With Distinction – VSCO / February 14, 2017 by Adrian Galli

A special thanks goes out today to VSCO for recognizing my work as part of their curated collection for the second time. VSCO is and has been one of my favorite photography apps and communities for years. Please join me on VSCO – adriangalli.vsco.co

https://www.adriangalli.com/blog/2015/9/2/with-distinction

Geometry, A Grant Proposal / February 3, 2017 by Adrian Galli

Over the past few years, I have been idolizing some of Chicago's beautiful architecture. The series: Geometry. Both famous and not-so-famous buildings are rendered in extreme high contrast; gleaming whites, dramatic shadows, and a striking black sky.

This series has grown significantly and I'd like to share some of my latest work.

It is important for me to note, as many have asked, I do very little processing of these photographs. I do not use Photoshop or other advanced image manipulation application. Aside from a touch of sharpening, black and white conversion, and perhaps a minor bit of straightening, these images are all as they were shot in camera.

In fact, all of my processing takes place in Photos on either iOS or macOS devices.

There are still many incredible building to photograph in Chicago but there are also many incredible opportunities throughout the world. Beautiful architecture is not relegated to Chicago and my goal this year is to apply for several grants to help take me to these places.

To all of my artist friends, I ask, what grants are you familiar with that would be suited for my application?

To my friends and colleagues, I would dearly love your support. Sharing my work with others and word of mouth is massive help. Tweet about it, Facebook it, or simply share my site with someone who you will find this work of interest.

And should you find some of my work appealing, Market has much of my work available. Should you also see something here that does not yet appear in Market, please don't hesitate to asked; contact me. All prints are matted, signed, and printed to order.

A lot of things have been going on these past few months; tumultuous times we live in so I hope this visual diversion has been a welcome reprieve from the endless political turmoil and a moment of zen in a chaotic world.

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.”

— Stella Adler

Geometry Series

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January — A Year in Photographs / February 1, 2017 by Adrian Galli

One month down, eleven to go.

Every second of the day, every event I engage, has become a photographic vision.

I've learned a great deal about myself and how a project of this magnitude can become both overwhelming and exhilarating. Starting with a simple idea of a photo everyday for the whole year, it has culminated into a huge creative exercise with Guest Photographers, themes, social and professional connections, narratives, and more.

Some days I have been able to set out, wandering until I find a moment to photograph. Some days I take dozens of photos and, other days, find myself wanting; not living up to my own standards. It is sometimes 9:07pm and I am legitimately concerned I won't find a photo but I have discovered a way of living in the moment; a zen appreciation for even mundane things and the photograph then presents itself to me. It is a sort of dance between creative-self and the Universe.

This month, I focused on black and white. A time honored photography style reducing the visuals to simplicity, shapes, light and shadow, and beauty in what otherwise one might consider unremarkable items and moments. I gave myself no other provisions but even within this hemisphere of photography, I challenged myself to find mini-themes within the week or day such as Interview with Dr. Stan McCracken.

It also became a challenging month in Chicago, in general. Aside from it being the dead of winter, Chicago tends to be a generally sunny city. However, this month, we saw a total of 4 days of sunshine and a few peaks of sun here and there. While many black and white photographers love an overcast day, I am of the preference of direct sun, high contrast, and shadows. Much of January I shot at night just for the drama of the scenes.

On the other hand, it was a rather wet January; little snow but lots of rain. As any cinematographer knows, night filming is always best with fresh falenl of rain or water on the street.

With the Inauguration and the protests around it, I was given a fair amount of subject matter. As part of my journalistic part of this month in photographs, Resist proved to be exciting and energizing. I have not shot a protest since 2011 when the NATO Protests took place. One will easily understand the drive of a photojournalist.

My outing with Guest Photographer: Eric Dirksen, perhaps my favorite event this month, took me on an adventure in Chicago to a famous building but rarely seen view. And moving forward, I have not doubt I'll enjoy more excursions with photographers throughout Chicago and the world.