Month: November 2008

Passion in Photography

My new photo-toy arrived yesterday, and I’m quite excited to explore the possibilities. Sadly it’s a very wet, dreary day and going out is not likely to happen today.

I went to the Photojojo forum to see if there were any discussions going on about the angle-scope, and came across an interesting thread about people’s photography passions.

I’m not sure I’ve found my photo passion quite yet, I’m still exploring all aspects. However I’ve been drawn to doing some gritty urban stuff, just a bit chicken about getting in the faces of people who live on the streets. I’m hoping my new angle-scope will help me get some of the shots I want.

I really feel I need to continue to develop my definition of beauty; it’s easy to take beautiful photos of flowers, landscapes and children. I want to be one of those amazing photographers who can take beautiful pictures of the harsh side of life.

In terms of portraiture I need to spend more time exploring photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe, Annie Leibovitz (Bette Midler photo) and Herb Ritts. Any photographer, like Ritts, who can throw an octopus on someone’s head and come away with such an unforgettably gorgeous photo definitely has something to teach!

When it comes to beautiful gritty images like this one from Farah Nosh (Duyar Sai Fehan) of course Time magazine and National Geographic really stand out as being responsible for bringing this type of esthetic to North America. Our culture is very focused on sterile and perfect. Pretty is not the same as beautiful; I’m coming to really understand that though photography.

At any rate, now that I have my angle-scope, I guess we’ll see what I can come up with.

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So, I’m Going To Be A Spy…

I’m very excited!! R. has arranged for delivery of a Bower Angle-scope for my baby. Now I can get candid photos without being so obvious as to spoil the moment.

I adore using an SLR camera but unfortunately you just aren’t as inconspicious as you are wih a small point and shoot. I used to be able to sneak in photos of unusual things (and people!), especially at places like out-door markets, without people being bothered. Now, every time I pull out my Rebel people take note.

It’s frustrating.

So, when I saw Photojojo was selling a “super-spy lens” I was intrigued. After reading a few reviews of the Bower Angle-Scope on various sites I was impressed enough to really want it. It was reasonably priced, and I’ve just received a nice little bursary at college, so I decided it would be a good investment.

I love Photojojo, they’re fun, creative and educational. I always find their newsletter intriguing and I’ve picked up a lot of good tips from them. Im going to be building myself a light-box during my Christmas break based on some DIY sites they recommended. They’re non-stuffy and geared towards fun, perfect for those of us who are a bit intimidated by more professional-based sites.

R. gets a little impatient with me when I miss a shot because of selfconsciousness, and I get pretty annoyed with myself as well. I think this lens will really be a boon when faced with those tricky shooting situations.

The other obvious benefit to the angle-scope is the abilty to turn the lens to get a shot at any angle as it rotates 365 degrees. Very handy for those awkward shots from viewpoints or when wanting to take architectural shots of tall buildings. The flexibility has to be a useful thing, I’m suprised I haven’t heard more about this type of tool; you’d think any professional photographer would find them useful. I’ll have to see if I can find out more about that.

At any rate, I should have the scope next weekend. And, since all my high-pressure school stuff ends this week, I’m hoping I’ll actually have time to get out and try it on a unsuspecting crowd.

And as for my camera-shy family…watch out kin-folk, you’re on candid camera this Christmas!! ::grin::

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Yes, I’m A Fan…

I looked on with great satisfaction as Obama was elected president of the United States last Tuesday; my camera snapped up image after image off the t.v. set, as I felt the goosebumps shiver down my back.

The sight of people crying in Harlem, the glow of the university students who, for a few grand moments, didn’t look so cynical.

I’ve been known to rail about the fact that the United States has such an impact on Canada, and that – since we can’t seem to avoid it – we should get to vote in their election. This time I feel that Canada almost did get to vote.

Obama has been officially invited to the Olympic Winter Games here in Vancouver, BC, by our Premier, and for once I find myself actually hoping a U.S. president does make the trip here.

One of my favourite photos captured off the television coverage and manipulated shows Michelle Obama in a warm moment of joy and affection; I love the look on her face, so loving, so proud. I have a feeling she’ll have the same impact on history that Jackie O did. She’s an amazing woman in her own right, and I’m excited to see what the next four years brings.

michelleobama2sm

American citizens have something to be proud of in voting for Obama, and not because he African-American – which should be an non-issue, seriously – I think they should be proud that they stood up in such an overwhelming way for change, and proved that they could put aside their cynicism and fear and reach for a more idealistic future. Utopia may be impossible to achieve, but shouldn’t every nation seek to be the best it can be?

Now, let’s hope they take this opportunity to heal some of the awful wounds they’ve suffered, and that much of the rest of the world has had to suffer with them.

A good first step would be for them to get over the tragic and disgusting homophobia and religious zeal that stands in their way of granting same sex marriage rights to their citizens. It’s time they looked around and saw that many other nations have moved past that issue, and they should follow suit.

But, I’ll say no more about that…for the moment. I’d like to enjoy the feel-good this election has brought me and try not to let the situation in California throw too heavy a cloud over things.

Congratulations, America, for giving yourselves a chance to get back on track, and good luck to you and your lovely first family.

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Taking Another Step…

So, I finally got up the courage to ask the friendly breakfast diner owner down the street from me whether he would consider having some of my photos featured in the diner.

I’ve been doing Sunday brunch there fairly regularly for the last 5 years and he has always been a wonderfully approachable soul. I’ve been noticing for a long time that the photos he has up have been there for the longest time and figured he must be ready for a change.

I’d be able to post my cards and contact information and a price. Realistically I know it’s unlikely I’ll sell anything. I mean, really, how many people buy their art off a diner wall? But where’s the harm? Whether I sell a thing or not I still have the enjoyment of seeing my work up, and shared the way it is meant to be.

I find that, like my writing, my art feels less satisfying to me if it’s not shared. Art is communication and communication is a shared process after all.

Do I feel my stuff is ready to be viewed?

Absolutely.

Naturally I have a long way to go and a lot of the art form of pure photography is beyond my immediate talents at the moment. I’ve only been behind the lens for a few short years. It took me 20 or more to refine my writing talent into a well-polished ability. No reason to think I can learn photography overnight.

And what would be the fun in that, anyway?

That said, I have many pieces I’d be proud to hang in any gallery and no lack of art school degree is going to stop me.

I’d like to focus on my Vancouver pieces, most of which are not up on my websites. Maybe they’ll appeal to the tourists who visit the diner, and someone will have an urge to take home a souvenir?

I can dream, can’t I?

Bottom line is, I was brave enough to ask, and he seemed very pleased to have me bring them by on Thursday when things are slow. It’s a big step and it feels awfully good.

Stayed tuned!

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