August 5th - 13:35

Title: August 5th - 13:35 Medium: Super-8 film Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Resolution: 2880 x 2160 File Type: H.264 Codec / MP4. Comments: The drive to Niagara Falls was one that connected so many roads for me on the map and in my brain. A neural pathway of home. Ethan and I took the long way across Appalachian mountains and upstate New York. It was the one state that we took our sweet time to cross, because this is where I’m from. Where I was born. New York! Coming from Long Island then into the NYC, my visits upstate were to some random towns that my friends or family owned where we could visit. They felt like destinations, not a network of places. This great deal of importance came over me, this idea that I want to see all of New York because it’s a large part of my identity, and how I am a small part of the state. That feeling when you play a role playing video game like World of Warcraft or Grand Theft Auto, that part of the map is finally revealed. We often go so far away to visit other places, yet there’s so much here in proximity to where we already are. I wanted to have the wisdom of what makes up New York and all the roads that connect. Somehow connect inside of me. This idea of creating new neural connections just by taking different streets in your state or even city. Not fall victim to sameness or routine, finding excitement and lessons in the process you haven’t been. What happens internally is what is occurring externally. As above, so below. The self similarity between the worlds. The mission was complete, and we scoured and crawled through New York. The final destination was the great falls. Where many people across the world come to see the magnificent pressure of water flowing endlessly. A bridge that connects two countries. The US and Canada, the water is the flow between. Like a peace treaty, though nature can’t be tamed with its mighty force. Just respected dearly. It is a sight filled with Awe. That comes with so many questions, where does this water come from? How is there so much? Will this flow ever end? Do we really have an effect on this planet, or does Mother Earth humble us and our human “control.” That feeling is curiosity. To want to know and learn more. Ask more questions, to things that may never be answered! It will lead you to what you want to know. After a while standing in the misty glory on the sidelines. We couldn’t goto the other side of Canada, since I didn’t have my passport yet. It was time to make someone’s portrait, and I found the perfect place. Where the river is gushing at the highest scale of whitewater rafting. You don’t want to get caught in this current. Although, it is mesmerizing to watch. This was the first and, oddly enough, only time in the entire project I was rejected by a stranger to include them. It didn’t happen just once, twice, three times, or four! It was seven asks before this generous and kind woman named, Whitney, said yes to represent this shot. After I while I felt like giving up, but I never do! Every No strengthens me and guides me to the right, Yes! And I’m grateful all those people said no, why? Because she embodied the water in a dream like state. One of the most beautiful and emotionally charged shots I think is in the project. Just a woman looking deeply into the lens, honestly, revealing her gentle soul. As she blinks for a minute you can feel her letting go of oneself in that moment. We are in a subtle trance by the background water flowing past, yet focused on her closed eyes that makes you feel the goosebumps puff up. Something so human. A trust to a stranger with a sense of safety to create an image of beauty. This can be made anywhere with anyone at anytime if the universes align and collide. Her husband walked up to us right after the shoot and was so proud to see his wife shine her truth and her beauty into the world. We shook his hands and smiled as they walked towards the falls. We walked the opposite direction filled with purpose, bliss, and happiness. Because I didn’t give on the vision I had for Niagara Falls, even after all the No’s and disinterest. Patience is a muscle that will always teach you. When something needs to happen, it will on its own timeline. So don’t get stressed or worried, and trust the process. Because sometimes the thing we want isn’t what we need it is simply making room for what it can be.