Category: Places

Are the tools immaterial?

“As photographers we sell emotion not emulsion. The tools are immaterial, the resulting piece is all important.” — Jeff Adams

In principle I agree — yet fine tools do make getting to the result a tad easier. Today I began a 15 day trial of Silver Efex Pro for use with Lightroom. It is quite a fine tool; if you’re interested in processing digital color files to black and white effect. Its built-in presets for tone-color, various filtration effects and simulation of (various types of) film grain appear first rate. This image of Sophia at the Children’s Museum (last week) was processed to Acros 100 with slight Selenium Toning and subtle ‘rectangular’ edge burn. Very quick and easy to compare effects. If you’re familiar with the Lightroom GUI (graphic user interface) you’ll find the Silver Efex GUI very intuitive.

In the end every craftsperson (and artist) appreciates fine tools; yet will find a way to express themselves with the tools at hand.

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celebration, memories framed, and loss

Duncan moved on out of this life Wednesday evening.
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Mary Kelly stopped by to show me
that 10 years after receiving a print from me as a birthday gift
she decided to frame it.


I was most impressed with my multi-color inking on my chop

Last Sunday (father’s day), before a lovely brunch, Sophia presented me with
an abstract expression titled “fireworks” (from her fever series)

after which Ann and I headed for her son Josh’s farm
where Cadence and Cassidy rode around the barrels and Clyde chewed on T-bone’s ear
(slide show of additional images from the farm)

Every other Wednesday’s for Sophia and me

This past Wednesday Sophia and I walked down to Doctor’s park beach on the western shore of Lake Michigan. Why do we all love to look for and pickup water-smoothed rocks and stones? What makes throwing stones into water so enjoyable? I understand the challenge of skipping; but the kids seem extraordinarily happy with a throw and kerplop.

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Remembering

“Photography is universal language; it doesn’t need translation. Its collective memory is a mirror in which our society continually observes itself…” — Sebastiao Salgado

“Memory is deceptive because it is colored by today’s events.” — Albert Einstein

This memorial contains, among other things, what looks to me a WWII sailor’s uniform. The memorial remains up for most of the year. This home, with its strong visual commitment to memory and national colors, stands uniquely within a working class neighborhood. Additional views can be seen in a slide show here.

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light and music

“At the root of creativity is an impulse to understand, to make sense of random and often unrelated details. For me, photography provides an intersection of time, space, light, and emotional stance. One needs to be still enough, observant enough, and aware enough to recognize the life of the materials, to be able to ‘hear through the eyes.’ “ — Paul Caponigro

Last evening
as Colin Hay
drew music from his guitar strings
formed dramas with his lyrics
the stage lights also
drew beautifully
the form of a fan’s face

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The Leica User Group March Assignment: Local evidence of economic downturn—scene 1, take 1

About a month ago a number of LUG (Leica User Group) members thought it worthwhile to take on an occasional “assignment.” This group of both amateur and professional photographers, from around the world, will bring an interesting international flavor to any topic. I’ve posted a list of contributors with links to their contributions here.

So here’s my first take on the LUG Assignment for March “Document the effects of the worldwide economic downturn, as you see it unfolding, in your city, town, village, social group or family.” (the link will take you to a pdf for viewing or download)

This, my “first take,” does not feel complete. I don’t feel that I’ve gotten into the subject as deeply as I’d like. It still feels like a work in progress. The deadline, for me, has moved from March 31 to “whenever it’s finished.” I’ll continue to work this subject; meet and interview people; observe new evidence of the condition of our local economy; whether improving or declining.

If you have a story to tell and live in the Greater Milwaukee area (Milwaukee and Ozaukee counties). I’d like to talk to you. Drop me line.

Panning for gold in the stream: twitter 4 months later

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My friend, David White, introduced me to twitter. As a web designer and marketing consultant I felt a need to know; to keep up with trends. I began following people that David followed; and posted my first brief message on November 22nd, 2008. It took a lot of time to read what seemed banal and/or narcissistic 140 character messages from people I didn’t really know. Occasionally someone would post a link to a web site or blog which actually had value to me or my business. Mostly I read messages about the value of twittering and social media as marketing and PR tools. It seemed strange; sort of like people calling each other on their phones and constantly talking about how the telephone is a great tool for marketing and PR; or handing out flyers which state over and over again that flyers are great marketing and PR tools. Obviously I wasn’t following the right people. Another crazy thing: we’re only seeing one side of conversations. You have to follow the people that those you follow talk to in order to receive the whole conversation; such as it is. This all feels quite tedious. And for what? An occasional useful link or bit of knowledge.

Then there’s my little messages going out there with links to my work or blog posts. Most times I get no response. I have no idea if anyone found it useful or interesting. Feels quite weird. However, lately I’ve found myself finding and following filmmakers, designers, artists and musicians; as well as buddhists and zen practitioners. And things have become more interesting; at least for my sensibility. All of a sudden I began to receive some positive feedback and participate in conversations which I can actually relate to.

Last week I created a new web page-site poetographs.com to post work which puts words into a graphic context that, hopefully, enhances meaning. I put the link out on twitter and received a number of retweets (RT). Bing Futch, a beautiful and generous musician, responded and RT’d the link. I had some poetographs from back in 2004 which I wanted to resurrect as a series. I put them into a movie form and sent the link to Bing. Within 24 hours Bing returned a link with sound added to the movie. Now that’s gold my friends. Perhaps a small nugget. But solid gold nonetheless. Here’s our collaboration. Thank you Bing. Strange as it seems; thank you twitter; I get it.

Buckwheat Zydeco tries to warm me up at Turner Hall

Last Thursday I went to hear Buckwheat Zydeco at Turner Hall; in an attempt to warm up a bit; and also get in synch with our friends in NOLA. Didn’t quite work out. As a huge Clifton Chenier fan I’ve been watching Buckwheat for the past decades; hoping he may pickup where Clifton left off.

Alas, not yet. Buckwheat never seemed to hit the groove at Turner Hall. Although a fair number in the audience got to their feet, created their own heat and found their own groove.

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