Wayne Miller – In Memoriam (#312) 05-29-13

Well, it's Wednesday, and here is a missive about someone else. A very accomplished someone else, who has left us. Not a street photographer per se, he was a student of human beings, and the human condition.

Photographer Wayne Miller recently passed away. So, who was he? Miller was (among many other things) an associate curator for The Family of Man exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art in 1955. His ex-navy boss, Edward Steichen put together 503 photographs from 68 countries, in an attempt to explore the universality of human experience. Read about it HERE.

Wayne Miller summed up his personal aspirations, "To photograph mankind, and explain man to man." Read about his career HERE.

Within the above brief article is an 8 minute video that chronicles Wayne Miller's vision and accomplishments. It is worth the view.

Enjoy. Thanks for being here.

Bob

Names, Names, Names (#311) 05-28-13

Tobi, who was yesterday's post, had three other young folks with her. No, her boyfriend was not one of them. Their names are Cienna, Konan, and Kelso. Now, can you guess which one is male? Here they are, in order.

A woman named Konan? It sounds just like Conan, as in Conan the Barbarian.

What's going on in this world? What ever happened to Susan, Linda, and Billy?

Bob

Tobi (#310) 05-27-13

Tobi was with a few friends in a shaded doorway. Her blond hair really popped out of the dark background, so I introduced myself and asked. All giggled a bit, and agreed. When Tobi told me her name, I asked, "T-O-B-I?" She said yes, and almost nobody gets it right. I just assumed that Toby, with a Y, would be a guy.

Suddenly she stood up, looked across the street and said,"Where's my f**king boyfriend?"

Indeed!

My knee-jerk tendency was to jump up and say, "Yeah, where the f**k ARE you?"

But I resisted that urge and just clicked the camera several times. And I like the result. I feel like I'm looking into her inner thoughts.

But we never did see her boyfriend.

Bob

William Re-Do (#309) 05-25-13

William was sitting on a curb, in front of parked cars. He was weaving something out of palm fronds. I introduced myself and asked what that art form was called. He said that he just called it palm weaving. OK! I told him that I had seen only a few people doing that in Sarasota and only one in Venice, but there were LOTS of palm weavers in Savannah. He had heard that.

William is homeless, but he would much rather make a few dollars producing crosses and roses, that beg for money. This way he can pay his own way into a shelter each night. William said that he is 'clean', no booze or drugs, and not many homeless can say that.

I had the feeling of deja vous, but I just couldn't put my finger on it. William needed some dental work, and the defects were quite characteristic. Suddenly, I said "I know, you've lost a lot of weight". He beamed, and said that he had been exercising and dieting. The thought of a homeless person on a diet is an anathema to me. But he seemed quite proud, and happy about it.

And I had photographed him about a year ago.

Quite a difference.

Bob

Adam and Noah at The Coffee Shop (#308) 05-24-13

My favorite stranger hunting ground in Sarasota, is Pastry Art. Several tables outside are under cover, the light is almost always good. The coffee is pretty good and the staff is friendly.

As I approached it, a rugged looking guy was at a table with a woman with faux red hair. She caught my eye and I had to give it a try. If I had approached them from the sidewalk (the obvious direction), I would be shooting toward the bright street. So I went into the street and addressed them with dark storefronts behind – a decent background.

As I spoke, and "asked a favor", I alternated looking at each one in the eye. The lady slowly shook her head no, Adam was noncommittal. After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly said OK, without a hint of a smile. I got a few shots and then turned to the lady , raising my eyebrows. She shook her head no. Oh well...

So I went inside for a cup of Joe, to drown my sorrows. Noah came to take my order, but immediately started asking questions about my camera. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 has a retro look that looked 'cool' to him. His sister recently gave him a Canon DSLR and he is developing an interest in photography. I showed him the Oly and my MOO card. He loved the stranger photography and gladly agreed to be photographed.

Bob

Brandon Stanton (Humans of New York) on How Our Worldview is Negatively Affected by Good Stories (#307) 05-22-13

Wednesday again, my images get a rest.

A few months ago on this blog, I linked to a fascinating project called Humans of New York (HONY). Photographer, Brandon Stanton walks several miles per day through the streets of New York, photographing interesting people. Usually he gets a pithy statement from the subject. Each day, I see several Facebook posts that are VERY entertaining. See it HERE.

Last October, Brandon gave a TED lecture about how the media (mis)shapes our worldview. This is not a surprise to many, but Brandon's perspective is fresh, and fairly unique. I classify the this video is easy listening and informative. It lasts about 16 minutes, so please grab a cup of Joe and enjoy yourself.

Bob

Good Musicians, Not-So-Good Location (#306) 05-12-13

Main St. In Downtown Ft. Myers is a bit of a misnomer. It is called Main St., but it is not the MAIN street. First St. Is, and it is one short block away. But if you are street musicians playing on Main St., First Street is a LOOONG block away.

I saw Joe and Carl on a Main St. Corner, I forget which one. One of them had a guitar. I did not keep notes – I don't remember what instrument the other had. But Joe's small white beard caught my eye, so I asked for portraits. No problem.

When I got a good look at the images on the computer, I was disappointed in Joe's, but there is something in Carl's eyes that I did not see at the time. And I like it.

Like realtors say, the value of property is based on three things, location, location, location. Good luck, Joe and Carl, because I don't think that you have it.

Bob

Melissa, Cliche' Version or Impromptu? (#305) 05-20-13

I met Melissa with two other young folks (later post) in St. Perersburg. As usual, I tried for a genuine expression, not a cliche' camera smile. Two images look sort of like this.

Certainly unconventional, but it is a bit unique and authentic. This certainly does not look contrived. So I posted this on the Fred Miranda People Forum, which is a VERY vibrant and active community. See it HERE.

This is a comment that I received, "I don't want to hurt your feelings, but it's a very unflattering photo of a pretty girl". I replied that my feelings are never hurt by thoughtful sincere comments, and then went on to explain the objective of my project (and this blog).

The face is our window to the world, and it reflects our inner selves. Carl Sandburg wrote, "Often the faces speak what words can never say". What better way to look for story in this world than to examine faces? But to reflect our inner selves, our facial expression needs to be genuine, authentic, not contrived and artificial. The classic camera 'say cheese' smile is artificial. It may be pretty, or handsome, but it is not a reflection of who we really are.

Fine art photographer, Paul Capronigro, said, "It's one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it's another thing to make a portrait of who they are." Well, I do not profess for one millisecond to be able to show who someone is in a portrait. But I endeavor to show one small aspect of, one glimpse into, a person's personality, a person's individuality. And this facial gesture may not be flattering in a classic sense. But if you believe that humans are unique and interesting, it won't be unflattering either.

Bob

Switching Gear(s) – Nikon to Olympus (#304) 05-19-13

Yes, after several years of using a Nikon DSLR with the bevvy of heavy lenses, it's time to make a change. I now have, and use, an Olympus OM-D E-M5, a micro 4/3 setup. The impetus is size and weight. I don't print real large or endeavor to produce "fine art" (whatever that is). The micro 4/3 sensor is plenty large enough to make 13X19 prints and do anything on the web. Read about the camera HERE.

The lenses are also MUCH smaller than those for a DSLR, so traveling should be much easier.

After 10 days of use, there are two unintended benefits, for me. First, the camera has a retro look, sort of like the film cameras of 30 years ago. Several strangers have asked about it, so it has become a topic of conversation.

Second, it not only features live view, but the LCD tilts both up and down. I am now doing a little classic candid street photography. When shooting with the small camera at waist, or mid-thigh level, no one seems to pay attention. Or get upset. Here are a few candid shots that I got at a Farmer's market in St. Petersburg. Of course, I will not be posting those images on this blog, as permission is not obtained.

All good things much occasionally change.

Bob

Kat, Heathyre, and William (#303) 05-18-13

While walking in downtown Ft. Myers, I felt lucky for having photographed a few interesting strangers. My luck was about to improve. I saw three young people on the steps of an art center, two were in costume. Kat explained that they were models for Dr. Sketchy of SW Florida, an alternative art movement. Read about it HERE.

Kat has an interesting Facebook page. See it HERE. Notice the profile image :-)

Accompanying her was Heathyre (pronounced Heather), and William.

As a retired Senior Citizen, I never would have met interesting, young folks without the unusual hobby of photographing strangers.

Bob

Jimmy and His Twelve String (#302) 05-17-13

First St. In Historic Downtown Ft. Myers has several blocks of stores, eateries, and watering holes. The Law Offices of Avery Whigham & Winesett sticks out like a sore thumb. The architecture is decidedly staid and conservative. This was NOT the kind of place to find a busker. But almost every time I passed this building, there was a 12 string guitar player sitting on the steps with a jar on the sidewalk. So, I had to meet him.

About three years ago, Jimmy approached Mr. Winesett and asked if he could use the steps as his "stage" The reply was "sure, it may keep the skateboarders away". Jimmy now feels that it's his duty to shoo off kids on skateboards.

People passing by have been so nice and supportive. Many months ago his guitar was stolen. A 'regular', who passed every every day befriended Jimmy and gave him a 12 string for free. Pretty nice! I don't know how much harder it is to play a 12 string than a six string guitar, but Jimmy's tunes sound pretty good to me!

A painter once created a portrait of Jimmy while playing on "his" steps. The painting hangs in a coffee shop across the street.

It's nice to be a busker with a private studio.

Bob

Eric (#301) 05-16-13

The Kentucky Derby on Saturday, and then Cinco de Mayo on Sunday – what a weekend! During the Race on Saturday, Barbara and I ate at Ford's Garage in Ft. Myers. We each played a restaurant game, guessing which horse would win, etc. Barbara guessed the horse that placed, and won a $10 gift certificate! We would be leaving in two days, so on the afternoon of Cinco de Mayo, we went back to Ford's for a desert.

Now after that preamble, I went stranger hunting early that evening. Not too difficult to find strangers on Cinco de Mayo. And some were stranger than others. My eye was caught by a young man wearing an Ivy Cap, but he was walking away, on a cross street. A few minutes later, there he was, heading my way. When I feel that divine providence has intervened, it is imperative that I act. So I approached him and asked for a portrait. He was eager.

Eric moved from New Hampshire within the past year. He now works in the kitchen at Ford's Garage. When I explained that Barbara and I had eaten a desert there a couple of hours ago, he immediately asked what time, and what we each had. Eric beamed, and said that he had prepared Barbara's dish. He loves working there, as do most of the employees. I felt that while eating. The restaurant feels like one big party, and the workers are participants.

Eric needed to connect, was in no hurry to end the conversation. Clearly, he got as much out of the encounter as I. Nice.

And, I like his cool cap.​

Bob

More about Story in Photography - Scott Bourne (#300) 05-15-13

But first, I have to point out a minor milestone: blog post #300. For me, that's a bunch. I thank you for being here. Please contact me with ideas for future content. I want to provide material that will bring you back from time to time. :-)

Now, it's a Wednesday, so I'll show some thoughts of Scott Bourne of Photofocus. See Photofocus HERE.

Scott Bourne is not particularly a portrait photographer, his passion is wildlife and cars. But a recent blog post is about story in photography, and relates to all genre. It is entitled, "Ten Tricks to Telling More Stories With Your Camera. See it HERE.

Tip #1 resonates with me, "1. Make sure you admire the subject of your story. You don’t have to like them (it helps) but you have to admire them. "

Surely in portraiture this is true. Whether it be strangers met on the street, or a professional studio session, having a true interest in your subject can bring out gestures that imply stories. No "Say cheese" please!

Now, about loving your subject, I came across this journal entry by Ansel Adams:

"It was one of those mornings when the sunlight is burnished with a keen wind and long feathers of cloud move in a lofty sky. The silver light turned every blade of grass and every particle of sand into a luminous metallic splendor".

Did Ansel Adams admire his subject? Are his prints filled with story?

Bob

Kristen (#299) 05-14-13

Cinco de Mayo. Could there be a better day to hunt for strangers to photograph? First St. In Ft. Myers was closed to cars, and packed by pedestrians. On a corner was a well dressed, attractive young lady with a microphone, in front of a substantial video camera. She had the appearance of a TV reporter, but there was no identification on the camera – unusual for TV.

I waited patiently for her to be alone, and apparently not busy. When I approached her and explained my project (and intention), she seemed surprised and quite shy, also unusual for a reporter. But sure enough, she was reporting for WINK, the local CBS affiliate. See her bio HERE.

Most images were of the professional smile variety. Fortunately, on burst mode I caught a couple like this.

The cameraman was Adam, who seemed to be enjoying the event, and was very comfortable in front of the camera.

​Nice do work with Pros!

Bob

Greg and Dan, Doing What They Were Told (#298) 05-13-13

I was finished photographing Susan and Angie (post #296), and we were talking about this photographic project. Suddenly, Susan whirled around, pointed, and said, "photograph them!). Two young men stopped in their tracks. I assumed that Susan knew them, but no, she was just doing my work. Anyway, Greg and Dan did what they were told, and stopped. :-).

They were visiting the area from Philadelphia, and they LOVED Punta Gorda. They were excited that later that day, there was to be a Block Party, almost where we were standing. And, both Greg and Dan thought that the stranger photography project was cool; both took a MOO card with my e-mail, etc.

That they were having a good time registered on their faces – they just couldn't stop smiling. Thanks, Greg and Dan, for stopping and allowing me to photograph you. And most of all, thanks for doing what you were told!

Bob

100 Strangers Interview – Poupetta (#297) 05-12-12

Every few months, the 100 Strangers flickr group has an interview with one of it's senior members. The recent interview is with Poupetta, who is on her way to photographing 500 strangers. Impressive! Poupetta is a flickr profile name, I know nothing more than that.

Anyway, her images and stories are wonderful, and she is well known to the flickr community. Poupetta is a true "people person", and her portraits reflect that. It is an easy read, and I encourage you to check it out. See it HERE.


Enjoy.

Bob

The Sisters (#296) 05-10-13

I was about to photograph in a new location, Punta Gorda, FL. The light was particularly bright and harsh, so I looked not for people, but a location with subdued, reflected light. An alleyway between two buildings fit the bill, and a faux arbor at one end looked like a great background. So using the philosophy, "build the stage and the players will come", I waited for pedestrians.

Two women approached, and I later learned that they were sisters. I spoke with Susan first. She seemed surprised and delighted with the prospect of being photographed, making a few mock movie-starlet poses. She LOVED the idea of the project and readily took my MOO card, with e-mail address, flickr Photostream, etc.

Angie also liked the idea and was just a bit more reserved. She is from Punta Gorda, while Susan was visiting from Cape Coral, 20 miles south.

In selecting the site, I was correct about the reflected light. The arbor in the background, however, was useless. I would have needed a much longer lens to make good use of it. And then, I would have had to stand in the middle of a busy street. Not a good thing.

Bob

Francine and Her "Frenchies" (#295) 05-09-13

While having lunch at the Collier Inn, Useppa Island, Francine was our waitress. Her hair could not go unnoticed, as she had two "knots", where braids might be. I told her that her hair intrigued me and asked for a portrait. When I explained my photographic project, she was interested and very supportive. I gave her a MOO card with this blog url, etc.

She was born in the Bronx, and lived there for 26 years. Francine has worked on Useppa Island for 1 1/2 years, which is longer than you might think. Although tropical and beautiful, it IS an island, and employees live there in relative isolation. An interesting lifestyle, but not for everyone.

She calls her hair knots "Frenchies". When considering a point of view for photographing, I avoided straight on, as the Frenchies were not symmetrical on this day.

Some people compare the style to that of Princess Leia, of Star Wars fame. But Francine pointed out that the style is quite different.

As Princess Leia's fame was over 30 years ago, memories have probably dulled a bit.

Bob

How to Direct people When Making Street Portraits – Eric Kim (#294) 05-08-13

Holy cow, another week has gone by, it's Wednesday again. The day to look at someone else's work. Last Wednesday, I referenced a two year old blog post By street photographer, Eric Kim. As luck would have it, his post several days ago is also VERY poignant. It is entitled, "How to Direct Your Subjects When Shooting Street Portraits". I am not attempting to be Eric Kim's agent, but I can hardly think of a more timely topic. His article is HERE.

Within the article is a six minute video in which Kim interacts with strangers. It is fun.

Enjoy.

Bob

John (#293) 05-07-13

John was sitting alone on a park bench, looking rather forlorn. When I approached him and asked for a photograph, he shrugged and said OK. I knelt down in front of him, and he began to talk. A lot. He needed to talk, and I came along at the right time.

John had served with the Marines, in Viet Nam. He was assigned to a helicopter unit with Pvt Mike Clausen, who later got the Metal of Honor. John said that Mike survived Viet nam, but was later in a severe car accident stateside. Thirty years later, he died of complications of the accident, in 2004.

John is now homeless. After a rehearsed spiel, he asked for a small financial "favor", so that he could afford lunch. I am always prepared for such things and gave him a few dollars.

I was a bit skeptical about the story, so I Googled Mike Clausen. Indeed, Raymond Michael Clausen received the Metal of Honor. Almost everything that John said is correct. See it HERE.

It makes one think about a person's life history, and how a veteran becomes homeless.

Bob