The Eclipse was the only moment during 2024 that didn’t feel like the rest of 2 0 2 4. We all took a break from hating each other to watch the sky get dark in the middle of the day.
While some of us did stare directly into the sun (despite common sense and being thoroughly warned of the consequences), others used their creativity and ingenuity to make devices to watch safely.
We walked out of our jobs, even if we took our lunch break already. We made room on the lawn in the park for our neighbors. We gave each other haircuts. We hugged our dogs, and our friends.
We smiled. Together.
We came together to bear witness to darkness, knowing that factors and forces beyond our (civilian) understanding would deliver light again, as promised, and as it always has.
We looked toward the sky and felt small, but also part of a larger whole. It was the only moment in 2024 that felt like we might still have what it will take to get through to the next decade mostly intact.
That’s what I hope to take away from 2024; that light shines brighter in darkness, and when we stop fighting each other and give each other the room we all need shine, we can get through anything. In our own way, I hope we all choose to bring Big Eclipse Energy into 2025.
lab: @retrophoto_reading
#35mm
October, 2023 - Manhattan, NYC
A well-earned break for the chicken man, who’s obviously not from Philly, because Philadelphia chicken men don’t fare well at night, generally speaking.
📸: #canonTi
🎞️: @cinestillfilm #800t
🔎: #40mmpancake
⚗️: @retrophoto_reading
#35mm #streetphotography #chickenman #brucespringsteen #atlanticcity #manhattan #nycspc #cinestill800t
December, 2023 Berks County, PA
One of these things is not like the other.
📸: Nikon F100
🎞️: Portra 400
🔎: 50mm 1.8
⚗️: @retrophoto_reading
#35mm #staypoorshootfilm #portra400 #nikonf100