Basset Park the leaves are mostly gone, the sun is just rising at 7:45, I likely will not find parking because I stopped to make this photo however; I love fog and sunrises so what a nice way to start the day.
Most of my friends thought it, a few even expressed it loudly, “You’re moving to Buffalo?”
Yep.
I did.
For the first time in my life I decided to do something completely out of character, I decided to trust happiness. I had spent most of my life making things work. Moving from one place to the next for my job. Making long, mind blowing commutes for my family. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED my jobs and I do not regret the commutes. I look back on them all with a profound sense of joy, immense pride that my girls turned out amazing and with thankful respect that I am now in a different place.
Each challenge, helped to bring me here, to the place I belong. Each transition helped me to recognize that sometimes we end up “exactly where we need to be.”
So here I am in Buffalo, NY. Working for a liberal arts college with great people, who enjoy coming to work, who say Good Morning and mean it! I am also in a delightful city that has incredible bones. At every turn, there are interesting activities, charming buildings, beautiful scenery, friendly people, and a spirit that is certainly contagious.
Buffalo has a tremendous theater district and wonderful galleries. I have a new favorite CEPA Gallery located in the old market arcade downtown, its mission states it is “a not-for-profit arts center founded in 1974 as a resource for photographic creation, education, and presentation. CEPA provides a context for understanding the aesthetic, cultural, and political intersections of photo-related art as it is produced in our diverse society. If any of you are near Buffalo November 3, 2012 or would like to visit, please join us downtown at CEPA gallery from 7-10 for As I See It: iPhone Photography by Cathaleen Curtiss a solo exhibit.
Yep. I moved to Buffalo!
Will I live in Buffalo the rest of my life? Maybe not, but for now it is exactly where I need to be and I plan to enjoy every bit of it while I am here. Granted, I have not had to deal with a “real winter” yet, I am told that last year was winter on training wheels. Well, I say, bring it on!!
Here are a few of my iPhonotos from the Buffalo area.
Enjoying the midway of the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, NY, currently the nation’s third largest county fair. The 2012 attendance at the fair was over 1 million!
James E. Strates Shows has played the fair since 1924 and still provides the midway with rides and games.
The Strates Midway is the only railroad carnival operating in the US.
Our Lady of Victory Basilica and National Shrine located in Lackawana, NY was dedicated and consecrated on May 25th 1926 by Cardinal Patrick Hayes and Bishop William Turner. Two months later Pope Pius XI elevated the Shrine to a minor Basilica, making it the second in the United States.
The Niagara Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls on the international border between the Canada and the U.S. The falls are renowned both for their beauty and as a valuable source of hydroelectric power.
The Inner Harbor, the city of Buffalo began as a small village located at the nexus of the Buffalo River and Lake Erie. This natural harbor eventually became home to the Erie Canal.
A view of the Gold Dome Bank and the Niagara Mohawk buildings from a downtown hotel and conference center.
The majestic White Oak in Delaware Park. Buffalo’s park system was designed by one of the country’s great landscape architects, Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr.
The new Center for the Visual and Performing Arts at Daemen College.
The fall colors of Basset Park in Amherst, NY
Buffalo City Hall is the government seat in the City of Buffalo, New York, the 32 story Art Deco building was completed in 1931 by Dietel, Wade & Jones.
At a height or 398 feet from the street to the tip of the tower, it is one of the tallest municipal buildings in the United States of America.
Exploring photography at CEPA Gallery in downtown Buffalo.
On the banks of the Buffalo River, the city’s grain elevators have distinguished the landscape since the early 1900s. At one time in Buffalo’s history, the grain elevators dominated the waterfront skyline and served as a symbol of Buffalo’s industrial importance now the formerly empty icons have become a space for art, music, food trucks and a rebirth of community.
A walk at sunset on a beautiful summer night. This is choosing happiness.
The date is almost here for A Little “iPhonoto” Show. When I lived in Manhattan my favorite place for Coffee was Joe the Art of Coffee at Waverly and Gay Street. I loved walking there early each day, sitting down to a delightfully rich espresso or cappuccino and surrounded by interesting art, as the city came to life. It is only fitting that my first exhibit of my “iPhonoto’s” will be at this lovely little coffee shop.
For almost two years I have been recording a photo a day on my iPhone. It has been an exercise in finding one thing each day worth a second look. Taking the time to stop, record and reflect. A visual journal. My mother kept a daily diary her entire life, I never understood her commitment to this daily routine until I started to do my own visual version. Now I look back over my daily photos and it reminds me of the place, the events, the people I interacted with that day. From fairs to snow, the beach and the Rock and collection of journeys and laughter. They almost always make me smile, a few remind me of difficult days that are a subtle reminder to live each day with hope.
The selected images for the show will be hanging from now until mid September, please stop by for a look at my photos and grab a nice cup of coffee while you are at it! Below are many of the photos that will be on display along with a few more of my favorites. ENJOY!
The Zipper 2011, the Midway of The Erie County Fairground, Buffalo NY
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Skyline View, 2010
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The Rock 2010
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Viewing the World Trade Center Construction from Winter Garden, 2010
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The Sky Flyer, Erie County Fairgrounds 2011
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A Vintage Tire 2010
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Two sheets to the wind, Tybee Island 2011
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Bal Harbour Stairwell, 2009
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Aspens near North Pole Alaska 2011
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Winter Grasses 2010
It is no secret that I love my phone/camera. I never say “where’s my phone?” I am more likely to say, “Let me grab my camera!” In the last several years I have fallen head over heals for my iPhone camera. I realized my obsession a few years ago when I was attending Midsummer Night Swing at the Lincoln Center in NYC.
The organizers of the event would not allow participants to take anything on the dance floor that was not attached to the person; of course I had my “camera” in my hand, no holder, no pocket, no strap…no admittance. After a panicked moment, I choose my phone over swing lessons. I remember the feeling of dread as I started to turn over my phone. After all, I could make photos from the sidelines while learning the steps but I could not make photos while dancing without my phone. The decision seemed simple. Thankfully, my friend let me borrow her waist clip so that I could go out on the dance floor AND keep my camera. I never did master the swing step but I made a few fun photos from the night and that is good enough for me.
(photo taken in Red Square, Moscow on November 9, 1989 with a Nikon F-3)
I spent many years as a professional photojournalist. I covered the White House, traveled, went to Superbowls, worked on long-term projects and carried heavy bags of gear and film everywhere. I was never without a camera. When I became a Director Of Photography for a large online company, I put my gear down. My mission became building staff, creating templates, setting budgets, hiring photographers and making sure the staff had the support needed to create great visual presentations. I was so excited when our photo staff created an iPhone app to display all our great photography presentations. I was obnoxiously showing everyone our new app, “Look I have an iPhone app!” Until one day my daughter said, “No. Mom, you have a blackberry with a photo of an app.” Two weeks later my family gave me my first iPhone for Mother’s Day. I have hardly been without it since.
I know it is not the same as “real gear”, but it is always with me. Years ago in photojournalism school I learned, “The best camera is the one you have with you.” This particular “camera” has been with me for graduations and weddings, visits to the family farm and Spain, carnivals and reunions. It has opened my eyes to seeing again. I enjoy experimenting with photo apps, as much as, I loved printing B&W photos. Recently, I started carrying a small bag along with my iPhone, it contains a small tripod, my old iPhone for added lighting and a very cool new toy, the Olloclip.
Hannah celeberates graduation from College of Charleston in 2010. iPhone 3
I know, carrying a “bag of gear” defeats the purpose of only needing a phone but it adds a whole new element of fun. The real challenge and reward for me is making the image. Besides, the “bag of gear” is still small enough to fit inside a small purse or backpack.
Someone recently asked. “Don’t you feel guilty that you are making photos on your phone?” My reply, “Don’t you feel guilty that you aren’t making photos?”
The hill side near The Biltmore Mansion in Ashville, NC iPhone 4 with hdr
I love being a part of the iPhone community for this reason, we make photos, we share photos and we celebrate life with photos. There are so many GREAT photographers now experimenting and using smart phones to make beautiful photographs. The use of the iPhone has got me excited about making photographs again. I stop and look at things now in closer detail. While driving, I now stop, turn around and go back when I see something of interest, I wouldn’t have done that five years ago. The iPhone and the ease of sharing has helped me slow down and really appreciate the journey.
Evening stroll with Ella in Granada, Spain. iPhone 3 – ProHDR app
So pick up your camera, any camera!! Go out and take photos, look closely at the world around you, shoot with your heart, enjoy seeing, capture your life experiences and please share your vision.
All photos in this post © Cathaleen Curtiss. This post originally published in JPGmag.com