joel plotkin photography

I cannot believe that it’s been 8-month’s since my last blog post – whether you care or not, I have been collecting a bunch of observations and anecdotes for a while and I am going to sort through them and pick out some stuff to share.

In the meantime, this evening, I was motivated to post something because of a blog created by a new friend, Eddie Going – his blog consists of photos of people (if you can call them that) who violate the unwritten etiquette of the NYC Subway system. It reminded me of the idiots I photograph secret;y with my cell phone, and I wanted to share with you.  So, while I work on my stuff, enjoy Eddie’s.  Then you can look at both.

http://goingwitheddie.wordpress.com/

I was really good about updating my blog when I first started.  Then as I got busy and I would let it slip.  One month, two month’s, three month’s, then I completely forgot about.

I know having a blog is a self indulgent venue for me to fulfill some strange need to let people know what’s going on with me and my photography – I suspect no one really cares, but I do it anyway.  The world is full of tweeters, bloggers, facebookers, so why do I have this need to put another one out there? Is it my competitive side…be funnier, or deeper than others? Am I narcissistic? I honestly do not believe that I am more important than the next guy. So, I’m not sure, but I believe it’s some sort of new addiction.

I never understood updates from people who  post solely about their children, or worse, their family pets.  I really don’t give a shit if baby Mary pooped in the potty for the first time, or that little Johnny’s baseball team won the East Bum-F_ _k Junior League World Series, or Buttons, the cutest cat in the world, saved a baby bird from imminent death.

I try to post observations and funny (at least I think their funny) photos of things I see. I also like to blog about the really nice people I get to photograph. I love my job as a commercial/corporate photographer, I really am lucky.  As difficult as wedding photography is, and don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy, I love photographing weddings.  If I have to work on a weekend, what better place to spend it than with 200 people having a great time celebrating a wedding.

I think I’m going to continue.  It’s cathartic for me, and right now, at this point in my life, I need catharsis. If I keep all of this in my head, I may explode, or go crazy.

Whether you check-in on me or not – I don’t care.  But if you do, let me know, cuz I need that positive reinforcement   If you don’t like my posts, well, you know what to do!

J

On May 16 I was involved in a motorcycle accident and was forced to put a lot of normal activities on the side and try to get better. Learned a lot of lessons from this incident, and for you fellow riders, I do not care how experienced you are or believe you are, you never know when that accident is going to happen.

I purchased my first street bike when I 19 years old, that’s 28 years ago – never had an accident, always careful, always aware of the “other guy”.

Well, there was no other guy in my case (I think) -  gladly I have no recollection of the incident,  all I remember is getting on 95, and then the site of the troopers boots and his voice asking if I can hear him, and then a brief moment in the ambulance when they said they were cutting off my clothes. Thanks goodness I wasn’t running commando that day…I listened to my mother and had a clean pair of underwear on.

And, since everyone asks, I’ll save you the breath – NO I was not wearing a helmet – which makes me even luckier!  I sustained NO trauma to my head, not a scratch – Miracle?  Luck?  whatever it was, it’ll never happen again to me, I assure you. I will not go off on a rant about helmet laws, but rest assured, I am a now a big fan.

When I arrived at the hospital, although I do not remember, I was able to text info to those that needed to know and sign pre-op paperwork, oh, even took a few cell phone shots….

Drugged up and in Shock!

Drugged up on a dilaudid drip for two days, I was released from the hospital on 5/18 – Thank goodness for good friends who picked me up, got me home and made sure I have everything I needed – the first two weeks were a blur…lot’s of pain killers, sleep, not much moving around – one trip to the supermarket with my neighbor.

Here’s an xray of the work done on my arm. dislocated, 6 screws/pins, a metal plate – bone shattered into 10 pieces – it’s been nearly 8 weeks and it still hurts like hell, and the bone is not completely mended yet. But, I am alive…and that feels good.

I'm Shattered

Burns sustained from the contact I made with the guardrail…pretty!  I still have em, just not as bad.

Ouch!

My first post-op visit to the good doctor – they were taking out the staples….

So, it’s nearly 8 weeks – I’m in P/T 3x a week and cannot extend my arm 100% yet.  Although I am making great progress.  My right leg/foot is still swollen, but I am back to work part-time which is awesome.  Doc said I can’t lift with my right arm, but can press a shutter release….that’s all I need.

Although this song is about a drunken auto accident (I was neither drinking or in a car) the end of the song resonates with me….this is an acoustic, non studio version and I like.

To the guy who called 911 and to all of my friends who reached out, stayed in touch, offered words of hope, support and love – I needed that and I need you. THANK YOU!!!!!!