I'm preparing for an upcoming trip to Italy to participate in a photography workshop led by David Wells and produced by Barbara Nelson. In the meanwhile, I'm checking my camera equipment and computer software and back-up. The 5th Annual New York City Dance Parade was held on 21 May 2011 (website) and I took a few video clips as well as a great number of photos with my Canon 7D with an attached Sennheiser stereo microphone . I will have to develop a steady hand and learn not to keep a tight grip for too long a period of time. Since then, I have purchased a monopod that rotates at the base to help support the camera. The camera functions were intuitive and easy to manage. I had browsed through the manual and studied the key functions, but it was more important to ensure that menu settings were set for what I wanted. The lighting conditions proved a challenge. The parade started at 1:00 pm in deep shadow at my location on Broadway at 21st Street and by 3:00 pm I was in bright sun.
Packing for the trip is proving to be the more difficult task. How exactly does one pack light, yet have all your essentials? The group was given a checklist by David and all items will be used at some point during the workshop. However, my interest in learning to shoot video has added a few things to the packing. The Sennheiser mic, for example; it's tiny, weightless but worth taking along.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
How the new Olympus XZ-1 handles spring weather
I purchased the10MP XZ-1 almost as soon as it was available. It has the features I was looking for in a point and shoot, carry everywhere, camera. The top selling feature was the i.Zuiko f1.8 lens that ranges from 6mm to 24mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm to 112mm). In addition to being very compact and lightweight, the other features are fairly standard on most high-end point-and-shoot cameras: RAW file capability, ISO 100-6400 and HD movie mode. I’ve been having a great fun with the six art filters, especially the grainy black-and-white and the dynamic tone.
So far, spring has been cloudy and rainy in New York City, and I have put the XZ-1 to the test under these conditions. The menus and controls are intuitive and easy to use. Below is a shot of the wet pavement taken with the dynamic tone art filter. A yellow tone enhances the high contrast effect of the scene.
This image demonstrates the soft focus filter which, to my mind, worked well for the rainy day image.
Here are two more rainy day captures. After a light downpour, I’m attracted to what is reflected back from a curb puddle and the shiny surface of the tables stacked together.
This images highlights the attraction of a lightweight, carry everywhere, camera. On a day when the weather was splendid, I came upon this image and could not pass it by without recording it with my XZ-1.
Day and night -- black and white -- using the grainy BW filter. My curiosity about the different qualities of light was answered with surprising results. I must remember these effects for future use.
Lastly, here is another dynamic tone image. I took several shots from this vantage point given a one-chance opportunity. Although it is not done using the HDR process, it has a distinctive effect of its own.
So far, spring has been cloudy and rainy in New York City, and I have put the XZ-1 to the test under these conditions. The menus and controls are intuitive and easy to use. Below is a shot of the wet pavement taken with the dynamic tone art filter. A yellow tone enhances the high contrast effect of the scene.
This image demonstrates the soft focus filter which, to my mind, worked well for the rainy day image.
Here are two more rainy day captures. After a light downpour, I’m attracted to what is reflected back from a curb puddle and the shiny surface of the tables stacked together.
This images highlights the attraction of a lightweight, carry everywhere, camera. On a day when the weather was splendid, I came upon this image and could not pass it by without recording it with my XZ-1.
Day and night -- black and white -- using the grainy BW filter. My curiosity about the different qualities of light was answered with surprising results. I must remember these effects for future use.
Lastly, here is another dynamic tone image. I took several shots from this vantage point given a one-chance opportunity. Although it is not done using the HDR process, it has a distinctive effect of its own.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
More to Say Regarding a Walkabout
A Walkabout is similar to leaving home with your camera at your side intending to capture life as it impinges upon you. A lack of destination is inferred, but usually I have in mind a direction, or a general destination. At a recent talk held at the B&H Event Space, the speaker mentioned something that should be routine for every photographer. Go out and practice to hone your skills.
I said to myself, a Walkabout could be considered practice. Yet the time expended must be secondary to scanning the horizon, rather in New York, the sidewalks, for a sight worthy of capture. I almost want to say, on film; but those days have nearly passed.
On my web site, I have a gallery entitled “WALKABOUT: New York.” My intent during my search is to capture images that convey a feeling, a design, or a color. Refining my technical skills has always been an unconscious component, but now will be more top-of-mind.
So, as reinforced by the speaker, to capture the near-perfect image under pressure, your skills should come into play instantly, with little thought required. While on a Walkabout, tick off a checklist: gauge the lighting, look for the best perspective, confirm the right exposure and speed settings, frame, and press the shutter. In other words, practice and learn to be prepared before the near-perfect shot passes before your viewfinder. So, when on assignment, or in my case, while traveling, get the shot you want with the least effort.
Why do I use the term “near-perfect.” Well, I know of nothing that is perfect. In terms of a photo, be prepared for 98% perfection in an instant.
After leaving B&H this particular day, I was attracted by window reflections and others things along 34th Street while walking east toward Broadway.
I need to practice my "panning" technique a bit more, but I like this image anyway.
On my web site, I have a gallery entitled “WALKABOUT: New York.” My intent during my search is to capture images that convey a feeling, a design, or a color. Refining my technical skills has always been an unconscious component, but now will be more top-of-mind.
After leaving B&H this particular day, I was attracted by window reflections and others things along 34th Street while walking east toward Broadway.
I need to practice my "panning" technique a bit more, but I like this image anyway.Tuesday, August 17, 2010
That’s the Word for That: Crowdsourcing
It just seemed to fit. When I recently read, The Rise of Crowdsourcing, by Jeff Howe (Wired, 06 2006), I immediately knew that it was relevant to a forum discussion thread posted for my photography organization. Crowdsourcing is the act of outsourcing tasks, traditionally performed by an employee or, to a large group of people or community (a crowd), through an open call (Wikipedia). Following its controversial initial appearance in 2006, I accept that the term is not frequently used anymore. It’s complex, but, along with “citizen journalist,” says what needs to be said. Take note of the examples below and a few contentions.
On July 30, 2010, The New York Times, posted the following (excerpted) on the N.Y./Region page of their website (http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/30/cover-the-waterfront-this-means-you/):
"We want you to head out to your favorite waterfront spots … and send us photographs of what you see. We’re not looking for posed pictures (hi, Grandma) but for you to document the scene: human, animal, vegetable, mineral, other.
When we put all your images together, we hope they’ll form a mass portrait of one coastal moment in (summer) time, infinitely richer than any one study or newspaper story. They’ll be published on City Room next week, along with vignettes from a batch of student- and citizen-journalists we’ve enlisted to help out. (F.Y.I.: The resulting “waterfront portrait” can be found at: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/06/the-waterfront-covered/)"
The weather was nice that weekend and I needed an outing. I decided to walk along the East River promenade nearest me. I share only with you a few images of the afternoon’s stroll.
I had first read about this “call-for-entry” on the forum from a member who said:
“I pass this along with great reservation. On the one hand this comes across as a cool way to involve the public in reportage of their communities. On the other, it is yet another horrifying wake-up call regarding harsh realities for professional photographers.
After all, why should a company pay for content when all they have to do, in order to be flooded with images, is put out a call over the Internet? They don't even have to pay a photo researcher to find existing photos!”
I don’t disagree, the point is well-taken. On one side, a business wishes to strengthen its brand and relationship with its readers. The New York Times, a large corporation, offers no compensation other than a possible opportunity to have an image appear on their website. On the other side, professional photographers have been affected by this trend in sourcing photographs. Over four years ago, the iStockphoto purchase by Getty Images, Inc., attested to improvements in digital cameras and the ease of transmission over the Internet. Many other companies are following the precedent set by Getty and others modifying their business strategies.
Browsing my tweets the same week, I read this offer from The Art Institute of Chicago:
"The two most important developments in photography in the first half of the 20th century were the emergence of lasting artistic traditions and the rise of mass-circulation picture magazines. Henri Cartier-Bresson was a leading figure in both domains. In celebration of [a] landmark retrospective, we invite you to participate in a Cartier-Bresson photo contest (by September 20, 2010) (This exhibit recently appeared in NY at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.)."
Cartier-Bresson is my favorite photographer. To my mind, the proffered prizes (except for the exhibition catalogue, I live in NY, not Chicago) are inconsequential compared to the prospect of a few of my images being reviewed by knowledgeable and dedicated curators. Yet, as with The New York Times, the contest is being held to enhance their brand and to build a better relationship with the photographic community (photos are to be uploaded to a Flickr group; official contest rules: www.artic.edu/aic/drawing_rules/drawing_rules.html).
I’ve become intrigued by the various points of view on the subject of crowdsourcing. I searched the Internet for other commentaries and learned that studies currently are being conducted, along with other efforts to validate the concept. By other names, of course. It applies not only to photographers, citizen journalist, businesses seeking new relevance, but to other areas utilizing communal labor to accomplish a task.
A person will participate in “calls-for-entry” for one of two reasons: for financial gain or for peer recognition. What differs is an elusive sense of fairness. Sending some images to The Art Institute of Chicago would not feel like a sell-out to me and it would not deprive a professional photographer of a job assignment. In fact, they can participate too.
I don’t want to put too much stress on something that is definitely evolving and will reach its own accommodation among parties in time and in a form amenable to all. Photographers, as well as businesses, will have to adapt themselves to dramatic changes in conducting business; and will have to take advantage of marketing opportunities offered by the Internet and new technologies. Comments welcome. Let me hear what you think.
"We want you to head out to your favorite waterfront spots … and send us photographs of what you see. We’re not looking for posed pictures (hi, Grandma) but for you to document the scene: human, animal, vegetable, mineral, other.
When we put all your images together, we hope they’ll form a mass portrait of one coastal moment in (summer) time, infinitely richer than any one study or newspaper story. They’ll be published on City Room next week, along with vignettes from a batch of student- and citizen-journalists we’ve enlisted to help out. (F.Y.I.: The resulting “waterfront portrait” can be found at: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/06/the-waterfront-covered/)"
The weather was nice that weekend and I needed an outing. I decided to walk along the East River promenade nearest me. I share only with you a few images of the afternoon’s stroll.
“I pass this along with great reservation. On the one hand this comes across as a cool way to involve the public in reportage of their communities. On the other, it is yet another horrifying wake-up call regarding harsh realities for professional photographers.
After all, why should a company pay for content when all they have to do, in order to be flooded with images, is put out a call over the Internet? They don't even have to pay a photo researcher to find existing photos!”
I don’t disagree, the point is well-taken. On one side, a business wishes to strengthen its brand and relationship with its readers. The New York Times, a large corporation, offers no compensation other than a possible opportunity to have an image appear on their website. On the other side, professional photographers have been affected by this trend in sourcing photographs. Over four years ago, the iStockphoto purchase by Getty Images, Inc., attested to improvements in digital cameras and the ease of transmission over the Internet. Many other companies are following the precedent set by Getty and others modifying their business strategies.
"The two most important developments in photography in the first half of the 20th century were the emergence of lasting artistic traditions and the rise of mass-circulation picture magazines. Henri Cartier-Bresson was a leading figure in both domains. In celebration of [a] landmark retrospective, we invite you to participate in a Cartier-Bresson photo contest (by September 20, 2010) (This exhibit recently appeared in NY at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.)."
Cartier-Bresson is my favorite photographer. To my mind, the proffered prizes (except for the exhibition catalogue, I live in NY, not Chicago) are inconsequential compared to the prospect of a few of my images being reviewed by knowledgeable and dedicated curators. Yet, as with The New York Times, the contest is being held to enhance their brand and to build a better relationship with the photographic community (photos are to be uploaded to a Flickr group; official contest rules: www.artic.edu/aic/drawing_rules/drawing_rules.html).
I’ve become intrigued by the various points of view on the subject of crowdsourcing. I searched the Internet for other commentaries and learned that studies currently are being conducted, along with other efforts to validate the concept. By other names, of course. It applies not only to photographers, citizen journalist, businesses seeking new relevance, but to other areas utilizing communal labor to accomplish a task.
A person will participate in “calls-for-entry” for one of two reasons: for financial gain or for peer recognition. What differs is an elusive sense of fairness. Sending some images to The Art Institute of Chicago would not feel like a sell-out to me and it would not deprive a professional photographer of a job assignment. In fact, they can participate too.
I don’t want to put too much stress on something that is definitely evolving and will reach its own accommodation among parties in time and in a form amenable to all. Photographers, as well as businesses, will have to adapt themselves to dramatic changes in conducting business; and will have to take advantage of marketing opportunities offered by the Internet and new technologies. Comments welcome. Let me hear what you think.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Dryer and Cooler Weather
It has only been two days, but Daisy (my cat) has already shifted away from one of her sleeping/slumber spots in the apartment. She is not on the floor by the window where she has been for the past few weeks, but has reclaimed one of her favorite spots. On my computer chair. I was happy to see this development as the humid/hot weather has been a drain on her energy. And my energy too.
When Daisy took her position, natural mid-day sunlight was coming through the window and lighted her in a very nice way. I decided to follow the urge to photograph her, which I have not done in a few years. She has been with Steve and me for about six years and has become a bit settled compared to her frisky "youth".
I like the companionship, even now she is sitting in the chair next to me and I'm sitting in Steve's computer chair.
Hang in there everyone. Only a few more weeks until the end of summer.
When Daisy took her position, natural mid-day sunlight was coming through the window and lighted her in a very nice way. I decided to follow the urge to photograph her, which I have not done in a few years. She has been with Steve and me for about six years and has become a bit settled compared to her frisky "youth".
I like the companionship, even now she is sitting in the chair next to me and I'm sitting in Steve's computer chair.
Hang in there everyone. Only a few more weeks until the end of summer.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
More Thoughts about Last Summer
Bastille Day came and went a few weeks ago, and I missed the traditional military parade. It would have been nice to be in Paris to see the parade again as I did not position myself very well among the many onlookers last summer. And yet the parade this year was rained on. I watched on television as the marchers staunchly ignored the rain. I learned that the skies cleared just in time for the traditional fireworks at the site the Eiffel Tower.
I have memories of strolling the banks of the Seine during Paris Plages where tons of sand are carted in for the pleasure of Parisians who can’t leave town. Just like here, there are many outdoor events to choose amongst. Although the weather is still sweltering here in the NYC, now I’m content to wait until November when I hope to visit during Mois de Photo. Most museums and galleries feature photographic work by both known and unknown photographers.
To see more images and the July-August 2009 blogs, look under “Older Posts” at the bottom of the current posts.
Bastille Day -- Looking up to see the parachutists descend
Questions answered and safety for all during the parade
I have memories of strolling the banks of the Seine during Paris Plages where tons of sand are carted in for the pleasure of Parisians who can’t leave town. Just like here, there are many outdoor events to choose amongst. Although the weather is still sweltering here in the NYC, now I’m content to wait until November when I hope to visit during Mois de Photo. Most museums and galleries feature photographic work by both known and unknown photographers.
Paris Plages -- For Sun and Leisure
Paris Plages -- Musical Event
Out with friend for tea and coffee
Cause for a smile
The Three Muses -- Aristide Malliol
To see more images and the July-August 2009 blogs, look under “Older Posts” at the bottom of the current posts.
Dreamscape
A group people standing there had to be at a certain destination by 12 o’clock. If we were going in the same direction, they could give me a ride part of the way. Possibly, I had to be somewhere by 12 o’clock too. I jolt awake to look at the clock. It’s 11:01 a.m. I lie stunned at the reality of the time, the heat, and the pending appointment. Must shower, must feed Daisy. She languorously glides against my legs as she herself is awakening from sleep. At 11:35 a.m. I limp down the five flights of stairs to the front door to the street. As I step through, I recognize the small circular discolorations on the steps and sidewalk pavement. I race through the tiny rain drops until I reach the bus shelter, missing most of them except for one or two slamming against my face and blouse. Who needs an umbrella? Then, bigger drops with more wetting power begin to fall. Good timing though; there is a bus coming.
This summer in New York has been a trial of will for me. During the short bus trip, wiper blades scraping the bus’s window, I remember a day from last summer. Weather-wise, it was a similar day: an overcast gloomy sky threatening rain showers. After breakfast at a café, I was going to shop for food stuffs to stock the refrigerator. Upon leaving the café, there was the sound of music nearby that was attracting people.
I am near Rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement, Paris. A Sunday Bal is in progress. Curiosity turns to pleasure as I step through the crowd with my camera, watching the Parisians and other tourist enjoying themselves. A Bal is a traditional get-together of musicians and singers who perform for neighborhood residents. The attendant citizens can pick up song sheets to sing along or join in the spontaneous dancing. It was quite unexpected and added immensely to my visit last summer.
Musicians
<Singer
Accordion Player>
Dancers
I am near Rue Mouffetard, 5th arrondissement, Paris. A Sunday Bal is in progress. Curiosity turns to pleasure as I step through the crowd with my camera, watching the Parisians and other tourist enjoying themselves. A Bal is a traditional get-together of musicians and singers who perform for neighborhood residents. The attendant citizens can pick up song sheets to sing along or join in the spontaneous dancing. It was quite unexpected and added immensely to my visit last summer.
Accordion Player>
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)