one of my favorite poets, Virginia boy CHARLES WRIGHT

Shank of the afternoon, wan weight-light
Undercard of a short month, February Sunday
Wordlessness of the wrong world
In the day’s dark niche, the patron saint of what-Goes-Down

Shuffles her golden deck and deals
on for you and one for me…
And that’s it, a single number — we play what we get
My hand says measure,
doves on the wire and the first bulb blades
Edging up through the mulch-mat,
Inside-out of the winter gum trees,
A cold harbor, cold stop and two-step, and here it comes,

DEEP MEASURE

Deep measure, deep measure that runnels beneath the bone,
That sways our attitude and sets our lives to muse;
Deep measure, down under and death drawn
Pilgrim, homeboy of false time,
Listen and set your foot down, listen and step lightly

Troubled waters?

ALL hands on deck…

HOLA DAVID

you sound tired David you are the captain on this ship, am in always with you
if you want, do you?
David some time ago i ask you if i can see you in oaxaca is this posible? i am not part of the workshop but this is the oportunity to meet in person our mentor
Gracias Saludos

My 2 cents worth…….

In most cases in life the good far outweighs the bad. I can’t believe how much goodness and open-heartedness (is that a word?) has evolved from this forum.

As in life, sometimes people just need to treat others the way they would like to be treated. Yet of course that doesn’t always happen in “real life” either, but it’s always a good start.

I agree that there is no such thing as a perfect family, sometimes things just turn to shit and are irrevocably damaged. I’ve seen it in my own family…. But… if people step back and genuinely acknowledge their mistakes, foibles etc then plain sailing can get underway. Even then there will certainly be disruptions that can set you off course…. But genuine goodwill can heal a lot of ills….

Sure a disruption can clear the air, but not everyone thrives on negativity… Hell, there’s enough of that around at the best of times, there’s no need to perpetuate it, or foist it on others…

Not all of us have the chance to participate as fully as others, but still enjoying being part of this ride, whether bumpy or smooth….

My vote, let’s keep this relationship going. It’ll have ups and downs but it’s sure as hell not worth throwing the baby out with the bathwater…

Now, I will get off my soapbox……..

i say this with Much Love–

i think a golden opportunity was missed here.
i think these storms are wonderful teachers
if only we LOOK INSIDE and ponder our own reactions.
it is not what is outside of us that disturbs us. it is our perceptions only. we are solely responsible for our reactions. we all reacted very differently because we all had different perceptions of what was being said. the missed opportunity was in examining our own minds which can lead to great personal growth. when i am angry i (try to remember to) look inside to see how i am creating that state of mind for myself. how is my perception skewed right now? i turn my inquiries inward.

i wanted to ask some people to gently examine why they were getting so riled? but i didn’t. when someone else tried to get an open dialogue going he was cut off completely.

i think it all could have been a tremendous learning experience with much juicy potential for spiritual/inner growth.
bountiful crops springing up from the manure.
i’m sad that the opportunity passed us by.

DAH said, “my mantra for all of you to
“look in the mirror”..
it is sage advice.

thanks for listening.
i hope no one is offended by my honesty.

katia

as someone who keeps lurking around in this blogspehre on and off, this place has become a place of refuge of sorts, for soaking in great thoughts and keeping abreast of new work in photography…from where i come from, its difficult to access many things that i get to find here so easily, even if it’s virtual, i can still read and see…i maynot be able to have a discussion, but still….
and seeing some of the photographers’ work coming to fruition from scratch is really a knock out sensation…this whole blog works as inspiration for me ….
just hope to see this one growing…thanks!

Ok..
To ALL JEHOVA Snitc..(scratch that)
.. err.. I mean Witnesses out there..
Sorry..
I apologize.. Please take me back..
Sorry..
Sorry.. I lost all of my friends..
The forum hate me..
.. also , to all the BOY SCOUT members
out there .. I’m sorry..
Again..
All..
This “PANOS RAW” TALKING..
Not “PANOS JPEG”..
( ok , I just stole Akaky’a idea about
Akaky & Akaky IRL..)
Panos JPEG..
Is a great Christian and republican..
Listens to Bill O’Riley everyday..
But..
Panos RAW..
Says .. FUCK U ALL ( that goes to the
fake bitches in here ONLY)..
Disgusting moderators..
(.. Like I don’t know who is behind that
Mike Robot .. Right now.. Instigating..)
( .. Jigga please..)
Come on.. Next Robot in line..!!
Laughing
Not running
Not dissapearing..
Just sitting next to…
Oh forget it , you don’t need to know..
So many Robots in here..
I feel like my governor tonight..
Laughing..
Like the “terminator no13..”
Like I said earlier..
I don’t LOVE YOU ALL..
Foolios…
;-)

.. and one last think..
I don’t wanna hear shit no more.
about LA.. or my home Cali..!!
Feel me..
Stop insulting my home..
I’m so sensitive tonight..
LOL

Panos, I’m not giving you shit… I am saying own what you said, and apologize if you can. I think you should. At least to David B and Rafal. That’s it.

David, you have been way helpful to me, just by being available. My edits are better, and my work evolves. (See website)

About the blog, that is your call. I wish I could offer real advice.

That’s all for now.

Ciao,

Michael

We swim my Captain, my Captain

even at choppy waters

David, Absolutely no one ever said anything about swimming or sinking.

Believe me, no matter how you saw it as a new dawn, new opportunities arising, thAT one line you wrote “january, first, blog over” started a chain of emotions, most under the radar, but not less potent for that, which explain the later mood on the blog.

That message was and is still confusing. Only yesterday, did I undertsand the magazine was to be online, not paper-published. Or maybe I misunderstood again.

I am sure I am not the only one who thinks that the end of the blog would happen because we can imagine it is simply too much time-consuming for you, maybe emotionally too (as your GF felt). Being a guy always on the move, and a doer, it seems natural that a thing that has kept you busy for 2 years in relatively the same way, would need to become a more productive outfit, and less of a catch all forum.

Tell us exactly, after Oaxaca (maybe in Bangkok, I am afraid you won’t make it there though), what you were envisionning. Too many of us have been excluded from the thougt process that would have the blog seemingly terminated and an online magazine takes its place.

To claim family like ties, and have some here tell us” well, that’s his blog, he can do whatever he wants” just sounds a bit odd. Not the same thing.

I would not worry about personalities, rants and who said what to whom. Photography will select the men from the boys (and the women from the girls). People who happen to be not exactly what they project to be on the forum, a constant fixture of any virtual forum, will eventually get their comeuppance without the need for anyone to finger-point at them.

Also, know that we have all operated in the last week, under that premise that the blog is living its last weeks. With little to chew about as to what would come next, that does invite feeling negative.

Also, David, remember when you are telling us about the people who read only, the “lurkers”, being as much part of the blog as anyone else.

I find the first loss of nipping the blog would be to lose that readership, all the more sad because most of us would have no idea of the loss.

Panos… so it’s a no, I’m guessing. You’ve incurred a debt, brother. You owe us all for your nonsense.

Michael McGowan…!
I dont know you , but you sound really honest…
yes… start listening..
thank you Michael… stay positive…

“…Panos you really remind me of professor Snape ala the the Harry Potter books. People might not have liked him throughout the books and people may have similar feelings towards you, but in end you find out that he was really working for the greater good of things (he was in love with Harry’s dead mother)…”
.. Michael… really cool …
loves it… ;-)
peace & hugs

own your words

not laughing. apologize.

DAVID, I’m for see of change. As FDR said “There is nothing to fear but fear itself”. As for the magazine; I presume that it is online? If so I would like to see something like The 37th Frame – or even a merger. As Erica said in the previous post, Dispatches produces both an online and a paper quarterly magazine. I’d like to see a continually updated online mag like 37th Frame with a quarterly magazine like Dispatches. My two cents.

PANOS RAW – I like it. I’m a dad, I wasn’t offended: within the Panos-Speak you made some good points: not for everyone to follow but maybe for some. Some people can barely look after themselves, never mind children. They shouldn’t even have a pet! Others are brilliant mothers and fathers and others adopt and save children from a life of neglect. Enough.

Good light and laughing children to all,

Mike R.

i finally got back an internet connection… and i came back to this… previous post & coments, and this one… troubled waters indeed… but i’m sure we will overcome

…

‘freedom of speech’

does not equal

‘opening the floodgates whenever i feel like it’

“responsibility” for one’s words is an important factor in exercising one’s freedom of speech.

…

panos, i love you, you know that, but you cannot use the “toughness” of your own life to give legitimacy to your opinions.

omg i used the “cannot” word… sorry

(the part of children/no children is, as far as i’m concerned, not relevant in this case. i respect those opinions, and strong cases can be made, both ways.)

i don’t think i’ve ever offered a strong opinion here, and i’m guessing this was the only time.

…

i feel saddened, because i feel the reality of my own “tough” life has been ridiculed here, as well as my actions (not my words) towards this community

i’m saddened, in such a way that i find it difficult to “recharge” my energy for the upcoming workshop, or posting here

i’m saddened, because great guy david b needlessly got hurt. you know what i did last week? i went out and searched for days and found and sent a PRESENT to celebrate the birth of Tor Capa.

i am a man of actions, not words, so i beg you all:

walk the walk, don’t talk the talk.

know that i love you all
seriously

off

anton

ANTON,

please do “recharge” your energy for the upcoming workshop… I am sure it will be very special. Day of the DEAD in Mexico is something I have wanted to cover for some time…I thought I was going to go this year but will have to wait for another time… I have lots of Mexican friends at work that keep telling me that if this is one thing to go and photograph this is this event so…. please have the batteries full and bring us back a wonderful essay with some insights on what happens there…

LASSAL,

How can you say that you are not an accomplished writer :):):)? I love your sentence:

Do not let the feeling of having a stone in the shoe mess up the wonderful road trip. Sit down, take the shoe off, check it, maybe it is just the sock that got a wrinkle, straighten everything out, put the shoe on again, and … enjoy the wonderful “road trip”.

Lassal, we love your words and high spirit!!! I just saw your note at the end of the very last post… Well my friend, will look for a post card from here… Ohio will be waiting for you if you can make it… I have a large house here if you are not afraid of stopping by a place with 2 marvellous kids who do not stop running around…

TO ALL-

I would like to cheer us all up this morning but the link that I am about to share will certainly not achieve this… It will not cheer you but might touch you and help us put things into perspective….I was just checking the Media Storm site this morning and found this topic “Intended Consequences” about the genocide in Rwanda…

http://www.mediastorm.com/0024.htm

This subject touched me even more as this is an event that I have read a lot about at the time and after and actually had some friends from Rwanda…why do men want to fight and kill one another… I still do not understand sometimes what goes in some people’s head… the evil side of humanity… I see this and keep thinking of the words that Jim Nachtwey shared with all at Look3… so easy to hate, so difficult to love and do good around you….

Eric

MORNING ALL

SIDDHARTHA H above wrote “from where i come from, its difficult to access many things that i get to find here so easily, even if it’s virtual, i can still read and see…i maynot be able to have a discussion, but still….”

To me, this has always been the primary beauty of the blog, that it reaches out and embraces people who really care about photography and learning and sharing and may not have a physical photo community ..I am here in NYC, and I don’t ‘need’ the blog to keep me connected, up to date about photo goings-on, to break a sense of isolation..I can take the subway over to DAH’s place, I can meet Mike and Preston and Andrew and the people who blow in through NYC for talk and camaraderie..and I feel that it is a privilege to be able to share what I experience and have access to. It would be a real loss to take away the nourishment that comes in many forms from the people who desire it most.

ERIC / ALL

I posted the same link to Intended Consequences in the middle of the storm on the previous thread for the same reason..not to devalue or cast into a shadow the hurt anyone has experienced here on the blog, but to encourage us all to find our peace..and Tanguy posted it too toward the end of the thread, so that is 3 of us seeing its relevance at this moment..

KATIA/ LASSAL / DAVID B / and ALL

who reached to me in the the last thread..though I may not ‘need’ this place in the above mentioned way, the greatest benefit I have received form it is that of an experience of goodness, of caring, of community. Look at the concern, the encouragement, the understanding, that has come..sincerely thank you for giving.

I KNOW what a time commitment it can be to contribute, to keep up, it can feel like a part time job sometimes, it can feel ridiculous and extraneous at times, it can creep in to one’s “real” life in undesired ways..but all in all, I have known goodness and friendship here. Many of us know each other only through our words, and that is perhaps an inherently problematic aspect of the virtual..from ‘actions speak louder than words’, and ‘you will know them by their fruit’ and ‘talk is cheap’, it is echoed that without action we are only receiving part of the picture..so my quiet request for all is that we try to remember that in both reading and writing here..for the health of the whole.

Did Panos offend anyone in person ? Nope.
His original post sounded more like a reaction to single parents.
…. Why are there demands about ” apologies” ??? For whom ? Any single, disadvantaged parents out there ??????
Brava Panos !

Don McCullin

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/johntusainterview/mccullin_transcript.shtml

ALL,

As Erica put it: “All hands on deck”, I agree. This is how we all should play it – wherever this place ends up becoming.

My post yesterday (on other page – thanks ERIC to put the Rwanda link again), ended up with:

“Less Talk, more rock”

I meant that we ALL have to go back to what it truly important here!

Listen to Siddhartha Hajra…
To what it is like when youu can access to thsi whole world through the eyes of so many people!!!
And to have a life/photo “guru” (sorry DAH ;) as our captain seaman to get us to look at who we are (& so much more) !

Listen to Carlos…
I remember reading this blog more than a year ago in Asia, thanks to a fellow DAH blog lurker… I enjoyed it all and kept coming back. I only recently stopped blogging, basically cause I met some of you in real life (all this thanks to this place!). This is kinda unique for a lot of us!

The sea always looks better after a storm, the crew feels more of a family… And everyone can look at the clear blue horizon and enjoy the sun, and enjoy the laughs, and enjoy the stories, and enjoy a good coffee and a refreshing beer… (before everyone gets back to their work and talk about photography! – damn it!)

Anyways, keep it alive !

T.

Maybe it’s a sign:

http://www.humanfiles.com/images/misc/gsc23_0810-62.jpg

and here is one of my favorite poets not commenting on the situation we find ourselves in here:

“Oh, the monkeys have no tails in Zamboanga,
Oh, the monkeys have no tails in Zamboanga,
Oh, the monkeys have no tails,
They were bitten off by whales,
Oh, the monkeys have no tails in Zamboanga.

2
Oh, the carabao have no hair in Mindanao,
Oh, the carabao have no hair in Mindanao,
Oh, the carabao have no hair,
Holy smoke! But they are bare,
Oh, the carabao have no hair in Mindanao.

3
Oh, the birdies have no feet in Mariveles,
Oh, the birdies have no feet in Mariveles,
Oh, the birdies have no feet,
They were burned off by the heat,
Oh, the birdies have no feet in Mariveles.

4
Oh, we’ll all go up to China in the spring time,
Oh, we’ll all go up to China in the spring time,
Oh, we’ll hop aboard a liner,
I can think of nothing finer,
Oh, we’ll all go up to China in the spring time.

5
Ob, we’ll all go down to Shanghai in the fall,
Ob, we’ll all go down to Shanghai in the fall,
Oh, we’ll all get down to Shanghai,
Those champagne corks will bang high,
Oh, we’ll all go down to Shanghai in the fall.

6
Oh, we lived ten thousand years in old Chefoo.
Oh, we lived ten thousand years in old Chefoo.
And it didn’t smell like roses,
So we had to hold our noses,
Oh, we lived ten thousand years in old Chefoo.”

Sidney

Twenty years?! Wow…

I have some basic questions.
How people react for photographer? In cities and the country side. You know, different countries different rules.
When is the best time for travel for photographers?
I am not photojournalist but I would like do some journalistic job there, so what do you think there will be problem get some permission for shooting in factories for example?
They are open for foreign artists?

I have few big photo dreams. I want go to syberia or something like that, I want shoot fishermans at work, and I want go to japan do some extraordinary work there :)

During next year I want finish some stuff, make some exhibitions, and after that get some money for one big trip. In poland we have many institutions with stipends. I try get one for my trans project, but I think it was too early. I need a few good exhibitions first.

I saw movie about japan today and just wondering about…..
I need stright plan for next year.

Japan would be great, is’nt it?

Hello everyone.

I’ve been out of the loop for a bit but not out of mind.

I really want to let you know that I have an opening in PARIS on Nov 1st. It’s a Cobain retrospective in conjunction with the French premiere of the doc film I worked on “Kurt Cobain About A Son.”

info link here: http://www.eddistribution.com/expo.php

Anyway, I know there are a few Parisians in the “family” here and it would be lovely to meet you in person. Paris is such a photographer’s city and it’s an honor to have a show there (though part of me wishes it was for my new book, CYPHER but that’s how it goes).

Hope to see you there! And I’ll be in Paris from the 29th to the 6th if any of you would like to get a drink/meal and/or show me something special (I’ll have camera(s) in tow).

All the best,

Charles

‘Getting permission to go inside anywhere is a very different story.’

Oh… I was worry about… :(

Lassal

In Japan?

Marcin,

yes, in Japan!!! :)

I am meeting some people there … and my timing kind of depends on them. It will be around April/May. Waiting for the last informations before I book a flight. But hopefully will book soon to keep the prices down.

CHARLES PETERSON…

keep going… GREAT…
UP IN BROOKLYN, i briefly met a cool cat, called TIM RIPLEY…
… HE told me the best words about you..
:-)))))))
again, congrats…

Hey Charles,

… wish I could be at your show in Paris, it would’ve cool to talk… Now in NY, I’ll tell a few parisians to go check it out…
Some of the pics on your site sure brought me back to some sweet times… Nirvana, Sonic Youth, L7, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam…
I probably saw heeps of your photos back then, not knowing you…

Listening to SY’s “Daydream Nation” right now… Thanks, and have a great show in Paris (Enjoy!) – Cypher will have its time too ;))

All the best,
Tanguy.

DAH – i personally like the format you have here. i have met wonderful people and have been introduces to some incredible work. obviously, i will be there where ever this goes…. but i do like it the way it is.

CHARLES – congratulations!

DAVID B – do not let one person stop you from sharing your new family and feelings about it. we all love hearing about the new little one and i look forward to seeing a picture soon.

LASSAL – you have a place to stay here in DC!!!

DAVID & ALL,

Despite having a modest participation, I’ve been learning a lot and also making new good friends around here.
The interaction is amazing and the differences natural.
As some blog mates said it’s hard to follow up all the threads but I don’t worry anymore. I try to participate when possible and as possible, but always in a constructive way.
The eventual rants and misunderstandings are not unusual for those who are used to be in other forums. There are different ways to deal with that, and I honestly don’t which one is the best, or if there is a best one.
I can only sy I enjoy to be here, to be part of this family if I can say so, even if not as participative as I’d like to be.
I am another one to stay onboard!

CHARLES,

Congratulations about your premiere in Paris!
Visiting your site I’d highlight some beautiful photos at your galleries unicef, travel and “touch me I’m sick”. Also liked the horizontal navigation.

ERICA, ERIC, LASSAL, BOB, PATRICIA and others who shared some wise words here.

Thanks for the pleasant reading!

All the best,
Ari B.

I think some type of format change is beneficial. For example I miss the one long page vs. Multi page posts. We have outgrown the current format but not this community of personalities.

This blog has influenced my thoughts for the last year and half.
I constanly think of DAH’s advice, especially when I go for a jog/run. I have also looked in the mirror and as a result, been disappionted in myself, scared to move to the next level in photography, yet somehow optimistic for the future.

The artists/ people on here inspire with the work being done.
I aspire to do the same some day.
Please keep it going.
Jason
Keep it up please.

not an important shot but…. none the less I missed it… I was walking up and down overland cuz I’ve got nothing to do until my next shoot and I missed capturing a photo of a guy stealing a political sign… Zut!!! I missed it!

Katia,

Reading your (earlier) post today was inspirational.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I’m a sometime reader but not a poster (way too shy) – I would very much miss all the insightful posts here.

DAH – Please don’t go away.

It never really occurred to me that I could or should post. Leave that to the next gal. I think I have read every single post and would really like to see the blog live on. I learn a lot and it inspires me to work harder.

MARCIN and LASSAL

I just emailed both of you with some basic info about Japan. If you have more specific questions please feel free to contact me.

Cheers,

i’m a lurker, it’s true…

i do appreciate DAH’s nuggets about pursuing photography and admire many things about him, including but not limited to his boundless energy, complete and utter commitment to photography, generosity in helping others, sharp eye and sharp mind.

would i miss this blog if it disappeared? not really… because i’m not fully invested as so many of you are… but you seem to be a small core community, an insiders group, mostly patting each other on the back (apparently there have been problems on and off the blog, i’m not sure what all that was about)…

i’m sure if i had a bunch of friends here i’d feel differently; you’re a group that has come to depend on one another for daily dialog. i understand that – i’m a freelance professional photographer and have been for 25 years, it can be a super lonely way of life.

DAH says many editors etc watch this blog… for the few super talents here that might pay off but for most of the constant posters here i think that those editors won’t be where the value is here…

my two cents!

DAVID and ALL.

Should we keep rolling? OF COURSE…

In the spirit of the election and REAL change (not just talk about change) I would not be opposed to tweaking things around here a bit.

As the first “outsider” to enter the blog (along with Akaky and Michael Kircher…where is Michael these days btw?) I LOVE this blog but have come to realize that I have much more of a life when I am not trying to keep up here. :)) Frankly I would rather be shooting or editing than reading about who is fighting with who…It is not up to me what form the blog takes, I will try to participate as best I can regardless…

BUT… since I have no idea what the “magazine” will include or not include I would say that a VERY IMPORTANT aspect of the blog is the “pre-magazine” editing help that is given here and the discussions about work that inspire the shooting. So far I have not heard that this will be part of the magazine. I can’t really imagine how this could be part of the magazine. This blog is the pre-magazine forum so to have the magazine without the blog seems like cutting off a finger to focus on the hand (kind of a gross analogy but it’s what came to me and hey, it works :))

Capiche???

I think the blog, as an undercurrent, needs to continue, but can be buried in the online magazine.

great to see so many new voices being expressed..

of course the blog has to continue..
D A H
the far fling benefits of this blog are way beyond those who post in the comments.. your posts provide an insight.. and have been fascinating.. and remain so.. apart from the now 2 posts where you have had to step in to pacify.. which makes me angry.. ashamed and miserable.. since you deserve better from those you would help.

so – please think carfully about the silent masses reading you who are ‘doing it’ just as well as those that comment.
in perspective – remember that these are just comments.. comments alone..

personally – i’m not going to post anymore.
a couple of things have hit..
1 – i don’t really have time, now that for the first time i actually have a real family to speak of.. a new and wonderful thing.
2 – i feel like i have stumbled into the wrong classroom.. ‘another lurker / reader’ has said what i would echo, in part..

i came into photography for my own reasons.. very young.
taught myself.. and have only ever depended upon myself to achieve photographically what i have wanted to achieve – that’s just the way it has been for me personally. that’s where i am going back to again.. there are plenty of places to read about / discuss and interact on the subject of photography and that’s where i’ll be.

it’s been a refreshing change from shooting my projects, and of course there are friends here i have been / am emailing with and will continue to do so.. a rare and beautiful thing.
however, i have managed to achieve more in my time while working quietly towards my goals and so it’s back that way i am heading.. the investment of time on here is taking away from investing in my practice, in short, and i want every spare moment to be devoted to editing and shooting right now..

still editing my archive, still wandering back and back through my negatives and of course still shooting every day – life does not get much better./ although 2009 is going to be a corker..

thanks all for the intelligent musings.. there has been a shift in my perspective for which i’m really grateful.
if you would like to stay in touch, email david@bophoto.co.uk or check my blog.. a bunch of you who’s email i have already will soon be getting the story of my love affair and birth of our unbeatable son in photos..

DAH – in early 2007 you offered me a white russian and if the offer still stands i’m going to ensure i take it up in the near future.

ANY help needed with the EPF – i’m in.. i’d be much happier working in the background and in a more tangible way – so please consider..

see you on the other side..
love and pea’s to all without exception
david, beate and tor capa.
xxx

ps – photography.

Damon

Thanks for your offer. I will contact with you when I’ll sure I am going to. I and my wife spend whole morning discussed bout possibilities for this trip. It coud work!

If anyone need my advice I am on your service. I think it is the spirit of this place!

peace

SIDNEY
… amazing email, thank you!!!! Will write you soon …

DAMON
thank you so much to offer your help. It sounds like we / I could need it there. I will write you an email as soon as I can …

GINA
:D !!!
I have warned you: I am really coming to DC!
:))))
Thanks so much …

ERIC
ditto here … I am so thankful for this offer you are giving me. It is such a huge help.
I’ll write separately …
(btw, I LOVE kids! :)

AUDREY
… will definitively have to write you an email soon!!!!

ANA
yeah, good to be back … but … strange too … Things evolved … They are multilayered here and it seems that every layer is moving into a different direction. Very strange …

ERICA
the Rwanda work is absolutely … … … (no words). Thanks for everyone who posted the link!

CATHY
I thing you really got a point with the pre-magazine work …!

DAVID B
wrote you an email …

ALL
I am in time-trouble here. Under absolute pressure. Mostly because I will be leaving for another photo shoot for “Wishes” next week.
Please forgive me being so short here now.
I’ll be back.

Hugs to all …
Lassal

I enjoy reading this blog from time to time and occasionally contributing, thank you for its existence!

How about a ‘cooling off’ period or reducing the frequency of the blog or individual contributions to it? Perhaps this family has got a little too close (easily done) and perhaps not all members feel equally loved, respected and listened to which would help to keep the peace??

One idea might be to switch around the roles for a while? When our roles are not as we want, it can cause friction and conflict i think.

Jenny

PS Maybe not the right place for this request but… a camera held up to my eye feels disrespectful to the subject and i love digital… anyone know of equipment that is good in low light with a big, flip out screen?

I like David McGowan’s idea (perhaps others also) of the blog continuing within an on-line magazine.It might help people navigate better to the parts they are most interested in.
From the number of comments and even more readers, this is a place people go.(I don’t understand why anyone bothers to check it out if they don’t find something valuable here.) It is a place to “connect”, to learn, to share, and to virtually be with a group who share a love of documentary photography. I love seeing the photographs, reading the critiques, and also the openness and freedom of this site. “Freedom of the press” is paramount. Respect is important also–and we need to listen to and learn from one another. Misunderstandings and differences of opinion are bound to happen–maybe private e-mails on resolving certain issues should happen more. I don’t know. However, whatever your beliefs, I think you would agree with the commandment to : “Love one another.”
Thanks, David, for your continuing efforts. Somehow, I think you’ll make this work. I hope so. I was in Oaxaca last February–incredible place and experience. You have posted images from there before. It would be great to see more. Take care.

Since I can’t be too much with the “family” (trip looming big, plenty to do), and david busy too in Oaxaca, here’s a pixel equivalent:

ANTON took it, and should take all the credit and… Blame! :-)))

http://www.pbase.com/image/105062764

also a great direction for this blog could be that which we had talked about in Perpignan : uploading work on a website and exchanging comments on what has been done…

trying that could give the blog a new impulse !

and again, if I can help….

cheers !

My visit and comments of the day:

CATHY SCHOLL,

Thanks for the link of Travel Photographer blog!

STEFAN,

I also can’t spend much time here and once had the same feeling about people who only want to be noticed but I disagree about being ONLY that.
I’ve been learning a lot and enjoy the interaction and exchange of knowledge and experiences here.
It’s hard to go thru all the posts, we cannot filter and we can always miss some good comments, but still being pleasant to pass by and participate.
And what about the meetings and events where people who met first here could see and also help each other? Still happening and it’s priceless.

DAMON,

I think you explained better than I did…
Real life, as you said, give a real meaning to this space here!

ALL,

Wish you a good, productive and peaceful week!

Cheers,
Ari B.

I was reading the comment from one lurker here who I wish would let us know who he is…

Personally, I am not sure that this blog is mostly about “patting each other on the back” although this can happen… and this may also push it a bit far to say that “we have come to depend on one another for daily dialog”…

Sure, there is friendship, dialog, a sense of community and it is great to come back to this place and have a discussion among friends but it is NOT just about that… David from day one has been pushing us all to go out and shoot… This blog has allowed many here to take their work to a higher level… I am sure he will forgive me for that comment but I remember the work of Panos before being challenged on this forum and we have all seen what he was able to do and is still doing in Venice… David is also leading by example…he often talks about 1/3 teaching, 1/3 shooting and 1/3 working on books etc… I think we all have to strike the right balance… we should not be spending hours on the blog at the expense of shooting but I think that many of the frequent contributors are very committed photographers who I am sure have also a life outside the blog…. The blog is a place for inspiration, to connect and share, an invaluable place as far as I am concerned.

Cheers,

Eric

…
and as ALWAYS…
HIGHER RESOLUTION…..
HIGHER
HIGHER
HIGHER…
NEW LINK

1) “DARK KID”: LEILE

http://gallery.me.com/innerspacecowpanos#100344&view=mosaic&sel=0

peace
;-)

ERIC. HERVE…ALL.

Speaking of Darfur…Jehad has Darfur/Chad, Somalia. It’s all there. Horrific and beautiful at the same time. Just like I always say about Jim N. Opens your heart rather than drives you away.
Which is what these guys need to do…otherwise who would look?

http://www.jehadnga.com/main.php

I’m a silent reader of this blog but I feel that I need to contribute to the recent polemic.
That Panos is totally a fucked up. That poor guy really needs psychological attention, right now. I’m talking seriously, I think he’s a truly case of schizophrenia combined with a serious problem of drug abuse. He’s the only incoherent and full of rage writer that I’ve seen in here, the others just make this blog what it is, a devoted blog to the art of photography. Sadly, problems like this, about some freak who can’t have a little respect for others, are very common around internet. They just vomit all their frustrations, hate and loneliness on this virtual world, and make a whole fake life through a monitor and a keyboard, how sad. Anyway, I think that DAH has a lot of work,a lot in his mind, and he has been far too kind for making this online forum for emerging photographers, and he doesn’t deserve that kind of bullshit. Just ignore that prick, or help him by sending him to a a good psychiatric center. But David, please don’t kill this forum.
Cheers from Dnipropetrovsk.

S. PROKOFJEW,

I think your comments are very disrespectful and are NOT contributing to anything here.
Please, let’s talk about photography and avoid more confusion!

Cheers,
Ari B.

CATHY,

What can I say….I absolutely loved that essay… I did not know this photographer but I love his style and vision. You actually made me depressed :):)… I think that I still need to learn :):):). Someone else just raised the bar here on boxing!!!! Thanks for sharing….

I will be off for a few days… I am going to Canada with the whole family to renew my US visa (need to get out of the county to make things simple…). I should be back on Thursday, hoping to find a lot of constructive exchanges :):).

Cheers,

Eric

S.Prokofjew, PANOS is just ….. Panos. He has his own language – Panos Speak – and, if you read some of his earlier comments you will see that he can be quite diplomatic: just see how he cemented U.S. – China relations during the Olympics – hilarious! His comments usually have a serious point embedded in there somewhere. Everyone here who has met him in person likes him immensely. DAH wouldn’t waste time (he doesn’t have time to waste!) on him if he didn’t see potential. Good enough for me.

PETE MAROVICH – thanks for posting my photograph on The 37th Frame!

JEAN

I’d like to test your blog reader, but I get this message upon opening:

“You have an error in your SQL syntax; check the manual that corresponds to your MySQL server version for the right syntax to use near ‘ORDER BY com_id’ at line 1”

Cheers,
Lassal

LASSAL / ALL

You must select a subject to make it work!!!
I hope Meaning is going on as you want!!!
peace

JUST arrived at my doorstep..

Bruce Davidson
Time of Change

http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/c.aspx?VP=XSpecific_MAG.BookDetail_VPage&pid=2K7O3R182NTR

I had never come across this book before I ordered it, and it is absolutely a must see..it is hard to tell it’s beauty and quality from the link, but if you can get your hands on a copy, do..

“Organized into five sections – New York City, 1960 to 1965; Chicago, 1962; The South, 1961 to 1965; Freedom Ride, 1961 – Mississippi Freedom March – Birmingham Demonstrations – March on Washington, 1963 – Voter Registration; and Mother Brown, 1962 – “Time of Change” tells a compelling story of community pride and survival, work, love and self-determination. By linking seemingly unrelated stories, Davidson shows us that there was more to the civil rights movement than the violent and racially-charged images we have so often seen.”

Thank you for the Jehad NGA link. Amazing.

new link,
HIGHER REZ…
new link,
HIGHER REZ..
new link,
HIGHER REZ..

1) THE BABY … “product” of love…?
2) … or “product” of “haste”? … or “booze”???
3) The Baby, wrapped up in Love…
4) Happy young parents, getting ready for a “new” one…
5) MELANIA & BRAD…Very young couple / PARENTS…kissing…
( Brad couldnt start his truck this morning…
REASON:… DUI ignition blower activated in his truck… it measured….0.004… above the legal limit…

6) The sister ( AUNT ) worries too much, holding the baby…
7) “Dark Love”
8) Leile playing, supervised by a cigarette…
9) baby Boots & cigarettes…
10) Aunt , preaching the young couple about being responsible…
11) Jordan, Another Dark Kid, walks in…
12) THE MOTHER IN LAW, “examining” ( BRAD ) the husband of her daughter, Melania …
13) MOTHER IN LAW, “enjoying” her grand kids
14) “Dark” Leile… her father married again a pakistani virgin bride… Leile visits them twice a month…
15) Little “dark” Jack… the latest addition to the “DARK KIDS” world…
16) Leile , looking a little jealous of the new baby arrival…
17)… Leile, runs away…
18) Auntie Ramona… never stops , cooking, cleaning, changing diapers..
19).. proud new mom.. Melania… feels depressed and overwhelmed as
she confessed to me a little earlier…
20) Brad ( new father ) playing with some of the “Dark Kids”… while Auntie Ramona… yelling at the phone…
21) .. and look who is here, finally back from Tijuana, after a visit to see her felon illegal deported boyfriend… SRENA, just came back to pick up
HER DAUGHTER MYIA from Auntie R… NEGLECT??? you be the judge…
22) My mustang… the intruder… watches every move i do…
23) Lile… learns how to spell my name… trust !

http://gallery.me.com/innerspacecowpanos#100371&view=mosaic&sel=0

peace

ps:… JONI K.. yes…!!!!!!!!!!
Maciej DAKOWITZ… visited twice at the Kibbutz…
he is the super-coolest guy…
no bull…

David,

Please continue. Your website is a daily visit and a source of photographic inspiration.

I first found you through the Hip Hop Geographic article. I’ve since sought out your spot on the internet, bought some books and visit here daily.

Keep going!!

From Ireland on my dad’s computer…

I’m in. I want to be more involved.

I agree with Preston. I am a lurker, and I also had the pleasure of meeting DH in Santa Fe. Keep it up; I enjoy it greatly. DR

All,
I’m really happy & excited to admit that I received
numerous, friendly, constructive emails… from friends
here… and ALL totally disagree with me , regarding the title…
“DARK KIDS”…
nobody finds it appropriate …
hmmmm… i think i messed up then…
;-(

Panos I love the dark kids work, Really powerful. Man, that is access. I quite like the name too: it has mystery but I can see how it could be misunderstood.
Akaky…hillarious.
Damon

ANTON,

I’d say 1 or 4 and maybe 8…
But it’s personal man, and it’s up to you.
Envy you… ;-))

Wish you lots of inspiration and enjoy the workshop!

Cheers,
Ari B.

Ok I’ll jump in. (Big breath!)

DAH has been a huge inspiration to me for the last two decades and it was an honor an privilege to be his student at a workshop a few years back. When this blog started up I was thrilled and read it everyday – each time learning something more from the master. Then the blog changed. It stopped being about the thoughts, work and life of DAH and became a chatty coffeehouse for all who frequented it. That’s when I would basically stop reading past the text of his new posting.

When a post by David quickly turns into 200+ reader replies that are mostly rambling conversations between blog readers who all want to share their poetry or whatnot, the point of his initial post and thought gets quickly lost in the mire. The bulk of the postings are not a conversation with David but among yourselves. Many of the regulars are excellent photographers and some are excellent writers but what you have now is not a blog by DAH, but an loosely unmoderated art/photography/personal rant forum that is a chore to read. When I do read Road Trip I only scan for replies by DAH because that has the content that I’m looking for.

I wish that it were less about the readers and more about the guy who we all respect and whose work brought us together here.

I’ve been reading this blog for some time now, but it has become tedious. The ramblings, writings and outbursts that have nothing to do with the topic have made it too much trouble to weed through. I was hoping for more from DAH and less from self-absorbed prima donnas who often seem to have only a tenuous grasp on reality.

Too much angst, too much navel gazing. Too little photography.

AKAKY – you are damn hysterical!!!

Posted by: Gina Martin | October 27, 2008 at 07:53 PM..

yeeep !

DAMON C,
thank you for the feedback.

ARI B:

I owe you an apology. I did get your reply regarding the royalty free music, just didn´t get back to you. Thank you for the link. Sorry, didn´t mean to bee rude just got destracted. Thanks for following up.

James

Wow. Now I know what folks mean when they say they are overwhelmed when they’ve been away a few days and come back and try to catch up.

So many thoughts in my mind I want to share…

But for now, Mr. Harvey…David…DAH….I never am sure how to address you, as I feel you’ve shared so much and you are so familiar, and yet I have such great respect for you that I do not feel I have the right to be “familiar” addressing you ….I simply want to say that your generousity of spirit in maintaining this place has inspired me, a perhaps hopelessly hopeful want-to-be-better photographer to reach for things I would never have thought of, would never have seen or felt or found with all of my participation on other “photography” forums/sites/whatevers…and led me to realize some inner strengths and weaknesses of my own…and perhaps how to build on those strengths, and overcome those weaknesses…but most importantly the inspiration…

I must admit I bristle when I read some of the negative/discouraging comments about this home you’ve built and invited us all to share….whether it be a passing comment about it becoming a “love fest” (ha!) or a place where people post in order to “rub shoulders” with the more successful or famous….those people don’t understand, or I think don’t take the time to try and understand or know what this is about…

I was one of those who lurked for some time, and then actually traded email with a regular poster before even thinking about posting here….because I did not feel “worthy”…I’m not a professional photographer….I know I most likely never will be, or will ever be well known or paid for my work….but that doesn’t diminish the desire that has been sparked in me by this place…the desire to grow, to be able to not simply tell stories, but convey feelings and emotions of the moment in a photograph….will I ever succeed? I don’t know. Am I better for trying? Most certainly. Have your words, whether directed to me specifically or to those reading in general, helped? Tremendously. have the other members of the “family” here helped? Again, tremendously.

My fears are this….that I cannot possibly give back enough to make up for what I get from this family…and that, if it grows or changes, that somehow I will no longer be able to participate because I do not “make the cut”….everyone here is so talented…

But in answer to your question….I think erica put it very well…we have stormy weather…in such times, we must all apply ourselves to do the work at hand.

most respectfully to all…

andrew b

DAH

I don’t think the blog is that useful anymore the way that it is.

I believe it has evolved in this form as far as it can go, it needs to mature, grow up, go out there and play with the big boys… Dare I say it but become more professional… Now that may put some people off, but I thought that was always the idea behind the genesis of this place, to push people to the next level…

I do think it is a perfect venue to deliver a magazine format that is truly global… If everyone is really as devoted to making great images as they profess to be then I can think of something already that I have spruiked to a couple of people that this would be a perfect resource to pull from…

In the past this blog distinguished itself by a long phase of instruction, followed by discussion of the merits of the imagery and then by a to and fro with a large audience. It was entertaining, but it has now fallen into a typical blogosphere pattern, that of sniping, insult and reactionary replies. Its no longer about discussion its more about opinion and that some personalities get heard above the rest more than anyone else comes as no shock to me, this is just human nature playing at its most common behaviour…

My suggestion is to announce an assignment that can be covered by anyone anywhere in the world, then appoint regional editors (that have the time, not necessarily the experience, perhaps even on a rotating basis) to present a package from their region. This can be done on a very democratic basis, like I said everyone could have a crack at it and anyone could be involved- they would just have to commit themselves to it completely to that one edit from their region. I think that you could get sponsorship and advertisers based on the fact there would be a surprise factor with each edition and it would appeal to the widest demographic, this place has people from 22 to 72 from what I can understand…

Then there could be a central desk for a final edit and then well Bob’s your Uncle (well brother in spirit anyway) you could have an innovative and interesting magazine that echo’s the thoughts, emotions and temper of the times…

Well those are my thoughts on it, I don’t want to wade through heaps of posts that aren’t saying much anymore… I want to see more picture stories…

More work and less talk…

Anton,

love 1, 2, 4 and 5… j’espère que tu vas bien…
Have a nice workshop !

Have fun Anton! Can’t wait to see the images you make!

Lisa,

all thats fine, but people are still shooting assignments and pursuing their personal work. David has often told us to concentrate on what we are doing, stop dilluting ourselves and finish what we have started. Im not sure what David has in mind, but I still think that the usefulness of this magazine will be to give an outlet for the work we have already started and are kneed deep in, rather than shooting monthly assignments for some random theme and cutting into time we have for what we have started.

Yes, authorship can be as you said but remember we arent professionals, we dont have time and resources to shoot as much as we want and theres still work for us to finish. I dont have the luxury of getting bored and shooting something for the heck of it, my shooting time now is almost down to nil and Im still working on several projects. Im sure Im not the only one.

To me authorship is more than having a voice, its also having a message to express in that voice.

ALL

I made a few changes on the reader:
http://jnss.x10hosting.com/dah_reader/

PANOS / LASSAL, it should work for you…

ARI
thanks

KARIM
thank you; i like your photos, but why is your website down???

ANTON
Great work!!! I can’t wait to see what you’re going to do at the end of the workshop…Good luck.

LOVE

RAFAL and LISA

what both of you say makes sense.
However, we have to stop and think about what the “assignments” were proposed for. Is it a challenge to explore new territories or just a tool to carry on what we have already done and want to finish?
a simulation of the kind of assignment a magazine picture editor would give or mainly a self-assignment?
When david launched the idea, at once i thought to what i would have liked to see. And the answer was: projects that may involve photographers from different places for example, all committed to the same subject, a sort of “a day in the life”.
Lisa’s “october” is a perfect example of it. It could be “saturday nights” or “carnivals” or “commuters on the train”, just to make some random examples.
I have nothing against very intimate personal projects like yours, Rafal, I also like it, but honestly i cant say i feel so involved in it, as well as i’m not so eager to see Panos’ next series on his girlfriend’s belly button.

RAFAL

I was merely making a suggestion… I am sure that Mr Harvey will captain this boat in a direction that brings us into uncharted areas and that accomodates professionals -and amateurs like yourself- equally…

GUIDO

Er, actually ‘October’ was the rather brilliant concept of Herve or Sidney… one that I put my hand up to participate in…

LISA: I like the idea.

DAVID: And if you do too, it would be great to make the first one on climate change and global warming because since the future of life on Earth depends on it, it is probably one of the most important stories of our generation…

But how to go about such a story when satellite imagery is also probably needed? I am NOT joking – because only from satellite you can see the size of the areas of the ocean that are no longer sparkling turquoise blue but grey-brown with dead and dying matter.

Peace,
Jenny

ARIE

DAH is in Mexico doing a workshop at least into the first week in November

DAVID M

No, I am pretty sure there hasn’t been any place announced to upload yet..and i am happy for that..scanning like a madwoman still

CLARIFICATION

DAVID: Your website is a source of inspiration for one and all. Please continue – but only if YOU want to. What is best for you is probably best for this community too. Perhaps this needs thought from you. When you are giving so much and people are taking it for granted, and giving you flack to deal with, it must be exhausting…

Jenny

DAVID M

am concerned that all the waiting and build up is a recipe for let-down…but I can only do the work that needs to be done at this point..but thanks for the smiles.

ALL..

Can we talk about something photo related and possibly interesting today? Am here in front of the machine all day..how about

What is the one aspect of your photography or your relationship to it that you most want to develop / improve / change at this point in time and how might you take a step toward making that happen?

Sure, but I’m not sure how much online time I can dedicate today. However, I want to develop a better sense of how to engage a subject or model, so I’m not asking them to pose, but rather the relationship is causing natural things to happen, which result in real moments.

I don’t know the steps to making it happen, but it probably just comes from confidence, of which I could use a big dose. It’s in development.

LISA

First off, Hello again! We shared the workshop in bkk. I was feeling all nostalgic reading your comments and ideas, being that a year has passed in a blink.

I always admired your candor. Your photos reflect that.

I lurk around this blog daily, and agree with what you said about how it’s become more about a select few “DAH Blog Personalities” and less about the simple exchange of photos and, in turn, inspiration.
This site used to be a cool way for me to keep tabs on those I met in the workshop (sorta extend the experience) and also a nice shot in the arm when feeling creatively tapped. Personal stories about how people balance life, art and work… although not the same… is always relatable.

Lisa your idea sounds a lot like what’s happening at http://www.jpgmag.com. They even grew to full monthly publication. I’m not saying that it’s what you were thinking, just reminded me of it in concept.

DAH
I dig how you weave a personal experience or sentiment from your posts and tie it into something we all can relate to on the simplest level. A question is asked and we are all allowed the unique opportunity to share our thoughts. Lately, the topics are rarely even discussed or commented on. The beauty and disgust of an “open” forum. Unfortunately for me and apparently a lot others, are tired of wading through the venimous diatribes and retaliating comebacks. It reminds me of how people act when they’re behind the wheel. Full of piss n vinegar and if someone ahead of em doesn’t use their turn signal, these “normal mellow people” grow balls the size of coconuts and blast off, lose their heads and usually flip the bird. Fact is they feel they can do it cause they never have to face that person. They wouldn’t be that way in line at the local grocery. Road Rage, as they call it in the States.

I doubt highly those accused of being badasses on this Blog would be able to muster the balls to be that way in person. Thank God for that too. That would just make us all assholes, without any sense of respect or understanding.

This site has a serious case of Blog Rage. Nothin’, that won’t remedy itself just long enough to sprout back up. WELCOME TO THE INTERNET EVERYONE!

What I would wish for…
This site to grow and “mature” without leaving it’s faithful behind.

These posts run loooooooooooong!! I go to this design forum a lot. They really have it locked down well. http://www.qbn.com There’s an area for the main people to post up topics that interest the “group” and than there’s a section for members to add topics of their own or contribute to other discussions. It’s brilliant and very entertaining. A VERY good model to look at.

And maybe a chance, let’s say once a month for the members to meet up on a person to person level. Few drinks, lots of lively discussion. It could be handled on a regional level like Lisa had mentioned so everyone can be in on it. I promise people will talk a lot less shit if they think they may run into that person in “REAL LIFE” Besides it would be good fun. A Family Get Together!

I’ll bring the potato salad and PBR!!

Cheers everyone

this link was buried in my post but a great model for a forum.

http://www.qbn.com

Anton, very nice work my friend!! :)

I find it tough to commit to a subject or story. Or at least staying on-point with a particular essay. I envy a lot of people who post here, seems at the very least… they have a good base to develop into a better or great essay of photos. Make sense?

I think I’m determined… but lose focus quickly.

I do love the simplicity/spontanaity… ‘the dance” of street photography.

my 2 cents

I’m still thinking about what exactly it is I want to change..

AKAKY

what is it about photographing people in the street that you want to improve or find a challenge?

The thing I’d most like to change or improve and am not sure how to relates to a DAH quote …

“Don’t shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like” …

My photography is pretty straight-forward — not sure that I’m transmitting enough (or any!) ‘feeling’ or what else I could/should do to improve that.

Advice and suggestions would be most welcome and greatly appreciated.

http://www.kerrypayne.net/

Thanks!
Kerry

Re: interacting with people and getting more emotions from them….

ERICA
every thing I’ve heard people say about your interaction with people, and the results of your work I’ve seen, say you’re pretty good at this one….wanna host a workshop? I’d sign up :)

And you never said what *you’d* like to improve in your own work…or I missed it…

URGENT MESSAGE FOR DAVID:

Hi David,

I will be in NYC for a 2 days -Tomorrow, October 29 and Thursday- trip to pick up my visa for Switzerland. Could I come and say Hi? I would live to see you prior to moving to Europe on Saturday.

Please let me know and I hope you get this message.

Thanks

Arie

ERICA / KERRY,

My approach to street photography is that I really dont have one. It is very difficult (or at least I find it difficult) to take that kind of candid street shot here where I live. This is a small city, a very small city, and I think just about everyone can play a six degrees of Kevin Bacon when it comes to me. Either people know who I am or they know someone who knows me or they know someone who knows someone who knows me. Even with the flood of new people coming in due to recent gentrification, I have no way to be anonymous here. There is no shoot and scoot here for me.

And then there is the lack of density here. There is no taking the shot and then turning a corner and disappearing into the crowd. People will know that I am photographing them and will want to know why, what am I going to do with the pix, etc. I had that same reaction when I went down to the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I was very tentative in taking pictures of people. When I went down for the Hispanic Day parade, all I took with me was a Canon Elan with a 50mm lens and pocketfuls of 400 b&w film and a Canon A640 p&s. I did it to make myself get in closer. Even then I worried about the SLR’s mirror slap, but there were so many other tourists with cameras around and Midtown was so noisy that I dont think anyone heard the camera at all, except for the Mr Softee guy who gave me a glare. Being able to do my thing and then disappear into the crowd felt very liberating, but it’s not something I can do here in my home town and I can’t afford to go down to the city every weekend just to take pictures. But it was fun while it lasted ;-)

DAH,

can you please tell us a bit about the EPF uploading? Will we be uploading large files as before? How many pictures? Any other requirements you will have? Id like to get an early start on editing files so they are ready to be uploaded when the time comes.

Hi David

First, please accept my apologies for unceremoniously dropping out, what must be about 2 months ago now. My (non-photography) day job got successfully busy, ie in a good/great way, and required my complete and undivided attention. Not coincidentally, my photography has also recently evolved into something that I can only describe as shedding a 25-year old cocoon, as a direct result of my participation here…

Second, although I haven’t been around lately, I believe your analysis is spot on: this is a family here with all that that implies, and there will be tension and arguments.

You have always been open and uncensoring, which I believe makes this blog unique. But that will invite some unpleasantness.

None of this detracts from all that I have learned from this blog in the past ~1-2 years, and all I that hope to continue learning in the indefinite future.

So my “vote” is, rock on, Uncle Dave. Your kids/siblings/nieces/nephews will be stronger for it in the long run.

Cheers,

Asher

AKAKY

I feel like i’m jumping in here a bit, hope you don’t mind. Just read your last post. Immediately I found myself wanting to talk with you about this…

I know where your coming from on this but maybe you can turn it around. Knowing your subjects or them kind of knowing you (as you’ve described) can create a different type of street shooting.

I’m not very good at putting my thoughts and ideas into writing
( unlike so many here that are very articulate ) I always feel awkward because of this, however…

what I mean is that it sounds to me that you coming from the ‘fly on the wall’ camp, but for me, and I stress that this is a personal choice. For me, I like to have a connection with my subject, some sort of acknowledgment. Even if it is just a fleeting moment.

When I began shooting documentary I approached things differently, I wanted to be invisible and float through the crowd like a ghost, but after a while I begun to question this candid camera… and as a portrait photographer my work is all about communication, communication of ideas, communication with the subject and communication of the subjects personality etc… So, I began to photograph people on the street very openly, with communication. It changed everything for me.

I won’t go on…

again: i’m only saying this is what works for me. But as i read your post I thought about all this. The approach of a street photographer to his subject, invisible or very visible.

all the best

Sam

Kerry:
Would love to chat with you offline about your day gig…send me an email at the link on the bottom of the page on my link? Also not only about that, but I have some notes I wrote up about blog ideas as well – if you covered them I won’t post/send (or will in “seconding” your ideas:)

AKAKAKAKAKAKAY :) (that was fun to type)
Dude…same problem for me here (maybe not as much), but the density thing – there is just no one on the streets….people at the farmer’s market saying “are you taking my picture *again*? Why?” :)

As far as everyone knowing you, I second the idea of a different approach….going deeper than the odd “captured” street shot….make them captured moments of people you know somewhat and thereby can capture with some extra meaning….

ok, I just called you “dude”. weird.

ERICA
you know what you have to do….just follow your heart and your instincts…you of all the people I’ve listened to are so in touch with yourself ….

…one thing I have been meaning to bring up from your post a while back, about wanting to create work that moves you as much as some of the work you admire does….I have to wonder…as artists, are we ever moved as much by our own work as by work of those we admire/like/follow? Can we be? Or is what pushes an artist forward always being slightly unsatisfied, slightly not “finished” with our own work, knowing that somehow we can make it more? I honestly don’t know….perhaps I’m not a good enough artist in anything to be moved by my own work…but even in just doing…in things I know I can do well…that are creating but not any sort of “traditional” art…I can be satisfied, and proud, and content….but is that the same as the feeling or impact we get from another’s work?

DMcG:
I hear you….but honestly, there seemed to be more than just a pretty girl posing in some of those images….there was to me a feeling of trust…of relaxation that cannot come without trust….

good night light, all….

Jorge,
100% de acuerdo.

Mr. S.Prokofjew

I think there are many voices as your. Maybe even 99%, who knows. I feel responsible. I can only apologize. I have nothing more to add.

peace

HI EVERYONE

Below is a question I resieved today from a young female photography student that is trying to document what is happening in Tasmanian forests. I guess some of you have seen my work on that subject.
Anyway, I thought amongst us here there may be some words of wisdom I could share.

How would you approach this situation ?

“How full on has all the violence in the forest been, its completely insane. Taking photos at these kind of actions, with these guys is really hard. They target the camera continually, and really don’t care if your female or male they still shove you around. Have you ever experienced that sort of violence whilst taking photos? any tips or advice or ways to deflect violence whilst still getting a decent photo?

Guido

I am part of this community. If we have the dark side I am also responsible for that, but I try to be the bright side of the force. It not mean I am always and for everyone.

must run

“May The Force Be With All of You”

damn.. I’m late today..
8:50.. City of Angels..
Halloween in two days…
Hopefully.. I will couple
SCARY links to share soon..

AKAKY.. I will go with Kerry..
Use it as your advantage, the fact
that everyone knows you in your town..
Also carry your camera around ,
sometimes without shooting at all..
Don’t act determined or desperate
either.. Act like you don’t care..
It works in Venice!
;-)))

Morning y’all

ALL:

DRR.Net closes it’s doors!

I have not yet had the opportunity to read back through this post, so perhaps the subject has already been touched on.

Digital Railroad has been the “professional” front for my images for almost two years- now I feel homeless.

Any thoughts on an alternative?? I looked at PS..still not sure. I also saw that Sean Gallagher has a “lightstalker” account. Perhaps that’s different. At any rate…If anyone can shed some light on subject/possible options/etc it would be much appreciated.

As for this “Thread” …….I don’t think I have to tell you that “Road Trip” has been a great source of inspiration, a resource and a community ….unparalleled I would say in the realm of photojournalism, and online “forums”….I certainly feel good knowing the “Conversation” continues….. And i hope it does!!

Cheers. Jeremy

JEREMY

this may (or may not :)) help..

I have a personal website to ‘showcase’ work here
http://www.ericamcdonaldphoto.com/main.php

I have a PS account for wedding work here
http://www.photoshelter.com/usr-show/U00004P57BUMhrDc

and a Lightstalkers gallery here for a ‘quick look overview’ for people already searching on LS
http://www.lightstalkers.org/ericamcdonald

different sites for different reasons..

Hmm.. the blog works fantastic.. no reasons to worry about that :-) …
It’s really supriced that so many people in Perpignan come to me and say hello because they recognize me from your blog…

I wish to write more… but even I am reading the blog time to time.. as much as I can … I feel lost a bit :-)
But it’s just because our “familly” is so big! :-) no other reason….

hugs from Poland,
Aga

AGA

Sonice to hear from you! I have been missing you a lot here on the forum. What are you doing these days?

right on ERICA…
Nice…;-)

The biggest problem I’ve noticed with just this post is it’s being used as a forum. It’s a blog – and these are supposed to be comments based off of what is presented in the original post.

Perhaps, a forum isn’t a bad idea! Perhaps one is needed where members can ask questions and everything is better organized and can be referenced better. With individual profiles and galleries.

But that’s up to Mr. Harvey if he chooses to put it on his site or not. If he doesn’t, perhaps one should be made independently of his site and invite him and others like him to moderate and act as mentors.

Jason Houge

OAXACA day two

(larger image sizes, hope this works for you…)

“i was a kid with an attitude”
(includes 1 repeat of yesterday)

http://oaxaca.antonkusters.com/day2-story1/

“distant things on empty streets like a man on a roof”

http://oaxaca.antonkusters.com/day2-story2/

antoxn

It has been about 5 weeks since the Loft workshop and filled with inspiration and fuel, I have started up again where I left off with my Zero Ground essay. Using my personal story as a launching point, I have decided to embark on a long term project documenting the effects of 9/11 on Canada.

I am using “Shared September” as a working title and hope to have the project completed in time for the 10 year anniversary in 2011. It’s going to be tough though, as most of the project will hinge on access but I have started the process and hope that my intent and patience will get me where I need to go.

Here is a link to a gallery from a War Resisters protest here in Toronto that I shot on Monday. The War Resisters is an organization that supports American soldiers who are conscientious objectors living in Canada.

http://www.marcdavidsonphotography.com/resisters

Thanks for looking and listening and any feedback and advice would be great.

marc

panos

i was actually part of the first class but nice to meet you as well
definitely not the most determined…

I was driving in the DESERT.. Today..
The whole day..
My sister Patricia.. She Knows what I’m talking about..btw ( I miss Bob, Herve, me.. Anyways..)

.. And I’ve seen all the “…………..”
Begging every driver :
DO NOT ALLOW gay couples to get married..”

AND FUCKING PANOS SAID:

“PLEASE, Check and examine
Carefully ..
PROP 8…

Please.. Allow GAY COUPLES TO GET MARRIED..
Come on now..
This is 2009..
I love California..
The coolest shit start HERE .. First..

PLEASE, ALL..
Vote for GAY MARRIAGE..

( to any WEDDING photographer out
there.. think of the new opportunity..
Out there .. Laughing..
Peace…
Sorry I gotta light this BLUNT now..
Peace..
That will allow GAY MARRIAGE

… thank you MARC..
ALL. Please tune at …
marcdadisonphotography.com
or check the link just above..
and take a look..
Enough with IDOLS and ICONICs..
What are WE doing?
The humble , the comitted…?! The …
ALL.
Please post NEW LINKS.. Photos..
Pictures… Whatever you call it..
Don’t worry if “panos said this or panos said
That… Fuck panos…

What panos has to do is one thing:
POST PHOTOS, links, whatever..
What ALL of you have to
DO????
POST PHOTOS, links, whatever..

Don’t just TALK!
Show us your photography..
Show us your pain..
What you really care about?
Who the fuck you are..
Reveal yourself.
Cmon now.. You know who WE are..
Bring it on..

“….Don’t sit on the table if you
Bringing nothing to
It ..,”
LIL’WAYNE

PANOS

I am a woman of my words…

http://www.lisahogben.com/

Go to gallery-‘Street Song Serenade’ not finished and just for fun…

ANTON~
Had trouble viewing your photos

LISA~
Thank you for the link to your work, is this an ongoing project of this neighborhoods subculture? My favorite is #2…

PANOS~
http://www.hillaryatiyeh.com/Category.cfm?nL=0&nS=29

More Later…
H.

ALL

quick note from David… he wants you all to know he’ll be back here as soon as he can… but he’s got no internet connection at the place he’s staying… and the workshop is pretty intense… he’s asking for your patience… and he knows you don’t mind…

and…

he’ll be back “soonest”

cheers

anton

ps thanks for commenting on my oaxaca posts i hope i’ll have time to read your comments in detail tomorrow…

Michael…
yep..
Luminous Landscape… all my respect to M.Reichmann..
G10 ???… cant wait to see the results…
please post something soon…
;-)…
im a little early today.. or maybe not?
almost 6am…
goodmorning y’all from LA

Here is the direct link for the Michael Reichman review on the Canon G10

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/kidding.shtml

Karim ,
Exactly..
Some are allowed to get married
and some not…?
Bullshit..!!!
And the main reason is because they
cannot reproduce..!
Like we need more kids in this world..
Like we took care all of the orphans first..

People, ALL,
Please support the GAY RIGHTS..
and yes.. Let’s start stealing the
prop8 signs..
It’s a shame!!!!
It’s 2008..
I , personally don’t believe in marriage..
I believe in companionship..
But if someone wants to get married???
Then , why NOT??
Gay or NOT..
Freedom above all..
Even above YOU or me..
sorry..!
;-)

FLASHBACK!

“I don’t know if you meant what you said quite the way you wrote it but you have hit the nail right on the head, this place is AN OPEN ROOM, A party in an open room comings and goings occasional bottlenecks in the doorway, a couple quietly ageing on the couch nodding sagely, someone holding court enthralling all around, then someone vomiting in the pot plant.

There’s a chandelier in this room and some appreciate its beauty and form, some think it’s just a bloody light, some know how many facets are cut in the crystal centrepiece and which Bavarian craftsman built it, and then some just swing from it.

There’s a bookcase as well, where arguments, knowledge and opinions fly off the shelves, some are hit, never to be seen again, some come back stronger, ready for more, some look for a long forgotten stash behind the classics.

Some enter in a frenzy, engaging all and sundry in a mad circumnavigation, naming countries, tearing down cities, building empires –Then, Poof! They’re gone! Some are in the corner staring at the lava lamp.

Some enter quietly, circling conversations, earwigging, finally finding a group that fits, and joining in! It’s self validation – shit, I don’t suck that much after all! Some are taking a Leatherman tool to the drinks cabinet.

Some come in desperate that the special someone who will make dreams come true and happy ever after will be a reality if they can just bend the ear of the host, take him by the sleeve and take him off to the bathroom for a special one on one, Some are in the street staring up through the window ,dodging the occasional TV or other white good that is thrown ( photography is solo rock and Roll), not coming up, not knocking on the door walking away, collars turned up, hat pulled down. Some are drinking out of jam jars because someone just broke a tray of glasses.

Someone’s creating a scene, diverting attention away from the matter at hand, Drama! This room is filling quickly, time to spill out onto the street, who’s turn is it to go down the off-licence? We’re running low.

There’s someone smoking on the balcony.

If there’s anything extracurricular that grows out of this, it’s working title has to be “The Open Room “.”

– Posted by: Glenn | August 24, 2008 at 01:59 AM

.. Brilliant!!!
Glen, Andrew B..
Just like the KIBBUTZ..
Same thing..
A non stop happening place..
Anyone can come and go
at amy time..
Noone has really any power over
anyone.. You can’t disrespect me
coZ.. My power comes from within..!!!
I can’t disrespect you either coZ
Your power also comes from within!!!
Brilliant description Glenn..
Enter , do your thing and when
You are done.. Please don’t slam
The Door!!!
If you are dissapointed with yourself
please don’t shoot our “chandellier”
.. CoZ we are still here and we like
to keep the lights ON..
So party’s on..
And instead of BEER..!!??
we have our photos..
ALL,
Please post more photos..
This is THE KIBBUTZ.. Live..

Really impressed Anton, I think you made some great strides since “Brigit”‘s first essay. Also, when I see your shots ( a few are off, though, not many), there is both feel and action. “Feel” without something, ANYTHING!, happening in the frame, that calls us in (maybe to what is happening outside the frame), that involves us, picks our curiosity is not good enough.

I dunno, I think that’s what you have been practicing. Because if we catch a feel the same way we just catch what we see, that’s the same thing, pretense, and back to square one eventually. Too much photography is being lauded here just for giving us the idea of what is not quite realized in the frame.

Enough of that, we are not tough enough on ourselves, me the first, so maybe Panos, I contradict you, time to lay off showing pictures and more pictures. I’d rather see work, as in W O R K, like we were at point A 6 months ago, and now point B. As long as we (and I) are at point A, keep working….

To answer DAH’s question about the future (present?) of this blog, I’m of the opinion that we’re ready to move onto the next level, whatever that may be. An online magazine sounds cool but maybe it will take some other form altogether. Whatever we do, let’s stay focused on photography which is what brought us together in the first place and has kept many of us here through personality conflicts and “family” crises.

Personally I’ll be staying in the background, and happily so. I hear and agree with many of the comments on this thread that express the feeling of having been excluded from what had become an insiders’ club. It was, but now the doors are wide open again and new (or returning) folks can pull up a virtual chair and join the conversation.

I’ll only be checking in occasionally but welcome emails, especially with links to new work. You can reach me at croneart@comcast.net

If you want to keep up to date with “Falling Into Place,” my self portrait/daily life project, you can always go to

http://www.pbase.com/windchimewalker/daily_life

Love you all & wish you well,
Patricia

Jason
Lighting cars well is a challenge…

They have giant reflective surfaces and require extraordinary effort to shoot well. Assuming you don’t have a studio with light sources larger than the car you’re going to have to use a bunch of cunning. Try searching strobist for “car”

rig something up like:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/knottyy/2119560313/

Or use awesome locations and post (see BBC’s topgear)..

Good luck!

Here are a few links whose deadlines are approaching…

http://www.womeninphotography.org/Events-Exhibits/2008_competition/guidelines.html

http://www.theaftermathproject.org/

http://www.shotsmag.com/shotssubmission.htm

Unfortuneately, you’re right I don’t have a studio or a lot of light. I was however using a Nikon sb800 with a softbox and a reflector bigger than me, and a handfull of other, smaller reflectors. Right now, I’m using a whole lot of photoshop to reduce ceiling tiles from appearing in the gloss.
The one edge I do have, I’m good friends with a manager at the dealership so I’ll be able to take a car (with his assistance) to a location – an old cannery building that’s half torn down.

Panos are you blogging while driving!?

MATTHEW N

If she can stomach doing this, I would suggest your student try to meet with a timber worker with some pull (without her camera) at a calm time and explain that she is a student journalist and she is interested in telling the story from the loggers perspective..explain she is not aligned with the activists…and that she wants to do a piece on the struggle and hardships the loggers will face if they are not permitted to do their work here..and try to get inside, photographing a couple of loggers at home with their families, etc. This way, they will look out for her, she will get the story, and I assume (hope) the activists will understand the importance of her being there to document.

ERICA

Thanks for your suggestion. I agree that it would be really good to take that approach. And in fact to tell the whole story it really is necessary to show the lives of the loggers. So each side is quick to jump to conclusions about which side you are on.

I have been trying to do this as well. Unfortunately relations between the two groups has become very strained as you will see in the link below. So it will take a lot to gain access. It is definitely worth trying

Below is a link to a very short video shot last week by activists when some logging contractors found activists blocking a road into the forests.
Strong Language warning!

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=qzm1RBqCFWE

MATTHEW~

Having worked on logging issues here in the Pacific NW, Erica is giving your friend great advice….

Appear and act neutral even if you are biased. If you earn some ones trust though I think you have to honor it and not bash them later. If they already know you, well that might be harder.
Loggers have one of the most dangerous jobs around some just want to be out in the woods and don’t realize what they are doing to the planet…some are just unhappy assholes and don’t care.

Another part of the story is the huge companies and their executives …ie Charles Hurwitz/The Pacific Lumber Company clear cutting old growth redwoods in CA.

It’s a huge global problem…Great that you guys are covering it there!!!
I like your portraits of the activists…Trying to get the great shots of the platforms are a challenge.

ERICA~

I think you would make an excellent teacher…I’ve already learned so much from you!!! I think you have the right idea to take that class @ ICP for reference and develop one in your own style….maybe teach a class through an online magazine forum ..hint..hint…

DAVID ~~ ALL ~~

I have only been reading this Blog for a short time and in the last few months I have learned so much and it has led to many things….I came into an existing culture and carried on with the status quo, looking at and posting photos, happy to just be part of a conversation and learn more about photography and others lives as photographers.

I think that is an integral part of this family but I can see how that would exhaust and dissuade so many people from reading and posting.

It is apparent that you have a plan, but you asked for some assistance and I will volunteer for anything that is asked of me. In the meantime I will humbly offer my suggestions as something to consider…

What foto8 & jpeg mag are doing I really like but I think right here, Pete & the 37th frame could be a good resource to pull from.

The content in this Blog should be kept but added upon…David’s posts, the dialogue the mentoring the links to photography, photographers, quotes, lyrics..etc but it gets organized into categories and blogged from there.

Of course this is in addition to your work posted on DAH.com.
Thinking there could be a link on your site going to a newly created “Sub~Site” which would be the online magazine/Forum you refer to…

~Some suggestions for categories/forums that people would have the choice of participating in:

***Posts From David….
Keep your posts the way they are and write about whatever and whenever you want to. Your posts are timely and invaluable as food for thought.
*The comments should stay ON TOPIC & pertain only to your post.

***Work In Progress…EPF
A place where all can watch as essays grow from conception to print.

*** Random Photo Shoots….
Open critiques, links to new postings for feedback.
Photos from this blog community from different places around the world, not associated with a larger body of work.

***Meet The Photographers (If possible with dialogue from the photographer)
*Master photographers / showcase 1~3 photographers work weekly, somehow related to each other.
*Professional Photographers / showcase 3 different types of photographers work weekly.
*Emerging photographers with completed photo essays.

***Meet the Editors
I would imagine there is a reciprocal relationship between editors and photographers.
A forum for editors looking for photographs/photographers sharing their point of view their needs and future of their publications. What they are looking for.
Editors who may be available for reviews & critiques.

*** Writers Forum
Posts from some of the great writers here and discussion generated from the topic.

*** Online Gallery
A quarterly jurried GROUP SHOW on a particular theme from different POV from different countries. This could later go to print or to galleries…

***Questions & Answers
Both to David and the community at large.

***Funding Opportunities
Upcoming grants, scholarships, artist in residences, photo competitions, etc…

***Thoughts & Inspiration….This could have a few categories:
*Photography Related Links, including resources for further education, ie upcoming festivals and workshops, books, gallery exhibits…etc
*Other Llinks…. fine art, music, literature, Science, Quotes…youtube…etc. it is all influential to photography
*Art for art’s sake…the 1 image of the week that says it all.

***All In The Family Free Form Forum…
Random conversations between friends and frenemies…..

***Continuing Education, How To Section
Anything related to Photography….flash, approaching people in public, submission guidelines, grant writing, posting web sites…etc
**Micro classes taught through an online forum

***Photo Contests
For things that could be donated like cameras, film, prints, workshops, etc…
*Many contests charge a fee to submit. If we could submit 3 images for 5 or 10 bucks what if all the proceeds went to the photographer that won the contest…still…non profit and a blogtown community member has some $ for film, education, travel expenses….

***Membership Area
A place where people can donate $$ or stuff to the EPF and the continuation of a non profit online forum & magazine. Any amount… Of course you could offer perks like an invitation to an annual members only party or random drawings for things that have been donated.

***Members Gallery
With profiles and links to personal web sites. It could also include a lightbox feature in which photo editors could purchase images directly from the site.

***Search Engine
For finding past comments or for comments directed towards individuals.

***Slideshows…. from your workshops or at least a grouping of photos from your students work.

*** Books/Merch
A place to buy or exchange each others books, prints…etc

I see this as a place most utilized by those interested in taking photography to the next level. Discussions and topics that can lead a newbie emerging photographer to actually becoming a professional. Some of us here want to do that, some are just wanting to create something for themselves, but I think a magazine like this not only benefits the emerging photographer but amateurs and even professionals who need some fresh juice once in a while…..

I agree you should try to do this without the need for advertisers, but $$$ is a reality even if it is not much and it has to come from somewhere. Money can be generated through memberships and magazine subscriptions. Another suggestion is to apply for 501-c3 / Non Profit status or go under an existing organizations umbrella, hire someone to write grants to publish a magazine a book and group shows. Grants would include their own salary and even 1 or two co editors. People and organizations who donate to Non-Profits can write it off on their taxes and are more likely to give money in fact they sometimes have to.

David if this is too much for you to do and you say it is… when you lay out your magazine and ideas let us know what you need insofar as volunteer positions and have peeps apply to do it.

***Now dare to dream…
What if through this sharing of knowledge and guidance of work there happens to be some great photography coming out of this online forum , then printed book, then gallery shows… could we possibly start a Non~Profit cooperative Online Emerging Photographers photo agency???

As a members of a Non Profit organization an individual can use the umbrella and apply for funding that is only available for non profits…

It could also be a resource for editors around the world looking for photographers geographically & area of expertise…

Just some thoughts…

Hillary

EVERYONE

Audio Slideshow: Photos compete for the Prix Pictet
A major new global prize celebrating the work of both professional and amateur photographers has been awarded in Paris. The Prix Pictet is the first competition of its type to focus on the global issue of ‘sustainability’ – and, this year in particular, on water. The winner of 100,000 Swiss francs (£53,000) is the Canadian photographer Benoit Aquin.
Here – the head of the Prix Pictet jury, Francis Hodgson, shows off Aquin’s work and images from some of the 17 other photographers who made the shortlist:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7701187.stm

Cheers,

Hello David and all
I’ll be in Oaxaca tomorrow morning (the 31st) and I’ll love to meet you after or before the workshop for coffe or a drink… Have a great time… Peace

LISA,

This may be my system but I was trying to load you site to check your ‘Street Song Serenade’and it would not come up… Did anyone else experience the same or is this just me???

Eric

TO ALL-

I caught up an interesting exchange dating back from few days ago on the Magnum blog between someone called Andrew who might be a lurker here and David…. It is in the post: “If I were president, I’d have a kick-ass blog” from Alec Soth…

Andrew said: “I think comments should be ruthlessly moderated to include only those that are directly related to the subject. David Alan Harvey’s blog started out well, then turned into a bit of a “love-in” with hundreds of comments usually by the same core crowd giving a pat on the back to each other. The reason the Mitt Romney entry was so fascinating was it involved a generally well-reasoned and confrontational dialogue. Keep it edgy, but also keep the content strong and don’t allow the comments to get out of control, it’s your blog after all.

DAVID’s answer now:

Andrew Golding…

Your point is well taken and thanks for your comment. My blog will change in the next few months and become an online magazine and perhaps print annual. I will also be spending more time here working with Alec and Martin and many Magnum photographers to make the Magnum Blog the best we can make it.

You may or may not be aware that my main push for my readers has been to be out there shooting. Less time on the keyboard and more time behind the camera has always been my mantra and you will soon see on my site even more than has already been published from the many photographers I mentor. In early January, I will announce the stipends for this work through my Emerging Photographer Fund which is a “wing” of the Magnum Cultural Foundation, our non-profit funding center. The annual Inge Morath Award for emerging women photographers comes from the same source.

As you probably know, blogging is totally secondary to my photography.This is true for all Magnum photographers. We cannot be of much service to you if we are not “out there” and experiencing the very things you come up against every day. If sharing our experiences and listening to you helps to further the altruistic nature of our craft and our “family” , then we will have done what Magnum photographers stand for.

By the way, 99% of my forum readers do not write. The few who do are but a small portion of those who are “on” everyday. We have built incredibly special friendships on line and fate has taken me to various locations worldwide where I have had the opportunity to quite literally meet so many. Real faces with the names. Real pictures edited in real time. We have had a blast.

So, hang out here, hang out there. One way or another, our Magnum brothers and sisters will try to help you find out what you want to know and listen carefully to your concerns and your comments.

Stay tuned…..

Seems that this was highly relevant to David’s post here and the topic of discussions…. All I can say David is that many of us are excited to see what this place will become… Not that we do not like it as it stands quite the contrary…but always interesting to see where you will take us…

Cheers,

Eric

SIDNEY.

You are not alone in having trouble posting comments. :((

GUSTAVO.

Thanks a lot for reminding me of Firefox. I do use it from time to time and sure enough, today it got me on all the sites that have been shutting down with Safari. Unfortunately I discovered that I will still have to upgrade my OS to Leopard if I want to upgrade to either a higher version of Photoshop (now using CS2) and/or Lightroom.

herve totally agree with you!

Matthew —

You just gave me a story!!! When I arrive back in Australia next month I’m a-headin’ for the gemfields to document those larger than life characters from a former insiders perspective!

Thank you!!

KP

Hi Neil, I’ve done plenty of that before – actually my favorite one is of a pearl white Mitsubishi 3000GT with chrome rims. We parked in this forested area in a park during a newmoon. It was so dark you couldn’t see your own hand. The only lightsource was a bluish white LED tent light. The idea and look was just awesome. The only problems were 1 we weren’t expecting to do any shooting that night. I had my camera along just because, and when it dawned on us to shoot the car, we didn’t have a tripod. So everything was a tad fuzzy (a lot). And 2 I was shooting film at the time, no instant results.

I’ve been shooting cars for almost 12 years now. It’s journalism I’m new at :D only 2.5 years. I’ve won a 3rd place award for best news photo at an Associate Collegiate Press conference this past spring on a photo I didn’t feel was all that great. And I had to salvage it off of a Flash drive that I had erased it from.

Thank you for the ideas though! The issue I have shooting these cars on this project is that I was doing so on a showroom floor. Lots of other cars and people roaming about.

Hello David and all,

Here is the selection of my parents for the EPF
http://gallery.me.com/audreybardou#100568&view=mosaic&bgcolor=dkgrey&sel=0
from 1 to 10, it is David’s editing, and, ancient and new images…

David, I sent you an email, when you have a moment, thank you…
Best regards, audrey

Anton,

Day 3, story 1 i like 1

Day 3, story 2 i like all

Day 4 i like 2

Thoughts:

Completely different feel than previous days. Some photos look different – like taken by another photog especially Day 4 photo 1,4 (overexposed)

I’m interested why bw?

For me the colour work is very expressive, I get it more but that’s just me.

Carry on…

Doug

http://blog.magnumphotos.com/2008/10/the_sound_of_two_songs.html

Anton

Eddy I from Oaxaca.. jour fotos are very artistico, but I cannot tell the fotos are from my home of Oaxaca… please show me more I born and raise there.

Haha Panos your comments are even funnier in french from google translate.

yeah..
before we go out for the crazy halloween … night….
i got some “dark kids leftovers”…
kidding…
but take a look… anyways

http://web.me.com/innerspacecowpanos/%22VENICE_BEACH%22/55%29_dark_NANNY.html

Was shooting a bit of Halloween while there was still light..it’s hard to explain the concept of film to candy hungry kiddos who want to see their picture on the back of the camera! But I got 37 frames of good old fashioned tri-x, a tootsie roll, a twix, a hersheys, what more could I ask for? ….Happy Halloween all, have a fun night..am going to a party as Raggedy Ann :)

ANTON

I really enjoyed your Oaxaca shots from the dog’s perspective..I’d like to see more of that. Finally am watching In the Real World, the film about William Eggleston..I am not sure if Szarkowski is being quoted here, or if these are the words of the filmmaker, but I thought of you..

“I remember thinking on first exposure to them, these are pictures that could have been taken by the family dog, awkward, often low angle perspectives with people registering a measure of intimacy that can’t be faked. How else to account for the photos uncanny mix of confrontation, and acceptance. The attitude of alert yet casual watchfulness, without judgement.”

THE CALIFORNIA WATERS

the LAKE…

In the Beach you feel well… you feel great,

in the Desert you feel dry and horny…

in the Lake you feel sad, lonely and in love…

whatever…:-(((((((

NEW LINK ( WATER )
NEW LINK ( WATER )
NEW LINK ( WATER )…

just shot it… about an hour ago…
ok… now its getting DARK…
the night will start soon…
night of the DEAD…

please check four more shots in the new LINK…

ladies and gents… i present : THE CALIFORNIA WATERS…

http://web.me.com/innerspacecowpanos/%22VENICE_BEACH%22/56%29_the_CALIFORNIA__LAKE.html

peace

More Halloween:

http://www.pbase.com/image/105321177

ALL, in response to PANOS’ requests for more photos! here are some from yesterday; 4 hours with a Canon G10, please let me know what you think.
The exercise was very interesting, carrying the camera in hand or pocket was, as KERRY said earlier, liberating. My current “serious” camera is a D3 but it’s not getting much use as it’s too big; great files but too big; attracts too much attention, has to be carried in a backpack, goodbye spontaneity. Enough tech talk – follow the link below. I’ll let you know what i think after you have had your say.

Thanks,

Mike R.

1) METRO STATION &

2) REFLECTION AT DUSK…

Michael , I know you were testing the camera,
but i loved those two

FROM THE MAGNUM BLOG.
( Major disrespect to the DAH efforts from DAH blogger (s)
few days ago )
And for whoever missed it…
.. happened a few days ago at the MAGNUM BLOG…

From the beginning:

First,
blogger HERVE noticed :
“…See the difference, guys, when David’s ROAD TRIP gang lends a hand to a topic here? 81 posts.

Is this a revolution? No Sir, it’s a…Demonstration.

:-)

Comment posted by Herve on October 23, 2008

then MIKE “attacked” with lots of sarcasm:

“Herve,

Well, there is quantity of posts and then there is quality…

I’m not criticizing David’s blog in any way. It’s phenomenal. I’m glad to be a very, very marginal part of it… but it’s certainly not the place to go if you want to have a considered, thoughtful, adult, informed conversation about topics in contemporary photography. I was hoping that this could be that…

Simply moving the DAH tribe to a different location or recreating his blog here isn’t how I’d measure success… I think there is a lot of potential to grow something completely different, not better than, and not competing with David’s blog.

If the DAH blog is a “workshop” in a blog, why couldn’t this grow into a “seminar” in a blog, where we all, DAH-bloggers and everyone else, use our “inside voices”, come up with an actual point, think before commenting, edit (!!!!) and keep the drama, histrionics, and puerility to a bare minimum…

Did you read the essay Alec pointed to in the last post? It raised my hopes, if not my expectations:

http://www.kungfugrippe.com/post/48588149/better

By the way, if you know of any Siberia on the internet that is having the type of conversation I’m looking for, let me know, I’d be happy to exile myself there…
Comment posted by mike on October 23, 2008

Unfortunately ( or fortunately )
DAH had to step in & defend the blog:
Read DAH’s answer here:

Hi Mike….

I must say I was a bit disappointed with your comment. Yes, we do have some pretty wild conversations going at times, but if we “edited” then I am not sure what we would have.

One measure of what we have done with our forum is TO PRODUCE WORK…not just “intellectual” conversation . I will stand by all the fine essays that have come out of our blog. Yes, things get a bit crazy at times, but some of those “crazies” have done some real work too.

I think you will see the PROOF of my words above very soon.

At the same time, surely the Magnum blog will give you the opportunity to speak with many more photographers at our agency. I certainly welcome this and will most certainly be a part of this.

And you, my friend, have certainly been a part of the real life, real time, meetings with some of your colleagues from the forum. You and I would not have met at all were it not for our little “tree house” gatherings.

Your are right, one good thing does not preclude the success of another. But to say that we did not have “adult conversation” about contemporary photography is a bit short sighted on your part I think. You might want to go back through the archives.

Pick up your camera and go out and do some work. Then you might feel more “a part”. I would welcome your work or your ideas any time.

I think the potential for what we have done for the last two years will manifest itself soon by the evolution from blog to online magazine and printed annual. “Adult conversation about contemporary photography” is terrific. But if we only produced 10 strong essays in our blog time, then I think we moved many to stop talking and start photographing.

Wishing you well Mike and I look forward to seeing you again soonest.

cheers, David

Comment posted by david alan harvey on October 24, 2008

Sad, backstabbing…?
ungratefulness ? or simply a request for more “intellectual” talk,
and LESS work…?

… either way though… the answer was simple…
“get your camera and go out there do some work… end of story”!

Damn…
every molecule in my body wants to step in.
just reading the above.
but i won’t, i will moderate myself and actually take
the advice ( mantra ) mend to be for mike and use it for myself
instead:

((( Pick up your camera and go out and do some work. Then you might feel more “a part”.)))

anyways… 9:40 am in LA
wild halloween party last night… i wanna post and also i wanna have an “intellectual” talk with ALL..
but like i promised … i will follow the mantra of the day:

PICK UP YOUR CAMERA AND GO OUT AND DO SOME WORK.
THEN YOU MIGHT FEEL MORE “A PART”.

awesome, brilliant, spot on…

On Halloween, night, everybody must wear a mask (or I will give them one!):

http://www.pbase.com/image/105342617

Eric, yeahhhhhhh… you are right..
that is Diegoooooooooooo !!!!!!

http://todayspictures.slate.com/20081027/

definitely size matters though :-)..
——————-

yep, I think K. Lee uses the compact for very intrinsec reasons, not because it is less or more…. Than a bigger cam, and that’s the idea, no? Different tools, different work….

Halloween, mono:

http://www.pbase.com/image/105360345

Halloween:

http://www.humanfiles.com/journal_galleries/halloween08/index.html

IKONS

http://francoise.demulder.free.fr/pages-fifi/jim.htm

I’ve been shooting the rehersals leading up to the Samhuinn ritual held in the center of Edinburgh. Thanks to some awesome people at the council, I was able to use a second floor window to shoot the ritual itself. The results are up at:

http://www.iseepeople.co.uk/samhuinn/

Comments, thoughts all appreciated, here or in email

PANOS, HERVE, thanks for looking at the G10 photos. Knowing your style Panos I can see why you like Metro and Reflections at Dusk. Mine is the Bookstore photo.

Herve, the camera fits in an inside jacket pocket which will just about take a Leica M (with a lens bump). The Metro photo could have been taken with a D3 but it is much more conspicuous (steal me) than any compact. Not such a problem if you are 6′ 3″ and built like Arnie – more so if you are 5′ 7″ and built like Pooh Bear.
The photo in the bookstore was a grab-shot that I, personally, would not have attempted with an SLR (but would have with a Leica). Using the D3 would have led to too many questions and possibly security being called. A compact was just a bit of eccentric fun; right?

Using a compact was liberating and a lot of fun – I took over 80 photographs – mostly good! It’s worth noting that I decided to process as B&W – after at least 20 years of shooting color. I didn’t think that the camera would shoot good color at high ISOs and I was right. Being forced to use live-view to compose made me wish for an articulated screen. After using the camera I wonder why Canon don’t push the concept; produce the ideal PJ camera that users want the G-series to be (bigger sensor, fast prime lenses) and stop Leica being the only show in town for quality compact cameras (M-series).

May I direct your attention to the excellent Rob Galbraith website: look under Site Highlights and see “Alex MaJoli points and shoots”. Magnum photographer Alex is not the first PJ to use compact cameras and helps to reinforce the concept that there is no good or bad cameras – just cameras producing different results.

Good light,

Mike R.

Munem won second prize and was commissioned to document a water project.

…. and of course…
the
HIGHER RES. LINK
HIGHER… click below:

http://gallery.me.com/innerspacecowpanos#100406&view=mosaic&sel=0

peace & hugs y’all….

Eric,

Thanks. For some of those I was trying this ring flash attachment, but it was kind of hard to use in low light on the fly. But I had two speedlights this time, so for the folks on stage I was able to bounce one off the ceiling and one off the floor.

As for Obama, he needs to decide if he’s only raising taxes on people making above $350K (which is how he started his campaign) or if the number is 250K which is what he’s been campaigning heavily on, or if that number is actually 200K as stated in his infomercial, or as Biden (the gaffe that keeps on giving) recently said that the magic number should be down around 150K. Those numbers will apply to small businesses as well as individuals. We could dip into double digits by January, because how else does one pay for nearly a trillion dollars of new spending?

Obama could have my vote if he recognized that lower taxes for everyone keeps revenue about the same, or sometimes increases it—but a populist message for fetching votes through promises of sticking it the rich is so straight out of the democratic play book, I wouldn’t expect anything else. It seems to be working.

I am so ready for this nightmare election to be over, but I guess I’m still feeling a little patriotic since I saw my first bald eagle in the wild yesterday. Managed to get a poor photograph of it.

I came up with a good one. While Obama gets the hip vote, McCain gets the hip replacement vote. It’s probably out there already, but it did pop into my head.

Smiling : ) : )

nightmare election
——————–

I understand the media fatigue, but nightmare????

Maybe it would be better not to bother with it, so we can sleep sound and dream… ;-)

(wise) LAURA…
Welcome back..
Yes please do post.. Photos
Can’t wait to see??
;-))))

David, All

I just get mail from Wrobert Angell. He had some personal problems and limited internet connection so he can’t participate at the forum right now. He sends apologies.

Oh… maybe little quote from e-mail (I hope I can do it as a messenger):

“please forward my apologies to the community and David, I moved
from my studio because rent went up and I had no work through august
and september, sick of stressing over rent etc, so now I am like David
was when he posted the comment about drifting or dropping anchor,
feels pretty good not to have rent to worry about.
taking pictures is goig well, but the problem is the shitty internet
conection (…)”

“a big hello all to
the community.”

Wrobertangell

:)

Hi Ana, Panos and Michael and all,
Thank you!
I was in Lebanon only until the 23 of september but I also had so much things to do….
I’m not really satisfied of the work there,
it’s quite the same of the one I did last year…may be the other works are better.
I need to do some back-up, editing, scan etc.. but I can’t stop taking picture (as everyone here of course) and the backlog grows.
So may be in one day or one week or one month or more I’ll post. As soon as I can.
in the meantime I’ll look at your work :)

herve – “nightmare election” is code for “vote early, vote often” or if you’re a senator, just vote “present” – you didn’t know that?

TO ALL-

I just had one of these fabulous “Indian summer” days with the family… 74 degrees early November….warm, marvelous light…

For those who want to meet my family (sorry David, this is NOT an American family :):):)…let me present the 3 “love” of my life, Enzo, 5 years old, Tia 3 1/2 years and my wife Catherine… One day in the life of a French family in Ohio…

Nothing fancy but just a few family portraits from today that you can check on my site (check index New family portraits)…

http://www.ericespinosa.com/main.php

Have a great sunday evening….

Cheers,

Eric

Nice family stuff Eric. One thought—it’s probably just me, but I hate shadows of myself cast in my photographs, so I tend to notice it in others. Do you find it distracting?

Congratulations James! Excellent news!
Good job!
:)

JAMES

Great work mate. I’m having a beer for you !

KERRY

I think your new idea is a cracker. There will be no shortage of great characters out there.
I did a small book of shack photos a few years ago. If you send me an address I’ll through one in the post.

DAVID

Maybe you will find time to join to us in Thailand? Will be fun.
:)

HERVE

You know my address, I ll be there first or second week. I will try contact with you right after arrive.
So, see you.
:)

peace for all

Yes, congratulations James!! A very good body of work rightly recognized!

Mike R.

Hey David,

Ive been away from here recently for a variety of reasons but recently a 6 photo selection of Family Ties won a small contest and netted me a bit of cash:) Ive been working on Home Sweet Home and theres new work added to the project, have a look when you can

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jinju/sets/72157603911888316/show/

I havent had much time to shoot outside but both Riverside and Park Life have been updated.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jinju/sets/72157606002172259/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jinju/sets/72157604860509161/

I recently shot a standalone series that fits with Riverside and Park Life into my Marooned project. Its called Nocturnal Picnic

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jinju/sets/72157607762150085/show/