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.