Call on the ancestors for healing

Black And brown people: In troubled times like these we must call on our ancestor's for healing. Rocks thrown at the strong arm of injustice will land flatly on the ground, but the work of our ancestor's strengthens, protects and lifts us to greater, unreachable heights. 

We come from a legacy of resilience and must never forget. We will continue the work of our ancestor's and in doing so, they will continue to bring vital support to us to fulfill our potential here on earth.

We do not act alone. We are loved.

Ocean Morisset Photography. Image from the Tribute to the Ancestor's of the Middle Passage, 2014.

Every day I take pictures of the everyday.--OM

"Ocean, what kind of camera should I get?"

I get questions all the time from friends and acquaintances about which camera is the best one to buy. To that question, there are a myriad of answers based on what you plan to do or shoot with the camera. Even though photography is a technical field, those aspects don't particularly interest me. I get bored with conversation with other pro's about lenses, DOF, and photography RULES. While I agree it's important to know the basic rules of composition, light and of course camera usage I think honing the "eye" is a much more useful lesson to the layperson embarking on a journey through photography. There are many roads to take towards arriving at a successful image and at the end of the day, the viewer will decide based on how the image moves them (or not).

In my opinion, there's no reason to spend thousands of dollars on camera equipment. I've seen "photographers" with the latest of everything and the photography vest to match, but will use their camera on "A" automatic mode, or do all the "photography" using photo-editing software.

To answer the question about which camera to get, I'd say spend little on a camera with an M (manual) mode. This allows you total control of the camera and will force you to learn about exposure, depth of field and shutter speed. You will of course need much practice with composition--how you "frame" what you're shooting, and that takes much practice so shoot A LOT!

Nowadays, there are advancements with camera phone technology and we've all seen what the iphone can do! I happen to shoot OFTEN with my iphone, but my main pro camera--a Nikon D80-- is considered an antique in the rapidly-changing landscape of DSLR and technology. Yet, I still get the job done, pleasing clients and "fans" alike. When I think about how we revere images from the past-- those taken by "Master" photographers--I note that most of those camera's used to shoot historical images are now antiques! This reaffirms the notion that good photography is not only achieved by the (good/expensive) camera, but mostly by the "eye".

The most important thing in all of this is to ENJOY photography. Whatever genre interests you, be it fashion, photojournalism, landscape, still life, etc., it's important to have fun, treat your subject matter with the utmost importance, and try new perspectives.
These days, everyone claims to be a photographer thanks to the mass accessibility of camera phones, so it's important to STAND OUT from the pack in some way, learn from your mistakes, never compare yourself or your work to another photographer and always remain true to yourself!

(iPhone) Photo copyright Ocean Morisset Photography. Peekskill, N.Y

Ode to Harlem Besties

Piggy back ride

transportation of love

with laughter as its fuel

It never tires, 

not for a sister 

or a bestie...

it rages on like fire.

Our friendship

fits like a glove;

passion- burning warmth

on the coldest days

and darkest nights

moved beyond the depths

of all that inspires,

the joy of which takes form

of these words I write. 

A moment in precious time

In the face of a neighborhood 

and a world

in transition

--Uncertainty--

thick like African musk oil

Vaporizes in the heat of a 

Harlem summer

and joins the breeze

as together, we take flight.

And while all things inevitably change

my love for you stands 

the test of time

and soars 

like an iridescent kite.

"Harlem" by Langston Hughes

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up

like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--

And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over--

like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags

like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?

(Photo copyright Ocean Morisset)

I'm still here!

Self-portrait December 2013

Wow, it's been a minute since I posted here. Facebook and real life have absorbed all my time. I'm still HERE, but you can also see some of my photography updates on my artists page on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/oceanmorissetphotography

I'll be posting here regularly once again. It's a new year and l have many more images to post!

--Ocean

Autumn views in Central Park, NYC.

I love Central Park, and there's no better time to shoot than Autumn! Splashes of color add drama to the transitioning landscape, the distinct smell of dried autumn leaves, and their crunch underneath my feet are all special and distinct elements of fall.

EXHIBITION: ART + PROTEST

ONLY 3 days left to check out this amazing exhibition!  C'mon Uptown to the historic Malcom X and Betty Shabazz Center to view over one hundred documentary photographs by twenty-two photographers (including me) in the exhibition titled ART + PROTEST!

My photography presentation with the young members of Boys Club of New York

Here I am presenting and discussing my photography with the middle-school aged boys at the Boys Club of New York. The goal was to inspire them to believe in the creative process and to peak their interests in a future career in the arts. They were engaged, asked tons of questions, made great comments about my work and according to the staff there, my presentation was GREAT! I love sharing my passion for photography with youth! Thanks BCNY for the opportunity!!

I'm Back!

Self-portrait. Mid-town, NYC. July 2013

Wow, it's been four months since I posted on my blog! I've been "stuck" on Facebook  and Instagram and all its quick upload and access from my iphone. Technology is moving amazingly quick since I began this blog in 2005, as a showcase for my photography and musings. My photography has really evolved since then, and the creative journey continues to be an exciting one!

To my followers, supporters and fans, I apologize for not posting more frequently. I have lot's of new images (I've been busy) to share so be sure to check back on this site for further updates!

You Can also FOLLOW ME on these other sites:
Instagram: @oceanstide
Facebook: facebook.com/oceanmorissetphotography
Website: oceanmorisset.com

I'm back!

The End of the Road

The end of the road  has many connotations. In my case, it’s the end of my cancer journey. I’m having surgery today to have my port-a-cath (the funny looking button and straw sticking out of my chest) removed. The port has been my gateway for receiving twelve rounds of life-saving chemotherapy. Having the surgery to remove it is a definitive marker of my remission. My oncologist had me keep the port in for 12 months after my last round of chemo, “just in case” Hodgkin’s Lymphoma reared it’s ugly head. The cancer never did return and I can’t even hold my breath about it any more. 

I remember when i first got the port surgically implanted in my chest. I had just been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma two weeks prior. Two weeks later, I started my first round of chemo. It’s been quite a journey with a bittersweet end. Though I won my battle with cancer, many other warriors haven’t been so fortunate including young Mohammad Ayan. At the tender age of fourteen, Ayan reached out to me when I was first diagnosed and encouraged me to Never, Never, Never Give Up. I never did. Instead, I became intimately acquainted with my spirit of resilience and created self-portraits documenting my journey. I like to think that my creativity was just as crucial as the chemotherapy being infused in my port.

Ayan, never gave up either. He fought all the way to the end. There is no reason why two people on the same chemo regimen have different outcomes. Life, as incredible as it is, is also unfair. So as I prepare for my surgery this morning, I’m counting my many blessings with great humility, grateful that the end of this road is here and a new road paved with possibilities is just around the bend.

Parents take note: If this is where your kids (reasonably worn) sneakers are ending up, you might want to re-think spending all that dough on them. Just sayin...

Scented oils/incense. 125th st., Harlem, NY.

Photo-essay: Right to feel safe: Stop hate crimes NOW!!!! Protest March, NYC.

Statement: Action Group Right to Feel Safe is fed up and has taken the initiative to organize a march against hate crime. Right to feel safe consists of a group of friends of Damian Furtch who each have dealt with anti-gay violence in the past.


On an overcast spring day, a colorful contingent of community activists, supporters and friends assembled under the arch in NYC's Washington Square Park in response to the recent gay bashing of twenty-six year old Damien Furtch, in front of a McDonald's in Greenwich Village.

(Click on any image to enlarge)



Damien had just finished his shift at the Pink Teacup Restaurant in the wee hours of the morning of March 30th, 2011 where he was approached and subsequently attacked by two men, reportedly because he was wearing pink attire. The attack left Damien with two black eyes, other bruises and emotional scarring. Since the incident, one of the attackers has been arrested, while the other is still at large.



The protest march kicked off at Washington Square park and continued through the streets of Greenwich Village, stopping traffic and commanding attention from curious onlookers from all parts of the village.











The marchers, chanted loudly, blew whistles and made bold statements; some with their fashion choices, others with signs and slogans.












Bruncher's dining alfresco had front row seats to the protest march.



Reflection of the protest march.



Protester's marched through the city freely and openly, under a ray of brotherhood, sisterhood and a deep concern for the LGBT community.








At one point during the march, a female protester exclaimed that the African-American man pictured here "touched" her as he walked by. Members of the security detail called the Circle Crew approached the man in question, who explained everything off as an innocent mistake.

Peace prevailed and another LGBT protest commenced with a lingering determination to stand up to injustices happening in the LGBT community.



Member's of the Circle Crew provided security detail for the march.



The McDonald's restaurant where Damien Furtch was attacked. West 3rd street, Greenwich Village.



Damien Furtch


One of Damien's attackers is still at large. Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips at nypdcrimestoppers.com or text info to 274637 (CRIMES), entering TIP577.

Spring-autumn leaf

While searching for spring, I found this leaf that looks like a remnant of autumn.

El Yunque Rain Forest. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.

"According to ancient Indian Legend, the good spirit 'Yuquiyu' ( or 'Yokahu' ) reigned on his mighty mountain-top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people."

The El Yunque Rain Forest is a cool, mountainous, sub tropical rainforest located in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, about a 30 minute drive from the capital city of San Juan.

I love visiting El Yunque any chance I get. The lush, green foliage commands attention, as the Coqui frogs, and exotic birds sing songs of their home. Getting to El Yunque entails an exciting and beautiful drive up the winding roads of the mountain, ears popping along the way as we reach higher altitude. We drive up the mountain until we cannot drive any more. Then we diembark the vehicles and head through the trails of the magical rainforest. Here are a few (of many) images taken on a recent trip to El Yunque. I can't wait to go back!

(Click on any image for a more detailed view).