Week 116: Putting things into perspective.

Today has made me think about the way I used to be. I've done things in my past that I'm not proud of. I've lied to people I care about, I've been jealous when I shouldn't have, I've said things that are not polite and I've treated people in a manner that was not any where near how I would have liked to be treated myself. This however, was years ago. Recently, I've been a very genuine and honest guy about things. I've shown genuine understanding towards other people's feelings, I've been completely honest and share optimism with everyone I meet. This is mainly down to one person that managed to change the way I live my life, and I don't think they even realised it. I really like the man I have become now. I do not have any sympathy with the man I used to be. I think it's a good thing to admit and confess to the bad things you have done but it's also a virtue to judge someone on the way they are now and not judge them by their past. Show appreciation to those who deserve the truth and you'll be okay.

I have been thinking about all of this recently and I'd just like to point out that the past couple of weeks have put everything into perspective. Things have happened that have made me think that none of that matters compared to what else is going on in the world. For example, witnessing the memorial of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. When you view the emotions of the people who were effected by something as extreme as 9/11, you realise what really matters in life. In New York people come from all walks of life. They may be viewed as good people or bad people, they may have done things that they regret in the past but when something as catastrophic as 9/11 happens, they all manage to come together and help each other out. What I witnessed, was a loving community all coming together to pay their respects, no matter what kind of person they were.

Daniel.



Just have a look at this photograph I took on the 10th anniversary. New York was on lock-down. The Army, the Navy, top police officers, S.W.A.T, F.B.I and The Secret Service, were all scouting the jungle that is Manhattan. Still, throughout all of the formalities and tension, there were numerous locals showing their pride and their respect to all of the U.S citizens lost on that day. It was a beautiful thing to watch and it thoroughly encouraged my optimism for the human race. It put a lot into perspective, I know I haven't been the nicest guy in the past but there is still hope through compassion and love.

Song listening to right now: One - Metallica

Week 115: 9/11.

What can I say? There's not much to say right? I'm not an American, but I just spent the ten year anniversary of the 9/11 bombings in Lower Manhattan, New York. I'm an alien, I felt bad for feeling any emotions. It almost felt like I didn't deserve to feel sad. That didn't stop the emotions from flooding in though. I got up at 7am and went down to Lower Manhattan this morning to see how close I could get to the memorial and listen to the names being called out. By the time I got down to Battery Park, I was already feeling my vocal chords tighten up and goosebumps were appearing up and down me. I then hung around Battery for a while, looking out at the Statue of Liberty and then looking back on the thousands of flags scattered around the park for each life that was lost. I then thought it was time we started making our way down to the memorial. With my gaze fixed on the Freedom Tower, I started marching. This is what I came across at precisely 9:11am...

Carry on reading.
Daniel.



A leap of Faith. 9:11am September 11th 2011.

The entire day was full of emotional, physical and shocking moments. I managed to capture a lot of these and I promise you that you will witness an influx of photographs from this day in particular.

Song listening to right now: Conclusion of an Age - Sylosis

Week 114: Concrete Jungle.

I apologise for the slight lateness of this post, I have touched down. America is here. I've taken a hell of a load of pictures. There is nothing like New York City, I've come just before quite an emotional weekend and I can feel that already. I will keep you all updated with the goings on but for now I'm going to leave you with.

I will own this.
D.



I didn't want to post any of the usual Empire States or Chryslers, I just wanted to show you a photograph of a dense circuit board. A small section of the mass battery that is New York City. This was taken at the top of The Empire State building. Most people were taking photographs of the skyline, the tourist spots and the great architectural landmarks that are flagships of this great city. I did the same. However, I also took a series of pictures that made me think and will also make others think. I have an entire series of these photographs. The sensor of my camera was wallpapered with concrete.

Song listening to right now: Chronicles - Viatrophy

Week 113: Reflection & Excitement.

Leaving for NYC in just over a week, all I can say this week is you guys should look forward to a mass influx of images involving an apple of enormous proportions.

Dan.



This is an old fashion photograph I took over a year ago, it's a reflection on where I was back then. It was a point when I didn't think I could push my photography any further. Luckily I overcame that and have learnt a lot about myself and my connection with the camera. There really isn't much else to say apart from illustrating my excitement.

Song listening to right now: My Own Worst Enemy - Lit

Week 112: TesseracT.

This week is very similar to the last. However, I'm feeling sad due to certain issues in my life that have effected my thought process on the project that's in the pipeline. I've tried to push these issues to one side however it has stopped me from any planning and has rendered me useless at the moment. So I will make this week's photograph another blast from the past.

D.



Here we have Dan Tompkins who has recently left the band TesseracT. I thought it was appropriate to post a photograph of him, since I've been listening to the song he collaborated on with Marty Friedman (ex Megadeth) and Skyharbor. This was from the same gig as the photograph I posted last week and again conjures up all kinds of nostalgia. A fantastic, disciplined singer and an all round hero.

Song listening to right now: Carthasis - Skyharbor (Ft. Dan Tompkins and Marty Friedman

Week 111: Periphery.

This week I've been looking over some old photos that bring back memories of when times were good. There's not much to say, because I don't feel much at the moment. I'm still planning a project though so don't think that I am being idol. I'm hard at work.

Daniel.



This was one of my favourite gigs I've photographed. I've steered clear of a lot of event photography but I delve in it now and again when I am called upon. This was Periphery at Rock City, Nottingham. They were supported by TesseracT and put on a great show. It brings up memories of great times listening to music and just hanging out at gigs. Although a lot of my photography is normally constructed and conceptual, I do like to have a little bit of fun every now and again.

Song listening to right now: Icarus Lives - Periphery

Week 110: Pure Zandra V.

I've looked into my future, I've written down lists and made sacrifices. I will carry on. This week has been a busy one, I haven't searched the catacombs of my ever motivated mind in a long time. This time I found something worth working towards.

Tah.
Dan.



So this is the last week of collecting the Zandra Rhodes photographs together, and will be the last fashion instalment for a while as I'm planning something quite big. I will keep you up to date with all the other aspects of my life that need mentioning, but I shall inform you now that I am planning something quite big.

Song listening to right now: Fragile Bird - City and Colour