I follow some remarkable photographers through their blogs. It is a way for me to study different styles of photography and to appreciate the art that others are making. Sometimes a particular image will strike a chord, or a technique will intrigue me and get me thinking how I might apply that thought to my own photography. In every case, I am grateful that these generous and talented people share their work in this way.

I am also delighted with my associate with Albany.Patch.com. My weekly photo feature, “On San Pablo”, allows me to look with fresh eyes at this town I have lived in for 21 years. What stands out? What is unique? How can I make what has become ordinary interesting again?

This week I took inspiration from two of my favorite teachers. Sabrina Henry was in Chicago recently and woke up early to watch the city come to life. Her images are wonderful. The black and white treatment makes them especially evocative to me. Eli Reinholdtsen specializes in reflections. Her work is both creative and thought-provoking, and often shows a marvelous sense of humor. She shares her techniques in an eBook called Chasing Reflections available through Craft and Vision.

With their images in mind, I decided to take a look at San Pablo Avenue in the early morning, and to render the images in black and white. It was a really fun exercise. It was so interesting to pay attention both to what was on the other side of the windows and to what from the outside was reflected in them. This one is my favorite. The espresso sign inside seemed appropriate for the early hour, and I love the reflection of the two auto repair guys across the street. (Remember you can click on the images to enlarge them.)

I like this one too, because San Pablo Avenue is usually filled with traffic. The stools upended on the tables inside say “closed” to the one lonely car passing by outside.

I was also able to indulge my own sense of humor. It made me chuckle to see a K-9 patrol car outside the Club Mallard. I hope the dogs were retrievers.

I am a morning person, but I am not often up and out and paying attention to the world around me that early. It was truly eye-opening. And fun.

You can see the entire photo essay here on Albany.Patch.com.