Coffee & Film
How this Youtube project came to be.
Practice, Practice, Practice
During one of many photo sessions, I first visited La Bicyclette Bakery in Williamsburg. Ordered a jamón baguette, a flat white, and sat on a corner bench to relax and eat. It was late morning, my first meal of the day after walking two miles snapping photos. The November air was crisp, the sun was warm, and my mood full of excitement.
The sandwich? Fresh, warm, and savory. My latte hit the spot and I needed to wake up. There was another café I wanted to visit before my session ended, and I intend to write a bit.
During this point in the walk, I wasn’t too far from the second location on my list: Copper Mug Coffee. This shop appeared on my Instagram feed often, guess I was influenced to give them a try. Since the day had a chill, I didn’t want one of the speciality drinks, so I chose a latte instead.
I’ve gotten into quite the routine by now. Leaving the house early morning or afternoon, walk for at least an hour before stopping at a café, writing my thoughts whilst editing my images on an iPad, then heading home. My weekend therapy session, and companion to weight lifting (great cardio by the way). Many completed journals, loads of spent ink, and knowledge—with every shutter click not only did my technical ability grow, but my creative eye as well.
The idea
Many months have passed now. Winter into spring, with thousands of images taken. Acquired two new cameras—a film and digital rangefinder—so more practice sessions with them, and decided to learn video editing. This felt like the natural progression of things, I had nothing I wanted to record but felt the need to figure it out for when I’d be compelled to.
And compelled I was!
Uni Thai Bistro | August 2025
During the summer, I spent so much time shooting with both rangefinder cameras, I was neglecting my Fuji! I knew it had great video features, so decided to dedicate it for this purpose. It also gave me the idea to record my sessions. Why not?! It’s something i’m already doing, let’s figure out a format.
I had an appointment in the Kensington area of Brooklyn, and think I’ve only ever driven through that neighborhood to reach Prospect Expressway. What better time to try something new!
Late afternoon I arrived to a small neighborhood Thai restaurant. Being the only visitor at the time, I felt comfortable using my cameras. Asked the woman taking my order if it would be alright if I recorded in the corner, she smiled and gave me the ok. The food was delicious, with the most calming atmosphere during sunset. The restaurant is located around the corner from the main roadway, so rather quiet inside and out. A few other patrons arrived while I was recording but they didn’t seem to mind. I kept out of the way and didn’t want to make myself obvious.
The next day I reviewed the footage. Immediately noticed the things I liked and could work with, also aspects I wouldn't use again. One big element was color, I didn’t want my videos to look so perfect. I wanted some imperfections, and more control of tints. What I needed to learn was color balancing and grading. So I did! One month of study later, I developed the looks I wanted, the flow, and the format.
I don’t have a large following on social media, but that didn’t matter. I remember mindlessly scrolling YouTube one evening and reading a title:
Record yourself, even if no one watches.
This stuck with me throughout my process. I’ll make the things I like because I’m having fun, because it’s fulfilling.
I love learning, I’m loving this creative process, and I love this form of expression.
Thanks for reading.
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