New Orleans by Night - Frank Relle's Project on NYT's Lens Blog

 

Image Source: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/19/new-orleans-by-streetlight/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1&#/2/

The New York Times blog, Lens, has reported on a project by photographer Frank Relle, a New Orleans

native. Relle started photographing New Orleans houses (from rich to poor) while in college, as a sort of therapy for a broken heart (his girlfriend had broken up with him). Thinking that Hurricane Katrina had ruined his project, Relle actually found that it extended it, gave it new life.

(Click Here) to read the story on Lens.

Personally, I really like Relle's approach to these images. Moving over the years from long exposures with existing light (or lack thereof) to his current approach of bringing his own lighting (in the form of a lighting truck) to some of the scenes, His goal is to provoke his viewers to make up their own stories about the lives inside these structures. This is not an explicit expose' of others' lives. Just hints are given, enough to make us think on our own.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Gaining Trust, Even For a Short Time, Leads to Better People Pictures

Photographers are sometimes perceived negatively by those they're photographing, especially when they are anonymous, unfamiliar to the subject. I thoroughly enjoy street photography, and frequently do shoot images of people in public, without any discussion or introduction. At other times, I do choose to introduce myself, talk a little, and gain a level of trust that eases the subect just a little.

 

Each approach yields a different type of image. The anonymous approach shows people living their lives, without the influence of the photographer's presence. Genuine expressions and interactions are possible. Talking makes a connection, however slight, between the photographer and subject. Sometimes this connection can show through in the image.

 

I shot the two images below in Harlem, New York City.

 

Sunday Morning Game of Catch, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4 Zoom Lens

 

 

On this particular morning, I was on a photo walk with Marla Mossman. Marla is a master of approaching people in the street, establishing rapport, and getting their picture. I learned so much more from her than how to think about depth of field, which happens to be the most consistently-discussed topic in photo workshops, in my experience.

 

(Click Here) to see Marla's work. If you get the chance to meet her, take it.

 

There's a nice entry on the NY Times photo blog, Lens, about this subject.

 

(Click Here) to read about how Demetrius Freeman, a contemporary photographer, learned from looking at Gordon Parks' photos about establishing connection with his subjects. Mr. Parks' photo of Ingrid Bergman (included in the post) is stunning.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Former Chicago Sun-Times Photographer John White Keeps it Light

 

Image Source: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/27/in-flight-john-white-shares-his-light/?_r=0#/1/

M. Spencer Green / Associated Press

 

Recently, the Chicago Sun-Times fired all of their staff photographers. In today's world of digital music downloads and ongoing extinction of book stores, this doesn't seem like such a surprise. So much of the visual media is recorded on cell phones these days. But, you have to look a little deeper.

 

For example, one of those photographers was at the pinnacle of the craft. Pulitzer prize winner John White is now a former Sun-Times photographer.

 

(Click Here) to read an article on the NY Times blog, Lens, about Mr. White and how he mentored NY Times photographer Michelle Agins to a successful career in photography.

 

But, Mr. White is keeping his chin up. He says he's not fighting the darkness, he's lighting candles.

 

Here's to the true master photographers out there, adjusting to the modern world. Some of us still value what you can do - with a cell phone or a Nikon. And, you did it every day for a whole career.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Andrew Esiebo on NYT Lens Blog - West African Barber Shop Project

 

Image Source: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/19/documenting-west-africa-one-barbershop-at-a-time/#/1/

 

I am always interested in new photography projects, and how to find them. Many times, they end up being concepts that sound routine, banal, but once the photos are made, an unexpected depth is discovered.

 

Nigerian photographer Andrew Esiebo decided to photograph barber shops across West Africa, including the countries of Ivory Coast, Senegal, Benin, Ghana, Liberia, and Mauritania. Mr. Esiebo comments on the trust that is required to allow a barber to shave you with a straight razor; it leads to a special kind of relationship.

 

Mr. Esiebo found similarities in the shops across West Africa - hand painted signs, posters of sports teams, religion, famous musicians. He also noted how similar hair styles are across the region, even though each may connote a different meaning in different countries. Men's hairstyles can be intended to communicate toughness, freedom from conformity, or attractiveness to females.

 

Mr. Esiebo notes that most foreign photographers coming to Nigeria want to focus on photographing the slums. He feels that the barber shop project provides a different view. I agree.

 

(Click Here) to read the entire post on the New York Times' blog "Lens."

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com