End of Year Big Picture Thinking

Photographers are an independent group. And, I'm no exception. I'd rather be out on location by myself photographing or gathering audio content. If my wife Cindy, is along, that's a bonus, but get too many other people involved looking over my shoulder and providing extra direction and I begin to lose concentration and focus.

But, as it's customary at this time of year to reflect on the past 12 months and set some goals for the next year, I've decided to try and not be so independent and isolated in my work. With my first book project completed (currently in design and production) I will be concentrating on other projects –– one statewide and the other in my home county. In speaking with others about these projects, I've received some helpful comments and reviews.

So, in 2013 I resolve to do my best to seek out collaborations and partnerships with government entities, trade and other nonprofit organizations in these projects. In my reading over the holidays, I've learned quite a bit about the positive results to be achieved through collaboration.

The number one thing I've learned is that it MUST be a win-win situation. The partnership has to be mutually beneficial (do you hear that self? It can't all be about you!)

But, there's still a lot to learn about the details in forming partnerships. Any insights, book recommendations or advice here? What's worked ?

Happy New Year filled with good coffee, good books and good photographs.

Using 4 x 5 Film Is Like a Box of Chocolates...

During a recent photo session, I made 6 different exposures of my subject while being surrounded by a group of alpacas. To borrow from Forrest Gump, shooting 4 x 5 film is like a box of chocolates, you never know exactly what you're going to get.

There was no small digital screen to look at and no Polaroid tests (ah, the good old days). But, that's what makes it exciting.

There's A Rooster In the Neighborhood

I've been hearing it for the past week. Cindy hasn't heard it and looks at me rather suspiciously, but, around 5:00 am every morning, I hear the distinctive crow of a rooster in the neighborhood (this photo isn't him).

The rooster is about two blocks but it's just loud enough that I hear it easily. I'm not exactly an early riser, but I must be just stirring around 5:00am and once I hear it, I'm conscious of it and can't back to sleep, waiting in stupid anticipation for the rooster's next crow. I might as well get up.

I wouldn't think much about this except for two reasons. I imagine that homeowners aren't supposed to be having chickens in our neck of the woods. City ordinances and all that sort of thing. I can only imagine what the neighbors think. Maybe they're being paid off with fresh eggs.

But, I've been writing and photographing so much about agricultural-related subjects over the past three years, that I've become fond of many farm animals, chickens among them. Some animals, I've had to be introduced to for the first time, like the alpacas this week and stone crabs last year (yes, I know stone crabs aren't really a farm animal, but indulge me here).

Growing up, my grandpa next door to us raised chickens. I enjoyed chasing after them and exploring the coop. I don't remember roosters, but he probably had them, too. So, while it might take getting used to this new addition to the neighborhood, I welcome Mr. Rooster. Sounds rather idyllic.

The Alpaca Is Biting My Camera!

It happened in slow motion (doesn't it always?) I was kneeling down, putting away some of my photo equipment and I noticed one of the alpacas inching closer to my camera. I should have stood up and done something, but I didn't.

I put away my light meter and cable release and thought, "that alpaca is getting too close to the camera."  Still, I hesitated and did nothing. I stowed away the focusing loupe and as I stood up, the alpaca actually bit my camera. Right there on the camera's monorail. Absurdly, I thought, "that camera must be hurting about now."

"Get outta here," I said. I gently pushed the alpaca away. No harm. I was just glad he didn't lick the lens.

It was a photo session of hesitation. Earlier, as I secured the 4 x 5 camera on the tripod, I thought about the composition possibilties in front of me. I could step inside the fence and make a couple of exposures of my subject, an alpaca farmer, surrounded by several alpacas. That might result in an interesting photograph. But, I hesitated. Why?

Perhaps it was age-related. The older I get, the more willing I am to be comfortable. There was another location right in front of the fence that could make a suitable photograph –– less manouvering of myself and the large camera.

Perhaps it was that I am a bit out of shape –– less sweat and effort involved in lifting the heavy camera/tripod through the fence gate.

Maybe I was afraid that the gentle alpacas would destroy my gear (ultimately, this came close to reality).

Could it be that I was in a hurry? No, there was no pressure of time.

In the end, I hesitated, but only slightly. The only option was to be be uncomfortable. It was necessary to take a very slight risk that could result in a better photograph.

I have always tried to be a bit unconventional with my photography. Creativity is getting uncomfortable.

Why do I use a 4 x 5 film camera format rather than digital on some photo shoots? As I have written and spoken about before, it's all about the experience. I enjoy getting my hands wet in a tray of chemicals in my darkroom and I enjoy practicing the traditions of my craft. It's not always easy. There are risks. But, I'm rewarded with creativity and more inspired results.

Are you too comfortable?

It's okay to hesitate, but take the risks.

Why I Don't Enter Photo Contests: 4-H and Entrepreneurship

I stopped submitting work to entry-fee based photo contests years ago. I just didn't like the thought of putting my money into someone else's pocket. There are other reasons too, and it appears that I'm not alone in thinking about this. I read a popular blog this morning about photo contests. Along with the whole money issue, he and I share other reasons:

1. There are so many people entering, the chances of actually winning are slim. And, there are ringers. Photographers build reputations with their name and branding of their work. Commercially, this isn't a bad thing. While I'm sure there are practices in place for "blind" judging, it's sometimes inevitable that the imagery/photographer is already known.
2. There is usually no feedback on the photos submitted unless you win.  I didn't like the thought of sending in images and off they go without ever hearing anything back. (Ironically, today, this is happening to more and more on-line grant application proposals. No feedback on what I can do to improve the proposal. Very Frustrating).

Oh well.

The first photo contest I entered was through 4-H when I was in high school. They did it right. Your photograph was put up on a wall for judging along with everyone else's images. The judges were usually instructed to say something about each photograph as they were being judged. If you were interested enough (and I was), you could wait patiently until your photograph was judged (oh, the tension!).

This is the photograph that won 1st Place one year at the McLean County 4-H Fair. It felt good to be recognized for my work. In my professional life, years later, I was fortunate enough to win some national awards for commercial and editorial photography. The entry fees weren't too steep and, again, it felt good. It was a great way to gain publicity for my work. But as time passed, the attractiveness of winning awards wore off.

There are many prestigious photo awards that, by winning, bring recognition and valuable contacts. But there are others that, well...rather than being at the mercy of strict rules, regulations and biases, perhaps it might be better to seek alternative methods of publicity and art sales. Perhaps seek alternative exhibits. The more unique the better. You are control of everything. Thinking more like an entrepreneur and less like an artist might be helpful.

Mountains and Valleys

Ever been afraid of an old house? On a recent trip to Alabama, we made a visit to my wife, Cindy's, old neighborhood. She pointed to an old house that terrified her as a little girl. I've never lived in a neighborhood that had a house with such a frightening affect on people, but I can imagine how scared she must have been in walking by. I'm sure it was like trying to climb a mountain –– a lot of effort and obstacles to overcome, just because it's there.

I can relate to this process of climbing mountain obstacles in completing the "Florida Soup: Putting History On the Table." Actually, it's been more like struggling through the valleys in order to reach the mountaintop. We're not at the top yet, but it's within reach. There have been several obstacles to overcome including dealing with negative people saying this would too difficult a project to complete to financial struggles, but, the book is at the designer now and it's been worth the effort. I met some wonderful people with some amazing stories through the project.

There are valleys and mountains in everyone's life. We look to the top, the goal, of the mountain and realize that it's necessary to begin at the bottom. There are problems along the way, but if you're passionate about the journey and willing to take some risks, it can be worth it.

Looking at it now, I can see why Cindy was scared. But, I can also see that with a little work and a little paint, it could be nice country house again.

The Andy Griffith Show and the Human Spirit

We lost a great one recently. I always admired Andy Griffith and felt as I though I grew up in Mayberry. I continue to watch the reruns. Andy's show dealt with small-town issues and a common sense, level-headed approach to life. The show had a warmth about it. Today, that's hard to find.

There is too much violence and too much, well... weirdness on television, both fictional and in broadcast news. Andy's show was about the human spirit: old-fashioned values, integrity and character.

Documentary photography can be used for social change. It's a great tool. One of the strengths of documentary photography is its ability to educate and inform on a variety of subjects. But, sometimes the intent isn't to cause change.

There are fascinating people in Florida who have interesting stories to share. Stories that are not about murder, assaults, or strange behavior that might eventually land a reality-TV show.

There is more to Florida's story than beaches, golf courses and theme parks. Florida story is about her people.

A Needle In A Stack of Needles

When learning of their mission to find Pvt. Ryan after D-Day, Capt. Miller (Tom Hank) and Sgt. Horvath (Tom Sizemore) discussed the futility of such an order by stating it would be like trying to find a needle in a stack of needles. Often, searching for stories seems a little like their mission. How do you find appropriate individuals to talk to and where do you begin when there are so many potential worthy subjects and topics.


There are two approaches: random, spontaneous meetings and word-of-mouth referrals. 

In college, I completed a semester-long documentary project on Illinois farmers using the large format camera. I would drive along country roads searching for possible subjects: farmers working on their tractors or out in the fields and livestock pens. If no farmers were in sight, I would take a chance and drive up and knock on the door and ask about their willingness to participate. Many times, I wouldn't get a chance to get out of the truck due to a watchful dog. I was chased away on numerous occasions by glaring teeth and my physical well being outweighed the possibility of finding one more participant.


I cannot recall one instance when a farmer refused to allow me onto their property to make a photograph. Was this because I looked like a student and the farmers wanted to help me out or they wanted to educate the public on the life of the Illinois farmer? Probably, it was both. It was obvious that many farmers were camera-shy and modest: I think this says something about their character.


It was an adventure and experience. I remember my introduction to these strangers: "I'm very sorry to bother you –– I know you're busy. I've got a rather unusual question...."


Other projects have called for a more structured approach and I have relied on the help of people to find subjects and participants. After finding a few initial people to include in a project, momentum would build and finding additional subjects was no problem. Word-of-mouth can be wonderful tool, but you have to ask for help. 


With numerous projects now completed, I think an ideal method is a combination of the two approaches. I love the spontaneity and the adventure of random opportunities –– this may lead to wonderful undiscovered possibilities. 

But, referrals from people are needed, too. It's a tremendous help to become accepted and welcomed in the community in which you intend to document and gather stories. Gradual acceptance is vital.

Memorial Day Countdown: 22

Hubert Fralish
109th Combat Infantry, 28th Division
[Excerpt from “Veteran Voices”]
“I was the top scorer at the rifle range during training so I was made first scout. I wasn’t too sure about this since we would be the first to shoot at the enemy. A combat infantry scout duties are simple but dangerous. Basically, to spot the enemy and draw their fire.

Before the Battle of the Bulge, I did not think the war would be over by Christmas. I really didn’t give it much thought –– I just thought about pushing head until we reached Berlin. But, I knew we would win.

Weather conditions were very bad [Battle of the Bulge]. The worst was the cold –– 20 degrees below zero. It didn’t make any difference what we wore, we were still cold. I wore two sets of long underwear, 2 GI uniforms, a wool sweater, an overcoat and a wool cap under my helmet.”

Memorial Day Countdown: 23

Don Faulkner
US Army, 4th Division, 22nd Regiment
[excerpt from “Veteran Voices”]
“I assumed command of a rifle company in the middle of battle only two days after arriving at the front lines. I was ordered to attack the town of Grosshau, Germany –– the first attack east of the Siegfried Line. Only arriving two days before, I hadn’t been fully prepared for such an experience, but we did our job. I spent 7 weeks in constant front line combat –– seemed like a lifetime, including the Battle of Hurtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge.”

Memorial Day Countdown: 24

Dr. James Basil Hall
Flight Surgeon, Army Air Force, 5th Fighter Command
[excerpt from "Veteran Voices"]
"In training for WWII, I was assistant flight surgeon for General George Patton. We called him “pistol-packin’ pappy” (not to him, of course) because of his pearl handled pistols he wore. He didn’t allow men to transfer out of his division but I was ordered out because of my flight and medical training and sent to New Guinea.

While stationed in New Guinea, I received a call one day from my commanding officer, asking me if I had an extra bunk in my hut. I said “sure” and asked who would be suing this extra bed. “You’ll recognize him when he arrives” is all he would say. When this person arrived, I recognized him immediately…Charles Lindbergh."

Memorial Day Countdown: 25

Evelyn "Mickey" Gilberg

[excerpt from "Veteran Voices"]

"The Battle of the Bulge started on December 16, 1944. This was the real thing –– air raids, cannons, bullets, bloody wounds and death. Over 23,000 American soldiers were captured, 81,000 wounded and 18,000 killed. We spent New Year’s Eve, not celebrating with bells and whistles, but ducking under tables and cots to protect ourselves from flying bullets. Our shot up quarters were beside a road where Allied tanks were moving up to Bastogne. We eventually persevered and our boys advanced."

Memorial Day Countdown: 26

Memorial Day Countdown: 26
John Cummer: US Navy

[Excerpt from Veteran Voices]

"I participated in the invasion of Normandy, D-Day. It was not a day of great feats for me personally. I was just there. Mine is a story not unlike that of thousands of others who were there, but it had to be one of the most important events in which I have ever participated. I was a gunner’s Mate aboard LCI (Landing Tank Infantry) 502."

How Will You Observe Memorial Day?

Robert Stewart, US Marines, Veteran Voices

How Will You Observe Memorial Day?

Memorial Day, May 28th,  is still a couple of weeks away. Many Americans celebrate this day as the beginning of summer and a time to get together with family and friends and fire up the grill. I look forward to this cookout as some of my favorite foods will be served.


But, I was thinking about Memorial Day yesterday and what the day is really about. As I sat at my desk, I recalled a documentary project I completed a few years ago called Veteran Voices in which I photographed Word War II veterans and recorded some of their oral histories. I grew up listening to my father's WWII experiences in New Guinea and the Philippines (actually, he didn't talk about it much, I was more absorbed in his artifacts he brought back home and kept in a trunk in our basement) and wanted to recognize the sacrifices and experiences of World War II veterans.


As I recalled that project, I wondered how many of those veterans were still around. I knew of personal losses: my father, two uncles, my former next-door-neighbor, but how many other WWII veterans from the project had died. I began some research and immediately found 4 others who had passed away. I remembered their stories: Pearl Harbor, Iwo Jima, Guadalcanal. Stories like those told by Evelyn "Mickey" Gilberg, a VBOB (Veteran of the Battle of the Bulge). Her stories were funny, poignant and emotional.


During World War II, there were a little over 16 million total US service members. It's rather sobering to realize that by 2015, it is projected that there will be only 855,000 living US World War II veterans. Let's take some time this Memorial Day to remember all veterans who have served and are serving our country. As many of the World War II veterans told me, the heroes are the ones who didn't come back.


Each day, between now and Memorial Day, I will try to share the photos and names of the World War II veterans from Veteran Voices.


How will you observe Memorial Day?


Photo: Don Dusenbery, US Army, Veteran Voices

Launch of "Back Roads to Back Home: Finding the Voices of the Sunshine State"

My hands smell like fixer. Darkroom day. I'm pleased to present the first photograph from the new project, "Back Roads to Back Home: Finding the Voices of the Sunshine State." Great launch of the project by photographing and hearing the rural perspectives of this 15-year old, Volusia County resident.

Excerpt: "I’ve really grown up around agriculture. It's a lifestyle. But it doesn't mean that you wear straw hats. It doesn't mean you wear red plaid, flannel shirts. You do urban things. You go out and work with science and engineering. But you always come back to: “Oh, I need to go feed the cows; have we let the horses out?” So that part of it defines what agriculture is. But, it's not just "cows, sows, and plows."

Why I Like To Photograph Tulips

It’s funny how objects can sometimes evoke emotional responses. I planted some tulip bulbs a couple of weeks ago and they’re blooming! This is rather surprising to me as I always heard that you couldn’t grow tulips here in Florida. So, I waited 28 years before trying.

I cut some of the flowers to photograph. I am rather pleased with how the photographs turned out. I discovered that I like to photograph tulips for two reasons. One, photographically speaking, I like the shape and texture of the flowers. This is aesthetically pleasing. I like how the flowers form little cups that look like they are ready to capture the raindrops that will fall later this afternoon. I like the saturated color and the contrast with the darker wood I chose as a background.

Second, they remind me of my mom and dad. They used to plant a long bed of tulips along our driveway when I was growing up. They tended to them each year and when they ran out of room, they decided to add them to the backyard garden, as well. My mom loved tulips and my dad just loved gardening. They had all sorts of different varieties and colors.

I will be pouring through garden and flower catalogs in the weeks to come to add to my collection. I like the thought of photographing the different varieties. I also like the thought of remembering my mom and dad.

"Back Roads to Back Home" Project Press Release for Sponsorship

Nonprofit Organization Seeks Sponsors for Documentary on Rural Florida

Beaches, golf and themes parks are on the minds of many in Florida — visitors and residents alike. Modern skyscrapers dot the urban landscape and traffic congestion is featured daily on local roads. But, to Cinderic Documentaries, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in DeLand, a more peaceful haven can be found in Florida’s rural areas and small towns. The organization has been researching and working behind the scenes to develop its next documentary project called “Back Roads to Back Home: Finding the Voices of the Sunshine State.”

“Back Roads to Back Home” is a documentary portrait of small town/rural Florida to be presented as a traveling exhibition and a series of public programs to interpret what it means to be “rural” in Florida. An exhibition will focus on the power of photography and real-life stories of Florida’s residents to connect individuals in both urban and rural areas allowing a better understanding of each.

“There have been several research papers, statistics, publications, and materials that have helped provide a definition of "rural," said Eric Dusenbery, executive director and photographer for the organization. “But we hope to photograph and hear it straight from those we meet: What does it mean to be rural.”

“Many small communities and their residents don’t think they have any stories that would be of interest to others. We want residents to realize that their stories could appeal to the general public seeking to discover Florida history and traditions. People are curious about local history, authenticity, folk traditions and culture and we hope this project will help individuals living in rural areas to see themselves differently.”

CDI is seeking private and corporate sponsors to fund the documentary. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law and a variety of benefits from different sponsor levels offer considerable publicity and recognition opportunities. Contact Eric Dusenbery at cinderic.documentaries@gmail.com for sponsor benefits and more information.

During the fieldwork and production, Cinderic Documentaries will provide public presentations on issues relating to rural culture at diverse venues in Florida. Selected photographs and excerpts from oral histories will be presented at the initial gallery venue, Mount Dora Center for the Arts in July of 2013.

The project will take approximately 18 months to complete, including collecting the oral histories and making the photographs. One of the more interesting aspects of the project is that in a style reminiscent of legendary documentary photographer Walker Evans, the project will utilize the large format film camera exclusively with high quality black and white imagery to capture the details and intricacies of rural Florida.

The project will feature not only a selected number of agricultural families that are emblematic of small town/rural Florida, but also shopkeepers, waitresses, ethnic farm workers, firemen, pastors and other community members from both a historical perspective and present-day realities.

“We just want to give a voice to ordinary Floridians who have interesting stories to share about small-town and rural life,” said Dusenbery.

Visit www.cinderic.org for more information about the project and organization.

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ADDITIONAL PRESS ON ORGANIZATION

http://www.news-journalonline.com/news/local/west-volusia/2011/07/11/deland-man-captures-vanishing-ways-of-life-on-film.html

http://www.shutterbug.com/content/crossroads-documenting-rural-voices

http://www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?recordid=12073&page=18