Michael Markey
Veteran
Probably come from the same background.
Look, I understand this “philosophy”.
Yes, collecting cameras, sometimes taking is for a little walk, even shoot something in the process.
The fact that successful, beautiful, interesting gracious picture did not even conceive to exist - does not bother anybody. Nice camera, nice lenses, what else is needed?
I understand it, but do not subscribe to this point of view. Sorry.
My shots on this page were taken with a ten year old ,6MP, forty quid Pany FX3 ...hardly collectable
I think I understand what you are trying to say though although I`m not sure about " successful" and "gracious".
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
I think, I hope, that simply by participating in this/any thread I'm volunteering to have my pictures discussed and critiqued.
airfrogusmc
Veteran
Me too....
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
The problem is that I don't always reciprocate - offering my opinion is equally as important as being offered opinions! So I can't complain too loud if nobody comments on my pictures.
OurManInTangier
An Undesirable
I think that's the healthy view to take when showing any images on line.
However, as I'm asking for some clarification, from those who are saying that the majority of images in this thread are poor or at least not 'street,' as to what does and doesn't work and more importantly why; I thought it best to offer myself as a volunteer and for any others. Some people may feel unnecessarily picked upon if their images are disparagingly commented on as was suggested earlier in the thread.
It seems we have at least four or five contributors to this thread who are willing to have their pictures discussed with these points in mind.
Again, I'm not looking to start an angry exchange or to seek praise but to find out what people believe this genre to be - something that many seem to have a very different opinion on from a seemly rigid and tight definition to something that encompasses far more.
With the number of 'Is street dead?' type threads it may be of interest to see what defines 'street' in the minds of the membership.
paulfish4570
Veteran
shoot, anyone can say anything about the pitiful "street" photos i have offered in this thread. bring it ...
oh yeah, i shoot film with simple, inexpensive gear, and digital with an x100, which i guess is kind of mid-range price-wise ...
oh yeah, i shoot film with simple, inexpensive gear, and digital with an x100, which i guess is kind of mid-range price-wise ...
Michael Markey
Veteran
Yes , always good to see other examples of how it should be done.
erikhaugsby
killer of threads
You're right. I know that I've levied some criticism on your photos but - in line with your second point - haven't exactly posited my opinions on how they/street-photography-in-general is / how it can be improved.
So, to wit, street photography is to me the epitome of recognising banality. But in being so I see it elevated far above banality: for whatever reason we have decided that whatever banality we see ought to be remembered. What we do is about far more than the specific images that we develop, what we do is about far more than the specific people whose images we take.
What I do is about me. What I do is for far more than just me. What I do, what we do, what you do, is not some magnificent world-shaking event that deserves to be shouted from the heavens. What I do is indulgent but at the same time selfless. It is both telling others what I think is important, as well as inviting others to consider what they think is important.
There are many historical newspapers who titled themselves "[something] Mirror." There are two traditional reasons for the usage of the word "Mirror:" the first was a statement that some newspaper stood to oppose the values and opinions of opposing extant newspapers, and the second is that some newspapers stood to reflect the opinions of their constituency so that said constituency would evaluate themselves and their opinions. I count myself within the latter category: I reveal myself through my work, yes, but at the same time hope that I tell people about themselves.
But regardless of what anybody else thinks, I find that I learn about myself by looking back on how I photograph. A picture is tangible, an impermeable statement about my behaviour as it once existed. By looking at it I can perhaps try to understand what I thought when I took it and therefore understand how I was and maybe extrapolate to how I am.
Addy101
Well-known
I like your your balanced view. I like the way you try to educate people to better their pictures, give them pointers.... Oh wait, you only complained about others without giving any insight. Missed opportunity. You probably don't think this picture is worth of this thread, but I post it anyway so you can critique it:Probably come from the same background.
Look, I understand this “philosophy”.
Yes, collecting cameras, sometimes taking is for a little walk, even shoot something in the process. Friends-collectors will do the same. Then later exchange positive comments, everybody comes home happy.
The fact that successful, beautiful, interesting gracious picture did not even conceive to exist - does not bother anybody. Nice camera, nice lenses, what else is needed?
I understand it, but do not subscribe to this point of view. Sorry.
Sparrow
Veteran
... I'm still happy to learn where I'm going wrong too
airfrogusmc
Veteran
Not hard to find where the bar has been set. Bresson, Robert Frank, Winogrand, Meyerowitz Boogie, Ricky Powell, Bruce Davidson, Jill Freedman, Mary Ellen Mark, Walker Evans, Roy DeCarava and many others that have set the standard. The question is can you take all of that, mix it up and make it your own?
I do see a lot of street work (not necessarily here, I actually like a lot of what i see in this thread) with no rhyme or reason, shot from a block away with long lenses and those shots are just random shots of people not knowing they are getting their pictures taken. THose images I refer to have no regard to the basic visuals that go into any good work.
MIkhail
-
I believe, one must know the achievements of the best people in a field, of course.
But, in my opinion, that is even more necessary to know the path that’s already taken, so that you try and find your own. There is no point to replicate Winogrand, even if you can do it better, which is difficult. Instead one should find his own niche. That is my strong believe.
As far as where you find inspiration, I can only share what I do. I go to library and get albums of Picasso, Goya, Brugel, .Magritte. And flip thru it again and again.. You get the idea. This is where source of harmony is. This is the language one needs to learn before opens his mouse to speak. That’s all.
MIkhail
-
Yeah... Right.
rhl-oregon
Cameras Guitars Wonders
Meanwhile lots of folks continue living on and off the streets, and some are grateful to know their struggle is being witnessed and shared, and care not a whit whether photographers are arguing over what constitutes capital V Vision or little c cliche.
Thanks, Stewart, for providing a thread where all persuasions of street vision are welcome without acrimony. Let critique be as beautiful and invincible as human reason at its best, or at least witty and precise and untinged by ad hominem ambush, not vague nor ideological nor sniffy nor snarky.
Thanks, Stewart, for providing a thread where all persuasions of street vision are welcome without acrimony. Let critique be as beautiful and invincible as human reason at its best, or at least witty and precise and untinged by ad hominem ambush, not vague nor ideological nor sniffy nor snarky.
airfrogusmc
Veteran
I think I said this very clearly;
"The question is can you take all of that, mix it up and make it your own? "
Michael Markey
Veteran
Thank you ... I`m aware of those but the comment was aimed at the detractors on this thread.
All we have heard so far is a few generalisations
Initially that there was nothing happening on the street and now that what is posted here is more concerned with camera collecting and lens testing.
Finally there has been a wilful misreading of your post as you have helpfully pointed out.
I was offering Mr Hail an opportunity to illustrate his contentions by
showing us his own examples.
Sparrow
Veteran
shiro_kuro
Charles Bowen
lynnb
Veteran
Meanwhile lots of folks continue living on and off the streets, and some are grateful to know their struggle is being witnessed and shared, and care not a whit whether photographers are arguing over what constitutes capital V Vision or little c cliche.
Nice photo Robert - not everyone may appreciate the significance of that sign - the reference is to Hooverville (whether by accident or design).