Hold The Eye Images

Walking around with a camera

I went to Carmel yesterday for breakfast. Has nothing to do with photography but like all trips, things to photograph are all around us. First off the waves were enormous on the coast. Especially at the rocks driving around Carmel Beach. Spectators kept pointing and taking pictures of them. This image points out how people make the picture in most cases. The size relationship and the small child being shown the waves makes this image much more special than the simple size of the waves.

One of the stops on the way out was The Basilica of Mission San Carlos Borromeo Del Rio Carmelo commonly known as the Carmel Mission, founded June 3, 1770. This is a special place and I want to come back and photograph with a tripod using HDR techniques. Yesterday I had no tripod but did want to push my Leica M9 so I set the ISO at 6400 to hand hold the images. I used a 90mm Summicron/f2.0 lens. The above image was also taken with this camera but at ISO 200. I wouldn't print the Mission images but they do give insight to the potential of the location.

People once again make images, this may be a poor example but illustrate possibilities. The person kneeling is not praying but taking his own picture. But if he was....and I had a tripod.... and I could see his hands in prayer..... and if.......... Get my drift.

Finally, I learned a lot from taking these simple images because I thought of the "what if's". And that is an important lesson, every image improves our photography if we think about alternatives and every location teaches something. Accepting the fact we learn more from mistakes than perfection, this day was a great learning experience.

New Year and Beyond Predicitions

So we're approaching a new year, 2012. When I look back, not just this year but back as far as the 80's, it seems like yesterday. I recall my first auto focus camera, took it to Alaska and was so, so disappointed. It was a Minolta, no longer even being made. I came back thinking, this auto focus thing is not going to work for some time, if ever. And, I couldn't control the focal point, too much technology intruding into my world of photography. Give me a manual focus camera with a descent light meter, a couple of lenses and leave me alone. And that's how I felt only yesterday albeit 25 years ago. Attitude change came slowly, but I finally broke down and bought a Canon autofocus camera. I had shot Nikon all my life but some AP photograhers clued me in on issues discovered in the first Gulf War and how the AP switched to Canon, so I did to. This courship lasted until the Nikon F5 came out, and I immediately divorced Canon and remarried Nikon. This was in the age of film, new technolgy consisted of auto focus and better metering. Boy, I was naive about what was to come. A revolution was on the horizon and I had my head ....in a dark hole.

So now it's December 2011, the world of photography has changed in ways I could not have imagined. Not only have the tools changed but the learning curve or what's left of it have completely turned upside down. With instant feedback, the art of photography has moved rapidly through millions of aspiring artists, and phones with cameras, yes phones with cameras. I could not have imagined this only a few years ago. Everyone is taking pictures, a compendium of images is growing at an exponential rate, documenting everything, everyday, in every way. It seems everyone owns some form of camera, and uses it regularly. And some would argue, this invasion as eleminated personal privacy. But, that's another blog and subject.

Now back to the beginning, it's about to be 2012. If Moore's Law continues to apply, the world will change even more dramatically, faster, in ways only limited by our imagination. So here goes my list of predictions based on pure ignorance.

1. "Wired" will disappear. Everything will be wireless

2. "Hard drives" will disappear. Everything will be in clouds managed by others.

3. "Focus" and "exposure" and "color" will be decided in post processing.

4.  "Detail" or megapixel quality will be a choice in post processing.

5. "Still" and "video" will be the same, come from the same device, with unimaginable quality in most consumer portable devices.

6. Post processing will be complicated but taught at early ages in early education.

7. The world will be exposed in ways not seen before, nothing will be "secret" or "descreet", photojournalism will be commonly practiced by everyone.

8. "Printing" will move to electronic. The hard coyp print will be seen less and less. 

9. Film will return as an eclectic art.

10. Composition and Perspective will remain king. The art of photography will improve and the photographer's eye will be remain the critical skill. Creativity and imagination will continue to distinguish photographers.

So that's my two sense for what awaits us. I have no clue if I'm all right or wrong. For sure it will not happen next week or even next year, but things seem to be heading that way from my perspective. I'm not quite sure what I will do if it happens while I'm still around. I look forward to not having to mess with backing up my files and managing workflow. I'm not as enthusiastic about not managing focal point, exposure, etc. seems like a bit too much control in post processing. But I believe the change will occur. I can imagine ths comment "Dad, did they really focus and do all that stuff in those old things called cameras?" Maybe I'm getting carried away, but that's what writing a blog does to you. Get in the zone and it all comes out.

Back to earth, I do think photo technology is at an infancy point. We will all have to wait, and if we are lucky and healthy, we will see the change. It will create new opportunities for us, and for that I'm excited. Best wishes to all add taking more pictures to your new year's resolution list.

Lines In Napa

On a trip, taking my son Brett, his girlfriend Mary, and Deborah wine tasting in Napa, the reminder of lines was everywhere. With the leaves gone, and just as the mustard begins to flower, the lines are very visible. Here is my view of Napa in December.

 

 

 

And once you start looking for lines, lookout, they are everywhere!

 

An interesting way to exercise my eye without throwing the trip into full photography, just looking around as we travel from Winery to Winery, for a little line. Maybe next time, circles?

Images are Everywhere, just look around.

On my recent trip to San Francisco, stopping at the Embarcadero Center, Don Schremp pointed out a small staircase. Likely without being pointed out, I would have ignored this structure, walked down it without noticing the interesting photographic potential. It just wasn't that interesting until I actually examined it. For me that's a recurring lesson, there are lots of amazing images all around us if we just look for them. This exercise pays big dividends in developing the photographic eye. Now anyone with sight can take a great image of the Golden Gate Bridge, but can you find a staircase like this, or see an image in a plant, floor pattern, or a spider web in your garage? This is the treasure trove of opportunity that surrounds us all, if we only open our eyes. Now I'm not preaching to you as much as too myself. I'm as guilty as anyone for ignoring the obscure for the spectacular, depending on mother nature not my own creative eyesight, so take this blog as a confession not a sermon. And I need to read this blog everyday, become more vigilant in my observation skills, explore the less obvious, and find those special things that make photography so compelling. I know are they within ten steps of where I type, new exciting things, images that will astound me when photographed. Now to find them.

Can you believe so many patterns exist, the floor, the stairsteps, the railing, the plant. And under my nose without a clue.

What is Photo Santa thinking about for Christmas?

It's a difficult question because like any passion, the technical level of understanding for gift giving is steep without hints. So here are some ideas that will not "break the bank".

1. A Book of Photographs by an important historical photographer. You pick the photographer, preferably one within the last 20 years. Why you ask? You learn so much from looking at bodies of work by gifted photographers. Believe me it really helps improve the "eye", puts "style" in perspective and should be studied. It is a great gift.

2. Any of the "how to" DVD's by Scott Kelby's Professional Photoshop Users/NAPP. Pick photoshop, lightroom, lighting, or any other subject  and it will always be winner.

3. A one-on-one with William Neil. He lives in Oakhurst CA, is a protege of Ansel Adams, and worth spending the day with. He looks at your images, gives you tips, great experience for that photog loved one. He does the one-on-one in his studio.

4. Give him the gift of location? Wrap a letter that allows him to pick the next vaction destination with photography in mind. You go along, but will help him get that beautiful image(s). Sounds funny, but many photographers feel guilty spending time photographing or going to that special place towing the family off to some remote place.

5. Tell him or her, you would like one of their photographs for Xmas. Yep, ask for a gift, will make your photog loved one feel proud. It's recognition and important to all photographers.

6. Give the gift of a Light Workshops. Hal and Victoria always put on terrific workshops, and best yet, your photog loved one will learn something in beautiful Morro Bay.

7. Milk Duds! All good photographers love Milk Duds, it's a test. You can tell I have a weakness.

8. Give the gift of encouragement. Sounds odd but encouragement is a great gift, doesn't have to be wrapped, feels good, works well, and is always appreciated. Complements works hand in hand with encouragement.

9. Gift certificate to REI. Your photog can always find something useful at REI.

10. A good headlamp, always needed since most photographers begin early, and are out late. Lots to choose from and most work really well regardless of price.

So there you have some ideas not on the "normal photog list". If you want gear, check out an earlier blog and podcast on items for Xmas. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

X-Rite Coloratti News | John Omvik on Color ManagementX-Rite Photo Blog | X-Rite Photo Blog

Today we welcome a guest blog by Coloratti John Omvik. John is Vice President of Marketing for Unified Color Technologies and a founding photographer of Hold the Eye Images, Inc. His background in photography and product marketing/development extends to all areas of the digital imaging industry. Since 1996, John’s work placed him at the leading edge of digital imaging technology as it evolved from the R&D labs to early adopters, and finally, to mainstream consumers.

via blog.xritephoto.com

Sony NEX FS 100 Super 35mm Camera in Action

 

This video was shot at Hold the Eye Images Studio with a Sony NEX FS 100 Super 35mm camera and kit lens. The mic was XLR connected to the camera. The video and sound quality are killer with this camera. Want to buy it, check it out here.

City By the Bay, gives so much!

Not much to say here, night time, tripod, Nikon D3s, 24-70mm/2.8 and 70-200mm/2.8 lenses, cable release and a good guide like Don Schremp, and here is what you come away with.

 

 

 

 

 

My a favorite above because of how Coit Tower is lit.

 

 

So, if you see a Don Schremp Workshop, you can bet the one thing will come out of it? Great Images!!

Channeling Bill Cunningham

Bill Cunningham is the photographer for the New York Times who photographs people for the Sunday Edition. His photographs run in two places within the paper. "On the Street" in the Style Section features photographs of people on the street from a fashion point of view. Today's edition was entitled "Frosty" which features what outerwear people are wearing.  The second location for his photography is entitled "Evening Hours"also in the Style Section, where he documents events in the evening around New York City.

Recently, Bill was the subject of a documentary which can be purchased here. So what is the big deal, you might ask? Well to start with he has been doing this for nearly a half century, and his "ride" is a bicycle. That's right, he rides around New York photographing people on the street, and interpreting fashion trends from what he sees, from a bicycle. A very shy, unassuming personality has become one of the top 100 influences in fashion. Lives alone in New York, doing his daily photography for the paper, and if I'm not mistaken, with film. I have seen his column for years, but only understood the depth of his influence when I watched the documentary and learned of his style, recognition, and reclusive lifestyle. For example, he has had 28 bicycles stolen over the years, knows all of the major players in fashion, is respected for his eye, and recognized for his gift of seeing fashion on the street. Here is today's example.

So the other day, I decided to channel Bill and do some street photography and see what I came up with. I really shouldn't publish this blog, since it is disgustingly poor compared to Bill. Granted I stayed in one spot, but it ain't easy making sense out of what goes by. But the important thing, it was fun for a short period and a good exercise in observation.

 

 

 

 

Ok, it has no resemblance to the NY Times or Bill Cunningham's work, but people do wear coats when it's cold, add scarves, and even write their own words on their outerwear. Not conclusions that would have people running to buy or make a certain types of clothing. I may be poor at this but I did enjoy the active participation/sense of purpose in photographing people. Bill Cunningham is a rare bird in the ecosystem of photography, gifted in ways that are difficult to understand, driven to a pursuit that benefits others from his sheer talent. All in all, something very special.  And bye the way, blue jeans are in style.

Occupy Wall Street Part 3, San Francisco

That's right gone from the camping location. Moved out by the police, raked and.........whatever. The Mayor was present when I was shooting, I assume thanking the police but that's only speculation on my part.

So where are the campers, protesters, and all their gear? Found at least some of them a block or so away on the side walk.

BUT, no longer alone, police are now ever present with these folks, I guess to make sure things don't get out of hand as in our neighboring city.

 

Other than the faces of the police, there did not seem to be a lot of tension, I did see a policeman with loads of wrist locks so they were prepared. Not a large gathering but enough to draw attention.

 

No chanting, singing, or yelling, just hanging out with fellow protesters, I guess.

 

Still, plenty of police kept down the enthusiasm for being destructive without creating confrontation, as least for now.

As with the last time I visited the OWS/SF, I was struck by the similarity to kids of the 60's, the appearance and dress. In my school days this could have been me? What a thought.

I still have the interview with the nurses and one of the early organizers of the protest to post. It will be a look back now unless things change.

 

I wanted to follow up with the OWS group, shot all the images with a 24-70mm/2.8 for wide angle and the street scenes with a 70-200mm/2.8 with a 2X teleconverter. Choose to funk up the pictures a bit because that's the way the whole scene feels to me. Sort of gritty, not quite clear what's going on, a bit of controlled chaos. I'm sure there are more chapters to come, in what direction is unpredictable. I thought about asking a policeman and a protester to do a joint interview, but then again I was asking for trouble, maybe next time.

It is an interesting exercise to shoot for a story, makes you think differently. I'm no photojournalist but I do think people almost always make images more interesting. Something like this is good practice. Finally, as I have written many times, photojournalism is the heart and soul of photography, will last long after everything else slips away. Still images are powerful and my hat is off to those individuals who work to get the story for all of us, often putting their lives at risk.