Thursday, February 5, 2009

Another landmark ...

My post tomorrow will be No.30

It is a long time since I have been knocked-back; but that is more because I choose wisely. Once I hit 50, I would like to think that I will venture into the riskier territory of young women, men outside pubs, Asian lasses and mothers with young children.

Between 28 and 38, I wanted to go for context rather than in-yer-face. The old heart-strings still tug - as 29, 30 and 31 will show. Still cannot always bring myself to post just one image. I am not biting the bullet but continue to expect the viewer to make the decision for me. I am still working on getting a blurred background with a sharp foreground. That is my main challenge now. As for flash, I simply dislike it.

I look at the images on Sally's blog and I drool with envy.

6 comments:

Joan Elizabeth said...

Hi Team, I hit a landmark today too. My very first permission based portrait is posted on Sweet Wayfaring today.

Ann said...

I'm mainly concentrating on context at the moment but I think what is really happening is I am learning to work within the limitations of the toy camera, I'm quite pleased with some of the ones I took yesterday. So surprised you aren't approahing young women, Asians and mothers. I go for anyone who looks approachable. I've even got 2 Lebanese men, which was a surprise, although neither of them was a complete stranger in that they both have seen me around. I am yet to approach your street people with lived in faces, I'm worried that they'll feel that they are being exploited. The shot I really want is someone with tatoos and or piercings. I see several of them but always on moving trains. Looking back I feel I've improved out of sight since we started.

Julie said...

I consider the exploitation angle too. And we ARE exploiting all of our subjects: we want something from them and we want it for free. But we treat them all equally regardless of their stature. What I don't do is take photos of someone who is mentally handicapped - although a physical handicap is okay - or someone who has been ravaged by alcohol. There is a wheelchair guy in Redfern Park this week whom I have seen twice. I would love to approach him.

Improved out of sight: you betcha. What I do every so often, is just look at our strangers by label. This gives a good feel for the differences. Although it does not show the social differences: the ability to see a good photo in a crowd; the ability to walk up to someone and simply ask.

This is a very good project: and we are not yet half-way through. I am sure that the second half of the project will metamorphose in ways that I can not envisage just yet. Although, I think your shot of the street vendor today gives a hint of it. We ask permission but dont have to find out anything about out subject: the camera does the talking and the soaking up. People in action.

Did you look at Joan's painter? Lovely country shot ...

Ann said...

Yes I did, I wish she had joined us, I really enjoy looking at your and Peter's shots, there is so much to learn, so many ideas. I guess that's what I am trying to achieve - a picture that tells a story with no words to explain it.

Julie said...

Yep ... could not agree more. Although I am adicted to words, moreso than images.

My aim is to include a picture but not to explain that picture; the text uses the image as a starting point, a background. Assumed knowledge.

Not sure just yet ... might know more at 99 ... *grin* ...

Joan Elizabeth said...

Thanks for the kind comments guys. If my circumstances change before you hit 50 I may still join in, though that would be terrifying because you guys are improving so quickly.