27. Community, connections and the Golden Gate Bridge

Photography is more fun because of the people I meet along the way

Jun 01, 2024

The decline of community

One of the things I enjoy the most about photography is the people I meet along the way.

Especially nowadays when I feel like I meet fewer strangers because I am driving in my own car, have my head glued to my phone, and have built up a fear/reluctance to open up to strangers in public. I don’t think I am alone because about 20 years ago I remember hearing interviews with the author of Bowling Alone who said “we sign fewer petitions, belong to fewer organizations that meet, know our neighbors less, meet with friends less frequently, and even socialize with our families less often. We’re even bowling alone.”

Photography is one part of my life where I am actively trying to grow a community.

I have found a lot of success here on Substack, in the San Francisco photo meetup group I attend/lead for, in college classes, in moderated Facebook groups, and in a few paid online communities1.

Meeting Peter

Last week, in one of the smaller online communities, I saw a San Francisco skyscraper photography question from someone who mentioned they were visiting from Austria and were here for a week. I answered in the group and then sent a private message. Tuesday night I had the pleasure of meeting Peter Lieberzeit, helping him get parts of San Francisco that are less accessible without a car, and got to spend a few hours doing photography together/getting to know him.

Peter wanted to go to the Golden Gate Bridge for late-in-the-day photographs. This was a bit outside the type of photos I have been taking recently but I dusted off my flimsy tripod, grabbed my cable release, and made plans to meet.

Exploring the western edge of San Francisco

I picked Peter up and we headed to Sutro Baths, Lands End Trail, Baker Beach, and the Warming Hut at Crissy Field. At each stop, I watched Peter work—especially noticing how much focus he had on interesting foregrounds. And woven in-between photography were discussions of Austria, Hungary, chemistry, kids, and world affairs.

The photos we got are pretty cliche for San Francisco… but there is a reason that everyone takes them: It’s such magnificent scenery and, with a little work, the photos are stunning and worthy of sharing, printing, and showing off. Also, comparing your results to all that came before is such great learning.

Here are some of Peter's and my photos. I hope you enjoy.

Sutro Baths

Land’s End

Baker Beach

Crissy Field

Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field by Peter Lieberzeit (Josh: I was blown away by the fact that the bridge was making reflections that I could not see until Peter’s long exposures revealed them)

Peter Lieberzeit from Crissy Field by Josh Weinberg (probably taking his magnificent picture above…)

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed the learning, the practice, and the opportunity to make a new friend (not to mention the yummy chocolates)—thanks Peter.

As you travel the world (or even your hometown) remember what a great tool photography can be to help build community—at a time we need it more than ever.

And if you will be in San Francisco, let me know... I might have some time.

Warmly,
josh