Bill Pierce
Well-known
Rick Smolan is relatively unique as photojournalists go. He works to help other photographers. Probably his best known projects were the “Day in the Life” series, but what he has done since then is even more amazing. I’ve posted a Wikipedia link that will give you a brief listing of his accomplishments.
There’s no question that photojournalists are shaped by the people and events they photograph. Or, as they say in the racket, if you think the pictures are interesting, you should have been there. One of the things that shaped Rick was photographing Robyn Davidson’s trip when she, 4 camels and a dog walked through the Australian outback to the Indian Ocean. He saw bravery, determination and danger that could have killed someone who became a close friend. Yes, it was a very successful National Geographic story, but you should have been there.
In 1980 “Tracks,” Robyn Davidson’s book of her journey, was published. In 1981 Rick organized the first of the “Day in the Life” books. Dismissed by conventional publishers, it was self published after an almost unbelievable amount of work on his part to fund and organize it. On March 6, 1981 “100 of the world’s leading photojournalists” documented life in, of course, Australia. By that Fall it was a bestseller.
“Tracks” is now a movie, a really good movie with exceptional imagery and performances. And Rick has self-published “Inside Tracks” a book that assembles images and words from the original book, the original assignment and the film. And, of course, Rick, who is always exploring new ways to communicate, has enabled this book to show scenes from the movie using an app on your phone.
The movie is not about a photographer. It’s about a remarkable young woman who understands the importance of a journey. But I hope it shows you why “You should have been there.” and how blessed are those of us who stumbled into photojournalism because we thought it would be great to earn money with our hobby.
And now, the disclaimer. I’ve known Rick a long time. He’s my friend. I was one of the shooters on the first Day in the Life and many others. And, guess what. I would admire what he has done if I didn’t know him.
http://www.insidetracksbook.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Smolan
tracks-movie.com/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracks_(2013_film)
There’s no question that photojournalists are shaped by the people and events they photograph. Or, as they say in the racket, if you think the pictures are interesting, you should have been there. One of the things that shaped Rick was photographing Robyn Davidson’s trip when she, 4 camels and a dog walked through the Australian outback to the Indian Ocean. He saw bravery, determination and danger that could have killed someone who became a close friend. Yes, it was a very successful National Geographic story, but you should have been there.
In 1980 “Tracks,” Robyn Davidson’s book of her journey, was published. In 1981 Rick organized the first of the “Day in the Life” books. Dismissed by conventional publishers, it was self published after an almost unbelievable amount of work on his part to fund and organize it. On March 6, 1981 “100 of the world’s leading photojournalists” documented life in, of course, Australia. By that Fall it was a bestseller.
“Tracks” is now a movie, a really good movie with exceptional imagery and performances. And Rick has self-published “Inside Tracks” a book that assembles images and words from the original book, the original assignment and the film. And, of course, Rick, who is always exploring new ways to communicate, has enabled this book to show scenes from the movie using an app on your phone.
The movie is not about a photographer. It’s about a remarkable young woman who understands the importance of a journey. But I hope it shows you why “You should have been there.” and how blessed are those of us who stumbled into photojournalism because we thought it would be great to earn money with our hobby.
And now, the disclaimer. I’ve known Rick a long time. He’s my friend. I was one of the shooters on the first Day in the Life and many others. And, guess what. I would admire what he has done if I didn’t know him.
http://www.insidetracksbook.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Smolan
tracks-movie.com/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracks_(2013_film)
dasuess
Nikon Freak
Thanks for the heads up on the film. It's actually at the Edina Cinema here In the Twin Cities..
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Don't know why, but British guys seems to be obsessed with anything where it is hot and sandy. And Camelish.
"Prince of arabia" calling?
Scrambler
Well-known
Now that's got to be a first: it's out on DVD in Australia and in Cinemas in the US of A.
Great film, almost crushingly realistic in portraying real people in a complex relationship. Not to mention the scenery, which to this date only a few people have travelled.
As for British ... not as far as I could tell from the interviews!