Brief Update

It has been a few months since my last post. Thank you for being here, and for continuing to receive, react to, and engage with my photographs and reflections.

I am not ready to share much yet, but we lost our beloved 26-year-old son, Stephan Rosen, at the end of November. It was unexpected and devastating for our family, our friends, and the many people Stephan had influenced, supported, and connected with throughout his very brief life. It has shaken me to my core.

He was a giver who inspired people to pursue goals and interests they had not considered likely or possible. He also helped build a business that continues to thrive alongside an extraordinary partner and team, and had supported many other business ventures.

I am not able to share more right now. Over time, I may, but finding that balance remains difficult.

Sabbatical, Community, and a Return to the Work

Over the past year, I have taken what I think of as a sabbatical. It has re-energized my spirit and sharpened my focus on being more creative and more intentional with my photography.

That time has been deeply therapeutic. It has also given me space to think more seriously about reducing time spent in vocation-driven work and creating more room for pursuits not tied directly to business.

IMAGE FRONTIERS has been a central part of that journey. It is where photography and writing come together for me, and where I have been able to share work more openly and reflectively. Over time, it has also become something more than a publishing platform. In many ways, it is a quiet, grounding space. A creative refuge. And unexpectedly, a meaningful social outlet where I have formed new friendships.

Getting Back to Work

I also want to acknowledge someone whose encouragement helped me return to posting and sharing work again. My connection with came through IMAGE FRONTIERS. We met on Substack and later connected over Zoom. He has experienced his own share of personal loss and adversity, and I have been continually impressed by his photography, artistic range, and nuanced use of light across genres.

More importantly, our conversations revealed shared views on family, learning, business, technology, and life more broadly.

So, for the first time since November, I am back at it. Thank you, Giles.

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Another Important Group of People

Alongside IMAGE FRONTIERS, my sabbatical has also been shaped by spending more time meeting, learning from, supporting, and collaborating with photographers around the world. One of the most important of those communities has been the Photography Creative Circle with Glyn Dewis. That group, made up of roughly 80 photographers, has been a place for honest discussion about craft, process, and how images are experienced emotionally.

Within that group, one idea comes up often: people tend to respond far more strongly to photographs made in adverse weather than to images made under clear, blue-sky conditions. That insight stayed with me.

Thank You to My Family, Friends and Community

You have all been there for me and for us.

I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support, care, prayers, and kindness from so many people in our lives from many directions. It has mattered more than I can easily put into words.

Thank you.

Boston’s Seaport Crazy Weather — Perfect for Photography

What began as what I thought would be a brief snow squall turned into a full day of snowfall, eventually dropping six to eight inches.

After walking the dogs through the storm, it felt like the right moment to head out with a camera.

In the Photography Creative Circle, we have often discussed how photography viewers respond more strongly to images made in adverse weather than to clear blue-sky scenes.

So I layered up and stepped into the sideways snow and rising powder of Boston’s Seaport District, where I live.

Boston’s Seaport Moves a Lot of Snow

Living and working in a city is entirely different than the suburbs or rural areas. In order to clear sidewalks, minimize liability and serve the community, the Seaport mobilizes an impressive crew of people, vehicles, snow moving equipment, removal trucks and scooping/dumping equipment. They work tirelessly during these storms to keep the sidewalks and streets as close to bear as possible.

My walk started outside of our building where hand shovelers and sidewalk sweepers were crazy busy keeping up.

Unexpected Street Closure

I am still not entirely sure what happened.

Some incident left cardboard and debris scattered across the street, forcing a temporary closure along our block.

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My Usual Selfie Spot

Of course, I stopped at a few familiar locations, including my usual self-portrait spot.

It looked very different from the short-sleeve summer versions.

Walking the HarborWalk (Slide)

In my previous posts, I walk the harbor front with my dogs and my camera many times a day, week, and more. It never gets old! People strolling, boats in Massachusetts-Boston Harbor, Engagement Surprises, Golden Hour portraits, and Nighttime Cityscape photography. But nearly all the photographs I shoot, the weather is clear, skies are blue with puffy white clouds, and golden hour shots with such warm tones. Not this day.

At the beginning, the crews were clearing the walk, trying to keep up with the rapidly falling snow.

The Harborwalk never gets “old” for me or boring. Its always active at all hours of the day and night of people taking in the views of Boston, chatting with their friends and family, and enjoying the lap of the ocean water sounds against the pier walls.

Seaport HarborWalk Roof Pavillion Was Closed

Can you believe it?

There were piles of snow and there was actually ice on the surface of the ocean water.

Ice, Work, and Play

Snow piled up along the edges, and ice formed directly on the harbor surface.

The marina iced over, except where water shuttles cut narrow paths to the docks.

In the distance, construction cranes still reached toward the final waterfront building under construction. Workers were still out on those platforms despite the conditions.

Around the corner, children slid down makeshift snow hills while dump trucks cleared the street in front of them.

And there were the strollers, out getting to a destination or simply walking-talking along the Seaport, waterfront walkways.

I Spy, In my Eye, A Photographer Catching Me with His Eye

And of course, there other crazy photographers who were out capturing the adverse weather mood of the Seaport. Another wayward soul catching his own frame of the storm, while catching mine in the process.

Its unusual to see large blocks of ice bumping up to the piers in Boston Harbor. And you could barely see the airport across the way, but heard the sounds of jet exhaust rising as planes ascended.

Even the Channel by the Boston Tea Party and Intercontinental Hotel was packed with Ice!

Rare, but occasionally we see people using umbrellas to protect themselves from the Snow.

Ice as Art

And finally, the ice on salt water, provided a chance to explore some black and white interpretations of the frozen channels in the harbor.

Still, the color version of one mostly monochrome image kept pulling me back.

Tell Me: Color or Black and White?

If you made it this far, of all the shots in this batch I call, the “Cool Eyes”, is my favorite. I started this post with the color version and end on the Black & White interpretation. I would really like to hear your feedback on which one you like better, if at all.

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Lessons Learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post.

• Adverse weather amplifies story
  Snow, wind, and low visibility strip scenes down to essentials and heighten emotional response far more than clear, comfortable conditions.

• Sunny-day processing habits break down
  Many of my usual Lightroom RAW processing approaches do not translate well to adverse weather. Snowy, low-contrast, and motion-heavy scenes run counter to sharpening, highlight recovery, and shadow techniques I rely on. Recreating what I actually saw requires slower, more deliberate decisions—especially when thinking ahead to print.

• Cities reveal character under stress
  Snowstorms expose systems, labor, and quiet coordination that usually fade into the background of daily life.

• Color and black & white ask different questions
  Color pulls attention toward anomaly and contrast. Black & white asks the viewer to linger on form, mood, and meaning. I continue to wrestle with that choice. I see the world in color, yet I am constantly inspired by the power and restraint of black & white work from other photographers.

Your Turn 🫵

I’d love to hear your take.

• Which version of Cool Eyes works better for you — color or black & white?

• When you process or view images, do you make a conscious choice between color and black & white, or does it emerge naturally?

• When you look at photographs made in adverse weather, what draws you in most — the mood, the people, or the abstraction?

• How do you respond to city life and work when conditions turn difficult or uncomfortable?

If you’d like, share what you see — or how these scenes land for you.

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen, unless noted otherwise. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you’d like to use any of them, contact me at click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work — subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

Furries in The Boston Commons

On Saturday, I was walking home from Copley Square. It was a photography day for me. Starting in the morning, attending a Boston Camera Club Workshop on Portrait Studio Techniques. Thank you Bobbie and Lee for your great moments of practical learning!

It turned into a classic Boston photowalk, mixing street photography with unexpected characters…

I saw these Furries and they were dancing up a storm. It was funny, and an opportunity for some photos. (I missed their annual event this year).

As some others were walking by, they freaked out and yelled, “Furry Boys Dance Party…” and ran up and joined in. So fun. Had to show this series of three.

A perfect little burst of street photography Boston energy!

Photographer Learning on This Boston Photowalk

Changing it up a bit and sharing my learnings in the post rather than waiting the end.

• I Should have stood in front of the Furries and caught a shot head on. Didn’t do it till the other people joined in. Why did I hesitate? [Street Photography is uncomfortable].

• Video would have made this more interesting. Something I will start incorporating more into my photography work. Dancing is not quite the same on 2 dimensional picture.

Speaking of Furry and Furries - The Photowalk was Full of furry friends

It seems that Furry is the word of the day!

Before I entered the Boston Common, I walked down Newbury Street (Boston’s version of 5th avenue). It was sunny, a brisk 45 Degrees (F), starting at 2pm for an afternoon jaunt. Sunny days brings people outside in Boston, at least until the first snow.

Humans Carrying Their Dogs (and Cats) for a Walk

Turning the corner onto Newbury Street, I was struck by this little brown guy sticking out of this woman’s coat. He saw me and my big lens and stared while is grandma noticed my lens too! I talked with these woman, (complete strangers) and the mom joked that I should pay them $100 for the picture. But I glanced at her side and there was an SLR… we laughed for a minute and then said goodbye. Taking Street pictures is full of anxiety, but I find engaging is the best approach.

Project Potential

During my photowalks, it never stops amusing me how many people carry their dogs while walking. I have at least 40 examples from the last 2 years alone. Would you like to see them?

And… a few minutes later…

A few feet later… BAM! Another Human walking their dog as they “Ride” along. I took a series of five pictures around this.

Learn More about How Dogs View the World and You

Meanwhile, Back in the Park, More Furries

After entering the park, something unusual happened. More Furries! But this time, they were not people or dogs, but cats. What is even stranger is that its common to see people feeding the squirrels in the commons (and sometimes the Geese). The squirrels do not seem concerned about people.

Then I saw this!

Did you ever hear the story about the man with his cat feeding the squirrel?

In all seriousness, this was a hoot, but adorable. (can a guy say adorable?) The Cat was totally mellow about the whole thing. And that squirrel… Mr. Chunky seems appeared well-fed, and seems un-phased by the man or his feline companion.

As I “worked” the scene, the man was not concerned about me and we exchanged glances and smiles and wonderment over this scenario. He was so excited, he shared a picture of the squirrel with his cat.

Another Cat around the Corner

Rarely do I see a cat out for a walk, but here you go.

All set with a carrier and a really long lead. This woman was giving her cat a great time, with a long lead. The cat was beautiful, but you could tell had strong hunting instincts.

The cat was in heaven, on the prowl and the chase began. Jumping to a 5 foot high branch, she hunted for prey invisible to me. Unusual site for the city and park.

Interesting People on My Photowalk…

Of course there were a number of interesting characters throughout the park. Even Royalty, maybe.

Or, perhaps it was a wedding party in formal wear. Who knows. 😎

I am working on getting better at finding the light and shadows and how it changes the message of an image. Great examples from my friends here on Substack such as , , and who I learn a lot from their photography and writing skills.

A regular event with lines here in the park. A portrait on 3x5 inch lined note paper. hmm. (No judgement here, seriously).

I feel compelled to photograph people who are happy and show it. As I shot 10 or so pictures of her talking with her friends, I remembered the smile she brought to my face as I was pressing the shutter. It’s contagious and the world needs more of it!

At the end of the Commons, you enter “Downtown Crossing” the retail and department store section of Boston. They closed off the street and had DJ’s spinning vinyl. Seriously good music.

See more of my DJ Photos Here:

Fun Day Closes with Another Sunset from the 14th Floor Balcony

The sunsets this fall have been amazing. Check out my last Sunset Fury Post!

While i may not be able to see the Aurora Borealis due to the light pollution, the end of my day rarely disappoints from my 14th floor Perch in the Boston Seaport. Great way to chill after a long walk 15,000 steps) and a nice break before dinner with my girlfriend (wife).

Wrap Up

What a fun Saturday. Its days like this that keep me excited for life, adventures, and learning and investing more time in photography and building a growing body of work.

Before I go, I also want to acknowledge and thank Emily Belz. I sat down with Emily this week to get some smart, fresh perspective on my journey in photography. She was amazing at pointing out things I missed or didn’t see, confirmed my skills, strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, she gave me perspectives on approaches that are practical and make sense to lay ground work for some project work I will take on.

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Lessons learned 🧠

Not a lot to unpack here, but there are some learnings as I shot and wrote this:

1. Taking Pictures of Stranger is Uncomfortable — But, its not bad, not ugly or vulger, and most of the time, its welcomed by the target, if they know you are doing it. My advice is SMILE.. and they will acknowledge you and appreciate you. And if possible strike up brief conversations.

2. Working the Scene IS Key to Composition! — I know, it seems a no-brainer, but its okay and important to look around and see other approaches to the subject of the image. Get in front, but then look at the angles. Go low or High, left or right. Do not stand in one place, too often…

3. Think More About Media Options — Our cultures around the world are growing learning and watching videos. In my past business life, it was clear and remains so, that retention of information from multi-media (text, audio, and video) has exponentially greater value compared to any one of the components. As a photographer/creative its clearly a better way to tell a story. More to come on this topic.

Your Turn 🤔

So as always, thanks for getting this far in my post. You all mean the world to me, just for listening. I also love hearing how my photography impacts you… good or bad. So please do not hesitate to contact me or leave a comment here.

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Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen, unless noted otherwise. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images are copyrighted and may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you’d like to use any of them, contact me at click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work — subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

Ok. I have to start with a feature image, not a screenshot of the app. So I have picked some photos from my creative photography jourey. I start with two of my images from my first gallery showing at: The Real Deal, 736 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 If you are in the Boston area, stop by, have a meal or sandwich and see what you think.

NOTE: There will be an artist’s reception on Wednesday, November 5 from 6-8pm. I will be there along with the other artist-photographers and would love to see you.

The Backstory

For my Photography work, fall is here and the 2025/2026 season begins. This time of year gets hectic in the Boston photography community for everyone and where we engage in:

• Camera club competitions (monthly) in Print and Online formats,

• Critique sessions to enter and get feedback;

• Gallery calls for entry for this year and next;

• Online Competitions and Challenges;

• Field Trips, Workshops, and Photowalks; and

• Exhibition deadlines among others.

Each one brings a mix of excitement and chaos — opportunities to prepare, play, & submit our work, get feedback, maybe even hang a print on a gallery wall. But keeping it all straight? That’s the challenge.

Like many of you, I use calendars, spreadsheets, and checklists… and I still miss the occasional deadline. So this month, I tried something different.

How It Happened

On my own and with some of my photography groups I interact with, we have been experimenting with AI tools that are integrated into Photoshop and lightroom as well as standalone apps like Nano Banana from Gemini, ChatGPT Sora, and more. Most of our conversations and sharing have been around post-processing fun and techniques with our images.

The image above is something I took in Chile at a mountain top with a snow peaked mountain across the valley. I asked Gemini to show a berthing whale coming up from the valley between the peaks. Pretty interesting, huh?

Coming back to my roots as a business and process-oriented guy, I venture into other areas of my photography workflow with some ideas to innovate using AI.

This morning, I was reminded I missed a deadline for presenting my work at the Boston Camera Club meeting last week. I was disappointed in myself, but knew I needed to get on top of my calendar and get more organized.

So, I decided to see what would happen if I wrote a prompt for chat GPT to help me prepare organize and schedule all the events and activities in front of me. So here is what I did.

I wrote a simple idea, with appropriate details and requirements into ChatGPT — a wish list of what I wanted in a photography event manager:

• Track entry open/close dates

• Add multiple sections or themes (Open, Street, Motion)

• Rate my interest in pursuing events or sections of them per category

• Snooze or ignore entries I track, but may decide to skip

• Export reminders to my calendar

Writing the prompt took about 10 minutes to think through the details. (let me know if you want to see the prompt, be glad to share).

Pressed Enter and… Voila!

Twenty minutes later, I had a working app on my PC!

No coding. No frameworks. Just one file I can open on my Windows 11 PC or iPad Pro, and it remembers everything locally. (For now. As I iterate, I want a cloud solution that straddles my devices).

Here’s what it does:

• Keeps a master list of competitions, critiques, and exhibitions

• Tracks entry and event milestones

• Allows priority ratings, status changes, and snoozing

• Exports .ics calendar reminders

• Backs up via CSV/JSON files

• Works completely offline

What Blew Me Away

It didn’t just “code” — it understood workflow logic, user experience, and photographer context.

That’s what makes this feel like more than automation. It’s creative collaboration with AI photography workflow.

As someone who has spent decades building software companies and products, this was an eerie moment — seeing my own process mirrored and executed by an AI, from concept to functioning system. I am not an engineer and haven’t coded since College, I have managed thousands of engineers, managed millions of lines of code, and built the businesses that conceived, delivered, maintained and enhanced software. This was a big moment.

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📸 Recent Images Worth Sharing

Returning to my creative roots here on IMAGE FRONTIERS, I’m grounding myself again in what this space was meant to be — a place to share not just images, but the stories, reflections, and experiments that shape them.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been out shooting again — exploring Boston’s Seaport and nearby neighborhoods with a fresh perspective. The changing light, shifting weather, and quiet moments in between revealed some images that simply stood out — the kind of “keepers” that remind me why I do this.

Below are a few of those recent captures — visual notes from late afternoons, early mornings, and everything in between.

Each image marks a reminder: while AI accelerates everything around us, the art of seeing — of pausing, noticing, and translating vision into form — remains profoundly human.

Starting off with another moody shot from my balcony. Not as fiery as the Sunset Fury, but still formidable.

And after a Kidney Foundation Charity event, I saw this guy driving by. Its an interesting mobile entertainment approach.

And speaking of street, I just zero in on this image. This draws me in with the absolute character of the individual who is totally comfortable listening to tunes and emerging from the alley crossed by someone else who noticed him while traveling by on their bicycle.

Each image marks a reminder: while AI accelerates everything around us, the art of seeing, pausing…, noticing, and translating vision into form, remains profoundly human.

And finally, I shot a friend of mine while he was spinning vinyl. I got an honorable mention on one of the images from this series. See more at my previous IMAGE FRONTIERs Post.

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Thanks for sticking with me and my posts. I know I have been a little sporadic, but many of you have spurred me on with detailed feedback and support that keeps me doing this.

Stay tuned for more and let me know how you are doing.

Lessons Learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:

• Describe precisely, then let go. Clear intent in a prompt yields creative precision in the output.

• Prompt Engineering is the Key to Success. I am not an expert, but I believe that what you say in a prompt is key to what you get out of these AI, LLM, and related tools. Be as detailed as possible on the purpose, features, UI, do’s, don’ts, reports and output descriptions as you can.

• Photographers are system designers too. Whether it’s a workflow or an image composition, both rely on clarity and sequence.

• Learning happens in dialogue and perhaps play. AI becomes more useful the more context it has, and experimentation will help to innovate faster. Explore.

Your Turn 🫵

• What’s something you wish you could automate in your creative or business workflow?

• Would an AI-built tool like this help — or take away from the art of managing your craft?

• Do you want to see the prompt I used?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to see how others are bridging tech and creativity.

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Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you’d like to use any of them, contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com.
Thank you for supporting my work — subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

Boston Sunset Fury - One in a Ten Thousand

This cityscape appeared just after I posted my last article. It’s one of those rare moments that stays in your head. I’m grateful I caught it and even happier to share it.

It’s literally one of only nine “five-star” (★★★★★) images from more than 23 000 frames I’ve taken so far in 2025 — a reminder of how few “A-shots” appear each year.

I was hanging with my wife Lynn, and from our window in Boston’s Seaport she yelled, “look at that sunset!” I took one glance and knew I had a few moments to capture the bits and claim the prize.

The Capture

The orange-red light was so intense it bounced off downtown glass onto the fronts of other buildings. The new South Station tower, still under construction, glowed with red roofline lights on three tiers. Those lights cycle nightly through colors — blue, pink, green — but that evening the red matched the sky. The construction floors below still burned bright with work-lights.

I dashed to the balcony corner, stabilized the tripod with counterweights against the wind, and got to work. I fired fast. Sunsets like this fade in minutes — maybe ten, maybe five.

A minute after the first image above was taken, I caught this next shot below. Do you notice the subtle differences?

Same Focal length (44mm) on my RF24-70mm F2.8 Lens, but you can see the darkening skies and cloud trails taking on a different mood in this shot.

Wanting to stretch the view, I widened to 24 mm for a brighter version that pulled in more of the Seaport Boulevard Bridge and South Boston skyline.

Only 1.5 minutes separated the two shots. It even looks “brighter” — maybe the bridge lights fool the eye. What do you think?

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I Couldn’t Stop There - More from the Tripod

I love experimentation with anything, but especially my Photography. I left the tripod out, grabbed dinner, and came back around 9 : 30 p.m. to chase long-exposure light trails.

I changed lenses and put in my 24-240mm F5.6 lens. Much slower, but long exposure doesn’t always need a lot of light. The image above I chose to narrow down the bridge as my target. I zoomed into 109 MM and shot this for 21 seconds at f22 to avoid overexposing the bridge lights. Still keeping my ISO at 100 to minimize noise.

A few minutes later I wanted bi-directional motion, so I reframed at 42 mm — same 21 s, f/22, ISO 100 — to catch both head- and taillights curving through the frame.

I shot this pair and placed into a Diptych.

Traffic was spotty and erratic, but I was able capture the turning lights of the front and rear lights. What do you think?

And to follow up my ghosts essay on long exposures of crowds from a few posts ago, I caught the outdoor rooftop restaurant crowd in long exposure as well.

This was shot at 150MM for 61 seconds at F22 and ISO 100. I really like to push the ghostliness of people as some moved throughout the floor during the 60 second exposure. I was able to avoid the highlights of the lamps while retaining the saturated colors on the floor.

Here is my previous post about the Ghosts of Grand Central Station:

And Wait, That’s Not All for the Tripod

Sometimes I tend to fixate on some things. I kept the tripod out. The next day, I caught sunrise reflections bouncing from Boston skyline into the channel.

At 9am, the Sun-sparked reflections twisted like snakes across the water. Shot at 40mm, F8 at 100 ISO and 2 stops underexposed to protect highlights in the sky and reflections. (I really get concerned about blowing out highlight, which you cannot recover). (I have the histogram showing in my viewfinder to always double check exposure).

Further Experimentation - Post Processing

The theme of experimentation continued indoors. I’d just watched a YouTuber praise the “Dark Tone” aesthetic — cinematic, moody, Batman-era lighting.

I decided to test it. Normally I favor bright, crisp, high-contrast images, but trying something moodier felt right. Maybe it’s time to evolve.

Here is the video that inspired me:

Below: my first comparison using that creator’s method versus my own. Can you tell which is which?

Is it more apparent in a tighter shot?

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And, If rooftop photography is your thing, check out my previou posts:

Lessons learned 🧠

As always, a few reflections from the shoot and edit process:

• Lifelong learning matters. Each new approach — from gear setup to editing — teaches flexibility.

• Dark and moody has a place. I’m still mapping when and why to use it. Maybe more printing tests will decide.

• Tripod discipline pays off. Leaving it up revealed fresh light the next morning.

• Protect the highlights. Two-stop underexposure saved this shot; the histogram never lies.

• Curiosity keeps you shooting. The only way to grow is to keep asking what if … ?

Your Turn 🫵- Can you Answer this for Me? 🤔

I’m curious — does experimentation play a role in your workflow?

What’s your “A-shot” hit rate?

Do cityscapes hold your interest, and why?

How do you feel about dark, moody processing?

If you made it this far — thank you 🙏 — and tell me what you’re shooting, seeing, or planning this season.

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That’s All…. for now

IThat’s all for now — but I’ll be back soon.
I’ve been shooting heavily but posting less while getting my steps in again. Expect a steadier rhythm of new work and stories ahead..

So tell me—WHAT’S UP with You? 👀

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply reach out and ask at click@imagefrontiers.com.

Intro

The feature image above of the USS Constitution, is one of my favorite captures in recent weeks. While heading out into Boston Harbor last Friday, I was surprised to see her departing and caught photographs from both directions. It felt like stepping back into history on an otherwise ordinary day.

Boston Seaport Photowalk — October 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM 📸

Join me for the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk in Boston’s Seaport District. Bring any gear you like — DSLR, mirrorless, film, or phone.

• Start: 60 Seaport Boulevard Courtyard

• Duration: ~2.5 hours

• Route: Seaport → Fort Point → back to Seaport waterfront

• Highlights: Contrasting architecture, lively neighborhoods, waterfront skyline views

👉Learn more-Register for the Seaport Photowalk

Each registered attendee may submit one photo to the global and regional contests.

First Gallery Exhibit – Now Showing 🖼

My first gallery display is now up at The Real Deal in Jamaica Plain, featuring two favorites:

• “Fountain Fun”

• “Snap in Time”

Where: The Real Deal – 736 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Both works are printed as museum-quality giclée on 305 GSM paper, framed archivally, and available for purchase.

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And Now for My Week In Photos and Stories

The past few weeks I have been lucky to spend it on the Boat, and near the waterfront, along with some expected and unexpected events.

USS Constitution - Out for a Spin…

As the feature image above shows, The USS Constitution made a surprise turnaround trip to Castle Island and back. She sailed dressed in flags, escorted by police, and shadowed by a flotilla of smaller boats.

When out on the water, this is my usual shots of her in her Charlestown berth, behind the fences and open to the public to board.

If you have ridden along with me on the on the boat, it is one of my usual touring points of interest we go by and I speak about her and some history.

Learn More about the ship, schedule and history here: USS Constitution Museum

Usually, my shots of her are from Charlestown, static at berth behind fences. This time she came alive in open water, and the difference was striking.

Another frame shows her passing Logan Airport — old ship and modern jet sharing the same skyline.

ICYMI - DJ Beats and Boston Streets

Last week’s post highlighted my first attempt at photographing a DJ in motion. If you missed it, here’s the link:

Back to the Water - More Shots in Boston Harbor

Friday brought classic late-summer skies with textured clouds over Boston, Charlestown, East Boston, and Seaport. My boat buddy Stan Lee was along for the ride, taking it all in.

While I start in the swanky part of downtown Boston on my boat, I always end up heading into the industrial zone and love both.

I’m continually drawn to the industrial side of the harbor. Barges at the scrap yard, trucks unloading metal, slag being prepared for export — the rhythm is both raw and cinematic.

For more on this genre, visit my post on Junkyard Dogs… with a similar vibe.

For a wider lens on industrial photography, see my friend at Perfectlight and his Substack.

Back on Land in the Seaport and Marina

After docking the boat, I took my usual walk around the Seaport. I have a bad habit of stopping to take a “selfie” from the land after the boat. Do you see me?

The golden light hitting the harbor (through the buildings) always warms the spirit. Along the waterfront, there are hundreds of people walking and chatting while sailboats get ready to drop or set-sail.

And of course the lone dad-escort finds the kids getting fascinated by the most unusual things.

And on this afternoon, I became entranced by the light and shadows that were pulling me to the mirrored buildings and reflections in them.

Near the Convention Center, a staircase caught me with its geometry and shadows.

The day ended on my 14th-floor balcony — Boston skyline shifting into evening calm.

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So come and see the Seaport with me and a group of other photo enthusiasts on October 4th at 1pm.

Join me October 4th for the Seaport Photowalk 👉: Register Here

Lessons Learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:

• Surprise is fuel — The Constitution wasn’t planned, but those moments create the best stories.

• Context deepens images — A ship becomes more powerful when shown against a modern airport or skyline.

• Industrial scenes have beauty — Not polished, but layered with narrative and human effort.

• Golden light transforms — Even familiar streets glow when late-day light reflects through glass.

• Balance quantity with clarity — I lean toward more photos, but tighter curation would sharpen impact.

• Community builds energy — Between gallery supporters and upcoming photowalkers, sharing work in public keeps momentum alive.

Your Turn 🫵

• If you were photographing Boston Harbor, would you focus on the historic icons like the Constitution, the people and street scenes, or the industrial undercurrents?

• Which stories call to you most?

Closing Thought

Thanks again to everyone who helped select my gallery pieces. Your support makes this journey collaborative instead of solitary.

So — what’s new with you? 👀 What are you shooting, exploring, or experimenting with this season?

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word. The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply contact me at click@davidrosenphoto.com.

From Recovery to Rhythm in Boston

The last two weeks of August were crazy busy. With the walking boot gone, I’ve had the freedom to explore Boston again and —and to take on my first DJ photography session for a friend. Between Labor Day weekend and family visiting, I found myself in the Commons, Seaport, and streets with camera in hand.

Disc Jockey (DJ) Photoshoot

And now for something completely different.. for me.

A friend of mine just started DJ’ing this year and asked me help shoot and produce shots for his social media, branding, and marketing. I was happy to oblige. It was my first time shooting a DJ, and I had a blast. His music choices—from great artists of the 60s, 70s, and 80s—were soulful and full of happy memories.

And guess what… he spins VINYL!

Lighting can be really tricky. The color lights in the bookcase and nothing but my video LED panel to light the face of the DJ. I will get better and struggle with representing the scene effectively. Trying to understand the variations from no light/venue lighting versus adding lights with flash or light panels. Is the vibe better with fill-light or without?

NOTE: Scott Kelby WorldWide Photowalk In Seaport, Boston.

If you live in New England and the Boston area, please join my Photowalk in the Boston Seaport.

🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM
🗺️ Where: Boston Seaport.

Learn More HERE 👇

Learn More

Labor Day Weekend - The Marines 250th Birthday Celebration

Our weather was just right during labor day weekend with clear skies & temps in the 70’s. The Marines were celebrating their 250th birthday in Boston and during a photowalk around the commons, I caught some photos.

They landed a couple of VTOL planes and helicopters in the Boston Park Commons. There are a few of the many shots in the shots below.

15,000 Steps that day in great weather!

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Self Portrait With Family

I had my sister and brother in-law (outlaw) visiting as well. I had to take them to my favorite self-portrait spot here in the Seaport, to get into the action.

NOTE: NO Freakin’ Boot!

Street Photography - Candid Portraits

And of course, I cannot stay away from my street photography habits of capturing candid’s, unless busted, on my walks around Boston and the Seaport. The purple cowboy stands out to me as something interesting to see in Yankee Boston!

Always kids frolicking through the Harbor Walk at the Seaport.

Some people just look interesting to me.

And then there was the Purple Cowboy in Boston. Everything does match. Granimals?

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Lessons Learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:

• Shooting DJs is hard — I used a flash and LED panel, yet still felt challenged. Photography doesn’t capture the audio that drives the environment. Video may do it better.

• Curating for clients — I shot direct face portraits, artistic hand shots, side-lighting. The challenge is presenting images that feel meaningful to the DJ.

• Family portraits matter — Including my sister and brother-in-law reminded me that photos connect us as much as they document us.

• Street moments surprise — The purple cowboy is a reminder that Boston offers unexpected characters in everyday walks.

• Brevity still eludes me — I aim for 10–15 images per post but often double it. Selecting less would sharpen impact.

Your Turn 🫵

• How would you approach photographing DJs or live performers?

• Do you prefer candid portraits or staged family shots?

• If you travel and shoot constantly, how do you organize and cull your images?

• What unexpected characters have you found in your own street photography?

Closing Thought

I’m back.

And a big shout out to the more than 25 people who helped me pick paintings to hang at the Gallery. Thank you for the support.

So tell me—what’s up with you? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or thinking about this summer?

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply reach out and ask at click@imagefrontiers.com.

Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk – Boston Seaport. Join Us.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025, photographers around the globe will join the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk and contest.

Learn More and REGISTER

I’ll be leading the Boston Seaport Photowalk, a 1.5 to two-mile loop through Boston’s Seaport and Fort Point districts. It will be a great afternoon so if you are in Boston or New England, please join us.

Why Join - One Day, One World of Photos

This is a casual, community-focused event for anyone who loves photography. Bring a DSLR, mirrorless, film camera, or just your phone — all are welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a beginner, you’ll find inspiration and connection.

Expect to:

• Walk, talk, and shoot alongside fellow photographers

• Learn new perspectives from peers

• Capture candid street life, harbor views, and architectural contrasts

• Share your work and stories

Register Now 👇

📍 Starting Point: 60 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA
🗓️ Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
🕘 Time: 1:00 PM *** NEW TIME***

👉 Click here to register today

Contest and Prizes

Everyone who registers and participates can submit one photo from the day to the Worldwide Photowalk Contest. Images are judged locally, regionally, and globally, with top entries winning prizes from industry sponsors.

It’s a friendly competition layered onto a fun day of shooting — with real chances to win gear, memberships, and more.

Supporting a Good Cause

The walk is free, but a $1 donation is requested. All proceeds support Springs of Hope Kenya, providing care and education for children in need.

Share with Other Boston Photographers

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About Your Leader

I’m David A. Rosen, a Boston Seaport–based photographer and author of IMAGE FRONTIERS. I document Boston’s evolving waterfront, lead photowalks throughout the city, and share my photographs and stories that connect people, architecture, and places.

Explore my photography and stories here: ImageFrontiers.com

Join the Global Movement

Come for the photos. Stay for the collaboration, the conversation, and the chance to see Boston with fresh eyes. Be part of a global community of photographers celebrating creativity, connection, and giving back.

My Favorite Boston Harbor Photo

We got out to the Boston Light on Little Brewster (Beacon) Island last weekend. Its one of my favorite spots in Boston Harbor to visit in our boat. Luckily, the water was calm and we had great puffy clouds circling us. I keep going there and getting different angles, varying skies, and different tides.

With great historical significance, Boston Light sits at the center and mouth of the Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay. The original lighthouse was built in 1715, but destroyed and later occupied by the British in 1774. It was destroyed again by fire in 1775 during the Revolutionary war and demolished as the Brits left Boston at the endo the war. The current structure was built in 1783 and raised in 1859 to its current height of 89 feet, with a focal plane at 102 feet

More to learn at the link above.

Museum Quality and Giclée Printing

This shot location and Photos are framed and on display in my home. Its also in high demand by my friends.

Last December, I bought a Professional grade printer to produce my photographs in high quality for camera club and other competitions. I use the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1100 printer with 12 pigment ink cartridges.

I print these and other photographs in color and monochrome following Museum Quality, archival processes. The feature image of Boston Light looks so impressive and colorful following the Giclée process on thick matte paper. When handled properly— it will not fade for 150 years. (I am not old enough to validate the test, yet). Be glad to share more, just ask.

Where would you hang these pictures and what sizes would you choose?

I am out of the BOOT and Back on My Feet!

I’ve been walking actively again—between friends visiting Boston, Labor Day weekend, and new photo projects, it’s been busy. What you’ll see here are some of my initial favorites.

Its amazing to the see the jump in my step activity since I was freed from the Boot in July. It took me a while, but I started hitting my stride at the end of July. The chart below came from my Oura ring and iPhone Health Data.

Not to be a nerd, but Lightroom easily shows me the shots by year, month and data. This chart shows you when i got injured, at the end of April, and my step count plunged way down. Then, in August, I surged and shot 4X more pictures than July.

Many of the pictures between mid-May and August were taken from and around my building and home. Some were shared in my previous posts:

Chaos in the Skies Over Boston

Back to the Good Stuff - Boston Light by Boat

My boat buddy Stan Lee, presides at the front of the boat to point the way as seen below. He knew we were heading to Boston Light!

Pups love sightseeing on the boat. Coco wanted to get into the water.

Near Fan Pier Marina, my boating base, its always great to see people hanging out and enjoying amazing weather.

And even from the Boat, I capture my street photography candid shots.

Rowes Wharf flying the flag in the great hall is always a spectacle to see from the street or the road.

And of course, my vanity runs deep and I have to capture a self-portrait from the Pier 4 building. Can you spot me? (Hint: I am in a boat 🔱)

Evening in The Seaport Marina on Labor Day

Boating during the day. Dinner at night in the Seaport.

The weather and holiday brought out the crowds, good music, and a new exhibit at the ICA. On my way walking to dinner, I noticed a new exhibit wall at the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA). I paused at the colors and street vibes and hand-held this shot.

Walking to dinner, there was a really good band playing soulful and upbeat music at the ICA Steps. I arrived in time for the last two songs, before I went next door for dinner.

Boston Harbor Fireworks and Ghosts in the Seaport

By luck, within 30 seconds of sitting down to dinner at Woods Hill, FIREWORKS STARTED! What timing! Normally I would be on my balcony with a tripod, but I forgot about the Labor Day schedule.

It was glorious and I was sitting with my wife and friends, and YES! I had my camera. It was my street favorite 35mm F1.8 lens, wide and fast enough to capture the fireworks and the crowds watching. No tripod, but I was able to prop it up, and steady it on the table and Voila! So here are some shots of the fireworks and ghosts of seaport!

I did a double take when I reviewed this in Lightroom. Does it look like a monster character or is it just me?

I was using exposure of 3-10 seconds to capture and not over-expose the fireworks. But notice the movement in that time? And some people stood still.

A

And… If you missed it, here is my last post, Ghosts of Grand Central Station, from my last IMAGE FRONTIERs post.

So, do you like the long exposures?

More Boating — Portrait Shots of Friends

Some friends came out on the boat with us, and joined Stan Lee and me, along with their pups! The pups all had life jackets and we were all good.

Our friends are really photogenic and I want to include some posed portraits to go along with my candid portraits that I love to shoot. I am also experimenting with a new flash, can you tell?

How am I doing?

Click on the photos below to see them without cropping!

My Boat Buddy: Stan Lee Rosen

And finally, last but not least, is a Portrait of Stan Lee with good Bokeh! He loves the boat, can you tell? Its not only my Zen place, but his as well.

Boating with my boat buddy, a cigar, and good friends is my favorite Zen time. Its even more de-compressing than Flyfishing or Photography itself.

Come join me when you get a chance. Be glad to have you on board!

Lessons learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:

• Grateful for mobility — Being back on my feet means August was full of 10,000–20,000 step days.

• Persistence pays off — Even when limited to my neighborhood, I kept my eye fresh.

• Long exposures surprise — Fireworks and ghostly shots of the Seaport reminded me how timing changes the story. Expect more long exposure from me.

• Portraits matter — Friends on the boat encouraged me to push past my street photography candid photos into more intentional portraits.

Your Turn 🤔

I truly want to hear more from you. Not only what you think of my work, but also what if anything is moving you?

• Have you visited Boston Light or the harbor islands? What memories do they hold?

• Do you prefer candid shots or posed portraits when capturing friends?

• How do you display photos on your walls—prints, canvases, or digital frames? What kind of art do you put on your walls?

If you’ve made it this far — thank you! 🙏 So, PLEASE: ⬇️

Leave a comment

Closing Thought This Week

I am back.

I had more than 25 people respond to help me pick my paintings to be hung at the Gallery. Thank you all for your amazing support!

So tell me—WHAT’S UP with You? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or just thinking about this summer?

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply reach out and ask at click@imagefrontiers.com.

New York City Photowalk - Ghosts?

My wife Lynn and I, along with our best child faithful companion Stan Lee, visited our daughter in New York City last week. It was a fun trip — seeing her, meeting her boyfriend’s mother (visiting from Australia), and catching up as a family.

For me the best part of the trip was… wait for it… NO BOOT!

For the first time in 4+ months, I’m free of casts and braces. I’m back to being a walking machine.

If you haven’t seen it, here’s a Triptych with a quick look back at the parade of casts and boots I’ve been sporting these past months.

Highlights of the Trip

Aside from the joy of family time, three highlights stood out:

• Experimenting with Long Exposure Photography — and discovering “ghosts” in NYC.

• Walking 8+ miles on Saturday — in real shoes, no boot.

• Building my Street Photography body of work in the heart of New York.

Inspiration: Ghosts in Photography

Over the past few years I’ve learned so much through workshops, webinars, and (yes) YouTube deep dives. One standout inspiration was Cole Thompson, who presented Why Black and White for the Photographic Society of America in November 2024.

His images — especially Ghosts of Auschwitz and The Angel Gabriel, — inspired me to experiment with long exposure work of my own.

The Ghosts of NY Grand Central Station

Grand Central’s iconic staircases are well-trodden by photographers, so I joined the ranks. Resting my camera on the marble railing, I began to play.

Experimenting with Exposure Time

My featured image was shot at 5 seconds, f/20, ISO 100 — aiming for tack-sharp focus across the hall without blowing out the end-window highlights.

The following pictures, I kept the ISO low, to keep noise to a minimum. F20 also enabled me to extend the exposure time while not blowing out the highlights from the windows at the end of the hall.

The next few images were experiments in length of exposure at F20 or 22, and exposures at 3.4 seconds and 11 seconds respectively.

As people move through the station, to get to their train or home, there are occasional stoppers. Every shot is different and unique.

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Exploring Black and White Options

Cole Thompson is mainly a black and white photographer. So in tribute to his style, and for further experimentation, I converted several frames to black and white below.

• Left image: 1/4 second @ f/22, ISO 6400 — pushing ISO to test noise and crowd texture.

• Right image: 16 seconds @ f/20, ISO 100 — stronger contrast and brightness, with figures dissolving into motion.

Both are interesting, but different. I really like the contrast level of the right image and it appears somewhat brighter. However the left image has a different feel of bigger crowds and capturing the person with the backpack in the shadows.

What do you think? Can you share? Color or Black and White? Make your choice below and see what others think too!

About this Ghostly Series

The Grand Central images came from a set of 20 frames — unusually high for me, since I typically select maybe 1 keeper out of 100. I rested my camera firmly on the marble railing and held still. Here, several felt worth sharing.

I also spent some time in Lightroom processing these photos from their RAW foundations. I only shoot RAW, which out of the camera, can really be flat looking with tons of digital information about each pixel. I processed the images in color first and then shifted into black and white. Final tweaks brought out the vision I had in mind.

I’ll call them “interesting” rather than “great.” They’re a beginning. With more time, planning, and perhaps a tripod or Platypod, I expect the next round to yield stronger results.

Unfortunately, I had only a few minutes to spend there as I was on my way to a dinner. Any suggestions on refining the approach?

And if you could really be helpful, provide private feedback using the survey button below. Tell me, anonymously. Which ones are more interesting and impacting for you?

Enter Your Answer Here

Back to My Photowalk

The joy of simply walking again was a gift. A 3+ mile route took me from where I was staying to dinner, with Grand Central as a midway stop. As I was leaving Grand Central, I took a few shots to round out my long exposure experimentation.

In the shot below, I wanted to capture the rush of the crowd, but not lose focus or show too much movement. So I pushed my ISO to 4000 and shot F4 at 1/125 second. This was my small 35MM F1.8 prime, which held up pretty well to keep movement to a minimum.

And heading south, outside the door from the station, I captured this shot. Perhaps nothing special, but I love the color and movement under the Park Avenue bridge.

And this shot was capture before I got to Grand Central. It was great to be walking and capturing people just hanging out in the Plazas at the base skyscraper buildings on Park Avenue.

See More of My Street Photography Here:

Another shot where I experimented with slower exposures to get more “blur.” This was shot at F8 at the end of the day, at 1/160 and ISO 400. I panned along with the rider.

I’ll be sharing more NYC street work, plus experiments with my new flash, in upcoming posts. Do you want to see them?

Leave a comment

Summing it All Up

Being free from a cast or boot felt like stepping into summer again (finally).

While there’s still a slight limp, the return to movement — and photography — was liberating. Ahhhh, getting back to my photography journey and picking up my pace while I still have some summer left.

The long exposure techniques fascinate me — they’re opening new directions in my work. I will be adding this to my “Quirky” portfolio of images that include my ICM, light painting, reflection shots, among others. I look forward to what awaits.

Quick Note

Thanks to everyone who joined my recent survey — more than 25 readers weighed in! Your feedback helps shape these experiments. You are all amazing, Namaste 🙏.

I will update you in another post.

Lessons Learned 🧠

As always, here are some observations that struck me while preparing this post:

• Planning matters. Long exposures need forethought — from composition to light angles. With more time, I could refine leading lines, framing and perspective.

• Keep building the body. Photography is a numbers game. That “remarkable” frame — the one that surprises — is rare but worth chasing.

• Never stop learning. There is so much I am learning about light, color, hues, saturation, shadows, highlights, and more that I keep experimenting with in Lightroom and occasionally Photoshop.

• Endless possibilities. Photography doesn’t end with capture. Editing, printing, and presenting all extend the art into new forms. And its up to you to present accurate representations as you saw the scenes or create new images as you imagine them.

You get what you put into it.

Your Turn 🫵

How often do you play with shutter speed? Even on phones, its an option. Do you use Slo-mo?

Do you pan along with bikes or cars? Ever tried long exposures to make a busy street look empty?

Share your thoughts — I'm learning as much from these conversations as from the technical experimentation itself.

Share IMAGE FRONTIERS Photography Street & Fine-Art by David Rosen

Please Note: Soon I’ll be starting a Chat on Substack so we can trade ideas in real time — quick reactions, photo tips, and shared experiments. Hope you’ll join me there.

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images are copyrighted and created by me, David Rosen, unless otherwise noted. If you are interested in prints or using these images, simply reach out and ask at click@imagefrontiers.com.

Ghostly commuters blur into light and shadow in New York’s Grand Central Station — one of the long exposures I’ll be sharing in my next post. “Photographing Ghosts in New York Grand Central Station.” That post goes live this Sunday August 24, 2025.

With it, I’m opening something new: IMAGE FRONTIERS Chat. A subscriber-only space where we can talk directly, ask questions, and trade ideas in real time. I’ll be there to keep the conversation going — and I hope you’ll join me.

Why Chat?

Until now, most of our exchanges have happened in the comments or surveys at the bottom of posts. Those are great for thoughtful feedback — but I wanted to create a more casual, real-time space where we can:

• Share quick reactions to new posts and images

• Swap photo tips and experiment ideas

• Keep the creative momentum alive between full posts

When & How

• Launch Date: Sunday, alongside the Ghosts post

• Where: Right here on Substack (in your app or on the site)

• Who: Everyone subscribed — free or paid — can join in

I’ll start things off with a few prompts, and then it’s open for you to jump in, ask questions, share ideas, or just lurk until you feel ready.

This is a new experiment for me — much like my photography — and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us.

Hope you’ll join me.
—David

Last week, I swapped sidewalks for saltwater. 🚤 Boston Harbor became my street, and a boat ride turned into an unexpected photowalk — complete with skyline drama, dockside life, and the raw energy of the city in motion. From passing under the Tobin Bridge to drifting by the Constitution Wharf, each frame revealed a different angle of Boston’s character. Street photography doesn’t need pavement — sometimes, all it takes is a steady hand, good light, and a moving deck.

In the Boot and On the Boat

I’ve spent most of this summer grounded — literally. Between the knee roller and the walking boot, my Achilles recovery has been slow. But this week, I finally traded the four wheels for sea legs, stepped onto our boat, and brought my camera along.

I hope you enjoy the journey with me. Its not a Photowalk, but its an amazing adventure I take as frequently as I can. For me its my Zen time and a chance to de-compress, have a cigar, enjoy the water, and spend quality time with friends, family and my pup.

Street photography has always been my creative anchor — catching people mid-laughter, lost in thought, or in those in-between moments where their guard drops. Usually, that means walking city blocks and disappearing into the crowd. This time, the street moved under me — Boston Harbor became my sidewalk.

Street Photography, Harbor Edition

Armed with my RF 24–240mm lens, I still found myself drawn to the wide end — 24mm and 35mm — to capture more of the scene’s energy. But the zoom gave me reach when the boat couldn’t.

I am lucky to belong to a boat club just blocks from my home here in the Seaport. So my Pup Stan Lee and I set-off to hit the water as I hobbled in my boot and shoe to get there.

My boating route is pretty standard, depending on the waves and water. And it never gets old. As usual, we leave Fan Pier and travel by the courthouse and head over to a calm channel near the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. It’s where history is reenacted daily, with modern “insurrectionists” tossing tea overboard from the crowd. I’ve photographed it from my balcony before, but from the boat, I could see details that rev up my street photography instincts. I love to catch the splash, the laughter, the mock-serious expressions.

A few minutes later, my crew — Carmen with her two pups, Mille and Coco, and my golden doodle Stan Lee — became the subject.

It was a hazy day, which made the shadows even darker than normal. While it was sunny, the haze really affects the ability to view details. Thanks to Raw, i was able to pull out more detail of their faces without blowing out the highlights.

In street work, I avoid eye contact to keep it candid. But from a boat, the rules shift. From the water, moments feel both intimate and detached: people are in their own world, yet you’re part of it without intruding.

Near the aquarium, I aimed for casual dockside portraits… and instead got waves and smiles from strangers spotting us on the water.

Dockside Zen and Harborside Hustle

Boston Harbor has its own rhythms.

In front of our marina, there are street scenes galore. Special moments where people are mesmerized by the lapping water and movement of the waves. And frequently, I shoot pictures of other photographers as they work with their client/models to catch the water and city behind them.

And the floating dock next to us is always a place for people to sit and hang their feet over the edge. Was this candid or was I busted?

And of course, nearby, you hear that boom, boom, boom? The cacophony of music, giggling, and laughter is heard from the Tiki-Boat (aka “Booze Cruise”).

Cruising Faster up To Winthrop by Logan

That “tower” is the backdrop/observation tower of the Madonna Queen of the Universe Shrine on Orient Heights (East Boston). It was built by the Don Orione Fathers as part of the shrine complex across from their nursing home.

What it is: A tall granite-clad tower with a gilded crown at the top, designed as the architectural backdrop for the 35-ft Madonna statue (the statue sits in the central niche you can see from the water).

From a distance it can look like an airport control tower.s — weathered but proud — above the beach that looks back toward the city. Ok, to be real, I really thought it was an early control tower, up until I wrote this post and learned the real background of it.

And this is what that beachgoers were watching.

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My crew stood watch — part lookout, part social club — as we crossed paths with ferries, sailboats, and the occasional daredevil on a jet ski. Coco watching the Bow and Stan Lee keeping an eye on our stern. 🐶

On the way back to the Bay after seeing the Tower, we passed by some loud, but fun-loving boaters enjoying this amazing day.

Heading back to the Marina, boats zipped past as they wanted every ounce of distance before entering the “no wake” zone near the end of the runway.

A Close Call with a Hydrofoil

One shot still makes me laugh. I saw the high-speed ferry slicing across the harbor and wanted to frame the hull between its twin pontoons. Later, in Lightroom, I realized the shot was at 24mm — meaning it was a lot closer than I thought in the moment. We didn’t linger.

Finishing the Loop

As we eased back into the marina, I caught people sunning themselves on Pier 400’s steps, chatting over coffee, and sneaking in a quick photo shoot before the light shifted.

I took my usual self-portrait (hidden in plain sight) and watched the harbor settle into afternoon calm. Can you see me? Along the way, I passed reflections of the waterfront caught in glass buildings, people perched on docks with their feet above the tide, and photographers staging perfect golden-hour shots.

The Map: My Typical Boating Map in Boston Harbor

Thanks for taking this Photo Journey with me. Here is the route I typically take and shared with some photos.

Finally

Its great to be moving again, even in the boot. It wasn’t the longest walk I’ve ever taken, but it was one of the most refreshing — a reminder that street photography isn’t confined to sidewalks. Sometimes, the street floats.

Lessons Learned 🧠

• Street photography principles work just as well on the water — distance changes the intimacy, but candid moments still shine.

• A zoom lens can be your best friend when your “feet” are stuck on a moving platform.

• Context changes perception — the same Boston Tea Party scene looks completely different from water level.

• Wide angles (24–35mm) tell more of the environment’s story than tight crops, even in fast-moving situations.

Your Turn 🫵

Have you ever taken your street photography off the street — maybe from a train, a balcony, or a boat? How did it change the way you approached your subjects?
Drop your thoughts, stories, or even your favorite “floating street” shots in the comments — I’d love to see how you’ve adapted your vision to a moving vantage point.

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you would like to use the photos, I'd be glad to accommodate you — so please contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work—subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

BREAKING NEWS: I have been offered a marvelous opportunity to display my photography in an Italian restaurant gallery in Boston.

Yes, I feel honored — but at the same time, my head is spinning with thoughts and questions. I’d love to share this milestone with you. Can you help me choose? As a thank-you, you could win a signed 8.5×11 inch archival Giclée print of your favorite finalist.

My Big Chance

I will be displaying two printed and framed photographs starting this September. It’s a casual Italian style pizza and sandwich restaurant with counter order service and a half a dozen tables. There is a large, long brick wall that doubles as a gallery. The owner supports local artists, transforming that wall into a rotating exhibit space.

Once my photos are printed, framed, and ready for installation, I’ll share the details — location, timing, and photos on the wall.

As I thought about my culling process — how to narrow down from a mountain of images to just two — I realized something: I want you to be part of this process with me.

I’ve narrowed my choices to 10 favorites from over 150 “A” Keepers in my Lightroom catalog. That’s 10 out of more than 160,000 photos spanning 25+ years. How I got here remains a mystery even to me — but I’ll walk you through my thinking.

Your input will help me decide which two images go on the wall.

Can You Help Me? A Challenge to YOU 🫵

Are you up for a challenge?

I'm inviting you — readers, followers, and curious passers-by — to help me choose two final prints for my first gallery wall exhibit. I've narrowed it down to five framed contenders, and your input will help guide my final selection.

👉 Before you take the survey, take a moment to view and reflect on all five images in this post (Photos A to E).
Glance. Pause.
Which ones move you? Speak to you? Repel or bore you?
Make a mental note — or jot down your reactions — then scroll to the survey and let me know what you think.

💡 All responses are anonymous and used only for my decision-making — nothing will be shared or attributed to you. I truly appreciate your perspective.

🎁 BONUS for Survey Responders:
As a thank-you, I’ll randomly select up to 4 participants to receive a signed 8.5×11 inch archival Giclée print from the IMAGE FRONTIERS collection. You’ll choose your favorite from the ten images shown today — and I’ll ship it directly to you (U.S. shipping only). International winners, we can figure out shipping cost share if crazy.

This is my way of showing gratitude for your support and for joining me on this creative journey. See the additional photos below.

My Top of Mind Thoughts: Approach

Have you ever glanced at artwork in a restaurant? Ever wanted to see if they were for sale, or just for display? Did it make you feel anything? Did you wonder why it was chosen?

This opportunity raised questions I wasn’t expecting. And not just about which photo to pick — but about what I want from my photography at all.

To be clear, I have no illusions that this exhibit will lead to greatness, fame, or a global art career. In truth, there’s a skeptical little voice inside me that wonders if any of this will matter.

But there's also that sliver of hope: that maybe, someday, someone will remember one of my images — and feel something.

What I truly want is to move people. To spark an emotion — joy, curiosity, stillness, wonder — like the ones I feel when I capture a keeper.

Photo B: Fountain Fun!

How to Pick the Two

As I started thinking about my selection, my instinct kicks-in. I always put myself in the mind or shoes of the customer. However, the photographer artist role I am revealing, reminds me of the prevailing philosophy of the artist. Follow their vision, keep working to improve your body of work, and disregard others and what they think.

So I feel that familiar tension pulling at me again. Do I follow the artist’s compass or the marketer’s gut?

The artist in me wants to express vision, emotion, and authenticity — regardless of what others think.

The businessperson in me says:

• Who is the audience (patrons of restaurant)?

• What are their problems, needs or interests (no clue) that patrons have?

• What would interest them while they eat or wait for their food to be ready?,

• Well, if people want to buy the photos, what would they want to buy?

• What does the owner want? The curator? The restaurant community?

• What does success look like?

OMG… does your brain hurt yet like mine?

I find myself torn between artistic integrity and practical sense — wondering what the owner wants, what the curator expects, what the community appreciates.

👉 Seen all 5? Click below and help me make this decision!

⚠️ Please review all 5 photos before clicking “Help Me Choose.”

🎁 BONUS for RESPONDERS: I’ll randomly select up to 4 participants to receive an 8.5×11 inch Giclée print on archival paper — a thank-you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Photo C: Golden Hour Layers.

If you know someone who loves photography or gallery work, feel free to share this post with them too!

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My Personal Crossroads: Artist-Photographer OR Professional Photographer

This restaurant wall is forcing a deeper reflection:

🔄 Why am I doing this? What do I want from my photography — for myself, and for others?

Is it digital downloads?
Fine-art prints?
Books on street photography and urban design?
Or… is it simply the joy of making something meaningful?

Right now, I’m doing this for me — with no (okay, maybe a tiny) expectation of profit.

At this stage of life, I just want to know I’ve made a difference. I know I’ve done that in business. But will I do that in my photography?

My Current Guiding Force in Photography:

What makes sense to me now is this: I want my work to have an emotional impact.

To help guide this process, I’ve managing a simple system — my way of evaluating photos with three critical human motivators: heart, mind, and craft. It has four parts:

1. Photography — technical execution, processing, presentation

2. Subject or Object — is the focus clear and compelling?

3. The Photographer — what’s my contribution or vision in the shot?

4. Viewer Emotive Reaction — does the image evoke anything visceral or emotional? Or is it …..blah.

Getting from hundreds to 5

Recently, I’ve embraced a new practice that’s been a game-changer: printing.
Small 5×7 prints, laid out on a table — held, compared, rearranged.

There’s just no substitute for seeing images this way — not even Lightroom’s grid view.

Here’s my workflow:

• I use keywords and flags in Lightroom to isolate potential show-worthy images

• I locate those prints (or print them fresh)

• I physically review and compare side-by-side

That’s how I got to 10, and then quickly to the 5 you’ll see below — shared with you and a few trusted peers.

Photo D: Modern Viking Ship.

The Challenge to Solve For:

Now, with my top 5 and 10 in hand, my business brain reactivates.

What do people want to see on the wall in a restaurant?

Here’s my current thinking:

1. Street photography may not sell well for wall art

2. Buyers often respond emotionally — nostalgia, beauty, color, memory

3. It may match their decor, or remind them of somewhere meaningful

4. It might just strike them… and they think: “This could be worth something.”

What do you think?

Photo E: Boston Ice, Rain, & Snow.

The Artists Dilemma

As many of you know, I’m currently on sabbatical — exploring photography, learning new techniques, and building a body of work.

I still wrestle with this question:
Am I a photographer? Or just someone who loves photography?

Maybe I don’t need to decide yet.

If you know someone who loves photography or gallery work, feel free to share this post with them too!

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Calling for Your Help 🫵

So that’s where you come in. As you scrolled down this post, you have seen all 5 Photos, A through E. Please take another moment to view them again — and then share your thoughts via the survey.

👉 Seen all 5? Click below and help me make this decision!

⚠️ Please review all 5 photos before clicking “Help Me Choose.”

🎁 BONUS for RESPONDERS: I’ll randomly select up to 4 participants to receive an 8.5×11 inch Giclée print on archival paper — a thank-you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Which one(s) evoke emotion? Could you see any of them on a wall — yours, or someone else’s? If none speak to you — I want to know that too.

Honorable Mentions

The 5 Honorable Mentions below didn’t make the final cut, but I thought you might enjoy seeing them. Click to enlarge.

Thank you in advance for your time, perspective, and generosity.

This process is helping me refine my eye, improve my work, and — hopefully — connect with you in a more meaningful way.

Lessons learned 🧠

Not a lot to unpack here, but there are some learnings as I shot and wrote this:

1. Culling is Critical — I’ve spent years learning how to identify what makes a good photo better than the next. Other people’s insights often reveal things I miss.

2. Printing is Key — Lightroom helps manage my archive (~170,000 images), but prints reveal subtleties you can't see on screen.

3. Be Objective — It’s hard with your own work. But applying clear metrics helps you improve, compare consistently, and grow as a photographer.

Your Turn 🤔

I am curious. Am I the only photographer, person who goes through these mental masturbations as I decide where to prioritize and spend my time and decide what to shoot, write, or print/produce? Am I the only one who jumps from idea to idea — who struggles to stay in a single, neatly defined lane of creative focus?

1. How do you evaluate your own photos for showing, sharing, or printing?

2. What kinds of work should go on a restaurant wall?

3. Are you an artist or creative? How do you reach your audience?

If you’ve made it this far — thank you! 🙏

Now... can you take the survey and let me know what you think?

Seen all 5? Click below and help me make this decision!

⚠️ Please review all 5 photos before clicking “Help Me Choose.”

🎁 BONUS for RESPONDERS: I’ll randomly select up to 4 participants to receive an 8.5×11 inch Giclée print on archival paper — a thank-you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Closing Thought This Week

I am back. Still in the boot, but I am walking on it and ditched the knee roller. Its good to be walking, just 6800 steps yesterday. Its a metal boot so its noisy/clanky so its hard to be that invisible street photographer… for now.

So tell me—WHAT’S UP with You? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or just thinking about this summer? Traveling?

Leave a comment

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you would like to use the photos, I'd be glad to accommodate you — so please contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work—subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

What does the world look like through a Golden Doodle’s eyes?

In this Boston-based photography project, I capture our home from the perspective of Stan Lee — my not-so-average Golden Doodle. You’ll see what he sees, learn how dogs view the world, and discover how I cull and print photos to select the best work.

Today I’m sharing three parts of my photography journey that come together in this post — and one announcement:

• A workshop assignment I tackled: Photograph within 100 feet of my front door

• A creative twist on that assignment: Seeing through the eyes of my Golden Doodle, Stan Lee

• Lessons I’ve learned about photo culling

• And a big thank you: I’ve passed 100 subscribers in < 60 Days! Please click the button to answer my Simple Seven Survey.

Simple 7 Survey

My Project: Photograph within 100 Feet of My Door and Pick Your Best 15

Last year, I took a photography workshop called Street Photography: A Praxis, led by the amazing Michael Hintlian — a terrific photographer and a sharp, effective teacher.

The first assignment was deceptively simple:

Shoot photos within 100 feet of your door.

No further instruction. Just… go.

My Assignment Topic: From Stan Lee’s Eyes, How My Golden Doodle Sees His Home

To break free from a mechanical mindset and embrace a more creative one, I decided to view this assignment from a different angle — literally. I placed myself at Stan Lee’s eye level and imagined the world from his point of view.

Stan Lee isn’t your average doodle. We call him our “Macro-Doodle” — he towers over the micro and mini doodles we meet

So, my first part of the project, I measured his height, mainly on how high his eyes were from the ground, or how far above his chin his eyes appear. That became my guide for tripod height and composition.

And then, of course, the tech/science brain kicked in.

What Does the World Look Like to a Dog?

Have you ever really thought about how dogs see? I hadn’t — but now I have.

It turns out, dogs like our Golden Doodle friends, don’t see colors the same way we do. I grew more curious about how that affects his world.

So, I looked into the science of canine vision — and it’s surprisingly different from ours. Dogs don’t see the full spectrum of colors that we do. Humans have three types of color receptors (cones) in our eyes (red, green, and blue). But dogs only have two types — blue and yellow — which means their color vision is more limited.

And here’s a breakdown of what I learned:

• Red and green hues are absent in a dog’s view. What looks red to us might be dull brown or gray to them.

• Blues and yellows pop — they’re the vivid notes in a mostly-muted world.

• Dogs have blurrier distance view, soft focus instead of crisp edges.

• Low-light vision is superior, thanks to extra rods and the tapetum lucidum (a light-reflecting eye structure).

• Motion sensitivity is heightened — they detect even small movements quickly.

Learning about these differences helped me imagine the world from my dog’s perspective more clearly — not just as a fun idea, but through an understanding of how their eyes actually work. So I made the edit adjustments, using Lightroom and I believe it grounded the entire project in empathy and experimentation.

About the Class - Field and Classroom Critique

The class met weekly. One week you had an assignment and met up in a location to shoot in a field assignment. Then, the next week, you meet in a classroom. The field assignments were usually three to four hour stints, or could be over many days. These assignments, like my Street photography Photowalks, rarely yield less than 200 or 300 photos at each shooting session.

Then came the challenge: bring no more than 15 images to class. (OK, I cheated and brought 17 the first time).

Those 15 were laid out on a table for review. And the rule? You stay silent. You answer questions only — no defending your work. Let the images stand and speak for themselves…

It was like being behind a one-way mirror while a focus group critiques your portfolio. Strangers circling your images, calling out strengths and flaws. Uncomfortable? Sure. But effective? Absolutely.

Photography Critiquing Process - Brilliant.

We also used a shared set of critique principles and common language — a helpful anchor when discussing each image. Each reviewer explains their perspective about an image in terms of four dimensions. Michael taught us the process with only the first three. I may be wrong, but in my personal experience, (not an expert), To me, as a customer centric business guy, I feel there is a fourth principle, Viewer Visceral Response. I usually incorporate wherever I can. What do you think?

1. The Photography - The science, techniques, process and engineering of images from the shot through processing and delivering it.

2. The Subject - The clarity of the object or subject in the image.

3. The Photographer - Their imprint on the image. What has the photographer put into it that comes out of it.

4. Viewer Visceral Response. Is there one? Is it expected or is it a surprise? Does it engage viewers, how and to what degree.

Over Time Patterns in Our Shooting Emerge in Our Work and The Group Picks up On It.

Over time, patterns emerged: stylistic tendencies, growth, blind spots. One classmate consistently produced great images with 5 things in them. 5 Trees, 5 people usually in tight symmetry. We noticied it before she did and brought it to her attention. As a part of the class, Michael supported this by showing examples from known photographers with similar visual signatures.

I took the class twice. I’ll likely take it again — for the feedback, the structure, the accountability. Like a good study group, it pushed me forward.

Why This Post, and Why Now?

The Substack posts by many writers, photographers, and artists inspired me to start my publishing and posting journey here. I can’t believe this is Post #11 in 11 weeks.

One of those special people on Substack is Susanne Helmert, the publisher of the My Morning Muse. I started following her work last year. Her thoughts, artistry, writing and photos she shared drew me in.

Susanne’s recent zine One K Radius, resurfaced this assignment in my mind. Susanne’s morning walks — with camera and dog — inspired me to share my own neighborhood experiment.

Her early personal encouragement helped shape my first few posts. Our styles differ, but the exchange of ideas has been powerful. There’s power in small, creative radii.

She is currently living in Germany, and partnered up with another artist/photographer on a different continent. This post of hers "My thoughts on art collaborations" tells you more about it. Putting two and two together, my 100 feet from the door assignment moved forward for this post.

I also want to acknowledge the many other mentors, friends, photographers and artists I have met in the last few years who dramatically affected me as well.

The Real Challenge

So, the real challenge for this class or most photography assignments is:

How do you Cull from hundreds or thousands of photos down to the handful that are exceptional?

The Culling Process Preamble: (its better than “Introduction”?)

While I have been shooting images since I was 14, it wasn’t until the last few years, where I have studied and learned to practice smarter workflows of photographers and photography. To make this post more interesting, I am sharing the processes I use through the lens of this assignment.

The process speaks to the approach to getting down to your handful of "A" images that you select from the tens, hundreds or thousands of photos shot.

I had a week to shoot, process, print, and deliver my top 10-15 images. Here is what I got:

• I took 126 photos around my home, no more than 100 feet away

• Culled the list to 37 Photos "Selects"

• Winnowed Down to 21 in the next grouping by creating Selects A group.

• Finalized my “A” Group list of 15 pictures to fit the assignment.

I tried really hard to winnow down below the 15, but couldn’t let some photos go. All done Lightroom Classic, including collections for Selects and Top. As shown in the image below.

Next STEP: PRINTING VERY IMPORTANT PART!

When I got to the 37 photos in Lightroom, I then started some editing/processing work on them. “I SHOOT RAW” (as Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhoto says). RAW files are pretty flat, low contrast, and mildly saturated colors, as your starting point, but are full of processable bits. A few simple adjustments with nominal cropping, bring them to life.

Then I print all 37.

Physical Prints in My HAND: What a difference!

What I have learned, mainly formed in the last couple of years, is that for myself, and not for client work in photography, you do not want to spend time processing ALL 126 images for this project. While there are some global adjustments you can make to all the photos, its not worth the time working individually on all photos, only the ones that make your A or B lists.

To get from the 37 to the 15, is so much easier with a 5x7 (my preference) glossy photo in hand. While LR give you a "Grid" to view all the pictures side by side, putting them all on a table, or floor, broadens your view and ability to look for similar photo clusters. Once similar types of shots are found you can then start winnowing down by selecting the one photo with the subject, composition, and photographer value in it compared to others. Other photos when you think about the photography, the subject, what inspired you, and how do you react is much more intimate and objective with a print in-hand!

Sidebar: Thank YOU! 🫵

Thanks to you — my readers, subscribers, and email openers — I’ve crossed 100 subscribers in under 60 days!

And now, a small ask:

I’ve put together a 7-question survey that’ll help me shape this publication going forward. Totally anonymous. Totally appreciated.

Please take a moment and share your thoughts.
I’m one guy, doing this solo. Every answer helps. See the Survey Below: 👇

7 Simple Survey

Selecting my 15: What happens to the Rest?

So as I narrowed down to the 15, many of the discarded selects fall into the "B" Category. I move them off the table and place in a plastic, see through box of “B” shots. I sill may work on these B photos, but I spend most of my time with my A's. At the end of each session reviewing my photos, I then mark the back of the photos, as A or B or nothing if it falls back from B.

But let me clarify something, I have learned as well. At the end of all this process, there may only be one or two that stay and remain "A" work and get added into my longer term body of work. I will be lucky if 1 or 2 survive at all from a group like this. When I do my photowalks, I may shoot 400-600 shots in a 4 hour period or more than 1,000 a day for bigger events. In any case, I will be lucky to find more than 4 or 5 keepers.

The image below is a spread of photos over 6 months at the beginning of 2025. While they are not gallery ready, directionally you see what they look like and can pick up one, two , three or more to view in different light, next to others to compare and assess.

You pick one up. Feel it. Shift it under sunlight, lamp light. Compare it. Stare at it closer. Move around the room and look in sunlight, shade, or under a lamp. You can simulate that in lightroom, but it’s not the same.

And sometimes while starting and reviewing an image, I can give it the all important “Sniff Test”! 🥸

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Remaining Images

So the photos below are the ones from the collection not shown yet. Some additional Diptychs and singles to view from my assignment. After that, you will see some “A”s of the “Monster,” Stan Lee that are framed on display at home.

Stan Lee watches from the couch while I am on my computer. He is not able to help me resolve color and tint issues on my images.

Just a normal day at the trough from Stan Lee’s vantage point.

Stan Lee does not like to wait alone. He often lies next to one of his favorite toys, the gray Sloth. Patiently, they both wait together for someone, anyone to come home.

Stan Lee waits for one of us to come home and keep him company and active. Its a long hallway and view to the door. He always has our shoes to smell and remind him of us. 👃

I call Stan Lee and ask him if he wants to go out, while holding his gentle leader from his vantage point. In return, I see Stan Lee looking at me, excited for what’s next.

And, Finally, one of my favorite “A” shots of our “Best Child”, Stan Lee at the Beach in Sag Harbor last year. Caught in mid-air, not even touching the ground as he runs, off-lead, to me.

Finally, Out on the Boat Again

I couldn’t end this without showing my Boat Buddy, Stan Lee on the boat again with me. Both of us are in our Zen Time when cruising Massachusetts Bay-Boston Harbor with the window in our faces and Sun giving us our Vitamin D.

Thanks for reading IMAGE FRONTIERS Photography by David Rosen! This post is public so feel free to share it.

And, If high-rise photography is your thing, check out 14th Floor Views – Boston

But wait, that’s not all!

Lessons learned 🧠

1. Print your Best Work - LRC and Software Are Valuable, but paper reveals the truth.

2. Favorites Change & Nothing Remains the Same: A’s become B’s. B’s sometimes rise again. But that is good. That is progress. Hopefully your work improves and evolves over time and new work or old work comes into your vision house.

3. Move, Get Out of Your Habits (and create new ones): As a lifelong learner, it was exciting and invigorating to learn how dogs see and position my camera in their visual trajectory. In Street photography, its often about the dance. Sometimes you lie on the ground or crouch to get the shot, other times you move within feet of your subject to get that “in the scene” perspective as opposed to being a viewer of the scene.

4. Keep Working and Creating. I feel this vibe and voice in my head from my photographer and artists friends, acquaintances, and mentors. Keep shooting, keep moving, and build your body of work are the common themes. It reminds me a lot of Malcolm Gladwell’s the Tipping Point.

Your Turn 🤔

So, if you have made it this far, what do you think?

1. When shooting for yourself, (not client work) how many images do you shoot and what numbers become “A” and “B” photos do you get?

2. How do you cull your photos and is there a method you use?

3. Does this process sound helpful or too much?

Leave a comment

Closing Thought This Week

I want to thank my beautiful, supportive and funny wife Lynn, my Bashert (soulmate). We celebrated and still celebrating, our 31st wedding anniversary this week.

And thanks to YOU for coming with me on this journey.

I even made it out yesterday (no knee scooter!) for poker in the burbs. New pics coming soon. 😄

So tell me—WHAT’S UP with YOU? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or just thinking about this summer?

Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you would like to use the photos, I'd be glad to accommodate you — so please contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work—subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

Just a Normal Day in Boston’s Seaport

It started as a quiet morning in my office. Even though the Southern view out my window and door is spectacular, I do, even with my ADHD, mainly focus on work and my desk. This morning in May was different.

The Noise Outside Was Incredibly Loud 📢

Through the great soundproofing of the glass and doors, I started hearing a growing buzz of seagull cries. And what I saw was amazing. As I peered out, I saw the feature image above, after grabbing my camera of course. As I looked out and stepped, (well, hobbled), onto the balcony, it appeared to be a natural air raid.

Across the whole horizon, birds were screaming and flying in circles erratically. What was happening, I thought to myself?

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I then looked up and saw even more birds in the sky above me. This picture below captures the edge of the balcony of the floor above.

As I watched the Chaos, I started thinking back. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and remember Alfred Hitchkock’s frightful movie, THE BIRDS. I saw it as a young kid and it always made an impression on me. It was filmed in a seaside town… Boston is a seaside town… uh-oh. And I am a graphic thinker, meaning that when I remember things, I review them in my mind in pictures… in addition to other senses.

I swung around to get a better understanding of what was happening, and there it was. On the lower part of the image below, I saw and realized what may have stirred up all this cacophony of anxiety by the birds in the hood. There were two people on the rooftop of the Yotel, near their rooftop bar and restaurant. If you looks closely, do you see them?

Urban Falconry In Action 🦅

On the roof was some sort of hawk, falcon or predator under the guidance of its Falconer. At least this is the assumption or story I am telling here, without actually researching the details. I jumped to this conclusion. What do you think? Apparently, pigeons, seagulls, crows, and other nuisance birds recognize birds of prey as natural threats. This had to explain the crazy bird chaos all around.

So, I wanted to see more, so I switched to my 24mm-240mm lens to get a better, “Bird’s-Eye-View,” no pun intended. And, there it was. According to my assistant Athena, (my Name for ChatGPT), its a Harris’s Hawk. They are considered very successful in urban bird abatement.

The hawk didn’t attack. It didn’t need to. Its mere presence, gliding with calm purpose over the rooflines, was enough to send the gulls into a tailspin. I had never seen such a raw, instinctual reaction—part chaos, part choreography. And all of it driven by fear.

I zoomed all the way in to 240MM to get the closest view of the Falconer, their assistant, and their Hawk. (Is it a Hawker with a Hawk or still a Falconer)?

This isn’t fiction. This is modern urban falconry, where raptors patrol restaurant rooftops, hotel balconies, and office towers—not to hunt, but to restore balance. Gulls, crows, and pigeons learn quickly: if the hawk is here, it’s time to go.

This was the moment I understood: there’s no siren louder than a hawk in the sky.

Management Shows Up

Again, I am not sure, but it looked like someone from the hotel was checking in to see how it was going on their rooftop. I think we were all amazed at the skies filled with negative energy and alarm, but I guess the Falconer and trusty Hawk, were doing their job.

The Reason for Avian (Bird) Abatement

So, after this chaos abated, thanks to the Hawk, I later went out to capture the late afternoon 14th Floor Views of Boston shots. I changed lenses. This time I brought out my Canon RF100-400mm lens for some closer shots.

And to further solidify my assumptions about the bird chaos, Its clear that the most likely reason for event is to keep the pigeons, seagulls, and other birds away from the rooftop restaurant at the YOTEL. I hope I don’t offend anyone, but to me, Seagulls and Pidgeon’s are cute, but their behavior is no better than a water rat.

And speaking of Birds of Prey, have you seen my friend who visited me on my balcony? See my other Substack Post - Bird of Prey on My Balcony

Other 14th Floor Pictures 🏢

And for fun, with my longer lens, I caught some neighbors out on their balcony, chilling, chatting, and having a cocktail, or two…

And surprisingly, I captured this three-shot Panorama of my South and Southwest horizon nearing the end of Golden Hour. This was shot with my 24-70mm and merged with Lightroom Classic on my desktop.

And on July 4th, I caught the crowds enjoying the YOTEL’s rooftop restaurant, just after sunset, hoping to see some fireworks. I think we understand how and why the Hawk does its job in keeping the nuisance birds away from Rooftops in the city.

And, If rooftop photography is your thing, check out 14th Floor Views – Boston

Lessons learned 🧠

Not a lot to unpack here, but there are some learnings as I shot and wrote this:

1. Be Ready. Have I beaten this one up? Especially as I am in the Boot and its difficult to get around, but my camera was out and ready. My 24-70MM on and available. And then switching to the zoom lens really helped get closer.

2. Perseverate, but Radiate. Don’t just focus on the commotion. Capture what else is going on around you or the focal point. By looking up, down, sideways, even with limited walkway (balcony), you get more context into the situation.

3. Same Scene ≠ Same Shot. I have my goto shots from the 14th floor in my horizon. But things change. The clouds of the morning were completely different than the clouds in the Pano above. Look for those subtle differences. there is always something different in the frame and its subjects, and what you put into it.

4. Good Glass is Better than Cropping. To me, being a lens based photographer, Its great to try different focal lengths. In my street work, the majority of photographers focus on the 28MM to 50MM range, almost religiously. (There are some 85MM street shooters, but they are considered Voyeurs, not “in the frame” like the short MM shooters). With extreme quality sensors, with high pixel counts, its still better to get the frame best in-camera, with great glass as opposed to narrowing the pixels in post cropping.

Your Turn 🤔

So, if you have made it this far, what do you think?

• Was this too newsy? Journalistic?

• Should I do more research when telling stories like this?

• What serendipitous events have you seen and captured? Tell me more and share with others in my magazine…

Leave a comment

Closing Thought This Week

I cannot wait to get this freakin’ boot off my leg and get back out there. Your’re probably tired of hearing that already, right? But, my thirst for capturing images, and the desire to grow my body of work, has me shooting anytime I can.

I deeply appreciate all the people in my life including you, my subscribers and readers, family, friends, business colleagues, neighbors, and fellow board members and investors. Your support means the world to me.

And special thanks to my wife Lynn, my Bashert (soulmate), for being my supportive Partner of more than 30+ years and the proud co-parent to our two amazing kids (and Stan Lee).

I’ll be jumping back into my photowalks, traveling more often, boating regularly and more, but not likely to be playing pickleball anytime soon. 😄

So tell me—WHAT’S UP? 👀 What are you shooting, seeing, exploring, or just thinking about this summer?

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Copyright Stuff

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you would like to use the photos, I'd be glad to accommodate you — so please contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work—subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

Man! I Miss Walking the Streets! 💡

Its been so long.. more than 8 weeks now since I walked on both feet. I am just anxious to get out and spend a few hours on Photowalks, peeking around corners, being invisible like Joel Meyerowitz has professed is possible, (I believe him. It works!), and capture compelling moments in time.

City of Boston - In Two Quarters January to June.

This post covers some of my favorite shots around Boston Streets. Some of them are from events and holidays, and others are just the result of Photowalks — afternoons or mornings walking 20,000 steps+ around different neighborhoods.

Boston’s Chinatown for Chinese New Years!

Its such a fun holiday. It never disappoints in terms of color, happy people, crowds, noise, and smoky streets. As the image below shows the “offering plate” of oranges and lettuce, it was one of the first that day. I have a thing for capturing people smoking; the way it lingers and curls. And, I do smoke cigars occasionally.

The colors, even on cloudy, rainy and sometimes snowy days, are bright, loud, and “Pop” just like the firecrackers. And the lions and tigers? They never disappoint, especially when you get a glimpse inside.

The day started with a little rain after a snow. Before I reached the parade and Boston’s Chinatown, this moment caught my eye; after grabbing coffee with some photographer friends.

February New Faneuil Hall Boston

Boston is still lively in the cold. As the third-largest startup hub in the world, there’s always something interesting to stumble into. One startup promoting colon and gut screening set up a hilariously odd market research booth. Let’s just say people looked skeptical.

Still, I think it would be a great photo for a bathroom wall. Would you hang it? In your guest bath? Restaurant? Dive bar?

Nearby, the outdoor fresh market gave me a great composition — rows of people walking the narrow lanes between stands.

I really love color, as many of you know, but I chose black and white for this one. Does it work? Or fall flat?

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The Boston “T”

Getting around Boston by train isn’t bad. Especially when I walk to the corner of my block, take a right, and head down the stairs to an underground Silver Line bus in the Seaport. Rain or shine its a covered space that takes me right to the Red Line trains at South Station.

In this relatively new station, (8-10 years old), it is full of new metal signage and fairly new glass elevators. Between two street entrances, there’s this wide open area — and it’s become a warm-weather playground.

I caught this at the right time as the plywood has come down and the new station entrance will be opening soon. I’ve never skateboarded myself, but its a thrill watching the boarder get air and hop over cones and other objects.

And even on the busiest of days, sometimes its just time to chill.

In usual Boston fashion though, this new station entrance started more than six years ago, just when I moved here, and several 30-40 story high-rises have been built in the meantime, before this one additional station entrance, one block away, is yet to be completed. Boston Works! Or so they say.

And yes — self-portraits are always part of the fun. Wherever there are reflections.

St. Patrick’s Day - Green Galore

Another great holiday to celebrate in Boston! We have one of the largest Irish immigrant populations in the country. In my experience in living in New York, Chicago, Boston, and in southern Illinois, EVERYONE is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day!

So this time, I wanted to cover it at the heart. The St. Patrick’s day Parade in Dorchester. I got many more that I’ll share closer to next year’s event. Should I?

I took the “T” two stops to Broadway Station, parade central. The first train that arrived? Wall-to-wall green.

When the subway doors opened, on this somewhat chilly day, a swath of warm fog from inside the car poured into the cold air. The train was packed, but a couple people got off and I squeezed in.

The crowds continued and it was time to leave the train. t Broadway Station, we shuffled off — packed like human sardines. Up the stairs, through a police checkpoint, and into the parade. Officers were confiscating gallon jugs of “Bug Juice” from eager celebrators.

When we got to the surface, its was fresh air that greeted us.

At events like this, I’m drawn to the crowd more than the parade itself. Candid strangers — happy, elated, maybe even in love.

Do you prefer crowd scenes too?

Boston Commons & The Boston Public Library

One of my favorite neighborhoods to Photowalk around in Boston is the Copley Square area. Around the square is the famous Boston Public Library which has a long standing history as well as new sections. The streets are wider than most Boston streets and the light and shadows make shooting quite interesting.

At the library entrance, people gather in small clusters — each oblivious to the others. Human pockets of stillness and chatter. I love that.

On my way home, I always walk through the Commons. I caught this: two friends, their dog, a picnic. Warmer days feel like a gift.

Still, I don’t understand the moment: a puff of a cigarette… then a bite of burger and chips.

Random Interesting Shot

And a couple of months ago, I was visiting a friend who had an exhibit at the Liberty Hotel. I captured this shot right off the lobby. Its quirky, but interesting. What do you think?

Back in the Seaport, on a Bench

At the end of June, there was a beautiful day at the Seaport waterfront. I had to get out with my buddy Stan Lee. We sat on a bench just a few blocks from my place, harbor breeze and all.

II’s a little awkward — I left my boot in the shot. But hey, I still “got my street on.”

Boston in the 70s or 80s (Fahrenheit) with a harbor breeze? Doesn’t get much better. I decided not to crop to parallel. Goofy?

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Lessons Learned 🧠

It was an interesting first half of 2025. As I looked through my collections in Lightroom, I focused in on Boston Street Shots as the theme. But some other questions pop into mind:

• Color or Black & White (or Both): I’m drawn to and mainly shoot, print, and publish in color, but black and white has its own impact. Is it jarring to include both in the same post?

• How and When to NOT Over-Elaborate: I had dozens more from both St. Paddy’s and Chinese New Year. But when is enough? Is one image more powerful than a flood of them? When do you stop and show just ONE photo? I always want to go with more, but I know… “less is more”. NO One likes the feeling of TL:DR

• How to Organize Photos and Curation is HARD! In this article, I started chronologically, but realized it was better to show the “T” pictures together. And I started with a March picture from Chinatown. What makes more sense? Perhaps I should start posting by events or days? Do you like my theme based around the 14th Floor Boston Views?

• What Projects Should I explore over time? I am evaluating projects as a way to cut across my body of work. A deep dive into my neighborhood, living, working, and playing in the Seaport? Or do I focus in on travel events and days?

If you have never visited Boston, did this give you a chance to see what is here and should be seen?

Your Turn 💬

Ok. Tell me what you think, and don’t hold back. Help me understand how you as a buyer or viewer of photography prefer to read, view or put artwork on your wall? Or, as a photographer, what are your habits and practices?

• How do you organize your photos, by time, event, or location?

• Would you prefer more or less text? More or less images?

• Why are you here and doing this? Because you are a friend? You are looking for inspiration? You are looking to learn? Made a Mistake?

So, its your turn. Tell me something really important to know, at least for me.

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Do any of my images, evoke feelings in you?

If so, is that a good thing?

I have spent most of my life, since I was 12 years old, working on making a living. And for the first time, I have given myself permission to not monetize what I do.

But I am working. Just in a different way.

But I do know that I am exploring the possibilities as a photo — mechanic, creative, artist, or HACK?

Some feedback said my writing felt “salesy.” That surprised me. What am I selling, exactly? Maybe just the invitation to look. To remember. To feel something.

Thanks for walking with me — even if I’ve been stuck in a boot.

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Whatever this is, I’m grateful you’re here and engaging with me as I navigate, without a compass or destination, but enjoy what I am doing… as guiltless as possible.

Till next week!

📷 Copyright & Image Use Notice Stuff

All photographs and images were taken by me, David Rosen and are © David A. Rosen / IMAGE FRONTIERS. You are welcome to share the full post using Substack’s share tools or direct link. However, images may not be downloaded, copied, reposted, or reused without written permission.

💬 Interested in licensing, collaboration, or featuring these images? Message me on Substack or email: click@davidrosenphoto.com.

Boston 4th of July - Celebration

The smell of gunpowder, the snap of flags, and the distant boom of fireworks—Boston’s July 4th never gets old. Welcome to the 4th episode of 14th Floor Views Boston. Even with my mobility still limited, it’s been a treat to rediscover Boston from above—scanning the harbor, city skyline, and neighborhoods from our balcony perch. July fourth weekend has been entertaining, freeing, and fun so far. I’m finally getting out more—camera in hand—shooting from the balcony, the ground, and, for the first time this summer, out on Boston Harbor itself.

Boston Harbor Boating Starts the Day

While the USS Constitution floated by last September in full flag regalia, this July 4th, I was lucky enough to catch her from the water—camera (well, phone) at the ready. She’s the oldest, still-commissioned warship in the US Navy, and seeing her under escort by military and police boats, slipping out of her Charlestown berth—a rare event—never gets old. There was a military, coast guard, and police escort along with a flotilla of boats, big and small. The harbor’s edges were also lined with onlookers craning for a glimpse from the Boston Aquarium and other piers including the Seaport waterfront.

Stan Lee, My Boating Buddy and Maxine

Given my injury and long recovery, this was my first time on the boat this summer. It was great having my daughter here for the weekend and she brought a friend. My boat buddy, Stan Lee, just loves the fresh air, breeze, and was so chill on the boat.

And he couldn’t be more happy than when his sister is here with him.

The massive size, the web of lanyards and lines criss-crossing the masts never fails to impress. I was so happy to have great timing, unknowingly being on the boat when she was leaving for her short jaunt out from her pen. Bonus: for once, the tugboat was hidden from my angle—no photobombs. Confession: these shots are from my phone, not the Canon R6M2. Given my large leg boot and Knee Roller, I opted to not bring a my Canon Camera on board. Sometimes you just grab what you can and hope the moment makes up for the megapixels. What do you think, does it compare?

Back to the Balcony

The fireworks in Boston Harbor were early this year and I actually captured them on Wednesday night, July 2nd. I brought out my tripod, weighted it down with some photo books in a bag, and tested before it got dark. I decided to use the Canon Connect app from my phone, and since I switched to a new phone, I knew I had to test it beforehand.

The app connected and tested well. It’s a nifty setup—controlling the camera from my phone, tweaking focus, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, all without nudging the tripod. For the fireworks, I also put the camera in Bulb setting as I take 3 to 20 second exposures and keep the ISO low at 200, and vary the aperture from F8 to F22 for focus variations. I have loved capturing the fireworks from our 14th Floor Balcony in the Boston Seaport for 6 years now.

I’ve been playing with intentional camera movement (ICM)—and, let’s be honest, plenty of unintentional movement too (klutz points!). 😄

The Fireworks Barge: Dead Center in My View

As I set up, I spotted the harbor police boats circling the fireworks barge, while tug boats were positioning it for the upcoming show. For once, the barge was perfectly framed between the buildings from my balcony—YES!

The Fireworks Barge: Then Moved

I could already picture the sequence: first ignition, rocket trails, and the grand bursts lighting up the sky. But the wind had other plans. It picked up, and the barge repositioned—likely for safety. That moved the show just enough that the buildings blocked nearly half of the fireworks. Bummer.

Plan B: The City of Boston Becomes the Star

No way was I letting a good setup go to waste. I moved the tripod and swung the camera toward the city, capturing long exposures of Boston’s night lights. And with all the holiday traffic, I thought it would be good capture the parade of headlights and taillights streaming across the bridge. I experimented with varied exposur times of 5, 8, and 14 second exposures on bulb. Sometimes, plan B turns out to be the real show.

Bonus Round: Fireworks on the Horizon – July 4th Finale

While the Seaport fireworks were on July 2nd, other parts of Boston and our surrounding cities were hosting their shows on the 4th. I really love seeing the whole southern and northeastern horizons, from our 14th Floor balcony, covered with fireworks. There were no less than 25 different fireworks emanating from the many towns surrounding Boston. Here are a couple of triptychs of them.

The first triptych was taken with my favorite RF 24-70mm F2.8 L lens, set around 35mm. As the actual light shows are on the lower part of the horizon, there is a balance between the horizon and height of the light displays.

These are three pictures combined as a triptych. Its a panorama of light shows along our whole horizon.

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But I also wanted to get closer, so I put on my 100-400mm lens. As I was on a tripod, using long exposures, it didn’t matter that the lens is not as “fast” as my 24-70mm lens. My exposures increased to 15-25 seconds, which was fine. And, contrary to my usual street photography focus of keeping in the 28-50mm focal length range, I really like the compression of images from a zoom like this. (50MM is supposed to be closest to what our eyes see).

Its not July 4th Without the Boston Tea Party from the Balcony

No Fourth of July is complete without a nod to the Boston Tea Party. Right off our balcony, was where the Revolutionary War began. Every year, I grab a shot of the re-enactment—modern-day “insurrectionists” tossing tea into the harbor, echoing the spirit that started it all.

Wrapping Up ✍️

How’d I do this week? Drop an emoji in the comments—😊 (loved it), 😐 (meh), or 😞 (not for me). If you’ve got a July 4th story or a favorite fireworks photo, I’d love to see it! Share your best shot in the comments or reply with your own “plan B” story. Your stories inspire me every week.

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I recently just heard from one of my readers that my Post #005 My Quirky Collection: Hanging Out to Dry in Shanghai..” stirred up a wave of wonderful childhood memories. The memory was so vivid, it brought a genuine smile to their face and filled their mind with warmth and gratitude for the remarkable woman who shaped their early years.

It’s moments like these—when a simple story unlocks treasured memories and heartfelt emotions—that remind me why I love sharing these glimpses of everyday life.

Lessons Learned 🧠

So, as I write, and organize my thoughts, several items come up that I think are worth sharing regarding new learnings and thoughts. Here are the ones from today's article:

1. Plan Ahead for Better Results: Before I set up the fireworks shoot, I dipped into Lightroom to check on settings from previous years. It helped me balance clarity in the fireworks with just the right amount of ambient light. (Also: the internet is full of tips, but nothing beats your own notes.)

2. Shooting is nearly always tailored, rarely cookie-cuttered. I keep learning that when I find my best shots from my photowalks and events, I do not always get the same success the second time. The art of photography is about being present at the time you shoot and dealing with all the environmental, personal, and other variables that will always be different each consecutive time. Sometimes the first time is better than trying to repeat. Focus in on the now!

3. Be Nimble and Always Have a Plan B: You take the time to prepare, set up your gear and get ready. But the original intent does not work out. What else can you do with the setup you have or the place you are to get something? In this case, shift the gear to take more pictures of the city, but focus on getting better light trails crossing the bridge. There are always plan B’s that can create fun from frustration.

4. Culling to a Select Few is HARD: Its hard winnowing down to identify your best photos. Getting from hundreds to double digits is really maddening. Getting from under 50 to your top ten is numbing and sometimes painful. But its important to do. Ask others you respect to help. Use a common language for what you look for.

That’s it for this week. Hope your holiday was fantastic—and if you’re outside the US, I hope your weekend was amazing!

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Your Turn 💬

So, its your turn to tell me, especially if you are reading this still;

• Have you ever had a perfect shot lined up, only for something unexpected (like a wayward barge or sudden wind) to change your plans? How did you adapt?

• What’s your favorite “plan B” image—the one you captured when your original idea didn’t work out?

• Do you have a July 4th or fireworks tradition, or a memorable moment from this year’s celebrations you’d like to share?

As I get closer to recovery—still 6+ weeks away—I’ll be photographing more and returning to longer photowalks around Boston. I’d love your thoughts: What kinds of stories or images do you want more of? Projects, themes, locations?

Let me know in the comments—or just drop a ❤️ or 💥.

If you enjoyed this, forward it to a friend who loves city views or fireworks. The more, the merrier!

Copyright & Image Use Notice 📷

All photographs in this post are © David A. Rosen / IMAGE FRONTIERS. You are welcome to share the full post using Substack’s share tools or direct link. However, images may not be downloaded, copied, reposted, or reused without written permission.

💬 Interested in licensing, collaboration, or featuring these images?
Reach out at davidarosen.com, message me on Substack, or email: david@davidarosen.com.

Urban Industrial Photography

I am really enjoying the Substack community—not just for news and opinions, but especially for the vibrant photography writers and photographers here.

Lately, I have been very inspired by many of the industrial photos from writers here on Substack. Three photographers caught my eye — Giles Thurston (The Photographer's Eye), Perfect Light , and Jacob Cholewka (Indecisive Moments). Big thanks to each of them for sparking this post!

So, I reached back into the Way-Back machine and pulled these photos forward. I hope you'll enjoy revisiting them with me on this photowalk adventure.

Piquing Interest in a Metal Scrap Yard:

In 2016, the Art Center of Highland Park , where I lived, offered a variety of workshops. In one class I joined, a group of photographers and I would hit interesting spots each week in Chicago.

This class was led by an inspirational creative leader, Rino Liberatore, who led the trips and got us “special” access when needed. These were fun 4-5 hour sessions, with just a handful of us. It gave us a break from our other responsibilities and a chance to explore new places, I may not have chosen to visit on my own. Other trips included farms, the B’Hai Temple, Union Station, riding the ‘L’ train, and more. Let me know if you want to see those.

Urban Industrial Photography - Chicago Scrap Yard 2016

No matter how many times I visit manufacturing facilities or industrial settings, I feel like a kid in a candy store. It’s not that I am unfamiliar or uncomfortable. I started working in factories at 16—but I am always intrigued by the places where materials, energy, structure, and people intersect to get stuff done (GSD).

Maybe I’m a little glad to see beyond my norms, having spent the latter half of my career mostly in the world of software.

These images came from a working and active Metal Scrap Yard in North Chicago at Lincoln Yards.

We’d meet as a group for coffee before each trip to discuss what we might focus on and some challenge Rino would give us. Hello Amy and Jackie! Two photographer friends I made in Chicago and we still chat.

Once on-site, we’d split up to explore individually. As we entered the neighborhood, and walked into the gates, the energy level rose dramatically. It was a very different setting—chaotic and alive with motion.

It all starts with what I like to call the ‘Goes-Inzas’ — short for the stuff that goes in. — inputs. Tractor trailers arrive stacked with crushed car frames and dump trucks unload materials from demolition and construction sites.

You’ll also see local scrap haulers showing up in decked-out pickup trucks, often carrying quirky or trophy-worthy finds from homes or small businesses.

It was fascinating to watch people weaving between traffic and piles of metal and scrap. Directing traffic and assisting in load deployment.

The traditional food trucks came to provision the drivers and employees in the yard. A needed respite in the heat and heavy work at hand. You really had to stay alert—people and machines were constantly crossing paths.

While staring at one of the largest metal heaps, what caught my eye was the dueling, dancing choreography of cranes with claws (very technical term). There was a funny, rhythm and they looked like they were competing for the best slice of the scrap pile.

A still photo doesn’t show action, but maybe you can feel it?

And then there were the large electro-magnets dangling from other cranes. Picking up car pieces and 10-20 foot tanks as if they were a paperclip.

And somehow I always zero in on oddities wherever I go. I have to photograph them. Even finding this sporty office chair, occupied by a relatively clean bear in front of a loading dock captures my imagination. You?

I am not quite sure, but the scarecrow was a creative marvel. What could it be for? Was there an artist in the midst or was there some function for it. Keeping the birds and crows away? All of us shot it from a variety of angles.

And, I do find signs from around the world to be entertaining. This is really emphatic, but reasonable.

That concludes the images taken inside the yard. I thought I would show a few more shots on the way to and from the Lincoln Yards.

In Da Hood - Surrounding the Scrap Yard

I thought I would show a few more shots on the way to and from the Lincoln Yards. Here area handful of images that demonstrate the neighborhood vibe.

Even in 2016, I always gravitate to street photography and people shots. Just a man waiting for a bus.

An unfortunate, but normal morose sight are the animals that are found lying and dying. This was not the first of the day, nor the last.

A Sidenote About Photowalks

The term Photowalk is commonly used in many of my posts. Whether I go out with a purpose or not, I consider it a Photowalk if I have a camera in hand. Before my pickleball mishap (did I mention I won’t be playing Pickleball anymore?), I was out doing Photowalks 2–3 times a week around Boston or wherever I traveled. Some days, I’d clock 10,000 to 30,000 steps without even noticing.

I first heard the term from one of the great photography sensei’s, Scott Kelby. If you don’t know him, he’s worth looking up. He founded the widely subscribed Photoshop User Magazine, was a key advisor on the design and function of Lightroom, and runs a photo community, Kelby One.

Scott created an annual event called the WorldWide Photowalk, which I attended for a few years about 10–15 years ago. Imagine thousands of photographers across the globe shooting in small groups on the same day. Each group would select their best shots and submit them for regional and global recognition. It was held last year, but I haven’t seen anything yet about 2025. In my current hobbled state, I might sit this year out.

Invite some fellow photographers and explore. It’s always a good time.

Lessons Learned 🧠

Shooting industrial spaces is endlessly interesting. You can find images in the small details — macro shots of materials, unusual objects, strange habits or behaviors — and in the energy of people interacting with massive, dangerous, and constantly moving machines.

• Color versus Black & White: I am drawn to the rich colors, layered textures, and strong personalities found in these places. That said, some images just hit harder in black and white. I am still figuring that out and may never settle on a final answer… maybe it just depends.

• Where Have All the People Gone?: I have noticed that a lot of industrial and urban photography is devoid of people. But in my experience, it is people who plan, design, choose, install, and operate these environments. Only recently have we started seeing true “lights-out” facilities — and those are digital, with no moving parts.

• My Subjects Are Smiling: I keep noticing that the people I photograph — whether in industrial or office settings — are often smiling. Is that typical? Am I drawn to moments where people look like they are quietly celebrating something in their own minds while working? Even in my street photography, I find joy in seeing people in those calm, content, almost meditative states. Is that just what I tend to see… and capture? Should I also be seeking out the darker moments?

In Summary

I believe that developing your own style — your visual voice — is important to hobbyists through professionals. Its often what feels like a lonely process to not just be an imitator of others. It takes focus, self-awareness, continuous learning, and the courage to experiment. But I also highly recommend stepping out with others. Join a group, attend a workshop, explore with friends. Whether it’s an urban photowalk, a sports event, a news scene, or capturing moments at a wedding or graduation, doing it alongside others will help you grow — not just as a photographer, but as a person.

To me, it’s never just about the industrial setting, or even the walking and shooting — it’s about the experience of going on a photo hunt with like-minded people. I’ve been lucky to find classes, events, and friends who share this joy. Photowalks are a time to learn, observe, share, compete a little, and most importantly — to have fun and enjoy the moment.

And it doesn’t end when the shoot’s over. Culling, editing, choosing your “A” and “B” images — and sharing them with the same group — is always revealing. As trite as it may sound, I often think of the saying: “Put 100 photographers into a mono-color room and you’ll never see the same photo twice.” I love seeing what others saw, in the same place, at the same time. It’s endlessly inspiring.

Ok, its Your TURN! Ask me ANYTHING and Tell me:

1. Who will you be shooting with next?

2. What types of places do you go with others?

3. What do you learn and share when in photo groups?

DID YOU MAKE IT HERE? Please see my survey if you made it this far and tell me what you think.

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Loved this post? Subscribe for more photowalk adventures!¹

The desire to Hunt, never goes away as both my game hunter, business and photographer friends will attest. Whether its bagging a 12 point Buck, acquiring that Billion Dollar Market Leader, or capturing that Pulitzer-worthy shot—it’s a vital part of purpose, drive, and pursuit.

I captured the shot above last October in 2024. I sat having my coffee, watching the CNBC Stock tickers roll past, before work around 8am. I noticed movement in my apartment. It was just me and Stan Lee (my dog), and he was fast asleep.

I saw that reflection and noticed something dangling-moving at the top of the picture. I turned around and saw that the building across the courtyard was having its windows washed. In high-rise living, its an important maintenance step and is done 2-3 times a year.

I did another double take with the framed, glass covered painting, which sits to the left of my TV, and then back to the building. An alarm sounded in my brain... GET THE CAMERA!

The Session Begins: Capture them before they drop

I grabbed my camera and came back to assess and start shooting. I shot some from sitting on the couch, some standing up and level with the picture. And I knew that I only had a few minutes before the "big Game" opportunity would be over and they would be working on floors below view. The adrenaline was real. The outcome? A few good shots.

This is one of my favorite shots as its really challenges the mind and need to solve the riddle of this quirky shot. I keep getting questions like, is this a window or mirror or reflection, what is the painting. why is there a lamp in the picture?

Sometimes you get lucky and capture a great shot.. I mean SOMETIMES.. When I shoot for 4-5 hours on a Photowalk or at an event, I could shoot hundreds and perhaps thousands of shots. But the reality is that when I go to look for the "A" Edits, or Keepers, perhaps there are 10-20, perhaps 30 that drop to the bottom and get selected.

I get a lot of recognition for this photo, and its on my top list in my portfolio. What do you think about it? Leave a comment below.

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Lets Do it Again, But Better. The Trigger is Engaged and The Hunt is Scheduled

I got the email from our building and our next window-washing was scheduled for a 5 day window in June. This time, I realized I could prepare and plan ahead to re-capture the shots and improve on the first one. I had my tripod ready to go, had pre-checked heights that would yield better angles, and I removed the torchiere lamp from my side to not have it show in the reflection. (Some people commented that it was a distraction).

So, I kepi an eye out and hoped to be there when they were on the building next door again.

The Shot never Happened the way I planned! (imagine that)

My personal review - de-brief

This time the shot was made starting around 3:10pm on a cloudy day. In reflection, I see the "Photography" being better thanks to planning. I tested and changed focus points and apertures to affect the depth of field, and you can see better focus on the frame itself. However, the "subject/object" of the image did not reveal itself like it did last year and like I wanted it to..

This year, the time of day was different, the sky was gray and full of clouds, and I was completely disappointing with the outcome of the reflection. The building and window washers almost disappear. More of the color of the artwork itself was shown, masking the left of the two washers in view. Although from one angle, it looks like the window washer is climbing the tree.

There also seems to be more noise introduced. And guess what? The torchiere is still in the image. 🙂

And I thought to play with this image a little more to see if I could draw myself into it more with a different crop, ratio, and frame (of the frame).

So, this image above is another view of the same shot with a more square crop.

As the artist, I’ve learned to lean into creativity/interpretation. I used to obsess over realism—replicating the moment exactly as seen. I was more rigid and perhaps emphasized a “realistic” view focused on displaying I saw as closely as possible to the actual moment of the capture. That requires creating all its colors, lights, shadows, edges, etc. without any interpretation.

Now, I have realized, that I am free to display any view that I wish... What a freeing feeling!

And I still see something of interest in this image.. do you see it?

So, while I was not impressed with my work on this, I persevered and remembered, like the adage we quipped with our kids,

"You get what you get, and you don't get upset."

So its what I got. But I had planned to broaden my views and shoot more.

So I Kept Going: Still Shooting from the 14th Floor

Disappointed but undeterred, I kept shooting. My knee-roller helped me scramble around the apartment, camera in hand. I just can't stop "working."

Note the clarity of these shots is so much finer. I actually rolled onto my balcony to get these shots, unimpeded by the blue filter from the windows that line my apartment walls.

Please Don’t Forget. Share if you Care

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The remaining pictures were taken inside, where the windows cast a subtle blue-tone. As a photographer, the blue tint of the windows is something important to consider. We overlook how much our brains auto-correct for color. When I look at objects in my apartment, my mind will show me the objects as if they were in a whiter, less blue light. Our minds, when they can, will adjust and as we know in Photoshop or Lightroom, white balance, tints, and hues to normalize for the objects. [See lessons learned below for some ideas on why this happens and its impact on art].

People at Work: The Window Washer Series:

What follow below are images from within my apartment taken of some very brave people who scale our buildings and many others.

These first few shots show the people who are scaling the building, sitting on a small swing seat. They diligently dip, rinse, wipe, clean, and repeat... from 10, 20, and 50 stories up in my hood. Gives me the willy's just thinking about it. These shots were from our Bedroom, which does not share the balcony, so they are directly in front. or on the side.

Its almost like ballet, watching the window washers move, extend and reach while painting the windows with soap and then using the squeegee to remove it.

Its time to move on and drop down to the next floor.

Balcony Detail: The Work Behind the Work

Its interesting watching them dis-mount from their ropes to the balcony. In my first year here, I thought they would knock on the door and just walk onto the balcony through our apartments, but nooooo.

I was startled at first when I saw this empty seat, and then realized that they got off to clean the windows on my balcony.

They are really good about dismounting from their seats and hopping on the balcony. We are one of 8 floors with this balcony, so they get some practice, but man... its unnerving.

These were tricky to expose: the bright southern sky created strong backlight. It is hard to get their faces and bodies lightened enough for detail. And with all the detailed captured by my full-frame sensor, there is a lot of room to bring up the shadows while dropping the highlights, a common practice when processing raw images. But how much detail is good? I am never quite certain, but sometimes a silhouette is enough to provide a moving feeling, other times the color or items within the image make a difference?

Tell me, do you prefer silhouettes or full detail?

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Interestingly enough, they see me, I believe and do a great job of appearing to not notice me in my apartment taking pictures. (Were they coached to pretend?... that would be good professional management in practice).

Their motions were so fluid and stylized it felt like they were artists too. One even seemed to be drawing shapes with the squeegee while wiping the soap. The patterns that each washer uses seem to be similar, but unique.

I am also curious if the soap, when it is applied and masks the washer, is interesting or not. What do you think?

That concludes my Window Washer Gallery. These were selected from over 300 frames. There may be more gems to find yet. I am not done yet, as I have offered more pictures below.

And Wait... that's not ALL..

As you can tell, I am frustrated with my limited mobility, but it hasn’t stopped me. Whether rolling through the neighborhood or stepping onto the balcony, I’m still chasing moments that interest me.

Earlier in the day, It’s not hard to find beauty in watching planes crossing big fluffy clouds on their way up from Logan Airport.

And with the weather finally getting warmer, there is more hanging outside at the restaurants in the area.

While I am usually shooting events in the Seaport from the ground, there is still the chasing of light and shadows from above. Watching the races from above on the 14th Floor.

Thank you for you making it through this article. I’d love to hear your thoughts on photography, high-rise life, or anything this stirred in you. And as always, I share my lessons below.

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Lessons Learned 🧠

So, as I write, and organize my thoughts, several items come up that I think are worth sharing regarding new learnings and thoughts. Here are the ones from today's article:

1. Cycles rarely repeat themselves: It takes patience, and persistence to re-create some of the gems captured in the past, again in the future. And sometimes planning still doesn't get you back to that unique special picture, much less making it better. Appreciate the process as there is always something to learn from it, but more importantly, the chase is thrilling. Look how many of us wait for those comets, meteorite showers, or shadows to form once or twice a year.

2. Print What You Sew: Culling from the hundreds down to 100 or less is hard, but getting down to 10 from 30 or 40 is even harder. Its a process. When I get this group of 30 or 40 from a shoot, I usually try to print them in 5x7 format. based on methods I have learned and adapted from great photographers. These become my "Work" products. Seeing them in Lightroom in Loupe or Group view is one thing, but physically laying them down on a table top, in a 4x5 columnar pattern reveals a lot. This helps to group pictures and eliminate and compare some as well. This was reinforced with a an amazing class at Mass College of Art I have taken twice now, from Michael Hintlian, called: Street Photography: A Praxis. I could go more into detail about this, but in a separate time. Should I discuss this process more?

3. Be aware of the Composition Colors and Tints: I took a great photography printing class with expert Sue Anne Hodges, through the Griffin Museum (I am a new and happy member). Sue Anne had us work on a simple, but insightful project. Take 5 "white" objects and place them together on a white tablecloth, describe the colors of white that we see for each of the objects, and finally compare my notes with what gets printed or displayed in Lightroom. This really opened up my eyes when seeing not only the different "whites" there were, but the affect of the blue tint as I placed my items right in front of the window and it donned its blue cast. This greatly impacts how you look at your pictures, adjust your white balance for pictures, and carefully observe the colors you remember versus the colors that you print.

4. "You get what you get, and you don't get upset." When I go on my photowalks, I sometimes feel like I come back with nothing. Over time, as I compare my work products from the past, with work products from current shoots, I learn more and change the way I view pictures. Don’t judge too soon. Let photos age. Let your eye change. The images may surprise you months or years later.

5. Your Vision, Your Image: As a creative, and not a pragmatic outcome driven business guy, my images are the result of my vision! Like Rod Serling from Twilight Zone, I have control of the horizontal, vertical, color, hues, highlights and more. I was inspired, not only by his work, but how Cole Thompson talked about his drive to be unique and not a “me too.” Early in his career he gained an early reputation as the "Ansel Adams Like Guy." He revolted from that notion and successfully created his own style and work that is greatly appreciated and sought after.

6. How much detail do you like to bring out from the Shadows... Its still a mystery to me on the choice of aesthetics or impact of silhouettes versus the details of surrounding space and items outside the subject. Sometimes silhouettes say more than details ever could. What are your views and thoughts?

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Your Turn 💬

So, its your turn to tell me, especially if you are reading this still;

• So what do you hunt for creatively?

• How do you balance preparation and luck?

• What helps you know when a photo is an “A” image?

As I get closer to recovery, still 6 weeks+ aways, I will be working on shooting more and returning to my long photowalks here in Boston and other places. Give me some hints about what types of work or discussion you want to hear and see from me. I will be displaying some of my beginning takes on different projects in my portfolio in the upcoming weeks. Thank you for listening, watching, responding, and keep shooting and having fun.

All photographs and images were taken and produced by me, David Rosen. Feel free to share this post by linking to it, re-stacking, or creating notes to spread the word! The images may not be reproduced or distributed without my explicit permission. If you would like to use the photos be glad to accommodate you, so please contact me at Click@davidrosenphoto.com. Thank you for supporting my work—subscribe or share to stay connected with my photography journey.

This post is part of my continuing exploration into street photography, cultural contrasts, and what makes a scene feel visually alive. Captured during two months in Shanghai in 2016, this photo story blends quirky moments and human detail. Welcome to another chapter in my visual series documenting everyday beauty.

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I captured this first image in Shanghai, China. It struck me as odd and quirky for a couple of reasons:

• First, four people on a moped. I had grown up with contests on how many people could be stuffed into a telephone booth or Volkswagen Bug, but never how many riders could fit on a moped.

• Second, China’s traffic was crazy—was this even safe? I grew up in a state with mandatory helmet laws for a reason.

• Finally, what is with the clotheslines? Shanghai is an extremely modern, clean, and culturally rich metropolitan area—so what gives?

Some Background:

My wife was on a one-year assignment in China for her company, our kids were away at school, and this was my first chance to spend time in Mainland China. I was diving deep into the manufacturing industry and used this time to learn more about China's supply chain while networking with tech execs in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and beyond. But this story is about my photography—not my business life.

Back to My Photography 📸

While I hadn’t declared a focus on photography yet, it’s always been in my blood. I try to make time to walk around the places I’m lucky to visit—across five continents—using my cameras and occasionally my phones. I spent about two months in Shanghai with my wife, with a light schedule and time to wander while she was in meetings.

So, after spotting that moped and clothing line, I started noticing the striking contrast between modern architecture and traditional habits. Things we no longer see much in U.S. cities were everywhere here. That’s what inspired this little series I’m calling “Hanging Out to Dry.”

These photos have sat in my catalog of more than 170,000 images (and growing) since 2016.

I’ll share additional pictures from Shanghai and China of the color, culture, architecture and history in upcoming posts. I’m still not sure exactly why, but this quirky, visual collection speaks to me—with humor and curiosity. Hope you enjoy the images. Let me know what resonates.
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Geek Stuff 🤓

I was on my third main digital SLR camera at the time, experimenting with the Canon EOS 70D and my favorite travel lens: the EF-S 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6 IS. (Still hadn’t tried real L-type lenses... YET!).
I was starting to figure out what shooting “RAW” meant. Unfortunately, only a portion of these photos were shot in RAW—the majority were captured as 20.2 megapixel JPEGs. Now, I shoot exclusively in RAW and don’t even create jpg duplicates. Like Jared Polin says, “I shoot Raw.”

That lens had image stabilization, which allowed me to work in lower light, gray skies, and to filddle with iso more. I could feel the flexibility to experiment with light and handheld compositions, especially on the streets.

OK. Enough geek. Back to our content. 🙂

Modern, Massive, Dense Metropolis: Shanghai 🌆

When I landed in Shanghai, I expected skyscrapers, neon lights, and nonstop motion. And yes, I got all that—towering high-rises, electric scooters humming, and malls that looked like spaceships. I had lived and worked in New York City and its shadows in New Jersey, but Shanghai dwarfed it in size and population.

Some things that struck me:

1. Roads were smooth—pothole-free. Unheard of in NYC, NJ, Boston, or Chicago.

2. The subways were ultra-modern and whisper-quiet. A world apart from the EL in Chicago, Boston’s T, or screeching NY transit.

3. The scale was mind-bending. Pudong alone, a district of over 10 million people, made Manhattan look small.

4. The skies were perpetually gray—not blue. Pollution warnings were routine, and many locals already wore masks. But the alerts? They weren’t public unless you had a VPN.

After noticing the moped and laundry lines, I began spotting them everywhere—shirts, towels, pajamas, and dresses waving in the wind outside apartment buildings.

That’s why I’m calling this post “Hang Out to Dry”—not just because of the laundry, but because it felt like a soft rebellion. A human act in a mechanized city.

In high-rises stacked like filing cabinets, people still lean out of windows, pinning their lives to the breeze. It’s a gesture of continuity—residents who moved from rural China into these concrete towers still drying their clothes the way they always have.

Each street had its own rhythm—layers of texture and color. I’d walk for hours through Xuhui and Pudong, camera in hand.

At the same time, I couldn’t ignore the reality of the air. The American Embassy’s app showed daily PM2.5 levels—red alerts, spikes, factory-grade inhalation warnings. But locals? Many had no idea.

VPN on, I’d check the pollution data and wonder how anyone thought it was okay to hang clean laundry in that atmosphere.

The irony was sharp: beautiful clothing lines fluttering like art installations... in air you could practically taste.

I’d see aunties in slippers stretching bedsheets from balcony to bamboo poles. Kids clipped clothespins to wires like toys.

Some rooftops became collective drying zones. It provided a place for the community to gather and socialize. Communal. Practical. Intimate.

Sometimes a single jacket became the star of the sidewalk scene.

Other times, it was the bright colors of wool, flapping like signal flags over narrow alleys. The sky seems too blue from what I remember. Did I shift the Temperature too much?

Entire buildings came alive—like vertical stories told in fabric. Courtyards filled with crossing power and telephone lines and clothing out to dry providing color and character.

There were pops of color. Personality. Quiet resistance.

There were also reminders of tradition—like a floral embroidered coat clashing beautifully with exposed wires and bricks.

Final Two Shots 🎬

Before I close, two more to share:

This one reminded me again of the quad-moped image. Fewer passengers this time—but no less energy. I call this one The Trike Moped. THREE Is a good number, right?

And one of my all-time favorites: a sidewalk scene showing, I believe, three generations—someone washing her hair, a baby held close, and daily life unfolding outside their apartment doorway. Not laundry this time. Just life, happening.

These shots keep the memory alive. The colors, the textures, the people leaning out to pin their lives to the wind. They remind me of a city that’s complicated, flawed, and impossibly alive. 🌏

Lessons Learned 🧠

While I have ADHD and work hard to stay focused, I’ve also learned to embrace the hunt for ideas. I seem to have a knack for spotting patterns early—and with confidence. Often, what I notice turns out to be more common than expected. These patterns aren’t limited to objects; they might appear in light, shadows, moments, locations, or human situations. The key is to stay curious.

Your Turn: Let’s Talk Quirky Collections 🤔

Do you have images that you think are weird—but you still love them?
I do. In fact, this post is one of many in what I call my “Quirky Collections.” Others include intentional camera movement, in-camera multi-exposure, quick tilts, and more. I’ve even gathered photo series based on signs from around the world—some hilarious, others deeply serious.

Now it’s your turn:
What are your “quirky” collections? What strange, delightful, or accidental images are you proud of?

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📷 Copyright & Image Use Notice

All photographs in this post are © David A. Rosen / IMAGE FRONTIERS. You are welcome to share the full post using Substack’s share tools or direct link. However, images may not be downloaded, copied, reposted, or reused without written permission.

💬 Interested in licensing, collaboration, or featuring these images?
Reach out at davidarosen.com, message me on Substack, or email: click@davidrosenphoto.com

Life’s got a funny way of shaking things up, doesn’t it? 🪇

I’m David Rosen, a guy who’s spent the last few years on sabbatical, learning and re-discovering the possibilities of photography. I have been engaged in classes, Boston Camera Club events, collaborating with other photographers, and of course satisfying my thirst as a life-long learner.

My current photography habits emphasize my efforts to build an evolving body of work. In which genre or type? I am in a divergent phase and not sure... of any, yet!

When I am not traveling, I spend time around many neighborhoods and sections of Boston, including where I live, in the Seaport District. My routine has me Photo-walking 2-3 days a week, for 4-5 hours, putting in 10,000-20,000 steps a day on average. When on Holiday, I am lucky that my wife and I are aligned, and tend to walk and tour cities, towns, and country around the world and kibbitzing with people constantly. (You will rarely, if ever, find us sitting on a beach, or laying out, for good or bad).

But then, May happened.

Recently, in May, while on a three-city vacation meeting up with friends I had an accident playing Pickleball. I tore my Achilles tendon, ~ 5 cm, which is apparently a big deal. (See my Previous Substack on Charleston).

Two Boots and a Cast: When I got back home to Boston, five days later, I had an x-ray. And then, the Doctor put me into a boot up to my knee. I still hobbled around on it for a week, and was scheduled for an MRI to see more about the actual damage that was done.

I got the MRI and met with the Orthopedic Surgeon to get the good news (not!). My Doctor, on the spot, had me placed in a cast from my foot to my knee. with my foot stuck in a downward point. ~I was not able to walk on it and my foot was fixed in a downward point, like a ballerina.

Then two weeks ago, after the cast was removed, I was put into a new boot, again up to the knee, and again my foot is suspended in a downward point. No walking, just crutches or my shiny racing green Knee Roller. Voila, my latest Self portrait.

I just kicked off this publication Substack (imagefrontiers.substack.com), aiming for bi-weekly posts, while secretly hoping to over-deliver and sneak in weekly ones. A busted tendon could’ve derailed that, but it sparked an idea instead.

~And then it struck me. I have built an interesting body of work just in our 14^th Floor home/office here in Boston. I have accumulated many images and stories over living here for 6 years from within our home looking out, or on our balcony (sometimes looking in). Why not share the last five years of Boston through our 14th-floor windows and balcony?

Voila! THE "14th FLOOR Views Boston Series" begins. Sharing my photographs, visual snacks of the Boston weather, with storms and puffy clouded clear skies, changing seasons, Cityscape views of downtown Boston sunsets, and High-rise rooftop restaurants and parties. And from the perched view, captures of various activities and events such as local road races, and parades, and protests and celebrity peeping at the Federal Courthouse, mainly from our Seaport apartment balcony.

As you see my pictures, and read the story, I’m curious: what do you want to see from this perch? What should my follow-on expose’s in this series show and discuss?

Leave comments below to guide me...

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I have culled from thousands of shots over the 5+ years we have lived here to give you some ideas of what I’ve captured and hope they resonate with you. I have much more to share and will include in future posts. Would you hang any of these on your walls?

Our Transition from Suburban 2 Acres to City living in Boston 🏢

Our lifestyle is so different than our previous 30 years after getting married and raising a family. We downsized from a 2 acre, >5,000 square foot home in New Jersey to our 14th Floor home in Boston with less than 1400 Square Feet. Boston has a small downtown compared to New York or Chicago where I have also lived. But our view and ability to get out on the balcony, helped us survive Covid and tight quarters when both kids lived with us at the time. Even our Dog, Stan Lee Rosen loves a good snooze on the balcony.

Boston is a great walking city, and living on the waterfront never seems to get old or difficult, even in the heart of winter and in the middle of nor'easter storms. We live and work on the 14th Floor of a 20 story building in Boston’s Seaport District. We are so fortunate to have South, Southeast, West, and North facing amazing views… three sides, unusual for an apartment.

Views of South Boston and Beyond: 🧭

South with views of the Blue Hills, South Boston, Fort Point and other areas heading south and hugging the bay., and of course the Seaport.

I love it during the holldays, especially July 4th and New Years Eve. The city at night not only lights up, but it GETS LIT! Our view affords us the ability to see many of the cities surrounding Boston with our extreme horizon. This picture below captures at least 8 towns South of Boston simultaneously shooting their July 4th best.

Its also fun watching the parties and events at the “No Tell” Yotel Hotel. The roof top is below us and there are company events there, when the weather is good, all the time.

Our view from the balcony also stretches east to the commercial peers where cruise boats embark and commercial freighters off-on-load. While seeing the weather changing, I saw the sun, just after the rain, and knew something special would happen.

But remember, this is Boston… If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.

You never know who is going to marching down Seaport Boulevard, Its very attractive with its wide streets, bike lanes, and room for races and parades. And even some parades get interesting.

I later found out it was people concerned about Boston becoming the culture from “A Handmaid’s Tale” a series now on Hulu. While I was to slow to get good focus, its an interesting shot… RED!'

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Boston Cityscape Facing West

AS we swing from the Sourth and South East, we face the city directly, nearly unobstructed. We see a panoramic view of downtown Boston, including the Fort Point, the Boston Tea Party, downtown leather and financial districts and reaching up to Chinatown, Copley Plaza, the Prudential Center, and the Hancock. As we are facing West, we get some amazing views at the end of the day with the Sun declining and reflecting off the buildings as it heads down the horizon at sunset. And the amazing Blue Hour that follows is stunning.

FIrst looking up, we always pay attention to the Boston Tea Party! Constant re-enactments of “insurrection” and bails of tea being thrown into the channel. Its a sight to see in-person from the walkway, and even boats and jet-skis.

Glancing up again, we see the full downtown skyline. during the day, night or at golden hour, its a pretty view and always changing.

And, remember if you don’t like the weather…

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14th Floor VIEW Vindow Vashing

Its never easy to keep our view clear, especially from inside our home. Like other buildings, we have window washers who risk their lives to maintain our buildings and keep the dust and film off of our building facades. Just a few days ago, it was time for spring, get ready for summer clearn-up.

Northern Views of Boston Harbor

To our North, from our master bathroom window and our balcony, we have an unobstructed view of Boston Harbor (In Boston, its pronounced, "HaaaaaaBaaaaa"), the boat piers and moorings, and East Boston. While we also see a few 20 story buildings between us and the water, our view is unobstructed, including seeing the top and main entrance to Boston’s Federal Courthouse.