001: lost in the process. (Capturing the Energy of Atlanta on 35mm Film)

lost in the process.

Atlanta, Ga 2024. In front of the old CNN building.

Image: Dancing on the Way to the Game
Shot on: Leica M5, Kodak Tri-X 400, 35mm Film

Some days, the streets of Atlanta just hit differently. Like when the air hums with the low bass of passing cars, and the sidewalk chatter mixes with the scent of lemon pepper extra crispy and honey hot wings from the spot around the corner. Those days remind me of why I fell in love with capturing this city. December 14th was one of those days.

I was out with my Leica M5, and a roll of Kodak Tri-X loaded up. Making images on film is a whole process — every frame matters, and there’s no second-guessing once you click that shutter. Film makes you slow down and engage with the moment in front of you. You have to trust your instincts, anticipate the moment, and commit. The texture, the grain, the way light and shadows play on Tri-X film—it all feels more alive to me. Film brings a sense of intention and authenticity that makes each frame feel special.

This moment happened right in the middle of that Saturday energy. Dude was headed to the Celebration Bowl, clearly lit, lost in his own world. The confidence, the movement, the way the people behind him fed off his energy, all set against the buzz of the crowd, the distant echo of marching bands, and the warm December sun cutting through the crisp air. I had a split second to decide. No posing, no “do that again.” Just trust your gut, frame it, and let the moment be what it is.

I love how film strips things down. The black and white draws your attention to the body language, the energy, the expressions — all the distractions of color just fall away. The grain of the Tri-X adds that texture, like the moment’s alive, gritty, and real.

This image reminds me why I do street photography. It's about catching those in-between moments, the ones most people walk past without a second glance. The ones that make you wonder who that person is, what kind of day they’re having, and what story they're writing with their life.

This was just another Saturday in Atlanta. But for me, it’s another frame that captures the soul of a city I know deeply. The rhythm of the streets, the energy of the people, it’s all part of the place that raised me. Atlanta is home. From Decatur to downtown, these streets shaped my perspective, my hustle, and my art. Every image I make here isn’t just a moment; it’s a piece of my story, my city’s story.

Check out more of my street photography from around Atlanta on Instagram.