A Year in Photographs 2023 — A Journey's End

A Year in Photographs

365 Days, 12 Themes, 1 Creative Journey

Museo Soumaya — Day 98

I started writing this entry with some grand idea that there was a lot to say, stories to tell, and great insight I learned. While I do have many stories, evolved creatively, pushed myself hard to achieve this tremendous goal, and want to share so much of my journey, I didn’t find that I could completely convey what #AYearinPhotographs has meant to me nor engage it all in just a few paragraphs.

Instead, I intend to keep this short because, perhaps, minimalism is a certain type of valor. A photograph every day for a year is an undertaking. One sets out, like every journey, with the first footstep and from there, the Universe leads one on. Simply put, it is a lot of work. Sometimes hours spent crafting one photo—it is easy, and it is hard. One is excited to do it and one will be tired.

Then it is all over and there is pride, sadness, love, and even bewilderment. And it is absolutely something that I recommend everyone should do—whether it be photography, writing, music, art, cooking, fitness, or whatever your passion may be. Do it. Journal it. Blog it. Share it.

It is a wave that washes over you and you’ll either ride it great distances or it will stay your feet, and you will be left behind. It is a commitment that if you hesitate for merely a day, you can never draw level. But when you reach the end of every day, every week, month, and the year, you have an accomplishment that only those who have traveled this path can truly appreciate.

Over 11,000 photos, 365 days, 12 themes, thousands of kilometers, two continents, four countries, and one singularly fantastic camera later, #AYearinPhotographs comes to close.

Here’s to the journey’s beginning, the path, the light, the shadow, and to the journey’s end.

Until next time.

A Year in Photographs 2023

“Go out and shoot!”

— Adrian’s Life Rule #56

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Shot on FujiFilm X-T5

June — A Year in Photographs — Fashion

Hamduce — Day 155

May was a challenging month. I’m not as much a street photographer as some might expect. Photographing people in the moment of action feels a bit intrusive whether it is legal or not. But it was also a month of growth creatively as I came to really love what I was doing. While I’ve done people and street photography before, something clicked this time.

On May 31st, I didn’t want this journey to be over. I didn’t want just some other theme for my photography and I didn’t want to “just do another month of people” so I focused and challenged myself further in a theme I never had done before: fashion.

While I don’t have the time to setup photography shoots every day for thirty days, my challenge became approaching people who had an interesting outfit or accessory and ask them if I could photography them. It is still a bit surreal—it was very easy but also intimidating and a lot of work. It isn’t about ‘high fashion’ but what is fashionable yet I couldn’t just take a photo of anyone. They had to have a “look” that caught my attention.

But no less than thirty days, I photographed all sorts of styles, people, and moments. I made some friends and I learned a lot. Most importantly, most people were very open to me photographing them and some even appreciated it as a compliment.

Three pieces of advice I would give to anyone who wants to do this “street portrait” photography:

1. It’s all about your approach. Be friendly, succinct, and honest.

2. Offer them their photograph. Most people exchanged Instagram accounts with me and I would share their photograph with them. A courtesy for their cooperation.

3. Slow down. While some people might be in a hurry, take the time to let the moment breathe—while you’ve getting set up or giving a few directions, as them how their day it, where they are going, and so forth. The personal touch is nice and it gives you time to get things right.

“Fortune favors the bold.”

— Adrian’s Life Rule # 105

I love photographing people from a fashion standpoint and, being one of the most challenging and rewarding themes, I will continue this in fashion in its own offshoot project. This theme has given me more ideas of other people related photography but onward I must go. Next month will be less about people—to explore other ideas and also to relax a bit but no less challenging.

See what July has in store for #AYearinPhotographs — go out and shoot!

Ray-Ban Silver Mirror vs. Silver Flash

Silver Mirror (left) vs. Silver Flash (right)

I love sunglasses. My friends tell me I have a problem. Maybe I do but my problem is your benefit!

I also love to debunk things and genuinely help people. My reviews are free and never have any ads nor do I get any money for recommendations. I also own or frequently use all items which appear in Adrian’s Gear or otherwise.

I want to help!

Recently, while looking at some sunglasses, I had never seen Ray-Ban’s Silver Flash or Silver Mirror in person. I wanted some absolutely mirror finish aviators but images on Ray-ban’s website don’t do them justice. Looking for some reviews of both were of absolutely no help. In fact, some literally are quoted saying “there is no difference.”

To find out for myself, I bought a pair of both. To put it simply, anyone who claims there is no difference has neither owned them nor looked at them in person, or maybe just making things up. They are definitely different.

Let’s clarify the differences between these lenses.

Silver Mirror—a highly reflective, dark gray, with a mostly mirror finish. I write ‘mostly’ because one’s eyes are not completely concealed from onlookers. The lenses I would say are 80% mirrored. They are also very neutral in their tint, meaning no nearly no color shift, and a medium darkness.

Silver Flash—like their colorful (Flash) brethren, they are extremely reflective and to the extent I would call them 95% mirrored. There is almost no seeing ones eyes through these lenses. The tint is very neutral and a little darker.

In pictures, due to exposure and other variables, it would be hard to say which is which looks like what but the image above represents a good everyday experience. But if you want a truly mirror finish on a pair of Aviators, Silver Flash is the way to go. Something a touch more subtle, the Silver Mirror is a better choice.

If you want an example, watch the film Terminator 2: Judgement Day. While that might be an unexpected recommendation, the T-1000 sunglasses about two-thirds way through the film are what I would call ‘silver flash’.

Personally, I really like both pairs of sunglasses but the Silver Flash are really the way to go. They are beautiful.

Feel free to ask any questions about them in the comments and I’ll give as much detail as I can. Thanks for reading!