Category Archives: Philosophy of Street

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September 20th, 2013 National POW/MIA Recognition Day

September 20, 2013 streetshooter 2 Comments

I’m not gonna preach about what this day means, because I shouldn’t have to. Every RED Blooded American and even those without blood like the politicians on Capitol Hill should know the meaning of National POW/MIA Recognition Day means….and dammit…it should be held every day, not just once a friggin year.

If you don’t know what this means…be glad you didn’t have a kinfolk walk out your door to defend this Great Country and then…you don’t know where that soldier is and even worse….no one gives a shit either! Count yourself as lucky. That’s it…..I’ll move on to photography but remember…..because we all have the responsibility to never forget!

So the day for testing a new camera was just that…a test. If it wasn’t for a call to Ray Sachs, the XE-1 would be in the river. No, it wouldn’t be a floating test…it would be a how fast can this stupid camera sink to the bottom of the river test.

See, Fuji has this sense of humor. They implement a thing called Dynamic Range in the processor. Well, I don’t like or believe in this Dynamic Range thing. I am a raw shooter, just like how I eat my clams and sushi. So I’m testing the 21mm Skopar and the 35 1.4 Nokton. I had a conversation with both lenses and tried to ease their mind because they really like the Nex6. The both agreed to work the day with the new kid in the bag. The Skopar was first and I’ll tell ya….that lens has a real bad azz atitude. See no matter what I did, the Skopar was over exposing. Oh yeah….like it was teasing me. My highlights were blown 2 stops easily. I guess I look kinda nutty standing in front of the Liberty Bell talking to a lens. Well, I ain’t that stupid…I had the lens on the XE1 and so it looked like I was talking to the camera…..something every street shooter does naturally.

Anyway, Ray explained to me about dynamic range and I did as her suggested and that saved me a walk to the river…..and of course as we all know…the XE1 ain’t a Sony Nex so it can’t swim. Oh….sure, the Nex firmware update that is only available to a small, really small group of just one Philly streetshooter lets the Nex6 swim.

So after an exhausting trip to a few cemeteries and memorials….all by bus, I managed to just snap off a few. Tomorrow promises to be a better day for photography but the same old shit for our MIA/POW brothers and Sisters.

This blog post is dedicated personally to:

SFC Daniel R. Phillips

USA 07 Feb 1968 SVN MIA Pa

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September 13, 2013 ….. A brief Walk with the Ricoh GRD4

September 13, 2013 streetshooter 6 Comments

So, Olivier got my GR and I got the Zeiss 24mm for the Nex. Fair trade and we would never argue about any values so it’s a done deal. Turns out he sold the GR to a fella here in Philly and shortly he’ll be using that Panasonic LF-1 thing. Anyway, I can honestly say that in no way do I miss the GR or the experience of using it.

The GRD4 will fill the non void of the GR. The thing is for me, the GRD4 has a way of just being there, working and never intruding on the process. I have had a few conversations with the GRD4 and we came to an understanding that both of us can live with. I have to redesign some presets for the GRD4 for low light/high ISO use. I will attend to that shortly.

Nothing like a Self Portrait…yeah, yeah….in the mirror..the guy in the red shirt. You do know it’s Friday and that means to wear a Red Shirt to support the troops.

All in all, the GRD4 is a great camera and I always knew that. I am not rekindling a love affair with the camera because the flame between us never went out.

It’s a crazy thing but I really enjoy the experience using the Nex6 cameras. Regardless of method of focus or lenses, the cameras are up to the task and do it very well. So the GRD4 now moves back to the pocket and of course will be at the ready. My responsibility of making the presets for him will be completed shortly. The Mex6’s will carry the work load because they make me aware of the here and now and make me think as I work. No auto drive for me….I want to claim full responsibility to the intent of the images I make.

Have a good weekend and keep out of trouble………

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September 12, 2013 ….. Some Things I Learned From Edmund Bacon Part One

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Ed and I had worked on the book for sometime. See, we were collaborating on a book of his words and the inspired photos I made to go with his writings and of course he wrote for my photos in return. Ed told me many stories about what and how he learned the many facets of life he was interested in. He explained to me how the concept of the City was recognized by him and how it had taken the reigns of his life. He asked me to make a photo of an egg with blood veins in it. Sure Ed, no problem…….

So I went to a place 30 miles away named Moyer’s and I bought 1 dozen eggs with some guaranteed to have veins in it. I had me view camera set up with lighting that would make the shape pleasing and also capture the veins Ed wanted to see. I shot many eggs trying to get what Ed had in his mind but I didn’t have in my mind. Finally, one day I went to Ed’s house on :ocust street and as we sipped on some tea, I let Ed check out the recent crop of images.

Ed gazedd upon the eggs standing tall but yet slightly bent over from age. His feet anchored on the floor by his black shoes that appeared to be made of led. Ed flipped thru the photos studying each and every one very carefully and then……he just stopped and froze, looking down at one of the photos. I saw a tear in his eye and he said to me, this is it….this is what I saw as a young child. I was actually in shock. I couldn’t believe that what was in his mind was now in both of our hearts.

He called me over to the table and put his hand on my shoulder. As we gazed upon the photo, he explained all about how the city was the central heart of society and how the veins of the egg were like transportation routes for the dwellers to get around.

One day we were driving up Kensington Ave and as we passed Somerset Street, I said to Ed…Isn’t it a shame there’s so many junkies around…….

Ed looked at me as I was driving and said….”Dear Don, someone has to be the city planner, someone has to be the photographer and someone has to be the junkie….just be glad it’s not you……

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September 11th, 2013 ….The 50mm Summilux Saves a Woman and her Kids….

September 11, 2013 streetshooter 17 Comments

It was 91 degrees today as I walked along the hot humid sticky street they call Market. I decided to cut up to Arch Street going North on 8th. I turned onto Arch and as I walked just past the parking lot, I heard a woman’s voice calling out…..hey mister…. I looked left and saw a young Black woman with 2 kids sitting on some cardboard. I walked down the street and asked her what the heck she was doing here. She said she and the family came down here to look at an apartment. Her boyfriend had the money and said he’d be right back a day and a half ago. He never came back, no cellphone, no money for the apartment and no money to eat or use transportation.

I got this wretched feeling brewing in my stomach. After a few minutes I went to get some water and some Vietnamese hoagies for them to eat. So of course beings the Nam Vet and wanting to help everyone, I asked what she planned on doing. Sh said she had to get this apartment cause it was a great deal and she could paint it and get money off the security deposit. I asked where she intended to get the money and she immediately said that The LORD would provide.

The stomach thing is now quickly moving to the heart. I told her to hang there and I’ll be back……well, I had no cash on me because I’m working some bad streets later. I have no wallet or cards with me. As I entered the Pawn Shop I wondered if the knucklehead would work with me.

I left in around 10 minutes with $450.00 cash and minus 1 Leica 50mm Summilux. He said I had 90 days to get it out and no one would touch it. As I entered the street where she was sitting, I thought if I was doing the right thing. It felt right because she was real, no tracks on her arms or legs, no signs of drugs etc. So I smiled and she asked me where I went. I showed her the money and she said….I told you The Lord would provide.

We all walked to the corner and she paid the man inside the store the $350.00 and he gave her the keys. I helped her get upstairs and gave her my cell # if she needed it. She smiled and hugged me and cried…..I almost cried too but of course Streetshooters don’t cry, they make photos so others can cry.

Anyway, it’s that time of the year again when the Homeless Advocates Group gets very active and me too……..

Black & White, Color, Dreamcatcher, Garden, Inspired Eye, Off Street, Philosophy of Street, Photography, Street, Street Photography, Street Presets, Streetshooter, Uncategorized

September 10th, 2013 ….. Street Presets Redue & Nex6

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I finished the new preset packs and submitted them to Olivier. Ok, so he’s the elected digital plumber and handles the digital thingys. Anywayz, he sent them back to me and of course, I can pat myself on the back cause they are simply magic. Now that Olivier fella has a good sense of humor and he likes to play with my old tired brain. See, if I name a preset “GR-1″….I use that name as a marker so that I can find my way in LR5. Allrighty then…along comes that Olivier and he renames all the nice presets to hipster names and send them all back to me.

I don’t mind him changing things like names etc but it’s hard for me to get a grip on things when the same preset has 2 names.

So the Nex6 saga continues. I really can’t say how much I enjoy this cameras…cameras. As you know I got the 24mm 1.8 from Olivier and it converts to my natural field of view, 35mm. It’s a great combination and I shall spend some time getting used to it.

The 2 B&W photos above are with the 24mm and the new presets. It’s a nice lens and I could get comfortably numb just using that and not using my MF lenses. Of course that wont happen. My friend John is sending me the Sony 35mm 1.8 to try out. I gotta raise some extra cash because I already know it’s a keeper for me. John knows that also.

With all this going on, I miss Tanya and want the month to go by fast so she can come home.

I’ll post some stuff tomorrow and until then, go find a Nex6…..

Black & White, Color, Dreamcatcher, Garden, Inspired Eye, Off Street, Philosophy of Street, Photography, Street, Street Photography, Street Presets, Streetshooter, Uncategorized

September 8th, 2013 Manhatten Stories, Chapter One

September 8, 2013 streetshooter 6 Comments

Olivier and I met in NYC this past week to do some work on a video. It was an analog meeting not a digital one. We spent many hours walking the streets and shooting with his Nex 7 on video mode. It’s a real task for me to do video. I mean, one is required to be in the here and now but with time being fluid. I hate that. There’s the issue of continuity and shake from the camera. I don’t do good with either. Anyway, he did most of the video work and I really just made photos. There’s a feeling of being captured by the camera that I don’t care for. I don’t mean single frame, that never bothers me as I do it so it can get done to me….never an issue.The movement and continual recording makes me uneasy but Olivier handled the situation with ease.

Aside from doing our planned business itinerary, I managed to do some street work. I’ll process a few here and there and post them as the time passes.

This really isn’t about gear but if it was and it’s not….don’t get it wrong….I’d then tell how much I really love working with the Nex6 and any lens it has attached to it. This isn’t about gear so I won’t tell you that and I won’t tell you how the GR has finally found a resting place but not with me because the camera needs medicine and I have enough problems and I’m not taking the GR to the camera shrink to get fixed. Now Olivier can do that and I’ll just keep using the 24mm 1.8 on one Nex6 and then use the Voigtlander lenses on the second body.

I always talk about intrusions. Maybe I was intruding on this loving French couple. They were in a deep romantic embrace as I walked over to them and make the picture.

The French have such a romantic way of telling you to F*** Off!

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September 4th, 2013 … a Keeper of the Light, finds a new Keeper of Time

September 4, 2013 streetshooter 1 Comment

A watch is a very special thing to wear. It does a lot of stuff like keeping time, the date…oh well…..my iPhone 5 does not do these things as elegantly as my watch. Well, I’ve been loosing weight thanks to my meds and I needed to have a few links removed from the band.

So I head downtown and of course the Nex6/21 wants to go for the ride. There’s this guy at the jewelery stand. The jeweler is removing links from the band. He says it’s about $8.00 and includes a new battery and it will take 15 or so minutes. Cool beans I said….

Well, I’m standing there with the camera hung on mu shoulder. Then this guy comes over and he gets hypnotized in about 10 seconds. I mean, he’s breathing but nary a muscle moves except those associated with his head and eye movement. He’s like a statue and is lost in the magic of the watches. Of course the moment called for a photo. So I decided to do the Decisive 15 Moments.

I raised the camera and pointed it to the guy intoxicated by the shining watches. He doesn’t see me. He don’t care, he’s high as one can be from the watch high. He doesn’t see me, hear me, feel me or even care that I just made a photo.

Ok, your watch is done. I tried it on, perfect. Then I pay the jeweler and the guy says to me and the jeweler….man, those watches are great….do people really wear these things anymore. I immediately raise my left arm to show him my watch, just a ticking and a tocking away…..

The jeweler raises his arm and shows the guy his watch just a ticking and a tocking away…..we both say to the guy….yo, bro….real men wear watches because they want to and because they can.

He said, I’ll take the one with the black leather band…….. I smiled and walked away knowing another man has found the way to be an eternal keeper of time. Time keepers are right up there with the keepers of the light. Guess who they are…….

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September 4th, 2013

September 4, 2013 streetshooter 2 Comments

Yesterday I went to town because I got a call from some photos that were lost and needed me to bring them home. So as I was wandering around, I walked into the Municipal Services Plaza and I looked right and saw this guy coming out of the passageway. I raised the Nex6 with the 21 Skopar and changed the focus distance and f/stop in way less than a second. As I took aim…he looked right at me and I clicked.

I could feel his energy but not anger. Myself, I always avoid confrontation at all cost. Well about 30 seconds later I feel a tap on my shoulder. “Yo dude, did you take my picture?” No, I said…I made a picture, I didn’t take anything. He had a look in his face that read as …he understood what he didn’t understand. I showed him the back of the camera and he looked at the image with a sincere interest. “Can I get a copy of that man?” Sure I said and I emailed him a file ready to print.

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September 1st, 2013

September 1, 2013 streetshooter Leave a comment

It’s the first of the month and the end of summer is near. The number of tourist will slowly dwindle to just a few here and there. The street vendors will take new positions and try to sell the same old stuff to the same old pedestrians. Alls well so far. Some things don’t change and for the Homeless, this time of year marks the hunt for a winter home, location, shelter, food, medical etc for the upcoming cold air, snow and the uncalled for cold of the more fortunate dwellers of the city.

Photography is multidimensional. For me, I try to get myself into my work regardless of the input or output. I need that feeling of internal connection to where I am, what I’m doing and how I’m doing it. That’s what they call the Here and Now. I call it that too so don’t get it wrong. So making photos becomes an act of something without a restricted boundary.

The idea now becomes to work and get the same level of satisfaction from your photos no matter what they are or what the original INTENT was or is. You are on the way to becoming The Complete Photographer.

What that means is, even if your a street shooter like me, you can find your images anywhere you find yourself with a camera. Sometimes we get into a lull and feel non-productive. Maybe that boundary needs to be stretched somewhat or even a different location, camera, lens, thought train etc. It’s all natural and it’s all good.

All of the above are just thoughts racing thru my tired mind. Pay no attention to anything I say or do unless you want to because I don’t pay attention to what I say or think and I really should because supposedly it’s my mind doing all this but I ain’t really convinced it’s me anyway.

If you saw the look of horror in this kids face…..well, what are grandparents for anyways?

Sometimes I think I’m invisible as a shooter. I mean, I’m the man on the streets….no one can see me even when I make a photo….

The next photo is proof of my power of invisibility……

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Philadelphia … August 28, 2013

August 28, 2013 streetshooter Leave a comment

These photos were made yesterday. After I got home yesterday I had to wash some dishes, make the bed and a man’s favorite thing in the world to do….. change the cat litter. Oh yeah, talking about getting in to the poopie, well this is the highest form of what that means.

My cats name is Barsik. My wife Tanya tells me that it’s a good Russian name for a cat. I love my cat, he keeps me company while Tanya is away with her family. I feed him, make photos of him pet him and most of all…..clean his toilet. Oh yeah….I’m that guy. Ya know…I wouldn’t mind so much but Barsik just sits there while I scoop the litter and inspects everything I do.

See, he understands English very well. If I ask him if he wants to go out, he walks to the kitchen door and is ready. If I ask him if he wants some food, he goes right to his clean bowl that I was 3xs a day. If I ask him if hes tired, he goes and lays down and takes a nap. He’s a professional sleeper and I’m told that sleeping is a trait that all cats no matter where on the LORDS green earth live, they share that and do so very professionally.

With all this that he has going on, why does he have to sit 1 meter away from me and watch while I clean his S**T?

I notice that many people don’t seem real happy these days. Of course we all know the economy has improved. I mean all the politicians, doctors, lawyers are taking wonderful vacations while the majority of citizens that pay their salary are home cleaning cat shit from the litter. There’s a certain reward in that. NO! Not cleaning the shit but taking paid vacations from people that can’t afford it.

Am I being CRUDE? Maybe….Am I being sarcastic and political, maybe. What’s this got to do with photography?????????????

This attitude is the attitude on the street. That’s what is permeating the air on the street. That’s what shooters are seeing and making photos of on the street.

So the stuff is out there if one chooses to find it. It’s almost impossible to miss it well….unless your a politician, doctor or lawyer etc. If your just a human being, the smell and visual playground of the street is where you will find your work…..be careful…you’ll probably find yourself out there too. See, the streets are unavoidable because if your a living person, then you’ll find life out there. The street is life.

Well, enuff fun for me. See, Barsik wants a snack. That means I get to lay on the couch and watch Jerry Springer and throw pieces of cat treats to the dining room so that Barsik can chase them and have some goodies to eat. No, I did not train Barsik to do this….I am very open minded and he taught me well. After that I get to go to Barsik’s toilet and clean the fresh new poopie from the litter.

It’s raining out so I can’t go out and make photos so I’ll play with Barsik, think of Tanya and let’s see…hmmmm…0800…time for a Kona.

Street Photography Chronicles by Don Springer