Archive for November, 2007
November 21st, 2007
Nikon World has an article with Dave Black discussing light painting techniques. If you’re not familiar with it, light painting is just what it sounds like: during a long exposure, use a light source (flashlight, laser pointer, flash gun, etc.) to paint a scene. The article goes into more depth about different techniques that can be used for small objects like a flower to large scenes like an ice climber.
It’s a fun technique and good for any bored photographer with a camera, a dark room and a flashlight.
November 19th, 2007
Another post for bored photographers…
The Magnum Photo blog has posted dozens of photo blogs that will probably take you a good couple of days to explore. All this reminds me that I should update my links page, but I’m not sure I can keep up with the fine collection Magnum has amassed here.
November 18th, 2007
Editorial Photographers has an article featuring Chip Simons essentially interviewing himself. It makes for a decent read for when you are feeling a little down in the dumps creatively. Chip reminds us of a few lessons that are always helpful to take to heart like, “Shoot whatever you want that make s you happy and gets you excited about shooting more and more.”
November 10th, 2007
I’ve just posted a new gallery of photos. This time it is a big batch of pictures of Castlefield, the urban heritage park on the edge of Manchester’s downtown core (and a short walk from my home).
It’s one of my favourite areas in Manchester and not just because it’s close to where I live. Apart from the trains passing overhead, it’s a strangely peaceful place for the middle of a busy city. The canals filled with geese and barges are soothing. Watching the locks open and spill out their contents is a patient beauty. The sunlight bouncing from the water into the arches of the many bridges is hypnotic. And all the regenerated red brick architecture is especially pleasing in the brief moments when Manchester sits beneath a blue sky.
Add to all the sense of history that lingers at each turn. The Roman Fort’s remains, the canals, the warehouses and now the updated buildings all speak of different eras in Manchester’s past. It’s a treat to be in the presence of a past that lives on so visibly and has been so carefully integrated into the present.
Please have a look at the photos here.
November 6th, 2007
Seriously America, stop it.
This one makes me sad. The short version: It’s a story about a Japanese tourist on an Amtrak train between New York and Boston. While passing some scenery and taking some photos, he is commanded by the conductor to stop shooting. Well, not speaking any English and not understanding what was going on, eventually the situation lead to him being escorted off the train by police officers at the next station.
Can’t security officials can exercise their judgement about what constitutes a security risk? I suppose that allowing a gray area could cause some problems, but really, is a helpless Japanese tourist snapping landscapes from a moving train really going to raise the threat level?
If not, can’t we expect at least a little bit of courtesy or perhaps some effort at crossing language and cultural barriers? That situation didn’t need to reach such an unsettling conclusion for the photographer. A little patience and courtesy go a long way when trying to communicate without a translator. I’m willing to bet that a couple of hand gestures would have gotten the “no pictures” point across without a fuss. Make a camera snapping motion then shake your head/wave your hands - he’ll get it. And if he doesn’t, politely try something else until he does. An extra minute of calmly talking would have spared countless minutes of the police and the passenger in the end.
Diplomacy isn’t actually that hard if you’re willing to try. Especially not when you’re just dealing with a confused tourist who will happily comply with you provided he can understand you.
November 2nd, 2007
For anyone that may have tried using the contact forms on this site in the last week or so, please re-send. There was a problem that lead to emails getting lost in the tubes and I fear I may have missed a few messages. So if you wanted a quote on an image, to inquire about a print or just say hi, please do drop me a line (again!). My apologies if you have sent a message and I haven’t gotten back to you. Thanks.
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