The funny realization I had:

I am the most zen, peaceful and tranquil when my adrenaline and focus is at its peak.

For example, powerlifting before a one rep max attempt for deadlift or squat.

Theory:

The reason why we aren’t so tranquil and zen in everyday life is that everyday life isn’t physically challenging or interesting enough.

All modern “feats of strength” (how efficiently you can process your email inbox, check things off your todo list as insanely uninteresting, boring and hateful to us).

Morale and lesson: Do more things which elevate your adrenaline in a positive, productive and creative way. For example the adrenaline rush I get from street photography or social interaction which is good. And deadlifting, and squatting and powerlifting!

If you’re not afraid of potentially failing, it isn’t difficult, challenging or interesting enough!

It is impossible to know how things will turn out unless you test it out for yourself. This is the root of all scientific experimentation, and empirical self knowledge augmentation!

My personal ethos to life:

Enough is never enough.

Perhaps this desire for more is the great stimulus and hope to life. A life in which we are satisfied — how does this differentiate us from the happy grass munching cows?

What makes photography so great? Not only is photography augmented living, photography augments your life experiences. Furthermore, all life experiences of yours is ongoing, and photography helps you capture, record and experience these ongoing life events even deeper, more beautifully and more purposefully and profoundly!

The function becomes the fashion! For example, drug dealers in NYC winters wearing timberland boots — turns into hip hop fashion. Fighter jets and matte black for stealth turns into cars “murdered out” design. “High visibility” (neon orange and yellow) for construction workers NOT to get run over goes into fashion.

Lesson: Always think function first, ignore the design and fashion.

Things that become more valuable over time and things that become less valuable over time:

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If you know what you like and what you don’t like, it is easy to quit or to continue a habit of doing things.

The difficult thing— most of us don’t know what we like or don’t like (our tastes are often superimposed on us via guilt and ethics by others). Lesson: spend much time to think, meditate and reflect what you truly like and don’t like, and obey your own tastes, ethics and personal ethos in life!

Why photography? It arguments our lives, *improves* our lives, and makes existence and embodied reality 1000x more enjoyable, fun, joyful, interesting, and wonderful.

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The joy and zen of just looking, and looking around— this is my looking meditation in photography

To draw, sketch, trace, and analyze and deconstruct a design is more fun and interesting than buying it!

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Let your body self motivate itself … you don’t need your mind and “willpower” to motivate you.

Or in other words:

Never “force” yourself to do entering, to be “productive” or anything, unless your body self motivates itself to do anything!

Perhaps the notion of “discipline” is a bad American Utilitarian notion — effortless and elegant wu wei (Taoist) activity is superior!

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A thought when photographing with my RICOH GR III [high contrast mode] of a (color) wedding photo I had on my refrigerator:

The joy of black and white is having the power to re-interpret and re-imagine reality around us!

Then perhaps what makes photos more artistic — when it is a *reinterpretation* and re-imagination of things … rather than photographing things as they are, but to inject a sort of surrealism or your own interpretation to them!

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A design thought:

Perhaps the interesting design aesthetic and trend is to make things more powerful and muscular, but in a smaller radius or footprint.

For example, this new breed of “crossover” or “compact SUV” cars. The Tesla Model Y, the Mercedes “coupe” SUV, similar offerings from Porsche (Macan), and BMW.

With devices like the iPhone Pro — the question:

How can we make this thing as powerful and strong as possible but in the smallest possible size and footprint?

iPhone Pro (smaller size) as probably the upper limit. And with human bodies, to become more muscular, without adding unnecessary body fat or size.

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What are we truly hungry for in photography? To gain deeper wisdom about photography, art, aesthetics and ourselves and the world around us. To augment our photographic wisdom— this is the goal of studying the masters, studying art, studying ourselves and always philosophizing in photography and art!

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“Up-up-up-upgrade complete” (Starcraft)

A thought when contemplating on my “all black” merino wool clothing (completed — Outlier.NYC Black merino wool T-shirt, Woolly Black Merino athletic shorts, Meriwool merino wool leggings, etc)—

Is my clothing like my armor … something I want to upgrade, just as if life were an RPG?

Similarly speaking — it seems in modern day life, we desire to also upgrade our “weapons” (phones, laptops, tools, cars, watches, etc)— and there seems to be no end in sight. But towards what ends?

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The joy and fun of photography— to attempt and make new creative and innovative compositions with 2 dimensional reality!

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What do we as artists joy and delight in? Shapes, forms, dynamic curves, lines, body, three dimensionality, proportions and shapes which inspire and provoke movement!

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Or why focusing too much on goals and achievements in life is bad — it ends up being a hidden trap and dead end. The more robust way:

Always strive for more!

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A thought on Tesla cars:

I personally love the aesthetic (clean, flush, minimalist) of Tesla cars, but my critique: the design of the cars and the design language is a bit boring and generic.

For example the Model S— the Plaid mode is undeniably cool. However it is very generic — a bit and pieces here of a Jaguar, Toyota Camry in size, and bulbous in shape.

The Model 3 is definitely an improvement — it seems more like a shark (front end of a Porsche 911) and the tail lights and end definitely is distinctly “Tesla”. The Model X with the falcon wings are very cool, but it is a bit too big. The Model Y is certainly a huge innovation (perfect hybrid between the Model 3 and Model X), but still … it seems a bit too plain for my tastes.

And even if you think about it, there’s not too much variety you can get in a Tesla. Most people will probably opt for the white package, or the “all black” aesthetic, or perhaps red to be a bit more bold (but even the red color paint job isn’t bold or bright enough). So the question:

Is it fine to just get a very good generic design that “just works”, or should we strive towards more extreme, unconventional aesthetics?

My thought for now:

Opt for extreme.

ERIC

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A thought on aesthetics:

What we are striving for is towards is an elite aesthetic — to look different, have a different taste (above the “vulgar masses”).

Furthermore to go even beyond a superficial elite aesthetic. For example, to me it seems too basic to buy an Audi car, a BMW, or even a Mercedes to “stunt” your aesthetic tastes. It is almost like the lazy way to spout “luxury” (equivalent to buying a Louis Vuitton bag). Even in some ways, buying a Porsche 911 is “too obvious” of a cool aesthetic (everyone already knows it is a cool car, and everyone already has one … so why do you gotta get it?)

Anyways with your design aesthetic, design choices, clothing, fashion, haircut, the way you present yourself — perhaps the desire is for us to differentiate ourselves even more from others, than to fit in.

ERIC

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What do we desire when it comes to motivation, travel, photography, street photography, music, arts and literature? To be moved! And more specifically — to harness the outside and internal stimuli in order for *us* to move more!

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In today’s brave new pandemic world — the optimal strategy:

We must radically adapt to the now!

No future — only now.

Simple idea:

Natural light as the ultimate luxury in a home.

Moving forward— if there is 1 thing you can prioritize and optimize for (above all else)— over bedroom size, location, street noise, cost, amenities, appliances, aesthetics etc — it is for natural light.

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Don’t delay; shoot street photography now.

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The best way to motivate yourself to workout:

Enjoy the movements.

Or only do workouts which you genuinely enjoy the movement for the sake of the movement.

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In today’s brave new world of street photography, shooting street photography while traveling (airport, etc) is a good way to shoot street photography now.

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Free motivation for you:

Dear friends,

It seems that many of us have been sitting around in eager anticipation for COVID to blow over, or perhaps the day that we (or everyone in America) becomes fully-vaccinated.

But it seems that will not be the case, nor will ever be the case. It seems COVID is the ‘new normal’, and rather than waiting for things to change, we must learn to radically adapt to the present moment, and figure out how we can thrive artistically, creatively and photographically right now; today.

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Life is too short for basic shit. Assuming there is no ultimate meaning in life (optimistic nihilism), then —

The best life is in which you task yourself an awesome and epic (self appointed) mission(s) in life.

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No expectations. Enjoying the walk for the sake of the walk. The joy of all the natural wonders in the world. The joy of composing a scene, and the excitement to see how the scene will manifest as a photograph!

Photography as a zen, meditative practice.

I don’t have to love it .. just not hate it.

Why does this matter? Because in modern capitalist American society, we desire to always obtain things that we love. And thus our Sysiphian quest for “more more more, better better better, improved, more optimized, and more beautiful”.

But with all our design things, tools and objects (camera, phone, tablet, car, clothing, shoes, watches, accessories etc)— we don’t need to *love* it— just not hate it. In fact, can we truly love any design objects? I say no. **We can only love human beings.**

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How do we make “better” photos, and what does this even mean?

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The best life is in which your strength can meet the challenges you dictate for yourself in life!

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How do you know whether something is ‘good’ or not? Simple:

Imagine yourself as your own ideal and optimal user … and design based on that!

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We often think:

Oh… if I just got all this for free, I’d be so happy.

We wish to get ‘sponsored’ and to get free things. And I think many people desire to get a huge inheritance, etc.

But in actuality, the best life is in which you pay for everything. Why? By paying for something … you signal what you truly care for. And this also signals:

You have pride in what you paid for.

What you paid for either monetarily, time-wise, or what you sacrificed in life for it!

So in other words,

It is good to pay for things to exercise your personal judgement, aesthetics, ethics, ethos and taste.

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When it comes to life decisions, optimize for your health. In terms of your abode, living situation, neighborhood, food and diet, exercise, people and friends and city community.

You can do this by investing your money, time and resources towards your health. Your health reigns supreme!

Simple ideas:

1. Optimize for your sleep
2. Optimize your stimulants to give you maximal vigor
3. Live in a place which has the ideal climate for you and your personal health
4. Live in a home with the maximal amount of natural light. Ideally live near a park, or a place with fresh air trees and veg

My new favorite aesthetic:

Bright and quiet.

What does this mean?

1. With cars, I hate loud cars. Ideally electric or hybrid car.
2. The best technologies REMOVE loud noises (BOSE noise canceling headphones)
3. With color, white and bright is good! Black accents and chrome accents are good.
4. With homes, optimize for bright light (huuuuge windows and tons of natural light) and quiet (as far away from street noise as possible)

In life, ask yourself the question:

Do I strive to become more similar to others, or more different?

And also:

Do you derive your pride from owning the same totems of wealth and success as others, or do you prefer to be radically different?

I say in life, strive to become *more different* from others in terms of belongings, lifestyle, philosophy, thinking, approach, artistic creation, speech, gait, writing and action!

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A beautiful 2021 awaits us:

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Why health is the ultimate wealth, and how money without health is useless:

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Why follow your intuition? 

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How did children and kids learn? Via playing. Even dogs play with one another!

In modern society we are taught that to play is a vice, and to work is a virtue. Even now, kids playtime is continually cut down and down to prioritize (boring) academic work.

But moving forward … if we desire to extract the maximum from existence, to maximize our growth and artistic production, we must prioritize our play! And for me, photography as one of my apex joys and play activities!

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My photo diary:

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When in doubt, just make and create it. Don’t worry about the worth or value of it — enjoy the process of making it, and keep creating and keep sharing it!

As I have hit all my life goals, have reached financial freedom, etc … I have a very difficult time entertaining myself. Almost nothing holds my attention (entertain as ‘en+tenare’ — something which holds your attention).

And in fact, ‘entertainment’ is not base. Epic poetry and deep philosophy tends to be the most entertaining to me, as it is difficult and challenging enough (and interesting enough) to hold my attention.

Thus moving forward in your life, remember:

Life is infinitely too short to be bored (Nietzsche).

And in this way:

Strive to find challenging and interesting enough things to entertain yourself!

Some ideas:

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A design epiphany:

The best design is “via negativa”.

For example, the best designed shoes aren’t the ones that “look” the coolest, but the ones that DON’T cause pain! With cameras, the best designed camera has the LEAST amount of superfluous buttons, features, and the LEAST amount of confusion in the UI/UX (also the least weight, and the least amount of time it has on your shelf— the best camera is the one you shoot with all day, every day— either RICOH GR III or iPhone).

Also with homes, the best designed homes as having the LEAST amount of noise, the LEAST amount of heat loss, and the minimum of dark spaces at home.

Also the iPhone Mini as the best iPhone as it is the LEAST heavy, LEAST big (better for one handed texting and usage), and also lesser in price than the other “Pro” models.

Our photographic motto:

Ever since having my first kid, my photography has flourished. Why? I always have something great to photograph!

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Dear friends,

Spring (and summer) of 2021 is in full-bloom. I am super pumped to share that spots are now open for my CHICAGO CONQUER COMPOSITION Street Photography Workshop this upcoming May 22-23rd, 2021).

If you (like myself) have felt cooped up from this pandemic, desire to explore, shoot, and re-spark your passion for photography, this workshop is for you:

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What are you? A visual poet. You’re creating visual poems with your images and photos!

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A thought I had while watching Justice League (and thinking about films in general):

Why is it that we prefer films movies over still photos?

Because we prefer motion! Seeing moving images or things actually motivates us to move as well!

Then I was thinking: is there a possible way we can take all of our still photos and add motion to them?

I think I have the solution:

WordPress slideshows of still images that move!

Can also be done making animated GIFs of several of your photos in a series, or even short video clips (Snapchat style of beautiful scenes).

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Why are stripes, dots and black and white great in terms of photography composition? Because it obeys musical theory — beats, rhythms (think about treble and bass in photography applied to musical and photo composition theory).

In other words, think piano keys!

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Is there any car cooler than the Lamborghini SIAN? Insanely epic aesthetics — give us a new hope and belief in more phenomenally epic, beautiful, and mind blowing futures.

What is my personal passion and interest in life? Not merely to do more, learn more, think more, experience more, and adventure and attempt more … but to *become* more!

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A thought and realization:

There is no perfect aesthetic, ethos or approach to anything in life.

No matter how good or perfect something you discover or create, sooner or later you will either bore or tire of it, or change your mind. Thus the goal is to always delight in the new, to strive to discover deeper truths about x, y, z … but once you’re bored, onto the next one!

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I don’t know about you, but the trend of “all black everything” is starting to bore me. For example all black cars — it is a boring trend. Better to opt for more bold, vibrant and audacious colors!

And with clothing and fashion — perhaps best to opt for the outlandish and loud than the “elegant” and boring look?

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iPhone as great for photography workflow. Some thoughts:

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Why do we want to have the “best”? My theory:

We desire to have the best things in order to not think about it anymore, the zen of not having to explore any further options (no longer needing to “optimize” or “betterfy” your tools), and to focus on what’s truly important to you — adventure, exploration, thinking and artistic creation!

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Rather than flexing your knowledge about artists x, y, z as a form to flex your “wokeness” — better to disdain other artists and to flex your own art work!

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What is a life without the new? Not life at all. True life thrives on the new!

New adventures, new sights, new tools, new films, new music, new fashion, new ideas — thrive in the new!

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Do you define the aesthetic or does the aesthetic define you?

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Processing your photos as a creative and artistic act — it is an artistic thing that you do!

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What’s the most important thing to design, designate, control, modify and transfigure in existence? Your life!

What does this include? This includes where you live, in which neighborhood you live, the type of apartment or home you live in (the size, the concept, the design aesthetics etc). And the most important thing — figure out the #1 thing you’re trying to optimize for. For your health? Your photography and creative inspiration and motivation? What?

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Thinking more about the philosophy of decision making, specifically around photography — ask yourself:

With this certain life decision … how will it affect my photography? Which decision is most optimal and best for my artistic and photographic creativity and photographic productive output?

1. Extreme restfulness: Ability to sleep (no insomnia), to sleep deeply, and to wake up excited, well rested and pumped to take on and seize the day!
2. To always have some sort of questions or thoughts on your mind — creative pursuits still lingering and things you’re still curious about.
3. Excitement and enthusiasm for the day, and to continue living — the desire to live forever in order to forever be pursuing interesting creative ideas on you!

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