Kirk Tuck's Blog Takes A New Turn - Mine Is Finally Hitting A Straightaway Again

 

Department Store DJ, New York City, by Reed A. George

Pentax K1000

 

Kirk Tuck's blog, the Visual Science Lab, is going in a new direction. Wildly successful at leading discussion, debate, and yes, argument about photography equipment, Kirk is now focusing on process and technique.

 

(Click Here) to read about how it's going for Kirk on his blog, Visual Science Lab.

 

If you've been reading my blog very long, you'll know that I made a similar change in January of this year. For the first year of DMC-365 (2012), I focused mainly on using Panasonic Lumix cameras. However, I found that limiting. I'm an admitted camera junkie, and other equipment - Leica, Nikon, and others - kept creeping in.

 

So, for 2013, I've decided not to abandon the equipment side, but to add to it. In fact, my interest in Panasonic continues, and I'm even expanding that area, by becoming one of Panasonic's Early Adopters and testing new equipment as the opportunity presents itself. But, I've decided to bring in more of the creative side. In fact, I'm focusing at the exact interface between the two. Let's face it, photography is a bridge art. Photography depends upon technology, even if it's that old Brownie camera from your grandma's closet. But, even the latest greatest technology doesn't make a good picture without creativity. So, I'm going to focus on where they come together.

 

I did see a drop in page views when I first made this change in January. Now, in May, I'm consistently getting more traffic day by day than I did last year. And, I'm much happier with what I'm writing about. Of course, Kirk would never be happy with my level of blog activity. I think he's had about 200 times more hits than I. But, I'm gaining experience and exposure each and every day.

 

THANKS FOR READING!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Street Portrait, Barcelona

 

Killer Scarf, Beautiful Smile, by Reed A. George

Panasonic DMC-G3, Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.6 Lens

 
As we were leaving the Segrada Familia (incredible cathedral by Gaudi' in Barcelona, Spain), this was a shot that I just had to get. What first caught my eye was the design of her scarf. Her face was hidden, as she looked down at a map or guidebook. I walked past her, but just could not go on without at least asking if I could take her picture.
 
I simply said "May I take your picture? I love your scarf." She nodded, smiled, and we were off. If I'd missed this shot, it would have been in my mind forever. I'm so glad I caught it.
 
Oh, by the way, I promise to post something without Snapseed processing tomorrow...
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

The Psychology of Photography - Published by Theme

 

Image Source: http://the.me/the-psychology-of-photography/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+themephoto+%28theme%29

 
Occasionally, I like to back up and think about why I (we) photograph. I put an enormous amount of time and thought into my photography, and it rewards me back more than I put in. Theme recently published a thoughtful article on the subject.
 
(Click Here) to read the story on Theme. Be sure to watch the TED video. There are graphic images in the video, but they're strong, meaningful ones.
 
Sometimes the "philosophy of photography" can seem dull and overly-introspective to me. I've read some books (including some famous ones) that I forced myself to finish, and then concluded that I was no smarter at the end than the beginning. So, I like short, thoughtful pieces like the one above.
 
A couple of concepts that stuck with me are that photography is a way of "...crystallizing one's own experience..." and a way to "...to less ignore the life we live in..."
 
Another touchpoint of this article and video is that good images force us to act. I believe that all good art evokes emotion (I'm not sure who said that, but it's not my original idea). That emotion is not always positive or good. And, I also believe that emotion drives action. So, I can go along with this concept.
 
Finally, the piece makes the point that a good image is made by the photographer, the camera, the object, and most importantly by the viewer. The viewer must get the point for the communication to have been effective.
 
I found this brief piece interesting. But, enough navel gazing. Let's get out and make some pictures.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Candid Portraits - "Commonality of Humanity"

 

Harlem Barber Shop Owner, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor 50mm f1.8D AF Lens

iso 640, f2, 1/500 sec

 
If you don't know who Steve McCurry is, you probably know his most famous image - one of an Afghani girl on the cover of National Geographic magazine.
 
(Click Here) to see the picture(s) and read the story.
 
In this 7 minute video on Petapixel, McCurry and photographers Bruce Davidson and Miru Kim discuss how people photography reflects basics of human nature.
 
(Click Here) for the video on Petapixel.
 
One image critic comments how more than one photographer has commented that they're simply "taking self-portraits," no matter who they're photographing. For Miru Kim, it's literal. She shoots images of herself. For most others, they're saying that people pictures reflect as much of the personality of the photographer as of the subject.
 
In the video, Steve McCurry shares some of his favorite slides (on an old-fashioned light table, surrounded by filing cabinets with paper folders, no less!). He comments on the "commonality of humanity" being reflected in the subject's face, when they're not pulling a pose or wearing a mask for the camera. Interestingly, in his outing during the video, he shoots a Nikon DSLR, with a single, small, prime lens (a Nikkor 35mm f2, I believe).
 
McCurry also describes walking the city, exploring, being completely "in the moment." This is a very common expression in Buddhism and other forms of meditation. It really is great to be able to focus on the moment, and not worry about the past or future. This is what photography does for me.
 
Here's to now, this moment.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

More Emotion - Neither Smiles Nor Grimaces

I spent a few minutes photographing my daughter on a "boring" Sunday afternoon. In order to get her to drop the canned front-on smile, I asked her to imagine things - testing for her black belt and the related anxiety, driving for the first time when she gets her license in a few years, coming home to tell me that she's wrecked the car...

Thinking - Wait For It..., by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Elmarit 90mm f2.8

iso 1250, f5.6, 1/125 sec

 
I can't help but think these types of images will mean more to me than school portraits in years to come. Just the detail of her superhero t-shirt reminds me of who she is.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

My Favorite Shot From A Recent Music Festival - So Far, At Least

 

A Little Shy at First, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, Leica Summaron 3.5cm f3.5 (ca. 1937)

iso200, f5.6, 1/125 sec

 
I recently went to my favorite local music festival, the Watermelon Park Festival, held every year in September in Berryville, Virginia.
 
(Click Here) to read more about the festival. If you like bluegrass music, this is a great one. The folks that run the event are super nice, as are the spectators. The festival attracts great local talent, as well as national acts. This year, the headliner was Del McCoury, a living legend.
 
The young man in the picture above is the son of one of the festival's vendors. When I asked permission to take his picture, he ran behind these hanging dresses, and peeked out at me as you can see. The moment really clicked for me. It was a perfect Leica moment, if you'll allow me that expression.
 
Shot with an old Leica Summaron 35mm screwmount lens that I got with a Barnack body some years ago, this image is one of my favorites from the M9 so far. I had to bring the contrast up in Lightroom, but didn't want to go too far with that. The original is almost creamy in its low contrast.
 
I'm quite happy with this one.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Emotions - Not Always Smiles or Stern Looks

 

Stage Fright, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 20mm f1.7 Lens

iso400, f2.0, 1/400 sec

 
I have mentioned before Chris Orwig's book on People Photography. I was recently reading an assignment in it about capturing emotion other than canned smiles or stern glares into the lens. It reminded me of the shot above, which I took at a Japanese Obon festival. I love the look on the little girl's face.
 
I also enjoyed a single image post on mu-43.com by user LC55.
 
(Click Here) to see the post on mu-43
 
I need to complete the assignment in Chris' book, and see if I can come up with some more shots of emotion.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Work I Aspire To - John Delaney On Elizabeth Avedon

 

From JOHN DELANEY: Hoboken Passing

Image Source: http://elizabethavedon.blogspot.com/2012/08/john-delaney-hoboken-passing.html

 
I have written about my desire to get more personal connection in my photographs. This project by John Delaney inspires me.
 
(Click Here) to see more on Elizabeth Avedon's site.
 
I did a one-day Digital Photo Academy (DPA) photo workshop in Hoboken, New Jersey with Rick Gerrity.
 
(Click Here) to get to know Rick, a great photographer and instructor.
 
(Click Here) to find out about DPA. They have workshops in most major US cities, are easy to work with, and can really add to a brief trip to a new city.
 
Anyway, my real point is that while I had a great time walking Hoboken and shooting with Rick, I didn't get much human connection with my subjects. Here are some examples:
 
 

 

 

 

While I happen to like these images, you can tell that I didn't meet any of the people in them. They're perhaps fine, maybe even interesting. But look back to the John Delaney image above. Not in the same league.
 
Now, to be fair to myself, I'm sure John didn't get these on his first afternoon walk through Hoboken.
 
So, I'm not putting down my own work; in fact I did much better connecting on a subsequent trip into Harlem. But, I am inspired to get more connection. More connection. More connection.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Digital Photo Academy (DPA) Instructor Rick Gerrity Gives Tips on Photographing Strangers

 

Photo by Rick Gerrity

Image Source: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150854451756479&set=a.470294361478.257978.102171381478&type=1

 
DPA instructor Rick Gerrity recently shared a brief narrative on how to photograph strangers.
 
(Click Here) to read it.
 
If you don't know DPA, you owe it to yourself to check it out. I have attended DPA workshops in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, PA, and New York City. In fact, when I'm traveling to a new city in the US, or don't already have a photographic plan, I always look to see what DPA workshops are available.
 
In fact, I met Mr. Gerrity when I attended one of his workshops in Hoboken, NJ. He led us on a tour around Hoboken, centered on the old train station, and the awesome view across the river to the New York City skyline. Rick is a Panasonic Lumix enthusiast, just like me.
 

That's Rick, Second from Left

Photo by Reed A. George

Waiting by Reed A. George

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

iso400, f5.6, 1/500 sec

 

Waiting, 2, by Reed A. George

Nikon D700, Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4 at 70mm

iso 1600, f5, 1/60 sec

 
By the way, DPA is run by Mr. Richard Rabinowitz, another really great guy. We've met via telephone only, but I hope to rectify that one day. He's in the NYC area, as well.
 
So, if you ever want to get out with a professional photographer in an unfamiliar city (or even a familiar one), look up DPA and see what they've got going.
 
(Click Here) to go to DPA's website.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

Just Go Shoot, by Aaron Hardin on Steve Huff Photo

Photo By Aaaron Hardin

Image Source: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/HARDIN-Ethiopia-2.jpg

I personally need to hear this message, repeatedly, often - "JUST GO SHOOT!" It really helps when it's accompanied by great photos, as it is here on Steve Huff's blog, in a brief, inspiring piece by photographer Aaron Hardin (aaronhardinphoto.com)

(Click Here) to read the post on stevehuffphoto.com

Aaron admits that he also gets his mind diverted by new equipment (the Leica M9, in his case), but is able to pull away and use what he already has to make beautiful pictures. In this case, he photographed in Ethiopia with a single film body (Leica M4-P), 35mm lens, and a bag of film. No back-up equipment.

Personally, I'm hesitant to attend a local event without a back-up camera body on hand. How often do I need a back-up? Very rarely. Especially if I'm restricting myself to a single lens.

I currently find myself strategizing which new lenses to buy for my Lumix Micro 4/3 kit - at the moment I'm fixated on the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 and the Olympus 75mm f1.8. At the same time, I'm considering whether to broaden the scope of my blog sometime in the future, to regularly include equipment other than Panasonic. I already include other equipment, but try to keep a Panasonic-related theme. If I decide to broaden that focus, Micro 4/3 may not be where I want to add equipment. So, as you can see, I'm preoccupied with equipment. This is nothing new; I'm a self-described gear head.

But, I need to become equally obsessed with shooting great projects. Luckily, I'm persistently pursuing a couple of projects. For example, this weekend will add another piece to my local music project, with a festival on the shores of the Shenandoah River.

Obsession is not a bad thing. In fact, it's a common theme amongst highly successful people. I just need to keep mine focused on the photography, as well as the equipment.

Here's something for me to keep in mind: I have the same Leica M4-P and 35mm lens in my collection. When was the last time I took just that combination out and used it consistently? Well, let's just say it's not my normal mode. I will think about that.

Thanks for reading through my self-counseling!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

And, if you want to spend the same on a single lens that you'd spend on a whole kit:

 

A Shot I Just Happen to Like

Small Town at Dusk, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Pana-Leica Summilux 25mm f1.4

iso800, f3.5, 1/40 sec

 
 

I'm not in the mood to search the news this morning, so I thought I'd just share a shot that I happen to like. You know how sometimes you take an image, think nothing of it, but then it keeps popping up in your mind? Well, this is one of those for me.

I was with my daughter in Winchester, Virginia, and we showed up a little early for a music event. So, we walked the pedestrian street downtown, and I convinced her to pose for this shot.

How's that for using leading lines in composition? I like how the line of lamps on the brick wall mirrors an imaginary line from the vanishing point to her face. The line to her face is an implied line, one that's not really even there, but it leads the eye to her. I also like the vertical line of the painted sign on the brick wall. It puts her at an apex, a center of attention. So, I feel that it brings the viewer's focus to her, without having to make her a major fraction of the area of the image. No closeup needed. And, it will always remind me of a pretty carefree evening, walking hand-in-hand with her in smalltown, America.

Someday soon, she'll be too cool to be seen in public with her old man. But, I've got this image to help remember these days.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

More Great Car Shots by littleMT on mu-43.com

 

GTO, by littleMT on mu-43.com

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f42/my-2006-twin-turbo-gto-shot-e-pl1-27130/

I've been on a little diversion with car photography lately. Poster littleMT on mu-43.com has been a great source for me. littleMT posted a few intriguing images of the 2006 GTO shown above.

(Click Here) to see the others on mu-43.com.

You saw a post a while back from the same source:

(Click Here) for littleMT's other work I posted here.

I'm heading out to a car show myself this afternoon (which will be some days old before you read this), after getting a little work done at the office. It is one I've been to before, so I'm struggling to think of ways to do something different with my photography there. The people are always fun. Here's one from 2009:
 
 

Car Show Attendee, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 14-45mm Kit Lens

iso100, f8, 1/125 sec

Here's another, trying to do something a little different:

Jag on Glass, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, Leica 35mm f1.4 Summilux

iso640, f-stop not recorded, 1/250 sec

So, wish me luck. I'm hoping for some inspiration this afternoon. Will report back :).

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Photographer Jimmy Williams Helps Preserve the Blues

 

Image Source: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/01/a-right-to-sing-the-blues/#/1/
 
The New York Times' Lens blog posted this story about a photographer working to help support blues musicians and keep the blues alive.
 
(Click Here) to read the Lens post. Be sure to click through the photo set.
 
Photographer Jimmy Williams supports an organization known as the Music Maker Relief Foundation with his images. Jimmy meets with aged blues musicians, usually in their homes, and spends a few hours getting to know them, and photographing them. He gives full access to his images to the foundation, which financially supports the musicians and their music.
 
Mr. Williams asks the musicians to dress as they would for a performance. In my opinion, this helps to show their musical inspiration. In many of the shots, I can see the musicians living out their past memories. These photographs are very personal, and are inspiring to me.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

National Geographic Photographer Ed Kashi Shares His Experience of 30 Years in Global Photography

 
Photographer Ed Kashi
Image Source:
http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/speakers/2012/04/17/changing-face-marseille/
 
On Tuesday, April 17, I once again took advantage of living reasonably close to the National Geographic headquarters in Washington, DC, and attended a talk by photographer Ed Kashi. The topic of the talk was his recent Nat Geo project, on the life of Muslims in Marseille, France. Ed also shared a lot of insight from his years of experience on long-term assignments overseas and away from his family.
 
 
(Click Here) to go to the National Geographic Live description of the event.
 
 
Marseille is the oldest city in France. Approximately 20% of the one million inhabitants are Muslim. The government there is very secular, which may be part of the reason that the city integrates so many cultures so effectively. Other cultures with major populations in Marseille include Jewish, Tunisian, and Roma.
 
 
Ed shared the difficulties he encountered on this assignment, even though he's used to working in less-developed places, like North Africa. In Marseille, his first "handler," which is a local contact to help you work in a foreign place, was a nightmare. Ed said that your handler basically has to be a magician - someone who's comfortable escorting you to the Prime Minister's residence, or getting you into the poorest person's home. After an altercation with his first handler, Ed found a perfect substitute, and the project took root.
 
 
Ed now regularly makes a multimedia piece to accompany his still photography projects. At this talk, he showed two - Eye Contact and Photojournalisms.
 
 
Eye Contact is a collection of images that were edited out, throughout his career, because someone in the frame was looking at the camera. While his normal style is to achieve scenes where he is basically "invisible," those with eye contact made for a very interesting set of images.
 
 
Photojournalisms is a more personal piece, and is based on journal entries that Ed writes to his wife and family while he is away for his work. It is a very heartfelt documentary, and shows the tradeoffs that a traveling photographer makes in pursuit of his or her work.
 
 
(Click Here) to go to Ed's website.
 
 
I thoroughly enjoyed Ed's work and commentary. He spent a lot of time answering questions from the crowd, and didn't shy away from any subject.
 
 
I must say, after attending two of these events, that National Geographic photographers really do concede a lot of their personal lives for their work. Ed was clearly sad about the amount of his children's childhood he missed on assignment. Ed now only takes on shorter trips, and is very focused on his family.
 
 
In the first event I attended, by Jodi Cobb, she related some level of regret for the sacrifices she made in her personal life, as well.
 
 
(Click Here) to see my review of the Jodi Cobb event.
 
 
It is great to have the opportunity to listen to the world's best photographers on a regular weekday evening. It takes me about an hour to get into the city, but the trip is always worth it.
 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

I Love Nice People - the Simplest of Connections

 

Enjoying Farragut Park in DC, by Reed A. George
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Lumix 25mm f1.4 Summilux
iso160, f5.6, 1/125 sec


I am constantly challenging myself to overcome any resistance to ask people for permission to photograph them. On a recent evening trip into Washington, DC, I noticed the beautiful backlight from the setting sun lending to the already attractive profile of this young lady.


Our entire interchange went like this:


"Excuse me. I'm an amateur photographer, and I was wondering if I could take your picture. The light is just perfect."


"Sure."


Click click click (this is the third exposure - the first two featured a trash can at the right, and terrible flare). I used Aperture priority mode, with exposure set to +1 f-stop, to compensate for the strong backlight.


"Thank you so much!"


"Sure."


Perfect. I think I was minimally invasive to her evening, got a shot that I personally really enjoy, and we both made a tiny connection with a complete stranger. Nice people are, well, nice.


DMC-365.blogspot.com