Capri and the Amalfi Coast

These photos are from the first time I went to Italy and ventured over to Capri. And some are from many years later when I was living in Milan for a month (planned to stay but that didn't pan out ... even was ready to sell my car & buy a Vespa!) then went back to Amalfi and traveled around the coast - Positano, Ravello, and other small towns doting the crystal blue sea. It's summertime - who has the travel bug and is dying ... dying to be near the ocean, head happily floating through the wind, living love every day? I'm going on a blogging tour of places I've been and that changed my life somehow. Travel brings incredible experiences of meeting people, eating amazing food, visiting historical landmarks, and seeing art of the masters inches in front of you but for some reason, no matter where I go, I'm left with at least one really hyper-visual random image in my memory: like jagged straw stems sticking out of my beach bag strap that broke while I was descending a steep and narrow stairwell on Positano. Small shops and galleries lived in the mountainside to the left and right of the staircase.

Should I stick to Italy in my next post or go somewhere else?

Capri

Capri

Capri

Capri

Capri

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi

Ravello

Ravello

Capri

Ravello

Capri

Capri

Capri taxi

Unique Bathrooms

OK, so I love documentary photography, street photography, hotels, motels, Holiday Inn ... horror movies, grindhouse, foreign film, neon signs, and you can now add bathrooms to the list of things you know about some of my favorite photo subject matter and what influences my photography.

Have I mentioned this before? I don't know but I love them. All shapes, sizes, even the cleanliness factor. If a public restroom (public, for this purpose is really limited to a hole-in-the-wall bar, gas station, or other kind of travel stop or roadside attraction - snake farm, anyone?) is kinda gross even, I appreciate that because it's only indicative of a certain lifestyle that may be intriguing somehow - no frills, vintage, old school, or country, for example. Yes, that just reminded me - I have told you this before because I remember explaining why I even liked the dingy bathroom, that's a step away from an outhouse, at Dry Creek Saloon. Here's that post, if you care to get more details on what attracts me to bathrooms, aesthetically speaking.

P.S. If I know you or meet you through someone I know and happen to use your nasty bathroom - that is not interesting, that's just gross.

Street Photography Tips

When in doubt, shoot it. You can always decide later if you like the photo or not and make edits in color, exposure, cropping, etc. One thing you have less control over in editing is the composition so do take time to properly compose your photo as you like. If you're shy about photographing people, you can always be discreet or just ask. Most people won't mind and are clued into the popularity of photography and visual expression so they get it. I can't not take photos just about anywhere I go, even at the grocery store. My biggest tip: just take time to appreciate the things right in front of you - that's the beauty of street photography - we're able to capture objects, art, design & architecture other people make, and people just doing what they do. More often than not, those candid moments make for the most compelling photographs.

Doin' Thangs

There are so many little things to notice throughout the day. Photo ops galore! I love using natural light and existing surroundings for portraits or as art in their own right.

A particular place or atmosphere can tell a visual story about a person's interests and/or personality. For example, Mike loves watching movies, loves his massive DVD collection, and always has creative ideas buzzing around in his head (neon lights).

Summertime Morning

Quiet mornings downtown before the work day starts are cherished moments. Being able to appreciate the way the sun makes things look - plants, shadows, and buildings -somehow puts things in perspective.

Instagram - Instacanvas Contest: Win a Free 20x20 Canvas!

Today is FB Friday by Instacanv.as. Win a free 20x20 canvas! Here's how:

1) Find your fave art piece by clicking here: http://instacanv.as/taracucciaphoto
2) Post the link to the piece on the facebook.com/instacanvas FB page and be sure to tell them why you like it.

Good luck! xo

Friday Snacks

French inspiration - minus the kale chips - which are homemade, btw.