Not sure how to start, but I am starting somewhere on this new journey

I am so grateful to be spending most of my summer in my beloved city— New York City. I am interning with wonderful artists: photographer, Catalina Kulczar and a creative collective that started in 2012, La Moutique, which is comprised of both Catalina and Juan Miguel Marin, a visual artist, art director, musician, and graphic designer. I will also be doing a handful of volunteering through NY Cares. I am so excited and eager to learn— I’ve already learned SO much! I’ve gotten to meet wonderful people, see some amazing art, assist with photographing product, go around Manhattan for errands, learn some new gear, and be inspired! Did I mention it is only my 2nd day there?!? 

I don’t have a clear idea of how I want this blogging to go, but I’ll note some things I’ve learned and realized my first few days back from school:

• Explore your surroundings!
  I have been arriving up to an hour early to my location in Long Island City and just browsing the area because it is one of those parts of NYC I am just not familiar with. I am noticing things here and there, such as a mural/art piece that I need to photograph.
• Ask questions!
• Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm
  This was something I was afraid of, showing excessive excitement, because frankly, I am an overly excited person. Seriously. Raspberry Iced Tea excites me, haha. However, both Catalina and Juan have made me feel comfortable enough to be myself. 
• Correct any mistakes in mispronunciation/preference in name. Scary, but you gotta do it.
• There is a whole lot out there! 
  And I mean in terms of gear, resources, skills, etc. Like I said, I have so much to learn and just the past two days I have learned more about resources out there for photographers, gear other than stuff I have used in school, other people who help make a whole shoot happen, and simply, new routes on the MTA.

I haven’t had time in NYC since summer of 2011. A lot has changed, which doesn’t surprise me. Even my old neighborhood in the Bronx has changed since I left. However, that just means more things to see and only a few things to genuinely miss. 

I haven’t fretted too much about photographing, which is a huge feat for me. I get caught up in my anxiety and worries and don’t get to enjoy my photography. I am working on some much personally and professionally, so this is a step in the right direction. Look forward to some photographs about my day to day trips between New Jersey and NYC. I have finally accepted in calling my home both NJ and NYC. In addition, look out for info on projects I am hoping to develop!