Tag Archives: Photography

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

May 5th, 2014 … The Ricoh GRD4, a Very Comfortable Friend

May 5, 2014 streetshooter 17 Comments

………see the thing is, the GRD4 fits in a pocket and is always at the ready…………. I gotta split, gotta tend to the blog, catch ya later…………..

So I met a friend on the street the other day and she was wondering why I was using Penelope instead of my others cameras. I just told her…well, read the last thing above…..get it….ok. I had just passed thru the tunnel from Reading Market to go to Market Street……it was a slow process finding photos and Penelope makes that even harder. Because she’s so petite, I guess the Inverse Square Law comes to play. Small camera, more work, more work, less images, less images more satisfaction form each….I could go on but I’m sure you get it.

As I was approaching the doors to exit to Market St, I saw these two guys standing and thought it might make a good photo. I reached the doors and then one guy moved away out of sight and the other just stood there. I opened the door and raised Penelope and then the guy put his hands behind his back and I thought, what an observer…I moved a few feet to see my frame, raised Penelope and………….CLICK! This shot is uncropped, it’s very close to what was in that reality at that time but it’s exactly what my minds eye saw at release.

So what I’m explaining to Suzanne is that I have a terrible neck/back ache from having the XP1’s around my neck. The weight is killing me. So I am using the GRD4 because it’s in my hand or pocket and never on the neck.

Suzanne asked if this helped my neck ache and I replied, no..it doesn’t help at all but it doesn’t add to it either.

We took a walk to Chinatown because Suzanne wanted to eat a little. (Suzanne is one of my students and she is a Doctor and Heart Specialist.) So as we were walking, I came upon a photo at a window. The woman was looking at us as if were were together and we are but not in the way the woman thinks or maybe not in the way I think the woman thinks.

So as I got closer, I felt that the woman was feeling alone and there was no one around her in her space. I understood the loneliness she may have been feeling and I raised Penelope and ……Click. My first reaction on framing was to move in and cut much of the left side out. When I raised the camera, Penelope was right where she was supposed to be. The juxtaposition was perfect and the photo made.

Suzanne smiled and said that was one she wanted a print of. I replied, I’ll buy lunch. It’s now 0815 on Monday morning and I’m heading to the street again with Penelope. I feel this may be hr last day out for a while. I miss the OVF for my Dear Andre’ …..but not the neck pains…….

Before you do anything in your life….remember to breathe first and enjoy that…..think of the alternatives…..not pretty…….

shooter out………………………………….transmission terminated by user……………………………………………..

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

May 1st, 2014 … Penelope Cruz … Woke Me Up In The Middle Of A Dream

May 1, 2014 streetshooter 14 Comments

Well, it’s 3:oo in morning and I can’t get no sleep. I finally dozed off and went into a dream state. Then out of nowhere, I hear in my ear….Knock Knock…get up shooter. I the fog of dreamland, I could see Penelope Cruz just smiling at me and wearing a nice white dress. I gotta tell ya, if this ain’t Heaven, it’ll be hard to top Penelope in my dream.

Then….! Listen shooter and listen good. Now I know I’ve dreamt of Penelope many times but I can’t remember ever telling her my name is shooter. I started tossing and a turning. The sweat was running down my face. Tremors started vibrating all over my body and then I could see Penelope moving closer, closer and I couldn’t stand it anymore!

I forced myself to wake up because Penelope deserves so much more from me than a dream. As I opened my eyes, what do you think I see… My darling Penelope and she told me to check battery levels, clean her eye and we’re going out for a walk.

See, Penelope is my White Ricoh GRD4. She was upset because all the guys were having all the fun and she felt hurt that I didn’t express my love for her anymore.

So Penelope the White GRD4 and I hit the streets. She felt so good in my hand and responded to my every flinch. I guess I should explain myself here. I have always named a camera after a photographer or such. This camera is named Penelope after Penelope Cruz. Why, well for me she’s the most stunning woman on the planet. That’s that and that’s the truth!

She wanted to see Uncle Ben and I took her to the gravesite. Uncle Ben is Benjamin Franklin. Uncle Willie is on top of City Hall and he’s really William Penn.

We were just walking around seeing the sights that we both know so well. I was smiling like a youngster….well, If you were walking with Penelope, wouldn’t you be smiling? Ok then. She likes to use snap focus and auto ISO and of course I agree with that completely. It doesn’t get any simplier. I keep thinking out love affair goes back to release of the White model. That day, we were wed. Many cameras have bit the dust from me but she never even gets close. In fact, I call her and her cousins, the rest of the GRD4’s, the camera killers.

Whatever you do, whatever you think, whatever you hear….do not take a Ricoh GRD4 out for more than a few days. Ebay is full of cameras that the Mighty GRD4 has killed.

So I promised Penelope that she and I will spend time together until she gets tired of me. I could never get tired of her so it’s her call as to when she goes back to sleep.

Ya know something…..This camera has been in and out of my pocket more times than my wallet. It has been subjected to dust, dirt, sand cat hair, beer, wine and even Single Malt. The point is, ain’t no dirty sensor around here! Nada, nope! I actually bought a brand new backup a year or so ago thinking that the GRD4 is discontinued and I will have another if need be. I can see, never needing that camera. When the Ricoh GR came out, I couldn’t wait. I got it and now someone else has it….dunno.

We walked into Love Park and they were setting up for Mexican Appreciation Day. This guy started talking to Penelope and I didn’t really understand the language but Penelope just clung harder and faster to my hand. She felt safe and I felt safer. We smiled at him and we were on our way. Penelope is very loyal to me and I to her. With Andre’, Garry and Daido, I can let them rest and be cool with their absence. The same can’t be said of Penelope.

So this ends the first day back together and we are planning a longer courtship this time and less time off for her.

I only asked her to do me one favor……………. Penelope, the next time I’m dreaming about Penelope Cruz, don’t wake me up…..thanks darling…..

More Penelope stories tomorrow………………..later.

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April 29th, 2014 … Fuji X-Pro1 & 18mm …All in a Dream

April 29, 2014 streetshooter 3 Comments

Andre’ the XP1 and I the man behind the camera went out to find some Dreamcatcher photos. Now, I know that much of the finishes images are helped with processing but the basic frame and light has to be there. Using the OVF lends a hand to the concept of the image. Why? Well….you see the cameras take on reality still in 3 dimensions with the OVF and you don’t any other way. This of course makes the mind have to wake up and become an active part of the process. I’ve spoken of this before…Eye, Heart and Mind. Well, as above…I could see the Image wanting to be born, EYE. I could feel the image…HEART. So naturally, the MIND has to come into play to get everything connected.

Using the OVF allows the freedom of vision and process better than any other method except maybe sometimes the LCD. It allows you to quickly visualize the framing and the possibilities of seeing the translation from the 3 dimensional reality to the 2 dimensional reality of the finished image.

No, this isn’t a hipshot. It’s a pre-backache photo. Pre-backache photos come along when your 64 and you bend down like a younger shooter and make photos. The Beatles sang a song that really echoes in my tired brain, not mind, but brain. “When I’m 64”. Well, thanks Ringo…here I am. I used to depend on my LCD to find photos because it’s actually the BEST way to do so. Well, the thing about the OVF is that it wakes up the Mind and get’s the juices flowing. It’s nice because you can learn to see your finished print at capture. I have my screen set to B&W but I rarely use it. The EVF…maybe 1% of the time…if that.

This is a carefully made uncropped hipshot. With the 28mm FOV offered by the 18mm, I get very close in my mind as to what the camera is seeing.

I get into finding Dreamcatcher images and it won’t let go. This has been a long term project dating back to around 1976. Back then I was using Infra-red film and an altered version of Rodinal. Now today, it’s much more exciting because of the almost instant gratification digital imaging offers. The added plus of processing engines is also a major advantage.

But, the camera is the camera and as Andre’ the Fuji XP1 says…”We make a good team. You just have to stay awake more”. I’ll try I replied. So when the feeling hits for a photo, I respond with a synergism of camera, subject and me. This way, there is no question of what transpired at the Moment of Exposure. I love being able to look at an image and then to be able to recall the event. Amazing!

Even when I’m not in Dreamcatcher mode, I guess I am anyway. Macys has the coolest windows and they change on a regular basis. The designers are second to none. I thank them for making Market street more interesting and for providing stimulus for photos.

I still feel a slight detachment from the Fuji 23mm. It’s sleeping in the bag and I haven’t used it for a spell. I don’t see doing so either but I may have to force myself to take it out for a walk. I know all my life I’ve been using the 35mm FOV as a natural FOV. It still is but…..the new generation of cameras and especially the X-Pro1 with the 18mm, 28mm FOV has uploaded a new firmware in my central processing unit, called me brains. This updated firmware has me seeing and using the 28mm FOV more natural than I ever expected.

I have many more photos from the weekend and will try to get some up but the Inspired Eye Issue is being released today and that will take my time up……

So, thanks for being here and please come back often. I answer all comments as fast as I can so post away.

………………………………..transmission terminated by user…………………………………………………………….

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

April 24th, 2014 … Fuji X-Pro 1 & 18mm is Magic for Low Light!

April 24, 2014 streetshooter 19 Comments

There are those amongst us, well not me but maybe you, that think the 18mm is a low quality lens. I’ve written this before but still, that are remote places on the Earth that have not got the message. Then there are quadabillions of shooters that think the XP1 with it’s screen and EVF are not up to par. Well, fact is, yup…there are updated models like the XT1 that have the EVF and Screen down really nice. Keep this here next part between you and I. I tried my neighbors XT1 and for the life of me, I couldn’t find the OVF. Seriously, I looked in the battery compartment, I looked on the front of the body, the back, the side….well. Fuji forgot something with that camera. I’m not one to spread rumors and I never said this…..there ain’t no dang EVF on the XT1. Shhhhhhh, don’t tell anyone….. I wonder how people use 2 eyes to make photos. I even wonder how people’s eye doesn’t get tired from looking at the EVF. I wonder how people frame in the finder and never see what’s around the image.

I wonder how the heck in low light how they……I’m not going there but speaking of low light……..

The photo above is made in very harsh background bright light and yet, I managed to maintain the details in the mid tone and shadows. Wouldn’t the EVF kinda over expose and get real bright and not be real good in a shot like this? The OVF just smirks at light like this.

Don’t even think about it. Without an OVF, you’d never see the lady on the right and the ghost on the left. This is with the 2 eye framing procedure. The left eye sees everything going on and the right eye sees the frame. It sees exposure data also but when the camera is at the eye, exposure should be set already and only framing should be going on.

For really low light, the OVF is nice because it doesn’t get dark and have squiggly pixel thingys going on. If I were you I’d be checking prices on the XP1 as they are starting to lower somewhat. Don’t let this great camera get away from you.

I don’t have much time to write a lot but I had to get this out because I feel it’s the real deal.

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April 23rd, 2014 … The Fuji X-Pro 1 is the Dream Catcher … or..Tales From The Street

April 23, 2014 streetshooter 14 Comments

XP1 18mm 1/125 f/4 ISO 200

I took the XP1 (no names in this post) with the 18mm out for a walk. I kinda feel a certain freedom that has been lacking for a while. See, I’ve always used the 35mm FOV and now with the AMAZING 23mm, I have that but I feel restricted with that lens. Maybe it’s just the size factor. The 18mm converts to about a 28mm and that FOV seems to be almost standard with most manufactures specs. Well, who am I to argue?

For me, size is not that important of an issue but it is an issue. The 18mm fits very handsomely on the XP1. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE OR ANYTHING YOU READ ON FORUMS ABOUT THE POOR OR MEDIOCRE PERFORMANCE OF THE 18mm. Most of these people are not hard core shooters, they just like to tear things apart. I’m a shooter, the read deal and I’m telling you, the 18mm is an absolute must have lens. I came to Fuji because of that lens and I’m glad I did.

I had just gotten off the bus at the Frankford Transportation Center. I had the camera on a nice braided strap and it seats about chest high. It is not adjustable and that’s why I have it,One less variable to consider in a days shoot. Anyway, the people, the light, the structures…all these things turn me on in a way that only my photos can describe.

I started to walk towards the entrance to the Elevated Train. There’s this guy sitting and he’s bending over and the I see this caution thingy with a man falling….my eyes heated up, the camera was already in position and set. I walked closer and then saw the shot. The man sitting alone in the darkness and the woman holding her childs hand in the light….if you don’t see the magic in that, well…my workshops start in June.

XP1 18mm 1/125 f/4 ISO 1250

Youse all know I have this metaphysical awareness of the world. Well, I kinda believe that people are here alone and want to make some kind of a connection. Sometimes that’s both ways but in the case of the shot above…I was just making a photo. I raised the camera and pointed dead on to this guy and as I was just about ready to release…he starred right dead at the eye in the finder.

I immediately felt tension as he felt that I was invading his private space in the public theater. He didn’t actually see my eye as it goes, he looked at my VietNam Veteran hat. Maybe that was the deterrent from some kind of confrontation. Maybe it was just that he was feeling all alone and this guy with a camera who could have made a photo of any number of people actually chose him and then smiled. Maybe that was it. Just maybe, just maybe, we both shared a moment that let us feel a little bit more human this morning.

The Stance Of The X-Pro 1

The XP1 has a few things going for it. Now many shy away from the word PROFESSIONAL. I never understood that altho’ I get it in a certain way. I guess the idea is that if you look like a tourist with your camera then people don’t mind you taking their picture. I also surmise that if a shooter uses a camera like the XP1 that the subject may think you are a Pro and get upset because they don’t want their picture plastered all over the known universe.

If you are allowing the EGO to control your stance, then of course you will put off people because you probably put yourself off also. If you are the kind of shooter that is aware of your place in the world and it’s inhabitants, then you should never have a problem unless you want to label your self like , Professional, Streetshooter etc. It’s time to undress and leave those clothes at home.

The Fuji XP1 looks like a real Pro camera because it is but it doesn’t have to control your stance. I don’t see moving away from these camera for as long as I can see. Here’s why.

When you act like something, then you are adjusting your stance and people can feel that and may respond any way they see fit. I use the XP1 in a very loose manner and when people see me pointing at them, it’s almost disarming because they are aware that I am using a good camera but in a very unassuming way. I am not going to TAKE their picture. I am making a photo.

Your stance is what provides the transpass thru life. No matter what camera you use, if your stance is clear, you shouldn’t have any problems. When I work, it’s very clear to all that I am absolutely in love with what I’m doing.

XP1 18mm 1/250 f/5.6 ISO 400

If I’m using the 28mm FOV, how close do you think I was to this guy? That’s right, very. The simple fact that he turned around, punched my face, broke my camera has nothing to do with getting close, unobserved. That would have to do with not getting away fast enough….

All kidding aside….The camera’s fine. lol……. The biggest advantage of the OVF for me is not figuring out parallax, nah…it’s not ever having to deal with Mr Bokeh. Fuji knows about that guy and they installed the Anti’Mr Bokeh in the OVF finder and I for one appreciate it. That Mr Bokeh guy sometimes gets into my photos but I’m waiting..oh…I’m just waiting…..!

XP1 1/125 f/2 ISO 800

I love this camera and I have a new found love for the 18mm. I’ll not sell anything for a while, not till the Fuji XP17 is released.

Have a good day……the streets again tomorrow……………………. end transmission………………….

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

April 20th, 2014 … Daido the Fuji X20 … The Importance of the Family Snapshot Album

April 20, 2014 streetshooter 16 Comments

I was on the beach with Bobbie, Jimmy, Mike and Jock the Pro Shooter…uh with a camera from Oz. Of course we all had our M16’s with us except Jock, as we leaned back to see the sunset. Chu Lai, VietNam was where we were stationed for the moment. We were allowed to take off for the evening because in the morning we had to take a truck out to LZ Liz because the troops needed supplies. Jock of course was not allowed to make the run with us. As I gazed into the sky just falling into a restful state, the sunset started to wake up.

Now I know that there’s beautiful sunsets all over the world but non ever approach the beauty of VietNam. I thought, this is what life should be about.

My brother Jerry called me and asked if Tanya and I would like to do something on Saturday. Of course, what do ya have in mind? So we decided to make a run to Cape May NJ. I immediately got into the camera choosing frenzy because I wanted to take someone along but who? Well, Garry and Andre’ seemed to be resting and Daido the Fuji X20 was ready to do the mission.

So I picked up Daido and a few spare batteries, much needed…and put him in my jacket pocket.

This is my Brother Jerry and sister in law but I never liked calling Helen my sister in law because she’s always been just my sister….Period! I introduced them to Daido but I didn’t tell them Daido’s name was Daido because they think I’m still kinda sane and this would not be good to name and talk to a camera around them so I just introduced them by making photos.

This is Tanya. She knows Daido and actually likes him the most of all the cameras on the shelf. She thinks he’s more intelligent and capable than any other camera because he does everything very easy in any situation.

A big treat for people at Cape May is to find very special pebbles. There’s an art to the selection procedure and there is no instruction manual for pebble selections. It’s strictly an intuitive kinda thing.

Obviously Jerry and Tanya are not caught up in The Art of Pebble Selection at Cape May Beach.

I turned around quickly and thought I saw Georgia standing there. I knew it wasn’t here because I wasn’t ever Alfred……

They let this guy out for fresh air once a day. I hear that he’s kinda lost talking to people but does very well with the Dolphin. The Dolphin was not amused and wouldn’t look at Daido….eh.

This is at the Lookout Tower that was constructed during WWII. This memorial of course was of utmost importance to me. I go thru life and I know I’ll never find my way home but memorials are constructed for all Veterans so that they have a point of reference for the journey along the way. It lets us all know that we are out there wandering thru life but not alone.

Tanya was looking up at something….she found it very interesting but I don’t think anyone else did except Daido.

My brother Jerry has many brothers that I don’t have but all those brothers that have him as a brother don’t have me as a brother but…many of the brothers he has are also my brothers because some are patriots and some are Veterans. I tried to memorize all his brothers names but it was too many to count.

I started to feel hungry so we went to a Hibachi and sat there as the chef…(Better name I don’t know)…. did his magic with his tools. He definitely had tools as he never named tham. He’s young so in time he’ll remember that crazy old shooter as he starts to name his tools and bring them to life so he can do his mission in life…

The food was good as Japanese is my favorite as is Greek, Italian, French and French Fries that I can’t eat anymore. I couldn’t make any shots of the food because it was there and then it was gone….Daido took a nap during dinner.

Sometimes a Family Snap Shooter tries to get Artsy……

Yeah, yeah, another Artsy shot.

We are at Stewarts because I was thirsty and we had sodas and soup stuff and coffee. Yup, Tanya let me drink coffee that late at night. Of course it’s now 0925 the next day and I’m still awake….

Daido was jumping on the table and talking to Aunt Helen….I wanna make a photo of Mom and Dad…..Helen of course couldn’t say no and this is their collaboration……

I was wondering how Tanya would look in that outfit…hmmmm, I guess I’ll never know.

Anyway, never ever take the Family Album for granted. It is and always will be the most important work any photographer will ever pursue.

Have a good Holiday and get yer buts making photos for the Family Album!

seeya tomorrow…………..

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

April 18th, 2014 … The Fuji X-Pro 1 Finds It’s Strength by Discovering It’s Weakness

April 18, 2014 streetshooter 6 Comments

There is a law in Photography and life but who cares about Life when your a photographer. The Law is called the Inverse Square Law. This means that Less is More and More is Less. Take the camera for instance. The larger the hole in the lens, the smaller the F/number and then again, the more light that it lets in.

The 18mm takes in more than the 35mm that takes in less. Really good cameras cost more but have less intrusion than less expensive cameras that have more intrusion. Hopefully you get this. I didn’t invent this, I just had to learn to live with it seems like my entire life. Ya know, the more I think about things like this, the less I give a uh..uh darn.

So as I was walking along the National Historic Park a young woman approached me and sked if I knew where the Liberty Bell was. Funny, I thought. We are 20′ away from it and on the outside. She said, I really want to see it. So I said, follow me and I shall show you the way. She asked if I was like a real photographer. I stated, when I was young I wanted to be a great photographer and make magic with my camera. Now that I’m older, I just want to breathe and enjoy what I’m make photos of. We walked into the tiny observation cove cove and we could see the Liberty Bell from outside where we were. She was mesmerized. Her mouth was open and like her jaw dropped. She starred like there was no tomorrow.

I felt like the American Patriot Guide that I am. She said, see that girl over there with that guy hugging her. Of course I said, she’s very cute. She said, yeah she is….and that’s my boyfriend holding her. Well, my mouth opend like a gasp and my jaw dropped but I backed up and waited for her to turn….she said….as she was turning, how do I get to the train station….CLICK!

I promised to send her the photo of her boyfriend and this one of her.

It’s still kinda cold out and I am not in my normal form. I mean that the weather has taken a toll on my well being and I haven’t recovered fully …yet.

The Inverse Square Law plays a large part with cameras that effect what and how and we do. Here’s what I’m talking about. I am putting this out for the XP1 because I can and I want to and because this is a few key elements about the XP1 and the Inverse Square Law.

A weakness in the camera is the EVF. The screen ain’t nuttin to write home about either. Yeah, lets just rip this sucker apart. HOLD ON!

The strength of the XP1 is that it helps you to see and make better photos. Now better is a stupid thing to say but it’s true. See, if you struggle somewhat with the screen, you naturally start to rely on the finder. Tricky thing that finder. See, many will auto mode to the EVF but it’s not a fance dancy automatic, electroplated, 4 speed, syncro mesd finder. It’s a plain almost really good but maybe needs work to make it better if your not a serious shooter.

Serious shooters will draw to the OVF with the auto guidance pushing the EVF and Screen out of the way. I know…I know….I must be outta my dang it mind.

Well, if we had a very bright, high resolution type EVF, thenwe could just get complacent with what we are doing because all the work has been smoothed out. When you use an XP1 with the OVF, you are learning to see again. You do not take for granted the frame or the parallax. You don’t fear this because you know the camera is trying to wake you up and wake up your mind and eyes.

So, the Inverse Square Law shows that of the 3 viewing systems,the one with the least assumed accuracy will provide the most good images because you were awake and concentrating using the camera and concentrating on the subject and not the screen. Let it be known on this planet and any that youse may be from. I have been know to be a LCD Screen advocate for a long time.

It’s Friday, Happy Hoildays to all. Today is RED SHIRT FRIDAY and I know all my Patriot Family from the Warriors Watch are wearing Red Shirts to show support for the troops.

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

April 16th, 2014 … Fuji X-Pro 1 and 18mm … a Meeting of the Eye, Heart and MInd

April 16, 2014 streetshooter 20 Comments

Well, Garry woke early this morning again. He had the un-named 18mm on and I gotta tell ya…I don’t plan on naming my lenses only because I have to many to deal with. My Leica glass alone is like a well equipped shop, in fact it used to be. So back to Garry and the 18mm. I spent decades with a 35mm Summilux or Summicron on my M bodies and never felt the need to switch FOV except sometimes. Well That became my NATURAL FIELD OF VIEW. Of course now just like then I carried a few other lens in my small bag. Well, that’s easier said than done with the X-lenses except the 18mm and the 27mm. So for many years with a variety of cameras I’ve come to learn to see the 28mm FOV as natural.

Now this doesn’t mean that I can’t use other lenses, it just means that my NATURAL FIELD OF VIEW has actually changed due to habits. It’s now really 28mm or the 18mm that Fuji makes but gets trashed by many users on forums because it doesn’t have that snappy sharpness that has nothing to do with the real quality of a photograph. What is true is that the 23mm (35mm) is an amazing lens and I’m lucky to own it and understand it. because of that….I will now revert back to the magical 18mm.

Fortunately I am of the mindset, that the content of my photos always without exception takes precedence over the Pixel Peeping that gets in the way of the Art of Seeing. The mechanical aspects of photography have never grabbed me and held me long enough to effect what and why I do what I do or try to do.

Fuji XP1 & 18mm

I have to say that many months ago, I used the 18mm a lot. When the 23mm arrived on the shelf, I fell under it’s spell and was enamored by it’s charms. On the street I felt as if an old friend had come to visit me. I felt the FOV just work for me without hesitation. I could come upon a scene and when I raised the camera, I was where I was to be. That brought back the Natural Field Of View to me and I cherished every frame I made with it. There was something I started to notice. I noticed that many times, I was too tight. It felt uncomfortable and I spent a lot of time analyzing the situation to try to find a solution.

I had figured on having the Trinity. This is like my 1st release Tri-Elmar 28-35-50. So I would want to get the 18-23-35 to equal the Trinity. I have it but with the Leica and all my Leica’s and lenses…I used 35mm as the Pivot Point for Lens change. So, I would be at 35mm and could go wider to 28mm or longer to 50mm. As it happens now, I still have the Trinity but my Pivot Point is different.

I would use the 18mm as normal, then go to the 23mm or 35mm. Of course the 14mm is an option but not for me at the moment. There are a few shooters that make use of the 14mm that should be studied. Chris Dodkin and Gene Lowinger really have it down. For me it’s a bust time with street shooting, preset designing, magazine stuff. interviews and Tanya the Russian Wifey. I simply don’t have the time to investigate the 14mm. Besides, I’ve used the Heliar 15mm for a long time and it’s virtually the same but different.

Fuji XP1 & 18mm

So with all this going on, I am glued to LightRoom making Presets. It’s going to be a nice set and should be released soon. What I do with my presets is to find a formulae I like then, take it in another direction but still keep the characteristics of what I started with, just enhanced. This way, when someone loads the presets in their program, it will work as a continuation . Think of it as a series of images, related but different enough to be interesting and re-interpret the image.

The X-Trans requires different approaches as there are many that use the DR 200 & DR 400. Of course that requires a different approach that I am working on. Today I got out just a little and ya know for Spring Tome here in Philly, I froze my nuggins off. Tomorrow promises to be about the same but I’ll go out anyway because sometimes I do stupid things like that.

You should all know, Duane is flying his Jet all around trying to find Spring. He’s a flying Marine and if anyone can find Spring, he can. I don’t know how he’ll get it back here for us but the Marines Improvise and Overcome.

Have a good day and thanks for your friendship.

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

April 14th, 2014 … The Fuji XP1 named Garry and the 18mm Get Their Way …

April 14, 2014 streetshooter 22 Comments

I was drinking a cup of Kona at my desk in the back bedroom that’s converted to my office when Tanya let’s me use it. I heard a rumble going on and I wanted to see what the ruckus was about. Well, The Fuji XP1 named Andre’ was arguing with the Fuji XP1 named Garry. See, Garry wanted to get out and on the street but…..that’s not the argument. See, Garry wanted to go out with the 18mm that thinks its a 27mm but acts like 28mm but we doin’ have to go there….not yet. Andre’ insisted that he should go because he has the 23mm that acts like a 35mm and he’s convinced that the Shooter fella like that FOV. Of course, so far…I have nothing to say to my cameras and lenses. They have to resolve this to keep peace on the camera shelf.

Well, Garry pointed out that his job was to provide a 50mm fov with the 35mm and also a 28mm fov with the 18mm. He said that he respected Andre’ the senior XP1 on the shelf too much to ask jim to change lenses. Of Andre’ being the gentleman camera that he is, let the younger less experienced Garry take the day. As it turns out, the lens decision was made by the cameras and I was not included in the process. So as I under stand it….Garry was going out with me with the 18mm that thinks it’s a 28mm but is really maybe….a 27mm.

I stopped for an illegal breakfast that was as always, well as it was always great. 1 egg, over easy, 2 slices of Philly pork roll fried crispy on the edges, a cup of coffee and a glass of water. 2 slices of wheat toast with pure 100% butter tops it off. I told Garry that if he told Tanya the Russian wife that has no tolerance for me not following the rules of good health, that he would never be on the street again. Garry turned his switch off until breakfast was finished.

My heart doesn’t like this breakfast combo. In fact nothing in my body needs this breakfast but….it sure as heck taste good and makes me feel good in spirit. 1 time a month I can be a bad …bad…man.

So, I was asked by Garry to make a selfie and he wanted to be the star. So I asked him….how the heck am I to make a selfie and not be the star? Garry easily explained, focus and frame….close your eyes and leave the rest to me. I did and that’s the result…up there….

Garry hasn’t been out that much. I guess ya can tell that. The 23mm that acts like a 35mm has stolen the show for the last….who knows? The 18mm that sees like a 27mm but really we should think of it as a 28mm…hasn’t been out since the 23mm arrived on the scene. I have to admit. As good as the 23mm is, the 18mm is a better lens on the street.

Shhhhhhh don’t talk about IQ as Image Quality, talk about IQ as Intelligence Quotient. This way, you can use your mind to think in terms of how a lens supports your efforts on the street and not about how sharp it is. Besides, the 18mm has an amazing contrast thing going on.

Can ya see in the above shot that there’s little or no flare. I don’t use hoods on my lenses. This makes the 18mm the most amazing lens for the XP1. I didn’t name my lenses or cameras up there because I’m talking about yours.

The RICOH GRD4, the Queen of the streets give a similar feeling when you compare it to the XP1 & 18mm. No, not the size or interface but the images you find with the camera. Let’s face it. The camera/lens combo really does make a difference on whet you find. I’m not talking about names of the cameras but in the way they seek what you are looking for. I have a White GRD4 that is named Penelope. When I work with Penelope, the feeling is very similar to working with Garry & the 18mm. They bot take me to the same places and the same lighting. They have the same FOV and the added OVF of the XP1 is the biggest treat and incentive for working. Penelope fits in my pocket and is always ready.

Penelope is named after Penelope Cruz. I wanted to name it after Halle but well…Penelope got into my heart faster.

I will hit the streets again tomorrow and get back to my 4-6 mile walk. Till then……I don’t know…you tell me……later.

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

April 12th, 2014 … Andre’ the Fuji XP1 & the 23mm Explore Market Street

April 11, 2014 streetshooter 5 Comments

To start, I am not responsible for the following photos. I probably have to assume half of the responsibility but certainly not all because Andre’ the Fuji XP1 has to accept his share.

The day started off weird. Imagine that, around me…something weird, hrump! I planned on going down town and doing about 3-4 miles walking. Andre’ said he wanted to go. Like I would go without him or maybe Garry or even Daido, Walker, Ansel etc. You get the idea. But, Andre’ insisted he go with me. So I asked him what lens he wanted and he laughed and said…what am I wearing FOOL? The 23mm is almost a permanent fixture on Andre’. If you don’t name your cameras, that’s cool. If you have 2 way conversations with your cameras, that’s cool as long as you know who’s asking and answering. I have my good Doctor at the VA to sort this out so I don’t have to sweat this stuff.

So we started our trek on Market street. It seemed like there were more than the usual amount of nutz on the street, not counting me. Maybe it’s the warm weather but I’m aware of the changes around me. So this guy is standing against the doors, he’s reading a book which is just about normal but he’s reading to a large audience that’s not there in reality, at least as far as I can tell. He sounded like that guy from UK before it was the UK, that Shakespeare fella. His voice has a certain tone that if there was anyone besides Andre’ and me, they would listen just to hear him speak. Be that as it may, I made a photo and he looked at me. He asked if I was a photographer. I said no, my camera just needs me to carry it and operate it. I introduced him to Andre’. He smiled as I walked away. Yeah, there’s too many nutz on the streets.

This is at the front entrance to the old Reading Terminal. I was wondering what the heck this guy was looking at. I decided to make a photo before I walked in front of him to see what had him captivated. The light was just magic and I got hypnotized. I knew the 23mm on 100DR would give me what I needed to process this. After I made the exposure I decided to see what he was fixated on. So I walked around the column and then I saw two young girls, maybe 25 doing some kinda of tribal dance. I stood there fixated for about 27 years and then decided my heart can only take too much. I looked at the guy and he said to me…”Did you get a good pic of me”? I said I think so but I really enjoy what your fixated on. He said yeah…tuff day on Market Street.

I didn’t get too far before I saw this woman talking to herself. Ok, ok…I didn’t see any headphone wire hanging or nuttin’. She was arguing with herself because she was alone except for Andre’, me and the Gap girl. Well, I didn’t think to make a photo but I felt that she deserved the attention and Andre’ loves situations like this. So I waited and waited and actually, I couldn’t stop looking at the Gap girl.Now I know how that dude felt looking at those young girls….So, the lady turned to me and broke the Gap girl’s spell and then I was getting ready to make the photo but she was looking at me. If I made it that way, it wouldn’t work because the eye travel would be drawn to 2 positive sets of eyes. Then, I think she surrendered to the scene and just turned and leaned against the rest stop that Andre’ the Fuji XP1 and the Gap girl and myself were framing the photo….CLICK!

The garden calls this weekend so I probably won’t post again till Monday. If you get lonely for my post or need to feel better just send me a note and I’ll give you my DR’s number……

Don’t ever take yourself too serious and where you can’t make a joke about yourself. “Live long and prosper”………….

Street Photography Chronicles by Don Springer