Suspect Photography

words and images from david george brommer

Category: milan

March 24, 2025

Self Assigned Projects to Cope with Difficulty

Photography is a drug, it can be your savior, a north star in times of trouble. I mean it, when you lift the camera to your eye and view the world through the view finder native troubles are sidelined and creating the image takes center stage. Recently my wife Barbara and I had to drop everything and take care of her aging mother in law in Milan. While we braced for the worst, the little lady has recovered and we are back in NYC.  

The following text is a the narration from the slide show you can view on Youtube.

This family calamity had moments of full attention and lots of down time. Using the down time to mitigate the situation would lend peace and purpose to this dark time. So I did what every self respecting photographer artist would do and make a “creative plan” that is really art therapy. Taking stock of what I had and where I would be I vowed to push myself to its completion. 

Setting parameters. 

Before leaving I took stock in front of my antique breakfront that houses my camera collection. The task ahead was a heavy one, and I wanted to reach deep down chose a camera that is challenging (requiring focus) and inspirational. Recently I swapped out straps on my gorgeous Nikon SP (the rate 2005 reissue) and I was keen to bring it into the field. It had been over a year since I ran a roll of film through the camera and it’s always a pleasure to use, the camera feels so good in the hands. What optics to bring? For Lenses would be a 35mm 1.8 and 25mm f4. Check. I also have a new iPhone 16 Pro Max I had just upgraded from my iPhone 13 so that would be my “mobile sketch book”. Check. Because I am a serious photographer and I have been so successful with my current camera set up, I packed the Nikon Z9 and the super versatile 24-120 f 4. Along with two laptops (my airbook and B&H work laptop) I stuffed it all into a Tenba back pack and along with Eisenhower my faithful Chihuahua I jetted off to Italy.  

We are staying in the Bovisa neighborhood of Milan and there is an old school film lab around the corner from the flat, “Speed Foto” that maintains a nice selection of used analog cameras they display in the window and a great selection of different films. After sorting out important health obligations I eagerly headed over to peruse what vintage cams they had and most importantly, buy a few rolls of film to shoot. I picked to something weird, Lomography “lomochrome” film in a three pack. Each roll has it’s own color funk, turquoise, metropolis, and purple. The process is C41 but I after shooting with them, I surmised they are a slide film (positive) that are maximized for C41 process making them negatives. The formula and process makes odd color shifts in different spectrums. The results are weird as you can see from the below work. 

I resolved to finish those rolls in the 12 days between flights. I felt the first roll was getting into form and getting used to the camera which is requires lots of work for urban street photography. The camera is fully manual exposure and focus. Due to its compact size, changing aperture is difficult and the view finder for these old eyes is challenging. I brought shoe mount meter, but the on switch stayed on during the flight and the button battery was dead. I resolved to go meter less and use my years of intuition to guess the exposure. A few days in I wanted to see how accurate I was and downloaded the Lux app on the iPhone. 9 times out ten I nailed it. 

The above parameters made for a very exciting photography distraction. I got to make some work, challenge my skills and focus on photography in a total way. I have a new found appreciation for how good the modern Nikon Z series cameras are. The Nikon S rangefinder system is 1950’s, my Z9 and Zf are post covid tech- 2022, a whopping 70 years of photography progress! It shows in every aspect, but I have a saying, “you have to know where you came from to know where you’re going”. The mini project fulfilled that in a profound way. I’m also happy to report that Mom is recovered and doing well. She has a bionic enhancement of a pacemaker, but her body is 1930’s. She’s like the Nikon SP and Nikon Z9 combined!

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April 29, 2024

Ora E Sempre Resistenza! Marching with the Jewish Brigade in Milan on Liberation Day

Last week, in Milan, I had the honor to participate as a photographer at the Liberation Day Parade that celebrates the end of the oppression of Italians from fascism during WW2. I didn’t really know what I was getting into and decided I would experience this massive display as it played out, with my trusty Nikon Z9 in hand, along with Steve Simon and Ugo Cei, as we lead 6 other photographers as part of our Milan Street Photography Workshop.

The march was massive with many thousands stretching blocks long.


We emerged from the Milan Subway at the start of the parade among throngs of shouting Italians celebrating the release from the grips of the Nazis, complete with many signs and symbols of various Italian political parties. We broke into small groups and inserted ourselves into the fray, me, with a tall So Cal/Arizona photographer and Klaus, an older German photographer from Munich. As chance would have it, we started to walk the route of the parade among the “Brigata Ebraica” or Jewish Brigade. This fit me well as a contrary element of pro Palestinians were expected. I asked my fellow photographers to pull me out of the conflict if it erupted as I have little sympathy for Hamas or those who support their agenda. (I stand with my Jewish brothers and sisters). I didn’t want to get into a fight, my goal was to document.


Here is what I saw- we walked at an easy pace, the Brigade was comprised of Jewish and Jewish sympathizers. They marched peacefully in groups, typical older jews and younger ones. No orthodox nor hassids, they were indistinguishable from regular Italian society.

Passion for Israel!

Fully integrated. However what set aside the Jewish Brigade from the other political groups marching was they had a large security detail of “City Angels” The City Angels group are an independent, multiethnic, gay-friendly and anti-racist group of street volunteers, founded in 1994 in Milan by Mario Furlan and they formed a cordon around brigatta. The Angels were very similar to Curtis Sliwa’s Guardian Angels, complete with red satin jackets, combat boot and blue berets. They took their charge serious, and locked hands to ensure the Jews of Italy could march safely on the look out for antisemites and other malcontents. I salute the City Angels.
There I was, marching alongside my tribe and all of sudden I realized I wasn’t just a photographer covering the event, I was part of the event. At my side was the older German Photographer Klaus, and as he stumbled I caught him. The realization was profound. My pride bristled, and as a self proclaimed Neo Pagan I felt my Jewish blood rise, feeling the call of my ancestors. Jewish sympathizers guarding us, Italian citizens respecting us, and then we came across small groups of pro-gazans who were vocal, but that was all. Not violent, just words being flung about in Italian. Young Arabs and a minority of mislead left leaning Italians who were sidelined by the vigilant protection of the City Angels.

A full platoon of City Angels


The Jewish Brigade marched on, with black signs of the names of Nazi concentration camps, banners saying, “Free the Hostages” and images of the atrocities faced by the jews and chanting, “Ora E Sempre Resistenza”- Now and Forever- Resistance. I found my self joining in the chant. Even as I write this my hands shake in the recollection.


Ora E Sempre Resistenza! I recall how my father, who kept a round JDL pin of a boot stomping a swastika and the words, “Never Again”. How he would have felt pride in this march. These are my words, this is what I saw, and this is what I photographed.

Sons and daughters of survivors
The march ended at the Doumo
The “two state solution” being supported
Thank you City Angels

We plan on returning next year to lead a workshop again, and certainly I will join the Jewish Brigade and march the Liberation parade with camera in hand. You find family in the oddest places I suppose.

Ora E Sempre Resistenza!

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December 28, 2023

New 2024 Workshops Q1 – Lets Take It To The Streets! Destination: Milan & NYC

The focus is on the streets, and street photography to be precise. I’m very excited to announce the first series of photo walks and workshops in partnership with two of my favorite photography educators, Steve Simon, the Passionate Photographer, and Art of Intuitive Photography’s Mindy Véissid. Before I share with you these exciting opportunities to delve deep into our shared love of photography allow me to tell you why I’m super excited to partner with them. 

Steve Simon is a brilliant photographer and educator on many levels. Throughout my tenure at B&H Photo, it’s always been a pleasure to platform Steve as he shared his knowledge in a friendly, responsible and ethical manner. Steve’s background is in journalism and his moniker of being the “Passionate Photographer” is a perfect description of his work. Now focusing mainly on the genre of street and urban photography, Steve’s take is to examine the sense of place along with a humanism often lacking in the genre. Steve blends technology with a keen eye and is a master of teaching the technical while being grounded. I have always had a deep respect for Steve, and to work side by side with him, and a group of students, will be a sublime way to explore two of my favorite cities, Milan and NYC. 

Winter New York City Weekend Mentorship Workshop

Let’s start with the NYC three-day workshop which will be an intensive and transformational shooting experience in a wintery NYC. This intimate 3-day weekend masterclass, limited to just 6 students, (as of the writing of this post, only four spots are left open), is designed to engage in both the learning experience and your ability to create a unique and powerful portfolio of imagery from New York. It’s going to be a blast, as Steve and I are connoisseurs of this city, inside and out. While Steve will be focused on sharing his techniques to maximize street photography, I’ll be helping you imbue the work with a style all of your own. 

Learn more here:

Feb 16-18, 2024: Winter New York City Weekend Mentorship Workshop with Steve Simon & David Brommer

Street and Urban Photography Workshop in Milan, Italy

For the past 21 years Italy and I have had a special relationship. I met my wife Barbara in the B&H Super Store (counter #6) 24 years ago while she was visiting NYC and thus began a love affair with her, and her native country, Italy. I was privileged to study Italian language in Milan for three months and return to the bustling city several times a year since.

Milan is like no other city, and when Steve invited me to teach alongside him I jumped at the chance. To say Milan is photogenic is an understatement! This 5 day intensive Street and Urban photography class, with a side trip to Lake Como, will advance you to the next level. In addition to Steve and I, we will be joined by Ugo Cei, a local travel photographer. I can’t wait to share with you what I know (and love) about Milan, as we explore the neighborhoods, food, and culture of the business and fashion capital of the world. 

Learn More:

April 21-26, 2024 – The Passionate Street & Urban Photographer Workshop Milan with Steve Simon, David Brommer & Ugo Cei

Both of these workshops include a pre workshop zoom meeting. They are shaping up to be memorable, and most of all, will represent a unique chance to add images to your portfolios and socials that will be treasured and admired. 

While both of the above workshops are certainly of an advanced nature, I have vowed to help all levels of photographers. So if multi day/instructor workshops are a little too heavy for you, let’s do Photo Walk Abouts in my native NYC with the Art of Intuitive Photography School that are a fun filled 3 hour stroll.

Winter Walk About in Washington Square Park

12 years ago, an intrepid New Yorker by the name of Mindy Veisid, was a student of mine at the B&H Event Space. She was destined for great things as she launched her own photo school based upon a concept she pioneered called, “Intuitive Photography”. This method espouses an openness to creating images based upon emotions of the self and place. Since that humble start, Mindy has taught hundreds of classes to beginning and experienced photographers. This summer Mindy invited me to teach at her school and I’m excited to be an associate instructor. We are offering two 3 hour programs photographing in my favorite place in NYC, the iconic Washington Square Park! This will be just the beginning of AOIP collaborations and with a modest investment in time and money, you can jump start your photography by joining these “photo walk abouts”.

Learn more here (and check out AOIP’s other offerings): 

January 26th, 27th (pick the date that works best for you) – Winter Walk About in Washington Square Park

In Summary

There you have it, three amazing ways to increase you photo skills, make great photographs, get a handle on your gear, and visit some amazing locations. All skill levels, all budgets. Make sure you have signed up for the newsletter, as I’ll be adding more events in the coming weeks. 

One final word, I am honored to be partnering with these two photographer instructors. Having worked with them for well over a decade, I trust and admire them deeply. Being a big fan of the adage “together we stand divided we fall”, I believe learning all together empowers our imaginations, deepens our knowledge, and enhances our experiences. 

Feel free to email me any questions, these workshops are limited to 8 students and will fill up quickly. Ill see you on the streets! Let’s go!

-David

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