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It appears that Facebook has known for over a year that Instagram is harmful to the body image and self esteem of teenage girls.  A Facebook whistle blower has been making shocking allegations to the Wall Street Journal and 60 Minutes. Soon, she will be appearing before congress with her documented evidence.  There are many deeply concerning issues about the allegations, but

What comfort levels can you push for growth? What is your comfort zone? Is it better to stay in your comfort zone or do you grow outside the comfort zone?

There are many different sub categories to street photography. My favorites are unobtrusive street photography and the street portrait. Unobtrusive street photography is also known as candid street photography and has overlap with photojournalism and documentary photography. It is in this realm my inner storyteller comes out. The art in this is choosing your subjects and anticipating the moment, For me this heightens my senses, forces me to be present. Robert Doisneau and

Will he win the prize? Carnival arcade in Summer, the carny barker lets the little boy get a higher vantage point! The family watches with anticipation as he focuses and winds up for the overhand throw. 

Moments like this are classic Americana. Since the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, the modern traveling carnival experience has had moments, and photographs, similar to this. It is because of the Chicago connection that I love shooting carnivals. One of the stars in the Chicago Flag reflected in my company logo is dedicated to the 1893 World’s Fair. 

It is not only a timeless moment for any street photographer to take part in, but it is a moment that requires being aware and having your

Can you find beauty in those whom you disagree with? Can you appreciate moments of beauty beyond bias? In the moment I took this shot, I had to. 

I have lost how many times I have seen this bullhorn preacher on corners over the years. He will find a spot, set up his bullhorn, his bible, and his tablet and starts shouting. He speaks of a god of love while telling people who smoke, women who he deems to be dressed provocatively, and others that they they will go to hell if they do not repent.

I never take pictures of him because I do not want to encourage his behavior and offer him the attention he seeks. I have a bias. Seeped in that bias is that I used to be an evangelical. Seeped in that bias is my political, social, and (non)religious views. But something beautiful

What do you have to do to get to the moment? Will you go with the crowd or find another way?

On Labor Day at was at a festival in Naperville, Illinois. It is a suburb of chicago. I am in the arcade game area which had a narrow passage. Ahead of me I saw a man with a great hat on. I could not get a good angle on him from where I was and he was working his way through the crowd. I had to get ahead of him if I wanted the shot. 

My only path was around and not through. I had to leave the main path and get up into a grass hill between the main path and local buildings. I trotted my way up and around to get to where he would be coming through the crowd. 

He saw me coming around and he knew my intentions. What I did not know is he was with his kids and wanted the

What can you do to get closer to your subject, lead, prospect,  client?

There is an old saying in Photography that was coined by Robert Capa, one of the best combat photographers and photojournalists we’ve had.  “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” 

When I do street photography I mostly am running about with a fixed lens compact camera. My zoom feature is my feet. If there is a zoom feature on my compact. 

I saw this band performing in a park in the Chicago Suburbs on Labor Day. Their outfits and stage presence was compelling and I really wanted a shot of them. The crowd was large, tight, and not masked. Frankly, I would expect nothing less from Naperville Illinois in the middle of the deadly Del

Do you choose the moment everyone is watching or do you choose the people reacting to the moment? Which is the decisive moment? Which one freezes time that is unforgettable?

Labor Day. Naperville is a suburb of Chicago that hosted an event. Concerts on a main stage, carnival rides, carnival games, and food. It was one of the most crowded event I have been socially since shelter in place happened. Any of my Zine Documentary readers will know from my last issue, The Masks We Wear, that I take Covid-19 seriously and adhere to guidelines as best I can. 

If you put a lot o

Are you a prisoner of rules? Do you serve the rules or do the rules serve you? I have never been a fan of rules. Someone dear to me once told me that conventions are good, rules restrict. 

A lattice supports the vine so it can grow, but it does not control the vine or tell the vine how to be a vine, it merely gives a structure. The same is true of a rule or convention.

The rule of odds is a composition rule taught to many first year photographers and beginning enthusiasts. It is often taught on the heels of the rule of thirds. The rule of odds, as defined succinctly by Digital Photography Schoo

Has anyone thanked you for wearing a mask? This Zine Documentary showcases the everyday heroes who wear their masks at work, play, and daily life! Consider it a 20 page thank you!

The reception of the first issue, Asian Fusion, has been wonderful so far.  Just as that issue was a celebration of the influence of Asian Americans in our lives, this is a celebration of those who have worn and continue to wear their masks daily. 

In April of 2020 the CDC guidelines included masks along with social distancing and hand washing to the mandates to slow the spread of COVID 19. Many beautiful and considerate people did their part and continue to do their part 17 mo

On a personal front I have a lot on my plate. There has been more stress in the last few months than in any time of my life. I have been leaning on a small group of people who have been standing with me through the storm. Saturday before last I just needed to walk it all off. I grabbed my Pentax K3ii Limited Silver edition, packed some lenses, batteries, and a water bottle into my photo vest, and took a train to downtown Chicago. And I walked. 

I walked over seven miles and came across the Gold Coast Art Fair in Chicago’s Grant Park. I found my spirits restored connecting with artists and art. Before I left I decided to have a cool drink by a bandstand. Simple trio. Acoustic strings, a violin, and a voice as beautiful as the instruments. I sat and enjoyed their music for a f

There are many expressions of street photography. I mainly practice two forms. The street portrait and the candid moment. The candid moment contains controversy. Some feel it is voyeuristic. For me, the candid form of street photography is a practice in art, journalism, anthropology, sociology, and psychology.  This is a candid moment and one that contains tension. 

The First Issue of Pat Green Zine is live! In this first documentary, we celebrate Asian Culture.  Asian Fusion is more than just a genre of cuisine. It is the beauty and wonder of Asian culture interwoven into the fabric of us all. Join the celebration and also address the horror of what we do to harm instead of celebrate and embrace. To get your copy, click here. 

“Check out his first zine, celebrating Asian Fusion. Buy it for coffee table. We are better for the diversity in our lives. Pat’s work reminds us of this.”-DT