Reach out to good taste...
"...no heart, no head and no hand."
15 November 2008
Invited guest: Liz Wolfe
Conceptually, I'm interested in creating magical worlds, in exploring things that lie beneath the surface, in constructing false realities in which elements of beauty and horror can comfortably coexist. My images are stylized and incorporate obvious conventions of commercial photography, but underneath the seductive sheen of color and fun, something darker lies in wait.
-invited by Lina Nääs
14 November 2008
13 November 2008
book review: On being a photographer
On being a photographer
David Hurn/Magnum in conversation with Bill Jay
Published by Lenswork Publishing
3rd edition, 2008
ISBN: 971-1-888803-06-8
When this tiny little blue book arrived, I had a quick glance on the contents and I really wondered what I would learn from Davin Hurn, Magnum photographer. I was quickly absorbed by Bill Jay’s way of writing: spot on, a straight forward language that made me read page after page.
Starting with a background of David Hurn, Bill Jay shares some memories when they met the first time and covers the photographic David has done in a few pages before the actual conversation starts.
When reading the book, it feels like I’m sitting in a corner and listening to them both. The interview material with David is carefully handled and the red line is evident.
“A photographer may not just walk the streets but he/she do a lot of walking, with a purpose, so the most important piece of equipment after the camera is a good pair of shoes. A writer can do a lot of work from a hotel room but a photographer has to be there, so he/she is in for a hell of a lot hiking.” says Hurn, and I start to think of all the shoes he must have worn out.
Then he continues: “Photographers should not put pictures in a box under their beds and be the only ones that see them. If they put film in their cameras it presupposes that they want to record what they see and show somebody else. Photography is about communication.” – couldn’t agree more, David! After a couple of chapters covering how to select a subject, shooting a single picture, creating contacts, I find myself almost being a part of the conversation, I agree and I disagree and my mind is challenged by their discussion. It’s very refreshing and increases my appetite for photography. I’m also delighted to read about the dedication and passion that Hurn show for his profession.
“As a general guide I would guess that for a seven-picture essay I would shoot 20 – 30 cassettes of 36-exposure 35mm film. A single, exhibition-quality image probably occurs every say, 100 films. For what it is worth”- Hurn.
It’s notable that his success is based on hard work, lots of talent, and a critical attitude. Hurn shares his thoughts about simple things such clothes, how to be dressed smart and be able to take pictures whether you’re in a slum or attending wealthy party and how polite manner opens up new doors.
It’s a book about photography but without photographs – sadly enough. Some photographs by David Hurn would have been appreciated, especially in the first part of the book that covers his career. Still this is a great book that I’ll go back to more than once. If you get your hands on it, grab it and read it!
12 November 2008
11 November 2008
All Saints Day/PL
"Everybody who's alive rushes to the cementaries today" have said one of the journalists the 1st of November few years ago. It is true, no matter how abstract it sounds. This social ritual changes a bit every year...
10 November 2008
09 November 2008
Young lady Nääs and the Chick with the Chess-board
This friday I visited Lina Nääs' exibition in Karlstad, Sweden. I wish you all could do the same. Amazing photos and paintings!
Invited Guest: Natalia Skobeeva
Russian born Natalia Skobeeva came to the UK in 2004 after spending the previous years in Russia, Belgium, Luxembourg, US and Bulgaria. Having obtained her first degree MA in History, Natalia is finding her path in photography working with vintage photographic techniques and cameras, tackling the themes of identity and belonging. She has recently graduated from Central St Martins College of Art and Design postgraduate certificate photography course.
I photograph “emotional algebra”. This series of cyanotypes is about lost and found identities in the times that passed or stayed. I search for truth and understanding, for the reasons and consequences, inside and outside. I am trying to portrait the psychological states, the inner worlds in which we chose to live or sometimes hide in. I wish to speak about loneliness, sadness, happiness, despair, ecstasy, courage and puzzles of life that do or do not come together.
My models might be lost in time, space or within themselves but I do believe in the happy ending.
Natalia has an upcoming solo exhibition at the Viewfinder Photography Gallery, Linear House, Greenwich in London between 21st November 2008-4th January 2009
More of Natalia's work can be found on her website
Photos by Natalia Skobeeva
Invited by Darren Hepburn
08 November 2008
viva LF, viva mistakes
As some experienced photographers says medium format is too slow I decided to go into 4x5".
For over a month I was waiting for new camera, finally this happy moment came true and I made first 3 pictures. As I am completly new to LF cameras all was bit strange, starting from the opening of the body. Possibilities that gives LF camera (tilts, shifts etc) are just overwhleming and of course I wanted to use them just now. So I did, maximal tilt, thanx which you may see the vigniete at the bottom and beautifully sharp..Staszek's hairs. Finally I went to darkroom and again faced some problems making there several heavy mistakes (too less developer in new tank, which was noticed like a minut later). It resulted with the darker horizontal stripes in the upper part and weeping on the wall. I won't even mention problems with drying the sheets...
The result you may see above, suppose to be tragic, but...I find it magic. It all came naturaly in the analogue proces (charged with mistakes), and I am sure some of those mistakes I will repeat in the future.
Now imagine how much I'd sweat trying to make it in PS :)
Credits to Staszek, Ann Texter and Jeanne Wells
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