] student loans from when I was attending TCI: College of Technology (from 2007 - 2008 for three semesters) then purchase film. What I like about using film is the contrast and it doesn't lack what digital photography brings to the table. The colours are bright and not looking distorted the way digital photography looks or looking all crazy in megapixels. Either way, film and digital both still produces lovely pictures, however, I fancy film over digital due to contrast and the grain of it. Film brings out the colour more brightly than digital which I like and in favor of at the moment. I love the photography aspect of film but not so much the cost of buying and dropping the film off at B&H for film processing. All in all, I do enjoy the outcome of what I've taken thus far. I do feel like film photography can be the best or the worst teacher if you're on your own, starting out. There's that level of gratification when it comes down to film photography and there's that silent satisfaction of shooting film. There's that joy, satisfaction and that instant gratification when shooting film and being able to view them; to me, it feels like Christmas morning once when I've spent the amount of money on buying and dropping off the film. In the end, it is worth it because you can ultimately learn from film of what to do; what to avoid; and what not to do on your next photography adventure; what to avoid; and what not to do in the future. Again, in the end, it may be worth it (despite the cost) and as much as you're tempted to "delete" a picture which is impossible to do with film photography. At least you can somehow learn from it and it is a learning experience for those who have zero experience of using film photography. I do feel like people rely too much on digital photography because there is that instant gratification involved that film may not have and I do love that gratification of film photography.

-Digital Photography-

"I never have taken a picture I've intended. They're always better or worse." ~ Diane Arbus

Onto digital photography of pros and cons of what I like, enjoy and dislike when it comes down to using digital photography. I personally find digital photography lacks in contrast, that same contrast that you'd find in film photography. In regards of black and white photography, to me it's not the same as using films such as Ilford HP5 or Ilford XP2 and the Kodak brands of black and white films. That same gratification doesn't feel the same but there's that instant gratification whenever you take pictures but so very easy to delete these very photos due to your own dislike for that particular picture. Yes, digital photography is very cost effective but doesn't share the same common feature but then at the same token, it's annoying when you have to empty your memory card then transfer your pictures and/or videos onto CD's/DVD's. If in the distant future, I'll invest in a DSLR camera and use the camera for YouTube and concert purposes while I continue to use my 35mm film camera [Minolta X-370]. I hope to feature a photography challenge in my next blog and will make sure it's posted by the end of the month. The pros of digital photography is its cost effectiveness and instant gratification but the con is that you don't feel like a kid on Christmas morning opening gifts and your parents seeing your facial expression. Digital photography has its own self/instant gratification. In the end if you ask me which I have more an appreciation for in regards of digital photography or film, I would say I now have more of an appreciation for film than I do for digital but both are equally similar in their own way and both offer the same outcome regarding photography.

Warm blessings,

Jennifer

Photo Plus Expo 2019

"Photography, as a powerful medium of expression and communications, offers an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution." ~ Ansel Adams.

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Wow, it's been months since I've posted anything on here in months and I realize I haven't been posting anything in relation to photography, but I should begin doing that.

Where to begin, where to begin. For the past year since my last adventure to the Photo Plus Expo at the Jacob Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan, I haven't been active in my photography adventures until recently when I had gone to Panorama Camera on West 29 Street to have my Minolta X-370 serviced when several other places no longer service all things Minolta [lack to no parts]. As a heads up, they ask for a $25 estimate and whatever the price may be for your line of Minolta camera in use. My camera works well since having my camera serviced a month ago. Onto business of my update at the Photo Plus Expo... Shall we begin?

I had a great time at the Photo Plus Expo this past year and I am very much looking forward in attending next years Photo Plus Expo at the Jacob Javits Center. I was able to accomplish what I had in mind from last year but will stick with my plan for next year and will add Mr. Louis Mendes, a street photographer, to a full roll of film for next year's Photo Plus Expo. For those interested in attending next year's Expo, feel free to register for the Expo and in my opinion, it's best to register at least in advance rather than having to register on the day of the Expo or message me so I can add you to my package or I'll send you an invite. There's a lot to do at the Expo, depending on what you're looking to accomplish, may it be improving your photography skills, create a portfolio in hopes of being able to create a book on Blurb and in which will be one of my book projects that may be in the works, and in some ways network with fellow photographers. Yet in my own way, I don't know where to begin with my adventure at the Photo Plus Expo and I didn't get to attend all three days but did attend two out of three days this year. First things first, I did purchase three five packs of Kodak Portra 400 from B&H before heading to the Expo and I did use five out of ten rolls of film but with a minor mess up... I've accidentally developed five unused rolls of film and thought that my camera had decided to some how call it quits after having my camera [recently] serviced due to shutter issues from a year ago. To say the least, I will use my Japan Camera Hunter 35mm Film Hard Case purchased at B&H a little over a year ago to keep my film organized for photography walks or photography assignments (such as for school or for work, whichever). Secondly, I'd have to focus on my finances to lower my charge card balances so I can continue to save up for film in the New Year (film such as: FUJIFILM Fujicolor Pro 400H Professional Color Negative; Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative; and Ilford XP Super Black and White Negative Film). Third, I'm looking to do the Lunar New Year photography project in hopes of reconnecting with family on my mother's side of the family.

This year at the Photo Plus Expo, there were puppies at the Expo for those who are into pet photography, I felt like this would have been up your alley so to speak and I like most animals (except for birds, I'm not a fan of birds at all, don't ask why but I do like guinea pigs; dogs; cats and as long as they're not sharing my sleeping arrangements with me) but thought the dog photography was fun but quite interesting. Some of the puppies were napping at the time of my arrival mid morning and it was worth it. In the end, I hope the puppies will be back next year and I'm looking forward for that level of adventure in the photography world. I just mainly went around to nearly every model and used at least one roll off 36 exposure film on each model. My day two, which would be considered day three for those who had attended all three days of the Expo. Yet, I was still able to pull off last three rolls of film. I didn't get to stick around long enough to see if I would be able to get free items like I had last year on where I was able to manage to get several rolls of Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative films and the guy had the Ilford booth had recognized me from last year. I suppose I have that recognizable face. One of the models who was there last year had recognized me as she had done the safari theme a year ago and we were talking for several minutes but only to find out that she lives somewhere in my neighborhood near Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. So on the last day of the Expo when I was done with my final roll of Kodak Portra 400 film for the day, just as I was about to turn and leave, I hear someone calling my name, I look up and see Barbra, whom I've met at the Expo several years ago with her husband (I forget her husband's name). We chatted for a bit and in a way, I know was there because of her Instagram pictures but wasn't sure if she was still there until that moment. Hopefully we can meet up at a future Photo Plus Expo events.

The next day, I had gone to B&H since certain items were discounted price until that Tuesday (October 29, 2019) and I honestly wanted to purchase a Sirui 3T-35K Table Tripod or even a Sirui P-306 Aluminum Monopod but instead purchased a Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag for DSLR but didn't have enough cash on hand to make such purchase due to owing charge cards a high amount. I hope to begin saving up for a regular tripod, a monopod, and a table tripod. One thing I need to focus on is paying off my three charge cards and begin saving up for what's needed, such as buying additional Kodak Portra 400; Ilford HP5 400; Ilford XP2; and a Sirui P-306 Aluminum Monopod and a Sirui 3T-35K Table Tripod (Black)/Sirui 3T-35K Plus Tripod with C10S Ball Head (Black) For the moment I'm going to focus on what I need to focus on and my main focus is to find another job so I can financially support my photography and eventually save up for a digital camera. I'm a bit hesitant when it comes down to Digital photography and I have nothing against digital photography at all, but I do in the end feel that digital photography lacks something that film may have. Yes, I do realize there's that instant gratification in digital photography that film photography lacks in and there's that quite instant gratification in film photography that you can't get in digital photography. More about this in another blog for another time. The next day, that Sunday (the day after the Expo), I had gone back to B&H to drop off my ten rolls of film apart on me. Sadly, my old Lowepro camera bag is falling apart on me and may want to set the bag on fire at some point. To top it off, my new Manfrotto Windsor Camera Reporter Bag for DSLR (Gray) is my own birthday present!

Warm regards,

Jennifer

'New York City: Five Borough Tour' Part II

“There is one thing the photograph must contain, the humanity of the moment. This kind of photography is realism. But realism is not enough - there has to be vision, and the two together can make a good photograph.” ~ Robert Frank

Good morning; afternoon; and evening friends and fans! Namasté. 🧘🏽‍♀️ As many of you already know, I'm still working on my 'New York City: Five Borough Tour' book and I still haven't come up with a subtitle for my book which will be on Blurb Books. I hope to self publish several books on street photography, as well as music and fashion. Don't get me wrong, I have an idea on what I want to do as I can eventually turn my ideas into reality and these are places I want to go within New York City. Since my camera is currently out of commission at the moment but feel free to refer to Photo Plus Expo 2018 blog and since it costs money to have my camera serviced but I'm itching to go on my photography walks again whenever time permits. Once when I find a place that would fix up my Minolta X-370 and it's going to be a challenge because I'm not sure how many places still repair Minolta cameras. I'd have to research more into the backstory of Minolta and nowadays people are proud camera parents of Canon, Nikon or Sony cameras. Sony cameras takes decent pictures but I heard they aren't the best. I hope to complete my project within the next three years and I hope it'll be worth it but to say the least, I hope to get back to school with what I have so far. Don't get me wrong, I have ideas on which films to use for each borough. For example: Staten Island Ilford Delta 400 Professional Black and White Film; Brooklyn I plan on using Ilford FP4 35mm Plus Black and White Negative Film (50 pack); Queens, I plan to use Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film; Manhattan: Ilford XP2 Super Black and White Film; and the Bronx: Kodak Professioal Tri-X Black and White Negative Film. Who knows I may throw in a random Ilford Delta 100 Professional Black and White Negative Film for any five of the boroughs. I have ideas of how I want to set up my book and I do want to have enough pictures for roughly two books, perhaps if I'm lucky, three books at most. Once when I've completed my project, I'll do a final blog based on my 'New York City: Five Borough Tour' book and I still have to come up with a catchy subtitle [that stands out from the rest] for my book that will get people curious to purchase the book!

• Staten Island: Ilford Delta 400 Professional Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures)
  
• Brooklyn: Ilford FP4 Plus Black and White Film, ISO 125, 35mm, 35 Exposures, Propack 50
  
• Queens: Ilford HP5 Plus Black and White Negative Film (35mm film Roll Film, 36 Exposures, 50 Pack)
  
• Manhattan: Ilford XP2 Super Black and White Negative Film (35mm Roll FIlm, 36 Exposures, 50 Pack)
  
• The Bronx: Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 Black and White Negative Roll Film (35mm Roll Film, 36 Exposures)
  

As an update to my project I've started during my spring semester at LaGuardia Community College for Intro to Photography in 2013. I'm still working on my project and yes, I've already passed the class but want to complete my book. It's mainly street photography themed for the moment and have three other book ideas in mind, one of which will include a second street photography book but in color. There's a professor I had during my first semester at LaGuardia Community College that I continue to follow on her WordPress account and have been downloading her syllabus and have been saving them onto my flash drive each semester, yes, I realize I've already passed Intro to Photography but figured I'd keep up with the class for the most part to keep my sanity. Yet, I hope to complete my project and due to unfortunate circumstances, I've postponed my project due to shutter issues with my trusty sidekick, Minolta X-370. It's making me a bit frustrated because I don't have the available funds to have my camera serviced and nor do I have the funds to upgrade to a digital camera. However, if I had a choice of digital cameras, I'm leaning towards Nikon and in the beginning, I was leaning towards Canon since at the time I wasn't a fan of Ashton Kutcher because I thought he was obnoxious (to say the least, I'm still not a fan of his). Since I haven't seen many commercials featuring Ashton Kutcher being spokesperson for Nikon much these days but you can find these Nikon commercials on YouTube from various YouTube channels. I've found a link in regards of a debate on choosing a camera: Canon or Nikon and I will post 'The Great Debate: Canon Vs. Nikon' but however, I'm an avid [35mm] film user and have found another link for Expert Photography titled: 'The Complete Guide to Film Photography: 94 tips' but will continue on with my research both internet and going to B&H asking questions in regards to the cameras and testing them out.

I'm very excited about my book because I feel like I can learn about on how I can improve my photography skills and I also want to share my gift with the world, especially those who have doubted my talents!!! However, I'm aware that I may not "look" like much until people either see me in action and as well seeing my work. I pray that my photography will receive some positive recognition for my talents and I am so used to people speaking negatively about me or to me. For example: my stepfather's bible hugging sister, Mary Ellen had told me that I'd never make it very far as a photographer, and the same goes for my former ACCESS - VR counselor and a random Asian woman. I've had three different people telling me that I'd never make it as a photographer. Truth be told, I don't know why I've even listened to them. Don't get me wrong, I have the talent and two things that work against me are: Lack of employment opportunity and not having a college degree but specifically a Bachelor's Degree. I'll eventually have both under my belt so to speak and the talent is a piece of cake for me.

I have ideas on what I want to do with my project and figured I'd get a head start on this project then at least I can begin scanning my negatives for each borough. There are places of interest that I want to go to and I know Citi Field and Forest Hills Stadium are two of those places here in Queens to visit. There are several places in Brooklyn of interest that I want to go to: Downtown Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Bridge area; Dumbo; along the G line; Coney Island/Luna Park; New York Transit Museum; and all those awesome places. I'm not familiar with the Bronx other than Yankee Stadium (Let's go Yankees!) and Bronx Zoo or Staten Island. I'm more in favor of going to the Bronx over Staten Island any day, any time or unless if there's a family gathering such as a wedding, or a birthday celebration, whatever went for that day. Only place I can think of are the Staten Island Ferry and the Staten Island Mall but other than that I'm drawing up a blank. A third place is the Alice Austen House also in Staten Island. Since I have friends who reside in the Bronx and Staten Island, hopefully we can all meet up at some point and I could use some time to hang out with some friends, whether it's out to lunch or dinner. If need be, there's always Google search and do as much research as possible for different locations for my project and I realize this is a bit time consuming but I don't mind the research... I hope to find some possible leads on where to go in the Bronx and Staten Island.

I have selected three different reading materials to read at your own leisure and a fourth link for my upcoming project I've originally started as a class assignment! It'll eventually be somewhere in the Blurb Books portion of the site.

• Blurb Books 
• A Street Photographer's Guide to New York City for further reading materials.
• Top 35 Spots to Photograph New York City: Voted by the Locals!
• An 8-Hour Photo Walk Around New York City.
  

Blessed be,

Jennifer