Photo Site (again)

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Leica Photography : One Thread

NYC Photos
i revamped the site a little...the 3rd gallery has some new stuff. let me know what you think.... keep in mind this is a very loose edit... i'll weed out some pix later...

-- grant (lotusphotography@yahoo.com), May 11, 2002

Answers

Grant... While I find your images interesting, I can't quite tell what you're trying to portray. I'm not sure if you are deliberately avoiding all interaction with your subject material to make a statement, or if you're just afraid to make some connection. If you're trying to make a statement, I think it needs to be a stronger one.

-- Charles (cbarcellona@telocity.com), May 11, 2002.

im not trying to make any statement. just capturing what i see...

-- grant (lotusphotography@yahoo.com), May 11, 2002.

Grant:

You can capture what you see, but what are you trying to say about what you are seeing? Select your better work and display that. When you show everything that you shoot, good/bad, in and out of focus, you are sending a message. To me this message says, this is what I can do, and some of my work is not very good. I'm sorry that my words are harsh. Some of your work is nice, but it takes quite a bit of time to pick through all it.

-- Mark Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), May 11, 2002.


um, thats why i said it was a loose edit.....guess you missed that...

-- grant (lotusphotography@yahoo.com), May 11, 2002.

Hey Grant- I like some of your images a lot- you have some nice moments selected. Others do nothing for me at all- this is often true of any one photog's work for most viewers, don't you think?

I couldn't help but notice that you have responded very quickly and perhaps a touch defensively to each response here, and to your similar post the other day. If I could offer you some friendly advice- don't take it personally. Do the less than complimentary (and often not even constructively critical) remarks of a few people here really bother you? Do you really need the validation of this forum? If you are only after positive reinforcement (and I don't believe you are) ask your friends. If you seek true constructive criticism, go to a live critique group. This forum is for folks (often or dubious pedigree) to discuss Leica gear. This is really it's only and best function.

A few months ago, I posted a photo here, asking for some response. Of those who responded, some had positive things to say about the image, and others did not. One person suggested that I should "spend a few weeks studying the masters of photography", with the implication that I should then go out and try shooting again when I know what I am doing. OK- but this guy doesn't know me from a hole in the wall. He couldn't know that I hold two degrees in fine art, one specifically in photography, and that I have spent years studying the masters of not only photogrpahy but most other media. He doesn't know that I teach photography, and that I am also a working professional photographer, that I do this now after having assisted folks like Annie Leibovitz and Steven Sebring.

So I was insulted. Then, of course I realized that he probably thought he was being helpful, if snyde. And of course he was voicing an opinion, which is his right, and was after all, what I was soliciting in the first place. Which is really the point: Everyone has different aesthetic taste- art is subjective, after all.

So, if you are going to ask for opinions from a random group of strangers, especially online, don't get offended when you get negative or un-helpful feedback. And lastly, remember that this is a place to discuss Leica cameras and related equipment and techniques. Like most visitors here, I have seen had a lot of useful information here, and have heard from some great folks. And even seen some wonderful photos here. But I don't come here to solicit input on my photography. Who would want some of the less helpful people (without naming naming names) who frequent this site to start in on their image making?

So don't sweat it, Grant. Keep doing what you love, and maybe find a site to show it to those who want to see it- and I will be amoung those who visit your site. But don't respond to the off-base or negative remarks, or you'll end up giving yourself high blood pressure and looking like a fool, neither of which I'm guessing you want. Come here to talk Leica geek-speak. Get loads of useful and useless and interesting info about Leicas. Period.

Good luck all, and good shooting!

-- drew (swordfisher@hotmail.com), May 12, 2002.



I'm sorry, I'm confused ( nothing new ). I thought this was a forum for Leica USERS, not just Leica equipment owners. I don't get how you can seperate the "gear" from the actual thing it does...capture images. I assume Grants' web-site features Leica photos, and I LOVE looking at his pictures for that reason alone. Not sure there is a legit critic out there who has any qualifications to comment on any work shown, including the best shooters on this forum (unless asked a technical question in relation to an image). There is a big difference between artist and critic. The more accomplished photographers here are an inspiration to others to get out there and USE the gear. Seeing what the lenses can do is a f-----g Blast! Mike got me to use my 75/1.4 more than I use to. LOVED his posting of the candid wedding shots ( posted in response to one of my Leica wedding adventures ). The Leica nut who shoots the 50/2.8 all the time makes me want to see what I could do with that little lens. Someone posted images from Asia that were VERY inspirational. Jeeze, I've even bought photos from forum contributors based on postings! All the Noctilux work and discussions reinforces why I got that lens in the first place. Grants' web-site reminds me to get out there and street-shoot when I travel on business. I don't fell compelled to subject him to my personal, and very biased POV concerning how I would do it. He isn't me. NICE web site Grant! Keep 'em coming man. You inspire me to stop working my a-- off, and get a web-site up and running...and learn how to link this forum to it so I can illustrate the point of some of my own postings. Go Leica shooters go! Mike, more pictures please! Pretty please. Jeff, where are you man? Lost the link to your work. I'm starving here. Need Leica photos badly...Arggggg...fading fast...ahhg...HELpppppp.....

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), May 12, 2002.

Grant, There seems to be a real misunderstanding of the impressionist style of photography by the traditionalists remarks. If I need incredible sharpness and detail I use large format 5x7 to 12x20,and not generally a Leica. If I need speed and quickness this is where the Leica really shines and esp.for impressionist technique/style as the viewfinder is invaluable in this regard in 1/8th of longer exposures. In the past the impressionist painters were denigrated and put down/laughed at.Well...Van Gogh and Gaugin etc. are probably laughing in their graves...

-- Emile de Leon (knightpeople@msn.com), May 12, 2002.

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