Featured Photographer review with Gabi Ben Avraham, Tel Aviv, Israel
Dear friends and readers!
Our next featured photo review takes us to Israel, but for being more precisely to Cuba actually, where Gabi Ben Avraham indulge his passion for street photography. We're enchanted by his documentary street photographs, full of vibrant colors and great contrasts, they providing valuable insight in Cuba‘s everyday life. Enjoy reading! Stefan Cimer editor
Gabi Ben Avraham, Street Photographer based in Tel Aviv.
Photography is a passion form me. It‘s my way to look at the world around me. Street photography in particular, is my favorite genre. The street is not a studio. Sometimes I'm just standing and waiting for things to converge. Through the lens of my camera I‘m constantly looking around me, searching for the decisive moment that won‘t return, to capture.
I am inspired by what I see, hear or even smell on the street, I absorb the images and let them leave
I have just returned from Cuba and working on my second Cuba series currently
Those who visit Cuba experience a strong feeling of travelling in time, of people living in a bubble disconnected from the Western world as we know it.
Cuba: far from abundance and comfort, distant from the mighty communication industry and the consuming culture, they live the human side of life as opposed to the industrial and mechanical side.
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We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators - 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer - A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order - This is a NON-profit initiative! For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015 or Willem JONKERS blog: We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
I believe one must find the place where he feels the most comfortable. For me it is the street…
I am excited to wander through the streets towards my new adventure. It changes constantly: situations, people, and light
Street photography is very dynamic and therefore interesting. I wait for things to happen and they always do…
I try to achieve photographs which are a combination of the ‘decisive’ moment with mixed-context and a feeling of surrealistic disorientation
Cuba: communication is face to face, people are outside, in the street most of the time
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iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
Cuba: there are very poor resources, everything crumbles
I try to make the spectator uncertain of the familiar and create a new vision of reality…
There is always a story to catch. The street is not a studio
Cuba: this is their world and they live it to the limit
Forgotten, transparent people in urban surroundings are being granted their moment of grace
On street things change constantly: situation, people, and light. It is very dynamic and therefore interesting
Cuba: nonetheless, they seems strong and maintain their ‘joie de vivre’
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You have a photo / art exhibition or a project to get started? EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising! We're publishing featured interviews, photo reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base. Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website. We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content. The best thing is: it's all FREE for you! INTERESTED? Contact us: [email protected]
Please visit Gabi Ben Avraham‘s websites:
http://www.gabibest.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Gabibabest https://www.facebook.com/streetworld His Cuba series: http://www.gabibest.com/cuba_2012_bw.html You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
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EYE-Photo magazine and Urban Street Photography proudly presenting the best cover photos of Urban Street Photography group, July 2015, featuring photographer:
|
•Alexander Merc
•Antonio E. Ojeda •Arman Tzcan •Bert Snijder •Christian Barroso •Christian Nilsson •Christophe Mousset •Daniel Antunes •Dominic Meily •Go Muroiwa •Guido Fua •Ilan Burla •Johnny Yim •Jpedro Martins •Julie Krebs von Halling •Le Tanguerrant •Lev Tsimring •Luca Pasqualini •Mariana Maodus |
•Mike Heard
•Molly Porter •Nidal Jenaiah •Paolo Verdarelli •Pawel Gaik •Philip Cleminson •Piotr Krzyzanowski •Roberto Bon •Sagnik Datta •Shuvarthy Chowdhury •Steven Gonzalez •Subhrajit Sinha •Titti Dufva •Tomaz Jakhel •Toncheetah Zagabria •Veronica Gimenez •Yasar Koc |
You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
Would you like to participate?
Please join the growing community of
Urban Street Photography
and show us your BEST
street photographs!
We are looking forward to see you there!
Please join the growing community of
Urban Street Photography
and show us your BEST
street photographs!
We are looking forward to see you there!
Interview with Nikola Olic, Dallas USA
Nikola Olic's fantastic photographic visions and work is a combination of architecture and abstract fine art photography.
The award winning photographer is our guest in our 8th issue of 'Featured Photographer Interview'.
Please join us on this captivating and varied voyage full of stunning structures and amazing architecture.
Enjoy reading!
Yours,
Stefan Cimer
(editor)
The award winning photographer is our guest in our 8th issue of 'Featured Photographer Interview'.
Please join us on this captivating and varied voyage full of stunning structures and amazing architecture.
Enjoy reading!
Yours,
Stefan Cimer
(editor)
Nikola, I shall begin by saying thank you for taking your time to giving us the opportunity for this interview
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
I was born and raised in Serbia and had moved to the United States in 1992.
Influenced by my dad who was a proliferate photographer, I had a camera by
my side through childhood, documenting events, hobbies and people around
me. Traveling around United States helped feed the curiosity about city design,
urban development and architecture, how it shaped cities and our relationships with them. From that interest came the latest series of photographs, focusing on abstract representations of immovable large structures around us.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
I was born and raised in Serbia and had moved to the United States in 1992.
Influenced by my dad who was a proliferate photographer, I had a camera by
my side through childhood, documenting events, hobbies and people around
me. Traveling around United States helped feed the curiosity about city design,
urban development and architecture, how it shaped cities and our relationships with them. From that interest came the latest series of photographs, focusing on abstract representations of immovable large structures around us.
What is photography for you?
An enjoyable, meaningful, invigorating way to think about the world a round me, and take its intellectual and aesthetic measure.
An enjoyable, meaningful, invigorating way to think about the world a round me, and take its intellectual and aesthetic measure.
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
I was surrounded with photography, both from my father’s and brother’s side, since early childhood. In the United States, it was a useful companion as I traveled and explored and got to know the continent. Switching to a DSLR about 2 years ago helped propel my interest in architectural and abstract photography
I was surrounded with photography, both from my father’s and brother’s side, since early childhood. In the United States, it was a useful companion as I traveled and explored and got to know the continent. Switching to a DSLR about 2 years ago helped propel my interest in architectural and abstract photography
Nikola, your focus is on architectural and abstract photography. How much does your equipment help you to execute your artistic vision?
Equipment I use is very simple and not quite on the cutting edge. I try to combine patience and opportunism to get good angle and lights for my shots. If I have good light and some time to study the space, I can be happy with the photograph with a 10y old DSLR. albeit, resolution can be an issue for bigger prints. I have learned that recently.
Equipment I use is very simple and not quite on the cutting edge. I try to combine patience and opportunism to get good angle and lights for my shots. If I have good light and some time to study the space, I can be happy with the photograph with a 10y old DSLR. albeit, resolution can be an issue for bigger prints. I have learned that recently.
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iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
Seeing your remarkable work, I'm wondering which kind of photography characterizes you most?
Architectural and abstract photography is to me interesting and warm and multidimensional and a potent spectrum through which to think about space and shapes and colors and our own living spaces. So in terms of popular strains of photography, I would say architectural and/or abstract photography.
Architectural and abstract photography is to me interesting and warm and multidimensional and a potent spectrum through which to think about space and shapes and colors and our own living spaces. So in terms of popular strains of photography, I would say architectural and/or abstract photography.
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the scene until you showcase the developed picture?
Interesting architecture comes about usually from exploration, although sometimes aided by preparation and internet building databases and city guides and the like. I try to secure a significant uninterrupted block of time when meeting a building for the first time, usually starting with just staring at the building and enjoy the freshness and the ideas that come to mind, like smelling a new flower. You have to stop and smell the architectural flower :) Soon after I am clicking away, looking for angles and seeing what is the extreme to which I can take certain angles, and I spend a lot of time fine-tuning shots moving a few feet at a time, studying the results. Finally, I might consult web apps to help me with sun angles and shadows, so I can come back at a different time and get better light and more options.
Interesting architecture comes about usually from exploration, although sometimes aided by preparation and internet building databases and city guides and the like. I try to secure a significant uninterrupted block of time when meeting a building for the first time, usually starting with just staring at the building and enjoy the freshness and the ideas that come to mind, like smelling a new flower. You have to stop and smell the architectural flower :) Soon after I am clicking away, looking for angles and seeing what is the extreme to which I can take certain angles, and I spend a lot of time fine-tuning shots moving a few feet at a time, studying the results. Finally, I might consult web apps to help me with sun angles and shadows, so I can come back at a different time and get better light and more options.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
As you can see on my website, my portfolio is very small, and this is of course on purpose. Of the thousands photographs that I take, less then 30 made it out into the public. In some ways, all of them are my favorites exactly because I had dwell on them for a long time and had decided they are worth sharing. But to answer the question in a meaningful way, my 3 favorite photographs are : Twisted Building, Broken Building and Building With Steps.
As you can see on my website, my portfolio is very small, and this is of course on purpose. Of the thousands photographs that I take, less then 30 made it out into the public. In some ways, all of them are my favorites exactly because I had dwell on them for a long time and had decided they are worth sharing. But to answer the question in a meaningful way, my 3 favorite photographs are : Twisted Building, Broken Building and Building With Steps.
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
My instincts got better at figuring out if some new visual space has potential. This helps spend time on smarter things. Stylistically, I think my photographs are becoming simpler to describe and write about, which is a tendency I think I like.
My instincts got better at figuring out if some new visual space has potential. This helps spend time on smarter things. Stylistically, I think my photographs are becoming simpler to describe and write about, which is a tendency I think I like.
Are there any photographer how took influence on your photographic work and style?
There are exactly 19 of them. I maintain an active section of my website with my influences, when they lived, where they worked, and a few of their well known photographs. It helps me think about photography and think about what I am doing with it and why. It is great to discover new photographers, be it in a blog, a website, or while browsing architecture books at a local library.
There are exactly 19 of them. I maintain an active section of my website with my influences, when they lived, where they worked, and a few of their well known photographs. It helps me think about photography and think about what I am doing with it and why. It is great to discover new photographers, be it in a blog, a website, or while browsing architecture books at a local library.
Advertising
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be pre-selected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group:
We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group:
We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
You're indeed quite successful with your work, appearing in galleries across the US but also in Europe. What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Success can mean a lot of things. I get as happy discovering new photographs from others as I do when I get a good photograph of my own. Photography is alive and vibrant and infinitely unpredictable, as unpredictable as we all are as people and creators and thinkers and artists. Look for others that think about photography in the same way you do: talk with them, offer your ideas, ask your questions, offer your website, offer your photographs. That builds a framework for great fun and great possibilities and great surprises.
Success can mean a lot of things. I get as happy discovering new photographs from others as I do when I get a good photograph of my own. Photography is alive and vibrant and infinitely unpredictable, as unpredictable as we all are as people and creators and thinkers and artists. Look for others that think about photography in the same way you do: talk with them, offer your ideas, ask your questions, offer your website, offer your photographs. That builds a framework for great fun and great possibilities and great surprises.
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
There is still a lot for me to learn and explore and try with my current project called Structure Photography. Its too much fun to start something new for now.
There is still a lot for me to learn and explore and try with my current project called Structure Photography. Its too much fun to start something new for now.
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You have a photo / art exhibition or a project to get started?
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
Nikola, thank you very much for taking your time and let us have your thoughts and views!
Please visit Nikola at: www.structurephotography.org
or contact him at: [email protected]
Please visit Nikola at: www.structurephotography.org
or contact him at: [email protected]
You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
Featured photographer review with Davide Mandolini, Italy
Our next featured photo review takes us to Italy, where young talented photographer Davide Mandolini finds his inspiration areas.
We‘re enchanted by his deep empathetic composition of urban and street moments.
Without further ado, please join us on our next voyage of discovery
We‘re enchanted by his deep empathetic composition of urban and street moments.
Without further ado, please join us on our next voyage of discovery
I was in Venice and I had intentionally lost the direction, I’ve arrived in a street so large with no one around me,
there was only this very old woman that in the middle of those high buildings appeared to be crushed by the
weight of her age.
there was only this very old woman that in the middle of those high buildings appeared to be crushed by the
weight of her age.
I love people, and I love to imagine the stories of the people, where they come from, which are their
passion you know something like that, and I like to look around me and find someone Interesting.
He was the perfect subject.
passion you know something like that, and I like to look around me and find someone Interesting.
He was the perfect subject.
Woman vs Map is the title of this photograph. I was happy to find this woman with this map because it is so
hard to find someone in 2015 with an none virtual map into their mobile devices.
She reminds me to the times where everything possibly wasn’t so difficult but definitely more interesting.
hard to find someone in 2015 with an none virtual map into their mobile devices.
She reminds me to the times where everything possibly wasn’t so difficult but definitely more interesting.
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iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
I love the rain.
When the rain begins to fall, people change their way “of doing”, things and if you
look carefully you can learn who loves the rain and who’s not.
This woman like me loves the rain. I’m sure, as she walked down the street so
slowly tasting the atmosphere with pleasure.
When the rain begins to fall, people change their way “of doing”, things and if you
look carefully you can learn who loves the rain and who’s not.
This woman like me loves the rain. I’m sure, as she walked down the street so
slowly tasting the atmosphere with pleasure.
I captured this photo in Amsterdam, I was just tying up my shoes so I was bent over. I had the camera attached to my neck as I lifted my head and I saw this man with the bike and a businessman with two shopping bags. I quickly took that picture
I just tried to capture the shadows of the couple on the left as the man with the suite stepped into the scene smoking his cigarette
Advertising
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
Reflections are always fascinating me and are directly connected to my passion for rain. Maybe I was lucky to be there in the right moment but I like the idea that if you have the faith the situation reveal to you sooner or later.
As Diane Arbus said "I never got a shot as I wanted: it‘s always become better or worse”.
As Diane Arbus said "I never got a shot as I wanted: it‘s always become better or worse”.
I associate this photo with India. One of my dreams is to go there once. I’m fascinate by the Indian people and their culture. Every time I see someone from India in my city I just have to take their picture. This woman with her child caught my eyes immediately. The scene was so heartwarming so I took the picture.
Please visit Davide Mandolini‘s websites
https://500px.com/davidemandolini
www.facebook.com/isolandphotography
https://500px.com/davidemandolini
www.facebook.com/isolandphotography
You have a photo / art exhibition or a project to get started?
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
Interview with photographer Gerri McLaughlin, Switzerland.
Our seventh featured interview is about a fantastic photographer, a former professional cook and later assistant of Cuban photographer Ismael Lorenzo.
It is a very special honor for me in particular, as I’m following his work for quite a while now!
His photos reflects our everyday life but with a very certain and emphatic perception of the humanity.
Without further ado, please accompany us on our trip through Gerri McLaughlin’s, captivating and stunning visual world.
Enjoy reading!
It is a very special honor for me in particular, as I’m following his work for quite a while now!
His photos reflects our everyday life but with a very certain and emphatic perception of the humanity.
Without further ado, please accompany us on our trip through Gerri McLaughlin’s, captivating and stunning visual world.
Enjoy reading!
Gerri, I was looking forward to do this interview for quite
a while, so I would like to start with saying thank you
for taking your time and giving us the opportunity
for having this interview.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
Thank you Stefan for inviting me. I’m originally
from Glasgow but now living near Basel since 1999. I was
a professional cook until 2009 and for the last 18 months
I have worked for the Cuban photographer Ismael
Lorenzo in his studio as his assistant.
a while, so I would like to start with saying thank you
for taking your time and giving us the opportunity
for having this interview.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
Thank you Stefan for inviting me. I’m originally
from Glasgow but now living near Basel since 1999. I was
a professional cook until 2009 and for the last 18 months
I have worked for the Cuban photographer Ismael
Lorenzo in his studio as his assistant.
What is street photography for you?
Street photography for me is a voyage of self-discovery, in the last three years I have seen different themes develop in my photos that I hadn’t really planned to shoot. The camera tells the story so to speak. I learn a lot about people on the street and also what’s important to me through the lens of my camera. Street photography for me is being present in the moment of The Beautiful Ordinary that is Life.
Street photography for me is a voyage of self-discovery, in the last three years I have seen different themes develop in my photos that I hadn’t really planned to shoot. The camera tells the story so to speak. I learn a lot about people on the street and also what’s important to me through the lens of my camera. Street photography for me is being present in the moment of The Beautiful Ordinary that is Life.
Advertising
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
My first girlfriend studied photography and through that I learned to be her model in the studio from time to time and it was also my first contact to guys like Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson.
I had a small Ricoh which I used for travelling and I also had a Canon in the 90’s but the cameras came and went as I did other things. It’s only really since 2012 I got serious about taking pictures. I bought a second hand 5D and took a course with Ismael to learn to use it, from there I decided it would be Street Photography for me.
My first girlfriend studied photography and through that I learned to be her model in the studio from time to time and it was also my first contact to guys like Kertesz and Cartier-Bresson.
I had a small Ricoh which I used for travelling and I also had a Canon in the 90’s but the cameras came and went as I did other things. It’s only really since 2012 I got serious about taking pictures. I bought a second hand 5D and took a course with Ismael to learn to use it, from there I decided it would be Street Photography for me.
Gerri, I've browsed through your fantastic work and found a lot of street portraits among your other motifs. Would you say that street portraits characterize your work most?
It’s certainly a big part of what I do, Basel is quite a small city so I am fairly visible on the street so I got to know quite a few people there too.
Sometimes I take a shot or Two sometimes we just talk or share a coffee, many of the portraits were taken just by waiting for the person to look at me, I’m
drawn to people who stand out a little from the crowd and sometimes people
seem to look right at me when they see the camera!
It’s certainly a big part of what I do, Basel is quite a small city so I am fairly visible on the street so I got to know quite a few people there too.
Sometimes I take a shot or Two sometimes we just talk or share a coffee, many of the portraits were taken just by waiting for the person to look at me, I’m
drawn to people who stand out a little from the crowd and sometimes people
seem to look right at me when they see the camera!
What is it in your subjects that makes you want to capture them?
I find human beings fascinating and long before I had a DSLR I was an avid people watcher, on the tram, in the station, in shops, everywhere in fact. So I am drawn sometimes to those whose seem a little detached from the flow of life or who are perhaps down on their luck. What interests me though is this; is their detachment really their own or a reflection of my own sense of strangeness of being so long away from home. This idea of home and exile is one of my personal themes. So I look for faces which speak to me and perhaps my own sense of loneliness. In the city I see so many people who faces are like a book I would love to read from cover to cover but only have an instant to somehow capture that feeling. I love when I get home and see that maybe just maybe I caught something of that persons story!
I find human beings fascinating and long before I had a DSLR I was an avid people watcher, on the tram, in the station, in shops, everywhere in fact. So I am drawn sometimes to those whose seem a little detached from the flow of life or who are perhaps down on their luck. What interests me though is this; is their detachment really their own or a reflection of my own sense of strangeness of being so long away from home. This idea of home and exile is one of my personal themes. So I look for faces which speak to me and perhaps my own sense of loneliness. In the city I see so many people who faces are like a book I would love to read from cover to cover but only have an instant to somehow capture that feeling. I love when I get home and see that maybe just maybe I caught something of that persons story!
How much does your equipment help you to execute your artistic vision and what kind of equipment are you using?
It’s taken me the last two years just to get comfortable with the cameras I have, I can’t claim to be the most technical of shooters but I realize more and more that a good grasp of the camera in hand allows me to do my thing as well as possible in any given moment. I have a Canon 5D with a 50mm, a 17-40mm and 24-105mm. I also have a Lumix GX7 with a 14-42 on it for more discreet practices! I have a hole in my heart the exact size of a FujiXT1 and when it’s filled I think I will have everything I need :)
It’s taken me the last two years just to get comfortable with the cameras I have, I can’t claim to be the most technical of shooters but I realize more and more that a good grasp of the camera in hand allows me to do my thing as well as possible in any given moment. I have a Canon 5D with a 50mm, a 17-40mm and 24-105mm. I also have a Lumix GX7 with a 14-42 on it for more discreet practices! I have a hole in my heart the exact size of a FujiXT1 and when it’s filled I think I will have everything I need :)
There are portrait photos in your gallery by which your subjects are looking straight into the camera. How much do you interact with your subjects and what kind of reactions do you get?
I tend not to talk too much with my subjects, if I ask them for the shot I just wait till they look straight down the lens and click, then afterwards we can talk a little if necessary. Some of the candids I just focused and waited for their eyes to meet mine! I get lucky too, I would love to be a whole lot braver this year and get right in close to my subjects. I’ve been fortunate not to have had too many bad reactions, sometimes people shout at me, I tend to smile and apologies with a gesture or a quiet word. I always remain polite and courteous and until now I have never had to delete any pictures.
I tend not to talk too much with my subjects, if I ask them for the shot I just wait till they look straight down the lens and click, then afterwards we can talk a little if necessary. Some of the candids I just focused and waited for their eyes to meet mine! I get lucky too, I would love to be a whole lot braver this year and get right in close to my subjects. I’ve been fortunate not to have had too many bad reactions, sometimes people shout at me, I tend to smile and apologies with a gesture or a quiet word. I always remain polite and courteous and until now I have never had to delete any pictures.
You're capturing street photography almost in Black and White. I'm curious, is there any specific reason that led you to process the photos in Black and White?
The first photographs I remember were those small black and white family ones that everyone had and I always loved them. As a young man I came across the work of Weegee and his pictures really nailed my love of black and white. There’s something about black and white for me that is very classic and reminds me of my childhood and the first exhibitions I saw, even the cinematography of great B&W films like Citizen Kane, Night of The Hunter, Touch of Evil etc. So it felt kind of natural to me to process in B&W. I may change as I develop as a photographer but for the moment B&W is where I want to be.
The first photographs I remember were those small black and white family ones that everyone had and I always loved them. As a young man I came across the work of Weegee and his pictures really nailed my love of black and white. There’s something about black and white for me that is very classic and reminds me of my childhood and the first exhibitions I saw, even the cinematography of great B&W films like Citizen Kane, Night of The Hunter, Touch of Evil etc. So it felt kind of natural to me to process in B&W. I may change as I develop as a photographer but for the moment B&W is where I want to be.
Among your works, would you name one as your favorite and why?
I took a picture of a street guy at the Bahnhof in Basel, his name was Marcel and he was the first person I ever asked for a photo, it was a big step for me as a relatively shy person. I was happy with the result and chatting with him I realized I had to overcome my fears if I want to do street photography!
I took a picture of a street guy at the Bahnhof in Basel, his name was Marcel and he was the first person I ever asked for a photo, it was a big step for me as a relatively shy person. I was happy with the result and chatting with him I realized I had to overcome my fears if I want to do street photography!
Did you ever take a photograph which compromised your emotional balance in a deep way?
Yes and I would say more than once but one sticks in my mind and I called it “ Third Day Rain” It rained solidly for three days and in those days I had many things to do in the city and I was feeling sorry for myself that I was getting wet, then I saw one of the homeless guys I know from the street, he was passed out exhausted in a bus shelter on top of his suitcase he always has with him.
I realized then how blessed I am in my life now. I got the shot off and left something for him to wake up to remembering how tough the street is for many.
Yes and I would say more than once but one sticks in my mind and I called it “ Third Day Rain” It rained solidly for three days and in those days I had many things to do in the city and I was feeling sorry for myself that I was getting wet, then I saw one of the homeless guys I know from the street, he was passed out exhausted in a bus shelter on top of his suitcase he always has with him.
I realized then how blessed I am in my life now. I got the shot off and left something for him to wake up to remembering how tough the street is for many.
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
Yeah for sure, learning how to optimize my camera for a start has helped me greatly, working for Ismael too has really helped, he very generous with his time if I have any questions. At first I think I just shot lots and lots of pictures now that’s gone down a bit and I have slowed down a lot too. I feel more part of what I am doing and not so much of an newbie! As my themes develop I start to see series of shots growing. I still have a long way to go to be where I would like to be but this last year has seen my confidence grow a bit and perhaps the beginnings of a style appearing. I tend not to think too much when I am out with my camera, I try to work as cleanly and as intuitively as I can.
Yeah for sure, learning how to optimize my camera for a start has helped me greatly, working for Ismael too has really helped, he very generous with his time if I have any questions. At first I think I just shot lots and lots of pictures now that’s gone down a bit and I have slowed down a lot too. I feel more part of what I am doing and not so much of an newbie! As my themes develop I start to see series of shots growing. I still have a long way to go to be where I would like to be but this last year has seen my confidence grow a bit and perhaps the beginnings of a style appearing. I tend not to think too much when I am out with my camera, I try to work as cleanly and as intuitively as I can.
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iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
Are there any photographer how took influence on your photographic work and style?
I love Weegee Bruce Gilden and Boogie in NYC, Daido Moriyama, I love Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier, Elliott Erwitt, Christina Garcia Rodero and the great Glasgow photographer Oscar Marzaroli, I’m in several Facebook groups where there are many great photographers like Mark Leslie, Naoki Iwao, Mike Fahy and Gabi Ben Avraham who inspire me daily to get out there and get working. My style I hope is not to derivative of anyone in particular:)) I’m like a sponge so there will be bits of some others in there!
I love Weegee Bruce Gilden and Boogie in NYC, Daido Moriyama, I love Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier, Elliott Erwitt, Christina Garcia Rodero and the great Glasgow photographer Oscar Marzaroli, I’m in several Facebook groups where there are many great photographers like Mark Leslie, Naoki Iwao, Mike Fahy and Gabi Ben Avraham who inspire me daily to get out there and get working. My style I hope is not to derivative of anyone in particular:)) I’m like a sponge so there will be bits of some others in there!
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from shooting on streets?
Be yourself, do your best on any given day, respect the people who cross your path and if you can someone a hand up, why not, you never know which way the street will take you. Stand up for yourself politely but firmly and remember that a smile will open doors that perhaps would have forever remained closed. Shooting on the street has awakened parts of me that I didn’t know I had or had forgotten I had, I find it to be a deeply revealing occupation, there’s no place to hide from yourself on the streets!
Be yourself, do your best on any given day, respect the people who cross your path and if you can someone a hand up, why not, you never know which way the street will take you. Stand up for yourself politely but firmly and remember that a smile will open doors that perhaps would have forever remained closed. Shooting on the street has awakened parts of me that I didn’t know I had or had forgotten I had, I find it to be a deeply revealing occupation, there’s no place to hide from yourself on the streets!
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
I’m just putting together a project called “ Home” which will be a series of portraits of immigrant people here in Switzerland, some who have been here for many years, some who have just arrived, some who came as small children It’s focus will be the idea of Home and what does that mean to us as human beings. It’s one of my own personal recurring themes, having been away from my home in Scotland for 25 years. I am also putting the finishing touches to my website which should be up and running soon.
I’m just putting together a project called “ Home” which will be a series of portraits of immigrant people here in Switzerland, some who have been here for many years, some who have just arrived, some who came as small children It’s focus will be the idea of Home and what does that mean to us as human beings. It’s one of my own personal recurring themes, having been away from my home in Scotland for 25 years. I am also putting the finishing touches to my website which should be up and running soon.
Gerri, thank you very much for taking your precious time and let us have your thoughts and views!
Please visit Gerri at Facebook: www.facebook.com/gerri.mclaughlin.3
Or contact him at: [email protected]
Please visit Gerri at Facebook: www.facebook.com/gerri.mclaughlin.3
Or contact him at: [email protected]
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reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
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Dear friends and readers!
I'm incredibly happy to present our very first special feature in our Magazine's brief history. This is a very exciting feature, especially for me, as I'm a big fan of Marie-Lou's amazing project.
You can see the great effort, the passion and her utmost care, she puts in the restoration of this fantastic time captures.
Without further ado, please enjoy our special feature and a time travel through photographic history. Enjoy reading!
I've always been fascinated with the work of the great photographers of the 20th century. Yet, when I look at their photos, I wonder what they saw in color while taking the photograph. One day, I discovered the only American archive FSA where it was possible to use copyright-free high-resolution images.
"I discovered this technique by chance I was looking to find a way to express myself artistically… I can either choose a picture from 1900 or from 1980 or 1990…I like all decades as this is a very good opportunity for me to learn something about daily lives of the people.
I need to be moved by a picture (by style, composition, story, …). If not it doesn't work and I can’t do anything on it."
I need to be moved by a picture (by style, composition, story, …). If not it doesn't work and I can’t do anything on it."
A series of photos of Dorothea Lange was included, and this is how it began. My goal is to find the colors as close as possible to reality, so I work with a repository of shades of gray at the base, and rely on my instincts and imagination, all the sensations which I put in my work.
My two main software are Photoshop and Lightroom, and sometimes few others. Before starting colorization, I'm using several Photoshop tools. Then I’m
correcting tones with Lightroom (in order for instance to add more contrast).
Once those correction are done, I’m starting the colorization. Each color has it’s own layer and mask and I’m using that with filters in order to get the wanted result. I’m also using several other settings and filters…but those are my little secrets ;)
My two main software are Photoshop and Lightroom, and sometimes few others. Before starting colorization, I'm using several Photoshop tools. Then I’m
correcting tones with Lightroom (in order for instance to add more contrast).
Once those correction are done, I’m starting the colorization. Each color has it’s own layer and mask and I’m using that with filters in order to get the wanted result. I’m also using several other settings and filters…but those are my little secrets ;)
1972 : Man lying on hood of car passes cigarette to another.
Restored and colorized
July 26nd 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©William Gedney 1932-1989.
Source : Item ID KY0892 Gedney Photographs Duke University
Restored and colorized
July 26nd 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©William Gedney 1932-1989.
Source : Item ID KY0892 Gedney Photographs Duke University
1910. Jean and Charlotte Potter
Restored and colorized
June 25, 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©Bain News Service, publisher
LC-DIG-ggbain-19461 No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized
June 25, 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©Bain News Service, publisher
LC-DIG-ggbain-19461 No known restrictions.
1977: Downsized New Chevrolet meets Old Cadillac circa 1977 in Medford, Mass., on the corner of Mystic Avenue and Harvard Street.
Restored and colorized, July 23, 2015
©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Submitted by: ©rizzman1953. Source : Shorpy.
Restored and colorized, July 23, 2015
©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Submitted by: ©rizzman1953. Source : Shorpy.
1921 July 15 : Krazy Kat
Restored and colorized
July 7nd 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : © unknown
LC-DIG-npcc-22060 No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized
July 7nd 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : © unknown
LC-DIG-npcc-22060 No known restrictions.
1904 Oct Travel views of Europe
Restored and colorized June 13, 2015© Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©Genthe, Arnold, 1869-1942
LC-DIG-agc-7a04318 No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized June 13, 2015© Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©Genthe, Arnold, 1869-1942
LC-DIG-agc-7a04318 No known restrictions.
1947 Weeki Wachee spring, Florida
Restored and colorized April 17 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Toni Frissell 1907-1988
LC-DIG-ppmsca-10079. No known restrictions
Restored and colorized April 17 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Toni Frissell 1907-1988
LC-DIG-ppmsca-10079. No known restrictions
Advertising
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
1972 Teenage boy sitting in back seat of a car, with the door open; white t-shirt, hair over his eyes.
Restored and colorized June, 24 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©William Gedney
Source : Item KY1014 Gedney Photographs Duke University.
Restored and colorized June, 24 2015 ©Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©William Gedney
Source : Item KY1014 Gedney Photographs Duke University.
1936 Nov, Street scene at 38th Street and 7th Avenue, New York City
Restored and colorized
April 05 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
The B & W is in the first comment.
Photographer : ©By Lee Russell 1903-1986
LC-DIG-fsa-8a21073. No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized
April 05 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
The B & W is in the first comment.
Photographer : ©By Lee Russell 1903-1986
LC-DIG-fsa-8a21073. No known restrictions.
1939 Sept Family, one month from South Dakota, now on the road in California. Tulelake, Siskiyou County, California. See general caption number 65.
Restored and colorized Mar 17 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Dorothea Lange
LC-DIG-fsa-8b34849. No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized Mar 17 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Dorothea Lange
LC-DIG-fsa-8b34849. No known restrictions.
Advertising
iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
1943 Mar New York. Forty-second Street and Fifth Avenue on a rainy day.
Restored and colorized
January 27, 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By John Vachon 1912-1985.
LC-DIG-fsa-8d26833. No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized
January 27, 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By John Vachon 1912-1985.
LC-DIG-fsa-8d26833. No known restrictions.
1942 Aug New York. Waiting for the trains at the Pennsylvania railroad station.
Photographer : ©By Collins, Marjory 1912-1985
Restored and colorized Jan, 12 2014 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
LC-DIG-fsa-8d21836 No known restrictions.
Photographer : ©By Collins, Marjory 1912-1985
Restored and colorized Jan, 12 2014 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
LC-DIG-fsa-8d21836 No known restrictions.
1924 April Washington snow scenes
Restored and colorized February 6 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Harris & Ewing.
LC-DIG-hec-32230. No known restrictions.
Restored and colorized February 6 2015 ©By Marie-Lou Chatel.
Photographer : ©By Harris & Ewing.
LC-DIG-hec-32230. No known restrictions.
You have a photo / art exhibition or a project to get started?
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
All photos had been restored and colorized by Marie-Lou Chatel
Please visit Marie-Lou Chatel’s web sites at:
www.facebook.com/MarieLouChatel
www.flickr.com/photos/marielouchatel/
Interviews:
- Winter 2015, The Analogue Street Collective Magazine - #1 Fev 2015
- Interview for Lux Optima Sep 2014
Blog:
- Denys-Louis Colaux Oct 2013
Books and magazines:
- In section “Exhibition” issue of SHOT! magazine. #19 May 2015
- Winter 2015, The Analogue Street Collective Magazine - #1 Feb 2015
On Facebook:
Co-founder of Fine Photography Viewpoints group since 2013
Member of The APF Collective since 2014.
Please visit Marie-Lou Chatel’s web sites at:
www.facebook.com/MarieLouChatel
www.flickr.com/photos/marielouchatel/
Interviews:
- Winter 2015, The Analogue Street Collective Magazine - #1 Fev 2015
- Interview for Lux Optima Sep 2014
Blog:
- Denys-Louis Colaux Oct 2013
Books and magazines:
- In section “Exhibition” issue of SHOT! magazine. #19 May 2015
- Winter 2015, The Analogue Street Collective Magazine - #1 Feb 2015
On Facebook:
Co-founder of Fine Photography Viewpoints group since 2013
Member of The APF Collective since 2014.
You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
Featured Photographer review with Katarzyna KUBIAK, Warsaw, Poland.
Our next issue of our "featured photographer review" showcase the work of a very talented young photographer of Poland.
Her work is characterised by great contrasts and a fantastic figurative language.
Her work is characterised by great contrasts and a fantastic figurative language.
One of my favorite portraits, taken in Milan, during a tram ride)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
At the beginning I liked the photos behind glass,
so I made this portrait of a man. I really liked the reflections in the glass, Warsaw Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
so I made this portrait of a man. I really liked the reflections in the glass, Warsaw Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
I was very interested in this woman, we talked a while.
She had a very sincere look that‘s why I wanted to take her picture.
Photo taken in Lublin (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
She had a very sincere look that‘s why I wanted to take her picture.
Photo taken in Lublin (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Advertising
iStreet Photography Exhibition, organized by Des BYRNE and Peter O DOHERTY
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
Dublin, from 14th to 27th August 2015
photo by Seamus TRAVERS
This photo has been taken by accident during a holiday with my daughter.
Taken in Favignana island (Sicily)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Taken in Favignana island (Sicily)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Milky Bar” It's one of my first photographs, I took, so I have enormous affection to it.
I really like the light, colors and the shape of the woman
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
I really like the light, colors and the shape of the woman
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
This photo shows people during the heat who try to hide from the sun in different ways.
Photo taken in Gdańsk (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Photo taken in Gdańsk (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
I made this photo during a meeting with a colleague,
where I noticed this interesting reflection in the broken glass
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
where I noticed this interesting reflection in the broken glass
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
The photo shows two girls trying to see the toy soldiers
that lay on the windowsill outside their window. Lublin (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
that lay on the windowsill outside their window. Lublin (Poland)
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Advertising
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group: We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
This photograph shows a fisherman, who decided to take a nap.
Photo taken on island Favignana island (Sicily).
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Photo taken on island Favignana island (Sicily).
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
The photo shows two nuns who hid in the shadows of the columns in Vatican.
I really enjoyed this composition and I decided to take a picture
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
I really enjoyed this composition and I decided to take a picture
Katarzyna Kubiak ©
Please visit Katarzyna's Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/disconected.com.kasia
Or her Facebook group here:
Street Dogs Of Poland
www.facebook.com/disconected.com.kasia
Or her Facebook group here:
Street Dogs Of Poland
You have a photo / art exhibition or a project to get started?
EYE-Photo Magazine can be your partner for advertising!
We‘re publishing featured interviews, photo
reviews and special features with talented and enthusiastic photographer on a regular base.
Your advertisement would be in our magazine (PDF) and on our website.
We can link to your project, website, or other multimedia content.
The best thing is: it's all FREE for you!
INTERESTED?
Contact us:
[email protected]
You can read and download the magazine online for FREE:
Interview with Debmalya Roy CHOUDHURI, photographer, Calcutta, India
Our next journey takes us next to Calcutta India, where Debmalya Roy Choudhuri creates his remarkable photographic work.
His visually stunning photos covers a wide range from captivating street photographs to fantastic candid and portraits up to fine art photography.
His visually stunning photos covers a wide range from captivating street photographs to fantastic candid and portraits up to fine art photography.
Roy, I shall begin by saying thank you for taking your time to giving us the opportunity for this interview.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
Well, I am an engineer by profession and a photographer/visual artist by passion.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
Well, I am an engineer by profession and a photographer/visual artist by passion.
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"You may call me a dreamer traveler too as I like to travel places ,meet strangers, make friends with them, hear their stories and paint my own world with my photos."
|
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What is photography for you?
Photography for me is the perfect blend of science and art in today's digital area. Back in the time of analog cameras, you never knew what to expect from a shot. All what mattered is the composition, sometimes it was by look and for the more persevering a constant effort to excellence. In today's world with cameras becoming more accessible, taking to photography is no big deal. Mastering the art would require immense dedication and patience.
Photography for me is the perfect blend of science and art in today's digital area. Back in the time of analog cameras, you never knew what to expect from a shot. All what mattered is the composition, sometimes it was by look and for the more persevering a constant effort to excellence. In today's world with cameras becoming more accessible, taking to photography is no big deal. Mastering the art would require immense dedication and patience.
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
My father was a photographer by passion too. I had seen him with his Fuji a long time ago on our family trips composing shots. I was interested in the camera right from that time, maybe when I was 6 years old. I never knew then what ISO or shutter speed meant, but the camera intrigued me a lot. I have seriously become interested in photography when I was 19 years old.
My father was a photographer by passion too. I had seen him with his Fuji a long time ago on our family trips composing shots. I was interested in the camera right from that time, maybe when I was 6 years old. I never knew then what ISO or shutter speed meant, but the camera intrigued me a lot. I have seriously become interested in photography when I was 19 years old.
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? What is your favorite lens for photography?
Currently, I use a Kodak KB10 again, a gift on my 8th birthday. I use this only while making images where I want a more grainy noir effect.
I am also using a Nikon D5100 with a 18-105mm kit lens and a 50 mm and 35 mm prime lenses on a DX body.
However, I strongly feel that its not the gear that matters, but your ability to composition. Unless you are actually shooting for Vogue or the ranks ,in which case the equipment boosts up your image quality and market base, I am not really concerned about what gear I use.
I do like using prime lenses a lot for their faster focus, good bokeh and sharper image qualities.
There again, if I have to click wildlife I would go for a telephoto lens, maybe a 70-300 or so.
Currently, I use a Kodak KB10 again, a gift on my 8th birthday. I use this only while making images where I want a more grainy noir effect.
I am also using a Nikon D5100 with a 18-105mm kit lens and a 50 mm and 35 mm prime lenses on a DX body.
However, I strongly feel that its not the gear that matters, but your ability to composition. Unless you are actually shooting for Vogue or the ranks ,in which case the equipment boosts up your image quality and market base, I am not really concerned about what gear I use.
I do like using prime lenses a lot for their faster focus, good bokeh and sharper image qualities.
There again, if I have to click wildlife I would go for a telephoto lens, maybe a 70-300 or so.
Seeing your remarkable work, I learned that you are passionate about different types of photography, your gallery shows landscape, street and abstract photos as well. Which kind of photography characterizes you most?
Well, if it is for my own personal collection, the genre does not really bother me much. The only thing that I focus on is having my own style, mostly a sense of mystery around them.
If you can interpret a frame in your own way and see it the way you have never seen before, a lot can be done.
While clicking fine art nudes, I focus on using the body as a work of art, while if it has to be a street scene, it has to be composed of some fun and quirky elements .
There again, when I am on a client or commercial shoot, I focus on a more professional approach as you have to deliver pictures that your client wants. Despite this, I try to leave my own touch to it.
Well, if it is for my own personal collection, the genre does not really bother me much. The only thing that I focus on is having my own style, mostly a sense of mystery around them.
If you can interpret a frame in your own way and see it the way you have never seen before, a lot can be done.
While clicking fine art nudes, I focus on using the body as a work of art, while if it has to be a street scene, it has to be composed of some fun and quirky elements .
There again, when I am on a client or commercial shoot, I focus on a more professional approach as you have to deliver pictures that your client wants. Despite this, I try to leave my own touch to it.
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the scene until you showcase the developed picture?
I do not really think too much before a shoot, if its about my own work. If I like a scene or an idea ,I just go all out to make the best of it. I think of it as a painting and how a painter would interpret it as photography and painting are very closely related to me.
If it's a commercial shoot, some amount of thinking goes into it regarding the light set ups and poses etc.
I do not really think too much before a shoot, if its about my own work. If I like a scene or an idea ,I just go all out to make the best of it. I think of it as a painting and how a painter would interpret it as photography and painting are very closely related to me.
If it's a commercial shoot, some amount of thinking goes into it regarding the light set ups and poses etc.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
It is very hard to point out one's own work as a favorite or not. I believe its a long way to go and I have just started.
I am still trying to take a frame that I can call my "Best"
It is very hard to point out one's own work as a favorite or not. I believe its a long way to go and I have just started.
I am still trying to take a frame that I can call my "Best"
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
In order to be a versatile and a good artist, it's all about changing and adapting to different situations.
I believe I am always changing my style and approach of composing. I like to bend the rules and shoot a frame in as many creative ways as possible.
In order to be a versatile and a good artist, it's all about changing and adapting to different situations.
I believe I am always changing my style and approach of composing. I like to bend the rules and shoot a frame in as many creative ways as possible.
Are there any photographer who took influence on your photographic work and style?
Too many too name all. If it has to be street it is Raghu Rai or Raghubir Singh or the more contemporary Rohit and Vineet Vohra from APF street photography ,for fine arts it would be Vladim Stein ,for landscape Ansel Adams.
If you are looking for one inspiration however, I would say it is Mr Prabuddha Dasgupta. He is more than just an inspiration to me, a legend, a man who lived life the way it should be done.
Too many too name all. If it has to be street it is Raghu Rai or Raghubir Singh or the more contemporary Rohit and Vineet Vohra from APF street photography ,for fine arts it would be Vladim Stein ,for landscape Ansel Adams.
If you are looking for one inspiration however, I would say it is Mr Prabuddha Dasgupta. He is more than just an inspiration to me, a legend, a man who lived life the way it should be done.
What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Hahaha, I am a beginner myself .I have a lot to grow, a lot to achieve. Still I would suggest people getting into photography to remember two things :
1.) It's never the gear in your initial days, its your own eyes.
2.) Criticisms from people are for your own good, but taking it from people who matter is the real choice. Photography, like other art forms, is a very relative and vague concept. It depends on how one perceives it. Do it for your own joy. Happiness and success will follow.
Click to express ,not impress ,as one of my teachers taught me.
Hahaha, I am a beginner myself .I have a lot to grow, a lot to achieve. Still I would suggest people getting into photography to remember two things :
1.) It's never the gear in your initial days, its your own eyes.
2.) Criticisms from people are for your own good, but taking it from people who matter is the real choice. Photography, like other art forms, is a very relative and vague concept. It depends on how one perceives it. Do it for your own joy. Happiness and success will follow.
Click to express ,not impress ,as one of my teachers taught me.
Are there any special projects you're working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
Currently I am working on a long term project on one of the most exotic places in India, Goa.
I am also planning to do a documentary at length on Women and the atrocities they face in our patriarchal society here in India, and why sexuality is something we should not consider as a taboo.
These are some future ideas which are on my mind and I hope to capitalize on them slowly.
Currently I am working on a long term project on one of the most exotic places in India, Goa.
I am also planning to do a documentary at length on Women and the atrocities they face in our patriarchal society here in India, and why sexuality is something we should not consider as a taboo.
These are some future ideas which are on my mind and I hope to capitalize on them slowly.
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We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group
We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators
- 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer
- A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order
- This is a NON-profit initiative!
For more details please visit the Facebook group
We Street 2015
or Willem JONKERS blog:
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
Roy, thank you very much for having your time and your precious thought about and behind your fantastic work.
Please visit Debmalya Roy Choudhuri’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/debmalya.choudhuri
Please visit Debmalya Roy Choudhuri’s Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/debmalya.choudhuri
Download the complete interview for FREE by
clicking the button below.
You can browse online through our magazine here:
Interview with Ed MONSON, photographer, France
Our next featured photographer journey takes us next to Paris, where Ed Monson creates his remarkable photographic work.
We were fascinated by his photos which are rich in contrast and always spot on.
His visually stunning photos range from street photography over to architecture and up to abstract photography.
We were fascinated by his photos which are rich in contrast and always spot on.
His visually stunning photos range from street photography over to architecture and up to abstract photography.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
First of all, thank you Stefan for giving me the opportunity to be featured in your magazine and for allowing me to show my work. Under this assumed name, there is a 35 years-old man living near Paris. I am of french and portuguese extraction. I have a full time job in a political organization whose aim is to protect the interests of the french small craft businesses... I am specifically in charge of the sustainable development issues. Otherwise, I have always been interested in arts : doing some acting, printing my own lithographies and of course taking photos ! |
copyright Ed Monson ©
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
Several years ago, I shared a two-roomed flat in Paris with a photographer. At that time, he was working for model agencies and was doing some street photographies on his spare time. He was not using digital, always films with analog cameras for his personal artworks... locking himself inside the bathroom for developing his photos.
I became interested in photography watching him work, going with him walking and shooting, learning from his experience... But i found the analog and film process complicated, expensive and creating sometimes a lot of frustrations... So I chose another way, the digital.
Several years ago, I shared a two-roomed flat in Paris with a photographer. At that time, he was working for model agencies and was doing some street photographies on his spare time. He was not using digital, always films with analog cameras for his personal artworks... locking himself inside the bathroom for developing his photos.
I became interested in photography watching him work, going with him walking and shooting, learning from his experience... But i found the analog and film process complicated, expensive and creating sometimes a lot of frustrations... So I chose another way, the digital.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious about a few aspects of your work. You have started with travel photography and changed then to street photography. How did that happened?
When I was younger, i did not have the opportunity to travel a lot. So when I had the means to do it, I started to take vacations pictures inspired by the photos i saw in travel books... In addition to that, I often had a love-hate relationship with France, having sometimes the impression of living in a sleepy museum... For a long time, I did not see the interests of taking street photos here. But now I have travelled quite a lot, I see things differently. There is no need to go far to take good pictures. Paris is a great place for street photography. So I just began doing it few months ago.
When I was younger, i did not have the opportunity to travel a lot. So when I had the means to do it, I started to take vacations pictures inspired by the photos i saw in travel books... In addition to that, I often had a love-hate relationship with France, having sometimes the impression of living in a sleepy museum... For a long time, I did not see the interests of taking street photos here. But now I have travelled quite a lot, I see things differently. There is no need to go far to take good pictures. Paris is a great place for street photography. So I just began doing it few months ago.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What equipment are you using to achieve your art form and with what did you get started?
Well, I started with a Panasonic Lumix TZ8 and then Lumix GX1 which are pretty correct for my personal and hobby use... and of course my smartphone Huawei Ascend P7. I consider buying a special camera for street photography, i read a lot about it... but my choice is not done yet... Honestly, my approach of photography is absolutely not about technique. Even if technical knowledges are important, I am more interested in the way i see things right now, observing...
Well, I started with a Panasonic Lumix TZ8 and then Lumix GX1 which are pretty correct for my personal and hobby use... and of course my smartphone Huawei Ascend P7. I consider buying a special camera for street photography, i read a lot about it... but my choice is not done yet... Honestly, my approach of photography is absolutely not about technique. Even if technical knowledges are important, I am more interested in the way i see things right now, observing...
copyright Ed Monson ©
You've chosen the classic square format for processing, which reminds me to the good old medium format cameras. Please tell us a little bit about your idea of formal language.
At the beginning, I've chosen the square format to recycle and save hundred of photos instead of deleting them. My computer is full of travel photos I did not keep in my final selections. One day, I decided to reframe these pictures, to turn them into black and white and post them on Instagram. As an afterthought, it's only the editing process which led me to the square format... The result was surprising because it required to keep the essential part only and to reconsider the composition. I just enjoyed doing that. It became my language.
At the beginning, I've chosen the square format to recycle and save hundred of photos instead of deleting them. My computer is full of travel photos I did not keep in my final selections. One day, I decided to reframe these pictures, to turn them into black and white and post them on Instagram. As an afterthought, it's only the editing process which led me to the square format... The result was surprising because it required to keep the essential part only and to reconsider the composition. I just enjoyed doing that. It became my language.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What is it in your subjects that makes you want to capture it?
Mainly everyday life, streetlife or cityscape...sometimes trying to catch the self-derision of the situations. Of course, I like taking pictures of people but I do pay attention not to exhibit them in a negative way. For me streetphotography is not about shooting at people only because they have a weird face or whatsoever. In my opinion, it's about how people fit with the situation, how they interact with the environment around them and how the whole setting expresses the mood of the photograph.
Mainly everyday life, streetlife or cityscape...sometimes trying to catch the self-derision of the situations. Of course, I like taking pictures of people but I do pay attention not to exhibit them in a negative way. For me streetphotography is not about shooting at people only because they have a weird face or whatsoever. In my opinion, it's about how people fit with the situation, how they interact with the environment around them and how the whole setting expresses the mood of the photograph.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Do you see your personality reflected in your work?
Well, I hope my works reflects my personality because I have nothing else to offer and I don't know anybody who could do that for me. I am still a beginner –autodidact- and I am still working on how developing my visions. Vision is not only « sight » but « insight ». So, yes, I use photography as a mirror and I am not ashamed to admit it.
Well, I hope my works reflects my personality because I have nothing else to offer and I don't know anybody who could do that for me. I am still a beginner –autodidact- and I am still working on how developing my visions. Vision is not only « sight » but « insight ». So, yes, I use photography as a mirror and I am not ashamed to admit it.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
I really like the photo titled « I walk until... ». I remember that day, I walked probably three or four hours without taking good pictures. I was exhausted and disappointed... On my way back home, I saw that woman wearing this striped black and white coat... She was standing there, looking tired and upset.
I really like the photo titled « I walk until... ». I remember that day, I walked probably three or four hours without taking good pictures. I was exhausted and disappointed... On my way back home, I saw that woman wearing this striped black and white coat... She was standing there, looking tired and upset.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Are there any photographer who took influence on your photographic work and style?
Definitely Michael Ackerman for the way he creates mysterious and pregnant visions. I like his grainy and blurred images. In a complete different style, I found the artworks of Vivian Maier two months ago. I like her photos… even more her self-portraits. Such a powerful and innate sense of elegance ! I hope it could influence my work ! Elegance in photography is the cherry on the cake.
Definitely Michael Ackerman for the way he creates mysterious and pregnant visions. I like his grainy and blurred images. In a complete different style, I found the artworks of Vivian Maier two months ago. I like her photos… even more her self-portraits. Such a powerful and innate sense of elegance ! I hope it could influence my work ! Elegance in photography is the cherry on the cake.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned by doing street photography so far?
The most important thing I learnt by doing street photos is that I am less scared of my anxiety now. And consequently, it allows me to be less afraid of people too. I look at both, I get closer to them and sometimes I take a photo
The most important thing I learnt by doing street photos is that I am less scared of my anxiety now. And consequently, it allows me to be less afraid of people too. I look at both, I get closer to them and sometimes I take a photo
copyright Ed Monson ©
What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Nice try Stefan ! But you won't succeed in making me expose the unique and french arrogance on this trap question. Seriously, I am not enough experienced to provide advice and I would feel out of place doing that... I would only encourage the newcommer to create a story and not only an image…. and to practice a lot. Pragmatically and as I am concerned, I try to wipe all the pressure out before going for a walk and a shooting session. I need to be relaxed to observe and capture.
Nice try Stefan ! But you won't succeed in making me expose the unique and french arrogance on this trap question. Seriously, I am not enough experienced to provide advice and I would feel out of place doing that... I would only encourage the newcommer to create a story and not only an image…. and to practice a lot. Pragmatically and as I am concerned, I try to wipe all the pressure out before going for a walk and a shooting session. I need to be relaxed to observe and capture.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
I am working on my personal debut portfolio of photography called « The 1000 B&W squares project » which -I hope- is not a square idea. It includes street photos, architecture, travels, etc... I have already chosen and posted almost 500 daily photos... Nothing pretentious, it's just a way of presenting my work and my stories... For now and for those who are interested, the project can be seen here : www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
I am working on my personal debut portfolio of photography called « The 1000 B&W squares project » which -I hope- is not a square idea. It includes street photos, architecture, travels, etc... I have already chosen and posted almost 500 daily photos... Nothing pretentious, it's just a way of presenting my work and my stories... For now and for those who are interested, the project can be seen here : www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
copyright Ed Monson ©
Ed, thank you very much for taking your precious time and let us have your thoughts and
views about your fantastic work!
Please visit Ed Monson at:
Tumblr:
www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/ed_monson/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/edmonsondailyphotos
views about your fantastic work!
Please visit Ed Monson at:
Tumblr:
www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/ed_monson/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/edmonsondailyphotos
Download the complete interview for FREE by
clicking the button below.
You can browse through our magazine online here:
Photo Review with photographer Gerard DUBOIS , Toulon, France
In our fourth issue of our "featured photographer review", we are taking a look to the photographic work of Gerard Dubois.
His photographic visions is characterised by vivid colors and powerful contrasts as well as his sense to realize the quintessence of the moment and capture it perfectly well.
His photographic visions is characterised by vivid colors and powerful contrasts as well as his sense to realize the quintessence of the moment and capture it perfectly well.
Gerard was born 1951 in Toulon, France , studied in Nice University( french Riviera ) Literature and psychology. He became a teacher, worked in his home town and 12 years in foreign countries like in the USA ( Louisiana state ), Colombia and Uruguay as a french teacher and director of Alliance Française).
He started photography in his teenager with a basic reflex camera, a russian Zenith with a 50 mm lens and then with a Nikon F. He is using a Nikon D600 and a Fuji X100S now.
He started photography in his teenager with a basic reflex camera, a russian Zenith with a 50 mm lens and then with a Nikon F. He is using a Nikon D600 and a Fuji X100S now.
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"I am not a purist and do not process my pics but I try to be exigent about the frame."
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Photography is a passion and a hobby especially street photography, Gerard says. He consider himself as a witness showing the world and society he is living in, trying to put a bit of humor and a bit of poetry in his work, looking for strange situations and strong or beautiful faces and characters on street.
A room for the angel « Arles, France.
I could not resist to that amazing light , knowing it was impossible to seat by this woman : the place, obviously was for somebody else… (Gerard Dubois ©)
I could not resist to that amazing light , knowing it was impossible to seat by this woman : the place, obviously was for somebody else… (Gerard Dubois ©)
The Threat « Marseille, France.
I like the contrast between the blue Pieta and the two spooky men in black (Gerard Dubois ©)
I like the contrast between the blue Pieta and the two spooky men in black (Gerard Dubois ©)
Catch » , in a fun fair, La Ciotat, France.
I liked the strong colors and the little dog who looks so mean , just because i used a 24 mm.
(Gerard Dubois ©)
I liked the strong colors and the little dog who looks so mean , just because i used a 24 mm.
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Indiscretion », a restaurant in Buenos Aires.
I went to the rest room in the basement and saw this woman fixing her make up. I could not resist. Love the colors of the place around. It makes me think to a Matisse painting (Gerard Dubois ©)
I went to the rest room in the basement and saw this woman fixing her make up. I could not resist. Love the colors of the place around. It makes me think to a Matisse painting (Gerard Dubois ©)
Round midnight « Buenos Aires
I have been eating close to this guy thinking he had a perfect face for a shot. I just went out minutes before he did. I wasn't waiting for him, just smoking on the terrace when he finally went out.
Did not hesitate. A lucky shot ( one of my favorites ).
(Gerard Dubois ©)
I have been eating close to this guy thinking he had a perfect face for a shot. I just went out minutes before he did. I wasn't waiting for him, just smoking on the terrace when he finally went out.
Did not hesitate. A lucky shot ( one of my favorites ).
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Tecnical stop « I am seated on a bench and suddenly i see this two women doing the
same thing. Makes me smile. Toulon, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
same thing. Makes me smile. Toulon, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
Lost in translation » A beautiful young japanese girl asked me to help her in a bus terminal. El Calafate, Argentina. Just after i shoot her… (Gerard Dubois ©)
Playing rays « A gift the street gives sometimes : this teenage girl had the right shirt to
make the pic. Paris, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
make the pic. Paris, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
The elbows game » Toulon, France.
Amazing how sometimes people are acting the same way (Gerard Dubois ©)
Amazing how sometimes people are acting the same way (Gerard Dubois ©)
The music lover », an old records shop in Buenos Aires
(Gerard Dubois ©)
(Gerard Dubois ©)
The weight of the words », a book shop in Buenos Aires, with a cafeteria part
(Gerard Dubois ©)
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Visit Gerard on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/gerard.dubois.188
or follow him on his Blog:
www.gdconfidential.fr
www.facebook.com/gerard.dubois.188
or follow him on his Blog:
www.gdconfidential.fr
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You can browse through the review online here: