Friday, November 8, 2013

The Camera that is with you is the best camera

It had been on my mind that I really wanted to get a photograph of leaves blowing in the wind as a Fall picture. It had complete eluded me. I'd be at home, indoors, and look out to see the wind blowing,  the leaves swirling, but no camera at hand. Run, get a camera, wind stops. Or not the right light, angle, time of day, the usual suspects, mostly though, no camera when it's happening. So today, I am driving in, my G15 commuter camera with me, when at a stop light, this leaf lands on my windshield. Hmm, wait!!!, grab, shoot , light changes , but I have my leaf, what a blessing, thanks.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Emerging Black and White

Recently, with the purchase of a Canon G15 to replace my G5 (of blessed memory) I have found myself converting some images to black and white and really liking the results. In my mind I struggle with this, the "purist" says "No,no, this is the hallowed realm of film, of the Tri-X, the D-76, the HC110-B, of 68 degrees plus or mins 1/2 degree.." Yet there is something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear. Am I unfaithful, deluded, or should I ride with the tide and go with the flow. I like what I see, and I am impressed by a small unobtrusive, silent friend, with a 1.8 lens with wonderful ISO 1600 files.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Self Examination

Passing Stranger

In my previous post on disappointment, the example shows that I tend to shy away from centering and pull to the right of the picture, today was no exception, after reviewing some earlier attempts (also known as "chimping") I made an effort to pivot to the left with a better result. Self awareness and self examination and practice never go away. "A man's got to know his limitations."-Dirty Harry/ Magnum Force 1973

Friday, June 14, 2013

"Get Used To Disappointment." - The Dread Pirate Roberts


"Oh yes,I've learned from my mistakes and I'm sure I could repeat them , exactly." - Sir Arthur Streeb-Greebling

You see, you position, if the opportunity presents itself , you explore, and then you find you're not necessarily the master you thought you were.





Thursday, June 13, 2013

Photo Aikido



Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy." The more I try to pursue the type of candid/street photography as a therapy/alternative to the studio the more I find myself thinking in terms of Aikido. Now I am sure that purists in that art will take issue with my appropriation of the term, so forgive me. To try to take this kind of photo I have tried to come to an understanding of the position of the camera, it's field of view, and the necessary settings to be engaged within a particular situation. The Aikido Photo is taken without raising the camera to the eye, but rather with the awareness of position and field, the body moves to frame the subject without intrusion. It must be said that modern auto focus and auto exposure do play a part (the latter,auto exposure needs to be used with care). In the interest of full disclosure some images demand raising the camera.

The preferred type of camera for me is either a digital rangefinder or similar camera that does not produce a shutter sound. Currently I am using a borrowed Canon G9, upon the demise of my trusted G5. Those familiar with these cameras are no doubt appalled due to the the technical limitations of these cameras, but hey, that's part of the challenge until I can afford an upgrade. Below is a typical Kata, a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements. In this case a possible picture, haw accurately can I turn and frame. I do these on a regular basis and sometimes get an interesting photo as well. Well enough philosophy it's application that counts, taking pictures.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Canon Powershot G5, Parting Shots

I know it's just a "thing", a camera, and a "point and shoot" camera at that, but I am going to miss my G5. It was a fickle mistress, slow to focus, grainy, noisy, and not up to speed with the newer generations of digital cameras. It had a dangerous habit of activating the flash mode, just when I wanted to be discreet and shutting down at the "decisive moment". Let's not talk too much about battery life, one minute, a full indicator, then a flashing symbol, then "recharge battery". On the other hand, it was small, it had a wonderful small flip out screen and a simple optical viewfinder, "accurate", nah, but close enough, and a fast lens f2.0~3.0 not one of those 16-300 f4.5~9.  A civil viewfinder focal length sort of the same as a Leica with 35, 50, 90mm. I worked it hard carrying it's ISO 200 (ISO 400 was too awful) into the darkest reaches of everyday commuting, and it delivered. It was therapy from the studio, and discretion on the street, goodbye old friend.







Wednesday, March 20, 2013

cI saw the motorcycle at the crossing gate as we pulled into the station I knew I would have to run to get this, I just made it.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Metro Family

Studio Therapy, the antithesis of studio, the compulsive, the moment, the reaction, and then the choice, one, or perhaps more than one.