Hold The Eye Images

Don't Have a Lassen Moment!

A few years ago, I planned a photography trip with another photog friend to Lassen National Park in Northern California. In the meantime, a major fire broke out but we decided to go anyway. Needless to say, we were alone in the camp ground, with embers burning a few hundred yards from us. Obviously the area wasn’t closed so we made the best of it. We tried shooting the creeks, landscapes, lakes, and I even did a bit of fishing. There were plenty of fire fighters around, signs at many of the stores thanking firefighters for all their efforts.

We got some OK images, so you might ask what is the "Lassen Moment"?

It starts with a story. I was fishing one afternoon, while my photog friend slept in his tent. When I walked back to the camp, several firefighters were resting next to our camp, smoking cigarettes, just taking a break. They had been working from the night before, and were covered in black  ash. I talked with them briefly, went back to my car and put up my fishing gear. My friend woke up, we went out in late afternoon in search of more landscapes.

Now for what I call the “lassen moment”. I was so focused on landscapes and HDR, I overlooked the most powerful images I could have imagined. Those firefighters I mentioned were smoking, black faces(think coal miners), clear eyes, and some of the best portraits I could ever ask for. Those signs thanking fire fighters with fire vehicles and firefighters around would have been great. You see, I was obsessed with finding HDR images and didn’t see the obvious. It didn’t dawn on me until some time later. The “lassen moment” is being blind to all those images that come to us when we aren’t ready for them. I can still see that portrait with those bright eyes, cigarette hanging from the mouth, black face, worn dirty gear, and bone tired posture.

Every time I go out, the “lassen moment” is in the back of my mind and I vowed never to allow that moment to occur again. Observation skills are a big part of being a photographer, which means being vigilant for that special image even if it is not what you are looking for. I made that mistake and I will never forget it.

One camera with a 85mm/1.4 lens and a dark Club

That's what I did last night, listened to a band called Tip of the Top. I had no strobes, on or off camera flash, just one camera set to 6400 ISO and a 85mm lens set at f/1.4. Yep, the depth of focus was narrow, the lighting poor, so the images have flaws. But the scene was rich with opportunity and I had what I had. I was out with a party of six, Virginia and Albert of the Family Album, my web guru Chris and his room mate, and Deborah. I started the evening checking out the light with Chris as my unwilling model. Discovered right off the bat, focus was nearly impossible at f/1.4 on manual focus in the dark. But in situations like this, you can't give up.

Tried something different when Chris was working his smart phone, seeing the reflection from the phone.

Hopefully Chris will not hate me and crash my website, but if it disappears, he has struck.

Now for the scene. You have to be  ready for the unexpected. Just as the evening was beginning, who sneaks in but Elvis. Yep, proof positive he is not dead, just a little older and disguised. I was star struck, began to shake which complicated my shot. Later his secret reps contacted me, forced me to give up the photos except for one that really couldn't identify him, proof positive. But I got it and I know Elvis was in the house!

He was not the only interesting person, as a photographer, interesting people are always on your radar.

But let's get back to the band and dance floor. Tip of the Top is a great band, and people have fun!

And as you can see people are dancing, the bands playing and life is good. The photography is tricky because those bright lights throw the metering completely off so I changed to spot metering which caused some areas to  be blown out. Remember one camera, one lens, and no flash to help. You have to be on guard for the special moment when something happens! (which was published on Facebook, no more comments)

But as with all nights, there are the main characters, like a play. The cast is interesting, but the main characters make the night. In a blues club it is normally the band and Tip of the Top lived up to that challenge. But they had some help as this photo should tip you off, something was happening on the dance floor!

What was happening was in a red dress, she could dance, amazingly dressed with a hat, sang with many of the songs, and all with the biggest smile. She had dance floor presence, made everyone smile in a good way and fortunately danced with many people and with a male husband/boyfriend/friend that also enjoyed the fact she was having a great time. First with her man!

And fortunately for us all, Pete was in the house. Pete is a terrific dancer, I have photographed him before, and when "she" entered the dance floor, I knew it would not be long before he asked her to the dance floor. It started off pretty straight forward. I also love the man in the blue shirt who periodically danced by himself on the dance floor, spinning around with his hands in air.

While the above photo looks like she is shy, believe me she is not, nor is she intimidated. She immediately took control.

And she entertained her dance partners, her husband, and the rest of the club as the image of the man standing on a chair using the video in his smart phone.

And, she inspired Pete who as I said earlier, is a great dancer. Could he keep up?

The answer is yes, and others danced, people came and went. People talked, the band played their original songs and I spent time talking with my friends.

A dark room, a single camera, a fixed focal length lens, and lots of fun. I didn't obsess about the photography, just remained ready. It worked for me, try it.

Nikon D3, 85mm f/1/4.

Wow, did the Grand Dell Saloon Rock Last Night!

Thursday night is jam night at the Grand Dell. I have written about it in the past, but let me refresh everyone. On Thursday, musicians flock to the Grand Dell Saloon and sign up to play with whatever band happens to be assembled at their rotational time. In the past as many as 55 muscians have signed up and waited their turn. As time has gone on, more and more "named" blues musicans have stopped in to play for fellow musicians. They have fun, and the big beneficiary is the crowd who sits mostly in wonder of the talent. Last night was the same, Aki Kumar, the brain trust of the event, began by singing and playing his harmonica with the first round of the band. Then, one by one, band members switched out, and tried their stuff on the crowd. It's an entertaining evening, band folks play with one another, enjoy each others company and skills while the crowd listens to some great music.

So, last night the main attraction was to be the arrival of Alvon Johnson, former original member of the Hall of Fame band The Coasters, and great blues guitar player and singer. So, we had a line up of great players before the big arrival. But first, Aki reminded everyone of the Tip Jar, and one of my friends deposited the first contribution.

 

The local musicans that show up every week are terrific, but the venue also attracts future bands that plan on playing gigs. For example, these guys just below rocked the house and will be playing the Grand Dell on the 17th of this month. They came to show off their stuff and market themselves. Did a great job of it.

And of course, there are always special moments as Jake Nielsen provided last night. He can play like a guitar god, and sings the blues like he grew up in the Delta. I was left speechless after his sets!

And now for the celebrities that seem to come out on Thursday. Alvon Johnson arrived and really burned the house down with his singing and special guitar. He is definitely in a class with the greats of blues.

and he did play with soul. I was personally stunned because I once worked for a guy that looked like his twin brother and to my knowledge he didn't sing or play.

But Thursday night is always the stage for the unexpected. Last night Terry Hanck, Kid Anderson, and a host of other greats stopped in just to talk and play. As always they join each other on stage.

Early on, Terry joins Alvon and magic is in the air.

Terry is a show in himself, and the music shows all over his face whether he is playing, singing or just enjoying another good musician's work.

After I left, Kid Anderson and a host of others joined in the fun. Seems a gang was recording at Kid Anderson's studio and took a break to stop by the Dell and entertain some blues fans. Yes, the Grand Dell Saloon is a cool, special place where folks that love the blues gather. Maybe next Thursday night, you'll join me at the Grand Dell Saloon.

 

 

 

DSLR Video Workshop Coming!!

Kim Kominich will be teaching a DSLR Video Workshop on video techniques, lighting for video, and audio for video. All three of these are critical for quality video, and who better to do this than a Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist and faculty member at San Jose State. Kim has shot, edited, and produced award winning videos, taught video, editing, lighting in the classroom and will be giving  limited classes at Hold the Eye Images Studio in Campbell CA. On March 24 & 25, Kim will teach video technique, lighting and audio, limiting the class to 10 students. The following weekend, March 31 & April 1, Kim will teach video editing using iMovie and or Final Cut X. Again the class is limited to 10 students.

The pricing is $399/weekend or $650/ for both weekends. It is Mac only and the editing will be taught on iMovie and Final Cut X. For those attendees at weekend one, shooting a video of your own following the first class will allow you to edit in the second class. For those not shooting or attending the first class, video and audio files will be provided for editing.

The registration will be posted shortly at HTEIW.com, so stay tuned and see you there.

 

Never leave home without........what?

Clean underwear, was my mother's requirement. She wasn't a photographer, but that's what she said. So what does a photographer always need regardless of camera, weather, location, or shooting purpose? My "one thing" has nothing to do with gear or anything material. A compass, bubble level, extra memory cards, batteries, rain gear, water, are all important and can be critical, but not my "one thing". Here's my one thing that you should never leave home without.

Whenever I leave with a camera, my "one thing" is to come back with a new image, something out of my comfort zone, that I didn't expect but I'm proud of. That's right it is an image that requires me to be on the lookout for something special. Now it's not something easily for me to see. That would be much to consistent with my personal style. No, it needs to be something totally different, the finding of a new perspective, a learning experience for your photographic eye. Now that seems to create a high bar, but it's simply attitude and curiosity gone wild! You try lots of different things, have some fun, abandon rules, and see what works. It sounds whimsical, but it's a learning process. You will pick up something, maybe an angle, maybe a technique, or perspective. The learning comes from experimentation not from success in capturing a special image. That's right the goal is to learn something and the technique is an attempt to capture a special image outside of your comfort zone that you will be proud of. The technique ensures your full skill set at work.

Photography can be solitary at times, but comparing your images with others is useful. I'm not talking about a photo contest of the "best" image since that's a matter of taste. I'm speaking of seeking the perspective of different eyes, exactly what I have been writing about in the previous paragraph. You can use the eyes of others to help in this quest for something different. Go out with a group, but then look collectively at what was captured. Pick the most unusual images, do they have potential? Talk about what they need.

So there you have the one thing every photographer should take with them on every outing with a camera. The quest for something totally different, the addition of a new skill for your photographic eye. Sounds like a simple idea and it is. But it takes purpose and challenging your existing style of photography, getting out of your comfort zone to accomplish. Now every image I capture is not different, in fact I like my personal style. But I do try to push myself to something different as a way of learning. It's one of my goals on every shoot. I believe it is one technique that helps me improve my skills. I enjoy the seeing other photographic perspectives. I always remember the old management saying "when everyone thinks alike mediocrity always wins".

Top Question That I get Asked?

The number one question I get, "what's the best thing I can do to improve my photography?". The immediate answer is take more and more pictures. Sounds simple but it is so true. You can not spend your way to better photography on gear, software, or tutorials. All of these elements play a role but pale in comparison to the good old hard work of snapping the shutter. I know, I have said this many times before, but I fall prey to not shooting enough on occasion. I think of shooting like exercise, needs to be done every day and worked into your schedule. Like exercise, doesn't have to be a full on production, shooting a few images at lunch, grabbing a couple of images while walking the dog or even photographing something in the kitchen. Any of these activities make you exercise your photographic eye, help you with camera knowledge, and make you stop, pause and think photography. The key ingredient being the exercise of your photographic eye and learning to use your camera as a second hand. Both take lots of practice.

The footnote to all of this is the axiom, "always carry a camera". If you always have a camera with you, grabbing a few shots, looking for something special, becomes second nature. This instinct is what you are trying hone. The ability to see something special, a person, a design, an event, where most would simply pass by. Part of this gift may be natural but a small part. You have to be an observer to "see", and powers of observation require work. The difference between great photographers, good photographers and .....well PWC's, is the all elusive gift of the eye. A gift that can be developed with exercise, but like muscle weakens with idleness. Learned shooting skills will leave you if they are only exercised on infrequent trips. Now, I'm not trying to discourage the photographer who uses his passion to escape the pressure of everyday activities but does so infrequently. I did the same for quite a few years, escaping into my photography whenever I could even though it was sporadic. In hindsight, I should have carried a camera with me all the time although the cost of film may have limited my random shooting.

Do these comments mean, you don't need to learn photoshop, use the right camera? Of course not, but learning to see the image in your mind's eye before you take out or pick up your camera is the holy grail of photography. It only takes effort, costs nothing but time, and pays dividends on a scale that money can't buy.

 

 

It's January 28, I'm in Big Sur and it's 75 degrees

With that as a title, what more could you want. The water is like glass, gray whales are migrating and easy to see, sea otters are in the kelp beds, condors are enjoying the day, and because Highway 1 is closed at Lucia, the road is pretty much empty. Or, at least empty for a weekend in Big Sur. Spent the day just enjoying the weather, walking around in a tee shirt, feeling like summer.

Now for the photography. People always make images more interesting. So here are some snaps!

First, I spotted a bunch of guys at sunset. I have taken thousands of these shots so keeping with the idea that people add to every image, I decided to use them as the focal point.

 

Often you have to use the sun, but don't have the cover of clouds, just angles and highlights. Here are some desperate images when things were looking bleak, or should I say bright.

I know those images were a stretch at best. But when you have a sunny beautiful day, well photography is tough. So I have to include those images I have taken hundreds of times, but love the scene no matter how many times I have viewed. JP Burns Park is one spot made for photographers and lovers of the exotic.

But in the end, I fall back to images with people as the most interesting. So I'll close January 28 with two images of folks enjoying the beach.

The above image has surf images I didn't see when photographing but it looks like the guy on the beach is looking back at them.

And so the day ends the same way it started, beautiful warm weather, and people enjoying this very special place.

Thank you Ventana Inn, great weekend!

 

It's all about Mood and Story!

The cliche of every picture tells a story is so true. It doesn't have to be something dramatic, it can be two people looking at each other or a grimace. Facial expression and body language are the key elements in portrait story telling. Obviously the environment of the image can add or subtract in strong ways, but at it's essence, body language and expression are key. Let's be clear, I'm not talking about simply flattering poses although often what doesn't seem flattering latter become iconic and cherished. Here are some examples from last night's blues jam session at the Grand Dell Saloon in Campbell CA. The house was packed with musicians, as one person described to me "blues royalty is in the house". Unfortunately, I don't know all the royalty so I just photographed the stage while I was there. I even locked my car keys and studio keys in the studio, but that's another story, the outcome of which will not be covered in this or future blogs. So here goes think expression and story telling.

Guitar players need to look a certain way to be interesting, this was a winner expression.

Singers of the blues, use their hands as a way of expression along with their face. Here John Nemeth spells out the feeling of the song with both hands and face.

I haven't mentioned lighting in this blog, but it is always key, as illustrated in this image.

Another example of catching a guitar player telling a story of the blues

And it you are patient, holding the camera up to your eye, watching for that special moment, you'll get it as in this image.

You also might want to create a special era look, for example with black and white. In this case to appear in an earlier era with a bit of wax museum feel.

The key ingredient is patience, waiting, allowing the natural flow of the scene to work its way out. Think like a predator, waiting for that moment to strike. It will be a natural and authentic look which observers of your photograph will recognize. Good luck and shoot often.

Why do you Photograph?

When I started my own photography, years ago, it was to record the beautiful new landscapes that I encountered in Oklahoma. You see, I grew up in North Carolina and went to Oklahoma for the first time while in the Army. I was stunned at the landscapes and with camera costs being within reason at the PX, I bought my first SLR and my interest in photography began. I met others interested in photography and began my journey. But that's just how it started, not the reason(s) it has lasted so long.

Fast forward to today, so I pause and reflect on why I love to photograph. I could make a list but that doesn't seem to be an appropriate way to define my passion. So let me try and communicate my feelings. First, I love the still image. It's ability to speak without motion or voice. At it's finest, it tells a complete story, moves people in ways words often fall short, stirs emotion beyond reasonable bounds, and marks history. This level of image is rare yet every period in history is marked by these pictures which define events.

So when I pick up a camera, I know I have the opportunity to create something special. I simply have to possess the vision and skill. Sounds oversimplified and maybe from a practical application it is. I have been photographing for decades, but feel as though I have just started. The more I learn and develop, the better my images become, and that keeps me shooting. There is no plateau or place where I'm satisfied. But it is not discouraging as you would think, quite the contrary, the closer you get the more you raise the bar. All you have to do is look back at your images, the progress is obvious even if some of your past work makes you cringe. Underlying all of this is a feeling of reward. Not financial reward, that's a totally different matter, but personal reward. This personal reward from your efforts is the driver as it is with anything worth working for.

So when I ask myself why I photograph, it is for some internal reward that I feel from my images. It's not something that comes from others, but affirmation doesn't hurt. It comes from finding that thing you are looking for, developing the skill to see it and the technical expertise to capture it. And the "it" is not a destination, but an ever evolving space in your imagination. A personal creation that continues to develop. So likely it will never be over, and knowing that eliminates the anxiety of pushing on. I simply continue to grow, knowing I will never "grow-up". Sounds sort of odd to say it that way, but that's what it's all about.

 

A single light and John Nemeth and A.C. Myles

This particular shoot was done with a single light, not my normal setup. The reason being, two musicians and more of a concert setting without expected dancing. Secondly, I didn't intend to photograph anyone else who might be attending, simple getting some images for the venue. Shooting camera manual, including focus, with the strobe set at 1/4 power around 10 feet away, hung from the ceiling with a drop ceiling clamp. The camera ISO was 400, the shutter speed 250 and the f stop seasoned to taste. The lenses were a Nikon 24-70mm/f2.8 and a 70-200mm/2.8. The headliner was blues man John Nemeth and he was joined by a young up and coming guitarist A.C. Myles.

John Nemeth's stage presence is quintessential blues funk. The way he moves, his sense of timing, his voice, the harmonica all adds up to a real deal blues package. So here is a sample of the images.

He likes to talk with the audience, tell stories, and develop a personal relationship which he does well.

And he loves to play that harmonica!

And he can sing the blues!

His young guitarist A.C. Miles also sings.

And together, they are quite entertaining!

So if you happen to be a fan of music(get a life if you're not) and see the name John Nemeth, go see him, it will be a treat!

All images shot with a Nikon D3s.