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Saturday, April 23, 2011

On the Media: War photographers change their focus


While this blog is primarily designed to feature issues involving fine art photography, I felt that it was important to share this article that appeared in the L. A. Times on-line today 4/23/2011. The life of the war photographer has been somewhat glamorized by stories of photographers such as Robert Capa, George Rogers and W. Eugene Smith's globe trotting romanticized adventures. The reality is that photojournalist are putting their lives on the line everyday to show us the story, and some end up making the ultimate sacrifice. This is not "El Salvador" starring James Woods, this is real life--or death.

On the Media: War photographers change their focus

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Mayor's Proposed Budget Released: Arts for LA

Mayor's Proposed Budget Released: Arts for LA

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Shooting on the streets


I have done everything from fashion to portraits (when your are starting out you gotta do what you gotta do), but nothing gives me more satisfaction than taking my camera out in the streets and finding images. Go to to any downtown urban location (except Sacramento on a Saturday) and you will find amazing images. The people, the architecture, the energy, all come together to create and environment where a photographer can find photo opportunities everywhere--if he or she is prepared and knows where to look.
My approach is simple, I usually carry one camera body and one or two lenses (I always find that the lens I left at home is the one that I needed the most). I mostly shoot black and white (Tri-X, what else) but on a rare occasion I might shoot color. I works best for me if I am only shooting one or the other because I get confused when I try to go back and forth. You have to SEE in black and white or color, never the twain shall meet.

When I am shooting, I feel like a hunter stalking prey. I feel alive because I am so focused (pun intended) on everything around me. I am not just looking at stuff I am SEEING what would make an interesting image. I like to photograph people, but I am always looking for other visual elements like line, tone, texture, and especially light to photograph.  Sometimes when I find great light, I will just wait there until someone or something interesting walks into the light.

Still, after all these years, I can't wait to process my film and check out my take. The developer I use for my Tri-x is Ilford ID1I. If you haven't tried it you should.

If you think you might be interested in street photography I have a great link for you
www.in-public.com  Check it out.

See more of my street photography on my web site  www.rodericklyonsphotography.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Leica Digital

I was talking to a guy at Samys recently who was shooting with a leica digital camera. It looked like a real camera until I saw that big LCD screen in the back. It was kind of like when a guy shaves his legs, It looks good but there is just something that is so wrong.