David Bradford isn't your average New York City taxi driver. His days "at the office" are directed by the skill that sets him apart from other taxi drivers: he's a photographer. Bradford's canvas is New York City as he sees it throughout his day, from a behind-the-steering-wheel vantage point. He has published several books, most notably "Drive-By Shootings: Photographs by a New York City Taxi Driver," and he was recently the subject of a New York Moment video, featured above. Bradford started out as a visual artist with an emphasis on drawing from photographs and a degree from Rhode Island School of Design in illustration. When he moved to NYC after graduating college, he began photographing NYC, originally as fodder for his drawings. But Bradford soon discovered that his photographs stood as pieces on their own and began pursuing the art form.
Well, haven't visited your site in a while...glad to see you are hanging in there.
ReplyDeleteYou, like several cabbies I have known are qualified for better things but due to issues beyond your control have gotten stuck in a bad situation.
I drove for Nancy for a few years...it was still good at that time but I could see the handwriting on the wall and left for better climes. I remember Tony and Sam and a few others whose names escape me at the moment.
The big problem that was developing when I decided to leave was the 'super shuttle' and how the airport allowed them to take so many of our long rides. Now it appears that 'uber' is the newest problem....never any good news for cabbies. I suppose the thing that will really make cabbies extinct is the 'driver-less cars' that will be a few more years though.
I do not want to sign off in negative mode....one thing that keeps me from getting as negative as Tony always was is to read 'surival books' how many have beaten the odds and survived....I always say to those who are on the road to being overwhelmed by the 'negatives' learn to appreciate the 'small' things in life which are really not that small if you really learn to appreciate them....a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunrise or sunset, people who can make you laugh, cooking a good meal, reading a good book, a good movie(I have given up on hollywood movies for the most part--did appreciate "Nebraska") I prefer foeign movies...they can tell a good simple story without all the special effects b.s. Always something to appreciate in life if you really look for it.
Bottom LIne: do not neglect your spirituality....and to preach a little bit...get a personal relationship with Jesus...get born again. Best advice I can give anyone.