Blogcritics Author: Chantal Stone

Announcement: Short-content feeds

Phillip Winn — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT

Sunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding.

Interview With Jonathan Greenwald, New York City Street Photographer

Chantal Stone — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 18:14:10 EST

Street photography has never come easy for me, especially capturing people without them noticing me. It's a style of photography that I love, but I feel way too self-conscious to be stealthy, and often times I miss great shots by poorly framing or exposing incorrectly before scampering off before anyone looks at me. I so greatly admire those photographers who bravely achieve what I cannot, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to chat with New York City street photographer, Jonathan Greenwald.On his photoblog, Shrued, Jonathan shares his view of the city where he now lives, New York City, and the city in which he will soon reside, Toronto. Full of beauty, surprise, natural wonder, and architectural triumph, Jonathan's photoblog is a virtual tour of the non-touristy sides of these two amazing cities. But each city has a different side, a side we as outsiders don't often see, and it is through his camera that Jonathan is able to bring light and truth to what goes often unnoticed in two of North America's largest cities. With two projects called "Signs of The Times" and "Forgotten" Jonathan reveals to us the homeless of New York and Toronto. Recently Jonathan and I talked about his project photographing the homeless. Here is what he had to say:Why did you start photographing homeless people? I think the idea came from my fascination for photographing people. In my earlier work, I rarely ever photographed someone I didn't know. I was always fearful of the repercussions and would rather avoid contact with my subjects. It wasn't until I was photographing for a little while that I decided to photograph people on the streets of NYC and Toronto. I love human interaction and sometimes the quickest movement, facial expression, or reaction could be captured by the camera and tell a wonderful story. I also enjoy how you never see the same thing twice when you photograph people and the same photograph can tell me one story, but tell the next observer an entirely different story. With everyday people, the story can be anything. With the homeless, the story is always the same; desperation, despair, and poverty. When photographing the homeless, sadness and compassion is a constant theme.Do you interact with the people you photograph... ask for permission, or say something afterwards?In just about every situation, there is no interaction. I never give the subject the impression I'm taking their photograph and almost always look past them when I [shoot]. They probably think I'm taking their photograph, but when I fail to make eye contact with them, they probably think I was photographing something or someone behind them. If someone does catch me in the act, I do my best to ignore them. I learned this method very early on from a good friend of mine, Nick Rhodes. When he and I first walked around NYC, I was pointing my camera up at the wonderful architecture and he was pointing his lens in peoples' faces. It worried me at first, but I quickly got over it and tried it myself.That's an interesting technique. For a lot of people, shooting people on the street can be very intimidating.I am always asked abut my method and I always give the same advice: never make eye contact. It changes everything, especially the way you photograph people. Make eye contact behind the camera.You're often right in front of the people you're photographing. It's amazing they're not looking right into the camera.I also tend to hold the camera at obscure angles so they don't realize I'm even taking a photo. I use a battery grip for the [Canon] 20D which makes portrait shooting a bit easier; I hold the camera from the bottom and snap away. I was toying with the idea of holding the camera around my neck, walking into a crowd, and snapping away with a remote control. It would be interesting to see the results.Do you ever feel guilty about photographing homeless people and not giving them anything back (or do you give anything)? I struggle with that very question every time I take a photograph. The way I look at it, I am documenting what I see and I don't make light of the situation. I am not in the area long enough to interact with my subjects and if I did, it would likely change the way I photograph people. What I most like about my photographs is the spontaneity and that would be lost if I began interacting with my subjects. I may just continue capturing people, whether homeless or not, without interacting with them. I don't exploit anyone and prefer to show people in their natural [environment]. Do you find differences between the cities (NYC and Toronto)? Are there more homeless in one city compared to the other? I am finding a significant difference between the homeless in NYC and Toronto. I have yet to draw relevant conclusions, but my preliminary assessment is this: the homeless in Toronto are friendlier and more personable. And there is [one] big difference: age. My wife lives in downtown Toronto. Walk in either direction on Queen St. W., and you can encounter as many as four or five homeless kids on a single block. Most are dressed like punks and have signs that tout everything from solicitations for marijuana research to beer. Perhaps it's the amount of foot traffic on that one street in comparison to the multiple access points in NYC. You mention age. What about differences in the level of desperation? I think the age difference plays a role in the desperation of homeless people in NYC and Toronto. Without knowing someone's situation, it is often easy to see the countless years of struggle and pain etched on the face of an older man or woman. The same struggles do not exist on a younger person. So desperation is much more prevalent in NYC. I love the contrast here [in this photo]: Park Avenue has some of the nicest buildings in NYC. Most are businesses, but a few apartments line this very busy part of the city. It's not uncommon to see a homeless person on the same corner as an affluent business person. And the lack of attention is remarkable. As if this woman does not exist.Would you call it indifference, or something more negative?Indifference is probably the right word. Most affluent people would prefer the homeless get a job and or find a different corner to squat. The former is not as easy as the latter. As a culture, especially in NYC, we tend to think of the homeless as a non-entity. This photo, sitting here by the trash, that definitely says non-entity: This gentleman was sitting in this chair, apparently sleeping, for hours on end. I noticed him in the morning and then again when I snapped this photo later on in the afternoon. This is the only time I really wanted to ask what happened, but refrained. He was sitting on the corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue. Quite an ideal spot for foot traffic. And he is just as indifferent about the garbage as the pedestrians were about him. However, I will say he was getting his fair share of change. Are you still photographing the homeless? Is the project a work in progress?I don't think I'll ever stop and for several reasons. One, like the affluent, the homeless are very much a part of our society, and unlike the affluent, should not go unnoticed. I don't want to be known as the homeless photographer, rather someone who captures distinct moments in the life of a New Yorker, or Torontonian for that matter.If I were to publish a book of my work, I don't think the homeless photos could stand on their own, at least not at the moment. Yet, even as I continue to take more photos of the homeless, it's the contrast in our daily lives that tells the entire story. A photograph of a homeless person is a powerful image on its own, but when that same person is photographed with his or her fellow man or woman in the background, paying no attention to the despair only a few feet away, that to me is a much more powerful image. We always hear about campaigns to help the homeless, but ignorance is never mentioned in any of them. I don't want to change the way everyone thinks about the homeless situation, rather open their eyes and [help them] recognize there really is a problem.In short, like all of my images, this project will always be a work in progress as long as there are subjects to photograph. What's next for you photographically?I'm hooked on photographing people, although I don't think I can lock myself up in a studio for countless hours staging shots. I don't think I have the patience for it, but that could change in the future. So in the meantime, I will continue to walk the streets of NYC and Toronto, expecting the people of these great cities continue to go about their day to day lives, giving me an opportunity to capture every moment. People are fascinating subjects because you never know what to expect and every moment can either make us laugh hysterically or feel immense sorrow. That's the beauty of photography. It's a moment in time and it's up to the viewer to recreate that moment in their minds without ever knowing or meeting the person in the photograph.

Chantal is a professional Wedding & Portrait photographer based in Central Ohio. Her portfolio can be seen at Chantal Stone Photography. She also maintains a blog, where you can see much of her recent work, and a not-updated-nearly-enough photoblog. She lives with her loving and supportive husband and three amazing children. She is available for Weddings and Portrait sessions nationwide, preferably someplace fabulous!

Andrew Smith: On Photography and Quiet Reflections

Chantal Stone — Tue, 6 Feb 2007 07:58:41 EST

Photographer Andrew Smith has a style that is quiet, reflective, even philosophical. He’s a musician by trade, a middle school music teacher, and from a family of musicians. His photographs echo the quiet contemplation and focus required of his profession. His photoblog, Visual Realia, is a journey through the mind and world of a thoughtful artist. Recently I had the pleasure to talk with Andy, about his life and his art:Chantal Stone: What are some of the things you like to photograph? Andrew Smith: I probably have too wide of a range of topic choices for the good of my site. I tend to like color, black and white, duo-tones and infrared. I think that the variety of ways of expressing the image is part of what interests me. Part of it for me is not only the photo itself, but also the process. I like thinking about the shot, shooting it, and working with it afterward.CS: Why and when did you start your photoblog? AS: Started in spring 2006, entirely for my needs. Having a full time job, kids, etc., there is every excuse in the world NOT to go out and shoot. Having a blog where one hopes to post most days forces me to go out and photograph. No excuses. Self motivation.CS: What styles of photography are you attracted to? AS: This probably explains why my own photography is so scattered. I find each style brings interest in its own way. I guess photos that "express" something beyond the literal are my favorite. CS: Is that what you try to do - express something beyond the literal? AS: Sometimes, but certainly not always. I'm currently working with macros of music themes, and I don't know that I'm reaching for anything beyond in those, although you may have noticed the quotes [on my photoblog]. I do enjoy trying to find something that is somehow related.CS: I was going to mention that. What made you start adding the quote with the images? AS: That goes back to the process. Selfish! I like looking for relevant quotes, almost in a puzzle-like fashion. Photos evoke words and thoughts, and sometimes quotations add to those thoughts. CS: How would you describe your body of work? AS: Body of work...an attempt to see life close up, far away, and just attempt to appreciate it. It's too easy to ignore the "little" things around us, and my photography is [an] attempt to force myself to see what's around me. If I'm lucky, maybe some of the shots will do the same for a viewer or two.CS: What do you think your photography says about you as a person? AS: Since I tend to have a wide variety (ok, scattered) of interests and styles, that probably reflects on me. I like "exploration." I've always enjoyed the exploratory aspects of science, for example; maybe a curiosity.CS: Your landscape series - is it a cohesive, continuous project, or just something you add to here and there, shooting sporadically? AS: I believe that my landscape photography is cohesive only in retrospect; by that, I mean that I don't consciously select only subjects that meet specific "guidelines." Looking at the photos as a group, I assume one can find similarities that run through many. It's always difficult to assess one's own work, but I think I'm drawn to photographs and scenes with a sense of line.CS: Do you actively seek these particular scenes, or do you just come across them while walking, wandering? AS: The nature/landscape photograph series continues to develop through both intention and happy accidents! When time permits for jaunts to photograph, I'll certainly have scenes in mind that I hope to add to the collection. As my work and family life tend to minimize time for those pursuits, my camera almost always travels with me.Even on my hour-plus commute to and from work, on a route I've traveled for years, I am constantly trying to be aware of the beautiful elements along the path, and I'm still surprised at what new things pop to my attention. If I notice such a new item, or the light seems to be striking something in a fresh way, I'll pull off to a side road and take advantage of the opportunity.CS: Do the areas that you photograph have any significant meaning to you, your life? AS: There are local areas that I'll be pulled to, often because of past experiences. My first job as a teen was at a local state park, and I'm very appreciative of the area, much more so than the typical area residents who seem to forget they have this amazing place in their back yard. Positive memories from childhood trips will motivate returns. While some areas hold special meaning, I find myself much more readily finding interesting subjects in the ordinary places. I'm quite happy to be driving along after a busy day and stumble across great light and shadows from a perfect sky.CS: Explain the role of music in your life. AS: Music was always a part of both my immediate and extended family's life. It was always there and always seemed obvious to participate in it; there never seemed to be a question about whether to be a part of it. As a music teacher now, I see students that seem very comfortable with music in their lives, and sometimes comforted by it. Working with 10 to 14 year olds, I see their young adult personalities forming, and for some, music plays a very important part.Music and photography (as well as the other arts) fit together incredibly neatly. Certainly, throughout history, the various art forms changed together and changed each other. At times it seems as if there is only one "Art" form, and there are just various ways of reaching for it.I can remember a trip to the Smithsonian and seeing a full-size Kandinsky painting for the first time. The work clearly drew me in, as did his other pieces. It wasn't until some time later that I read about him and looked at some of his writings. Kandinsky's beliefs about the interconnectedness of music and his visual art were quite strong, and he spoke of his visual pieces in musical terms.CS: Your ‘music’ images seem to have a very sensual feel to them...is that something intentional on your part? AS: Sensuality in the works is an interesting thought. I didn't set out to purposely do so, but it could be a byproduct of the role of art. If art is expression, and a piece is successful in some way, there could be many feelings involved. Sensuality seems to be heavily influenced by line and movement in life, music, dance and visual arts, so the expressive lines of the musical instruments bring along a great sense of beauty.CS: What do you hope to achieve through your photography? Where do you hope it leads? AS: Certainly, part of it is a selfish use for me. A sanity keeper. Having said that, I'm as egotistical as the next person, and if someone expresses interest in a photo, I'm certainly glad to hear it...Leading... well, hopefully more folks to view it, and offer feedback. Beyond that, who knows?

Photographers And Their Toys: Meet The Toy Polloy

Chantal Stone — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 08:04:03 EST

These days everyone is shooting with a digital camera -- the new Nikon or Canon, the higher mega pixels, the memory cards, Photoshop this or that. This is the talk of the trade among photographers. Camera companies are ceasing production of many of their film camera bodies and film companies have noticed a decline in sales as well, but all is not lost to the surge of the digital era. Film is not yet dead; there are still legions of purists out there who recognize the nuance, beauty, and depth that cannot be replicated with any computer program.Among these film users are a growing group of camera enthusiasts who use Toy Cameras. Armed with their Holgas and Dianas, various clones, homemade pinhole cameras, or even a vintage flea market Brownie Hawkeye, these photographers have established a unique niche in photography. Images that are often blurry or obscured, rich with texture and unexpected variation, Toy Camera photography is on the rise.To showcase the beauty that can be created with these odd little cameras, Kentucky-based photographer, Tread (GoTreadGo), has brought together 30 Toy Camera users for an international event called Toy Polloy. On Friday, November 17, 42 images from thirty artists will be displayed at the Icehouse in Lexington, Kentucky.Recently I was fortunate enough to interview Tread and a few of the talented photographers who will be featured in Toy Polloy. This is what they had to say about their cameras, their art, and their vision.Chantal Stone: What is Toy Polloy?Tread: Toy Polloy is the name for an international photography show featuring work created with Toy Cameras. The term is taken as a play on the phrase "hoi polloi," which is derived from the Greek meaning "the many." The term is used in a more derogatory fashion to mean "the common people." Most artists wish to be anything other than common, so Toy Polloy is that push for the toy camera photo artist to be thought of as uncommon in the current world of digital media. CS: How did Toy Polloy come about? Where did you get the idea?Tread: I've been lucky enough to have my Toy Camera-produced shots end up in some good gallery shows: Krappy Kamera at the Soho Photo Gallery, for instance, and Toy Joy in Houston, as part of their FotoFest. The success and professionalism of these events inspired me to try and curate a show similar in scope, but a bit differently here in my neck of the woods, Lexington, Kentucky.CS: What is your definition of a Toy Camera?Tread: The $64,000,000 question, I guess, but I'd say any camera meant to be used by a kid. Cheap, plastic, not very durable, but the primary and consistent defining characteristic is a plastic lens. Warren Harold (That Was My Foot): Ultimately, any camera that throws control out the window is a toy camera to me. You can filter that down to any camera that has a plastic lens and/or minimal controls. Beyond the Holga and Diana, I consider a lot of the mass-market cameras of the past to be toys as well. The Brownies, Imperials, Anscos, a lot of those. CS: What is the Toy Camera appeal for you?Tread: The appeal to me is fairly simple and probably the same as most who regularly use these cameras as a tool for artistic expression. Toy cameras capture scenes in what I term "unrealism." Most moments are not reproduced as they were; there is a quality caused by the potential of blur, vignetting, and less than optimal framing that can be classified as dream-like, but I tend to think that the toy is merely trying to capture an image akin to how my memory pieces together a single 1/100th of a second scene from my past. You can think about what you are shooting and not about the camera or controls. There is freedom there that is undeniable.Angie Harris (Pinky Style): No pressure! Just aim and shoot, basically. Everything is accepted with toy photography. Chris McLemore (Fotogeneric): The ease of use is a nice appeal. I can toss the camera in my bag and not worry about damaging it. It's also nice because the camera lets me worry more about the subject than the technique. With my digital camera I am much more likely to just start shooting. I'm much more deliberate with the toy camera.CS: What are some of the reactions you receive when shooting with a toy cam in public settings?Bill Vaccaro (Out Of Contxt): The latest one was when I was in the checkout line at the supermarket. One of the clerks asked if my modified, blue Holga was a digital camera. Also, I've found that people are a bit looser in allowing me to take their picture when they see that I'm shooting with a crappy camera.CS: Do you feel there is a niche for toy camera users professionally?Bill: Absolutely! Just look at the work of photographs like Mark Sink, Susan Burnstine, just to name a few. Chris: Certainly. Toy cameras can produce really unique images that can have the same impact as shots taken with any other kind of camera. Powerful images will make people forget the "toy" aspect really quickly. CS: What is it you hope to achieve through your photography? Warren: Joy. Corny, I know, but that's the big payoff for me. And I hope that comes through in my images. I get behind the camera to capture those all too brief moments in time that get me that make me stop. Smile or weep, it doesn't matter. Just to feel. I truly get excited looking at a fresh roll of film for the first time. If it excites someone else, that's all gravy. I'm flattered. Tread: If world peace and/or domination is out of the question, then I'd say my main mission is to build a body of work that when looked at as a whole says just a little about how I see my world. In my world there is an obvious dichotomy. Complexity masked in simplicity; intimacy vs. desolation; cute kids vs. discarded items or places; love vs. distance and disconnect. It has to be about the picture at the end of the day and the camera is just the tool to get to the final outcome.Photographically, my main influence is Ralph Eugene Meatyard, a part-time photographer from the town where I reside who really set "art photography" on the road to where it is today. He shot his surroundings and family and friends in ways that were not snapshot-ish yet still simplistic. The mystery behind the image was always there. I try for that in my work, that mystery of what is behind the moment. CS: There seems to be resurgence in popularity for toy cameras. How do you feel about that?Warren: The more the merrier! I encourage everyone to get one. I think this little boom has dumped a ton of creativity into the mix. There are a lot of people out there with these things doing some amazing work, creating fantastic images. That's nothing but a load of good. Tamara Keever (Moments of Mine): I think it's great. I think everyone should try it. It's just a lot of fun. The "click" is addictive.CS: Where do you find your cameras?Angie: eBay, thrift stores, antique shops, online retailers.CS: What is your favorite camera to use?Angie: No doubt about it, my Holga, or as I refer to her, "Miss Holga". CS: There are a lot of little techniques and tricks that can be done in Photoshop to replicate the "look" of a toy camera image. How do you feel about that, do you feel like its cheating?Tamara: Well, I think that it's fine, actually, but I don't really understand it. If someone wants a toy camera look, and they are a photographer, they should just go out and get a toy camera. It's not like it's evil to shoot film or anything. But, after all, it's the final image that people really connect with, not how it's created. If an image is created in Photoshop, and created such that it connects with someone, then that's all that matters. There are really many ways to get a toy camera look, without using a toy camera at all.If you find yourself in the Kentucky area this weekend, make a point of stopping by the Icehouse at 412 Cross Street in Lexington to view this spectacular display of art, talent, and passion. If a trip to the Bluegrass state is out of your reach, then choice images from Toy Polloy can be seen on the web, where Flak Photo and Light Leaks magazine have teamed up to feature select artists from Toy Polloy in a week-long display of their work.

Photobloggers Exposed: Smart, Talented, and Young

Chantal Stone — Fri, 6 Oct 2006 08:29:27 EDT

Standing out among the minions of photographers out there can be a daunting, if not impossible task. Clarity of vision, a unique perspective, and technical skill are all necessary and for many, take years to develop. Here are three young men who are way ahead of the game. They already have one factor that helps them stand out: their age.At 16, 17 and 18 years young, these three photographers are already well on their way to a successful career in photography, should they choose that route. They are smart, talented and ambitious. All three, although unique from each other, possess the talent and drive that will take them exactly where they wish to go.Gavin Mullan’s dream of becoming a professional photographer is just within his grasp. In his second year studying photography at the Belfast Institute of Further and Higher Education in Northern Ireland, this gifted 18-year-old photographer is building quite an impressive portfolio on his photoblog, Headphoneland.Growing up surrounded by Art in his parents’ art gallery, Gavin was naturally drawn to all things creative. After taking a few art classes, Gavin felt the pull towards photography. He experimented with his mother’s camera and was instantly hooked. His photoblog became a simple progression of his love for photography. A friend introduced him to the world of photoblogging and Gavin seized the opportunity to display his work, to communicate with other photographers, and to grow as an artist. Not your typical Irish photoblog, there are no images of rolling green hills or rugged coastlines to be found here. Headphoneland is filled with sharp, often dark and stark images. Gavin’s photographs reflect a world marked with exploration. His images are emotive, although unintentionally so. They are gritty, yet compelling; often moody and perhaps even at times, oppressive. He has the unique ability to evoke reaction through his imagery and spark an emotion deep from within the viewer’s soul.“I think that’s great the way one image can mean something completely different to each person. I never really thought that any of my photographs could make someone feel a certain way about them…Maybe the subject choices I make come from somewhere I haven't found yet, and that really excites me.” Humbly aware of his youth, Gavin knows there is still plenty for him to learn, and he embraces that unknown with enthusiasm and passion. Perhaps a career in photojournalism is in Gavin’s future; only time will tell. The future is at his doorstep and he’s ready to step through.***About five years ago in a small middle school art class in Ann Arbor Michigan, a teacher brought his students into a small room with one light hanging from the ceiling and a swivel door. For three weeks, they were taught the fine art of pin-hole photography. Inside Gabriel Loeb, an 8th grader at the time, a photographer was born. “The idea that you could take a cookie tin, stab a hole in it, and put a piece of paper in; and then come back in 30 seconds, toss it in some chemicals, and have a picture was amazing to me”.Now 17 and a senior in high school, Gabriel’s fascination with photography has grown considerably. After a few years of studying the technique and nuance of film photography, Gabriel has moved on to digital. His photographs reflect both his youth and innocence, but also a trained eye with fine technical acumen, and can be found on his photoblog, Simply an Idea. Gabriel’s images echo a mature sensitivity and are often intimate and thoughtful. From delicate nature close-ups to soft abstracts and quiet moments captured, his photographs reflect a more introspective side to this outgoing teenager who enjoys simply hanging out with friends on the weekends as much as he does searching for his next frame.He has a vision beyond his years, and a working philosophy that rivals many photographers twice his age. From his photoblog, he writes: “Photography does not seek to replicate reality. It gives those willing to accept it a distinctly different view, even if it’s just from another angle.”Although he may not pursue photography professionally in the future, his work in photography will certainly help him to see the world more clearly in any field he chooses. With an ambitious course load in school and college just around the corner, the future is at hand for Gabriel.***Photography may be a new venture for 16-year-old Azhar Chougle, but this young man in Mumbai, India has tenacity and ambition that guarantees success in anything he pursues. In addition to being a burgeoning photographer, Azhar is an A student, an entrepreneur, web designer, and photoblogger. His work can be found at The Daily Sunrise.Azhar began shooting just this year in March. He has since then taught himself the ins and outs of digital photography and Photoshop. His images are full of impact, very often artsy, experimental, and energetic. Azhar enjoys shooting interesting abstracts, architecture, every day life in India, and of course, the sunrise from his window.Azhar describes himself photographically as “one who just likes to challenge himself every time, and do it better than others…[I] also happen to be reputed as a strange boy walking around my area with a camera too big for his age”. Maybe not strange, but he is definitely unique.Although quite young, Azhar sees his youth as an advantage in his pursuits, a way to stand out. In addition to designing his own site, he has also designed his school’s website and has built a hub for all of his projects at The Daily Network. Azhar dreams of a future in web design or photography; anything is possible. But one thing is for certain: with drive and ambition like his, Azhar is sure to be a success.

Photobloggers Exposed: Photographers From Around the World

Chantal Stone — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 07:46:27 EDT

One of the amazing attributes of the Internet is its ability to bring together people from all over the world. Never before have we been able to so easily chat with a friend on the opposite side of the planet or see how life is lead in a strange land we likely will never visit. The Internet allows us to go from New York to London and from Cairo to Beijing, to see the sites and glimpse the culture, all with just a click of the mouse. Photobloggers from around the world are sharing their lives and interacting with each other, shrinking our planet. One day we may all be homogenized, but until then a brief trip around the world through photography can open our eyes to new lands. Photographer Lee Gribbon is an English teacher living in Japan, in a small, rural town not far from Takamatsu on the northern coast of the island Shikoku. A native New Zealander, Lee is spending three years teaching in Japan absorbing its rich culture and documenting along the way with his camera. Lee’s interest in photography began at age 18 when he borrowed his dad’s Olympus OM-10. He was instantly hooked. Despite many unsuccessful endeavors, Lee continued to shoot. He finally saw a vast improvement in his work and felt much motivation after purchasing a digital SLR. Now, six years later, each image created by Lee is a masterpiece of diligence. Being far from home, a photoblog is a fantastic way of sharing new adventures with friends and family left behind. After a suggestion from his brother, Lee decided to take his curiosity in web design a step further by designing and coding his own site. Decoys Like Curves is a voyage through a land unknown to many and a journey through the mind of a man who enjoys the solitary life he is now leading in Japan. Lee’s photos reflect his feelings of being on the fringe of a society that prefers he stay there. A stranger in a strange land, Lee explains, “Japan is a fascinating country to live in due to it's relatively closed nature to foreigners…I have never, ever once felt like I was anything but an outsider, although I'm happy with that arrangement.” Despite depicting Japan with such integrity and grace, his images often feel like they are from the perspective of an observer rather than a participant. Lee’s images can also evoke feelings of nostalgia of an ancient culture in a modernized land. “I would love to show exclusively photos with a Japanese flavor, but time and creativity are unfortunate restraints. So, occasionally there's stuff I post that looks like it could have been taken anywhere.” Shooting mostly black and white images, Lee's subject matter is indicative of his environment. People in their natural settings, often unaware and uninhibited, natural structures or abandoned industrialization, and magnificent landscapes and seascapes all beautifully grace the pages of Lee’s photoblog. Exploration is Lee’s passion and photography is the vehicle. “Having a camera allows me to see [the] world in new and interesting perspectives.” Having that camera allows us to see Lee’s world, too. When he returns to New Zealand after his three years of teaching, Lee hopes to exhibit his images from Japan. Until then, we get a glimpse of his life through his photoblog. ***Every now and then you may come across an artist who, through his work, can evoke emotion, mystery, or even abstraction. There are few that can do this, that can transport the viewer to another time and space, almost to another state of existence, almost like a dream. Near the town of Eindhoven in The Netherlands lives photographer, musician, and poet, Dimitrios Pananakis. A casual shooter perhaps, but certainly no novice, Dimitrios attempts to recreate dreams with his ethereal photography on his blog: Imagechoes.Dimitrios began shooting in the mid-90s as an alternative to his highly technical and specialized job in the field of medical technology. Born in Greece, he later relocated to The Netherlands for work. A passion for art has been with Dimitrios his entire life, but photography was the medium that was able recreate the visions in his head best. “Everything I shoot is part of some dream”, explains Dimitrios. His photoblog began in March of 2006 as a means to display and share his reflections and dreams. Dimitrios’ images can be best described as ethereal, almost unearthly, and many times sensitive and sentimental. He shoots mostly color images, often of landscapes, but mostly anything that is able to aptly illustrate the inner-workings of a beautiful mind. Poetry most often accompanies each image that Dimitrios posts to his blog. “The poetry tries to reflect the reason I shot the photograph, although sometimes it becomes an extension of my thoughts, not only about the subject of the [image] but of the world in general.” In addition, on his website, the viewer is invited to listen to the ambient music composed by Dimitrios himself. Provocative, emotive, and sublime, a tour through Dimitrios’ photoblog is sure to inspire. ***Simplicity and grace are words that can be used to describe the lovely photoblog by Emma Townsend, Photoblogster. Emma is an amateur photographer living in Reading, England, a city outside of London. She works in marketing for a software company and uses photography as a creative outlet. Emma always had an interest in photography and the printed image, but it wasn’t until she received her first SLR that her passion was unleashed. She enrolled in a photography course where she studied the fundamentals of photography including darkroom technique. About midway through her course Emma discovered photoblogging and conceived Photoblogster. Since then she’s enjoyed the community involved with photoblogging and has even encouraged her father and sister to start their own photoblogs. “Photoblogging and the community has been way more [fun] than I ever imagined it would be. Looking at others’ work is really inspiring and makes you want to try new things and new techniques.” Emma’s images are clean, crisp, and free from all the frills and over-processing that has become so common. Her subject matter consists of scenes from the everyday. “Typical everyday observations,” she says to describe her work, “I like to make normal things look interesting.” And so she does. Fom moody landscapes to delicate flowers, Emma has the ability to bring beauty out of the mundane. Her real strength lies in her portraits where she effectively can bring out the soul of a person with a simple click of the shutter. Although she’s happy with photography as a hobby, Emma may pursue more serious photographic endeavors in the future including possible gallery representation. Until then she will continue to shoot, learn, and grow as a photographer.

Photobloggers Exposed: Come Live the LifeVicarious

Chantal Stone — Wed, 6 Sep 2006 04:35:55 EDT

How many times have you, while sitting behind your little desk in your little cubicle, thought about just packing your bags and leaving it all behind? How often have you thought about exploring the world, experiencing new and exotic cultures, new smells, new tastes, and new adventures? What would it take for you to do it, to take the plunge, to head out there to places unknown -- at least to you, alone, with no set plan, just you and your camera, to document our world?It would take a lot, right? A lot of money, but even then, many of us have spouses, children, mortgages, student loans, the list goes on. We may still have the dream, but our reality always steps in. Until now. Now we can travel the globe, see the places of our dreams, take off at a moment's notice, and live life vicariously, through the lens of someone else.Christian Wagner, a photographer from Newport Beach, California, plans to spend the next 448 days traveling around the world, capturing moments in time with his camera, and sharing with the rest of us through his Photoblog: LifeVicarious. Taking the philosophy behind carpe diem to a new level, Christian is doing what many of us only dream of: he is seizing this moment and not looking back. Christian’s thirst for travel began four years ago when he took a trip to Europe in May of 2002. Armed only with a borrowed point and shoot camera, Christian took snapshots everywhere he went. Upon his arrival home, he noticed he really enjoyed the images he had created. Since he had recently begun a rather technical job, he decided the creative outlet of photography would be a perfect fit. He purchased his first digital SLR camera, and the rest, as they say, is history. Taking both a Canon 5D and 10D, Christian subsequently returned to Europe and also traveled to China and visited 20 different countries, all of which now grace the pages of his blog, LifeVicarious.Influenced by the work of Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, and other photographers of famed Magnum Photos, Christian has managed to document the world in a style that is befitting the greatest photographers in history, yet still reflects his own personal flair. He shoots primarily in black and white, and strives to include people in his photographs. He has the unique gift of capturing not only the mood of a moment in time, but also the emotion of the people involved and the condition of the setting. He describes, “If you think back on the events in your life, one typically remembers the pictures of that event as opposed to the actual events. I just love the idea of capturing those moments and the emotions of the people.”Christian made the decision to finally take the plunge and take this adventure across the globe after the untimely and tragic deaths of both a very close friend and his younger brother who was only 29 yrs old. As a means to work through his grief and also to give meaning to his own precious life, Christian thought, “…this is really about living the life vicarious. I don't want to be 80 and look back and realize I did nothing. People think taking a year off is such a big deal, unthinkable. I think working for 40 years straight is unthinkable.” He gave two months notice at his job as a unit manager of a human resource outsourcing and consulting firm, sold off many of his belongings, and began planning this trip.Christian explains his motivation for such an incredible journey. “I love the idea of waking up, not knowing who you are going to meet, what you're going to see, or where you'll end up…I don't know who said it but I heard a quote once that was something to the effect of ‘after a long day of adventure, I took the long way home in hopes of finding another.” On September 29, Christian will begin his journey. First in Austin, Texas, then south to Ecuador, he will spend 111 days exploring and traversing South America. In January he will fly over to South Africa where he will slowly travel up north across eastern Africa, onward up through the Middle East, eastward across Asia, through India, China, perhaps even Japan, finding his way to New Zealand and Australia, then eventually home to Newport Beach, in time for the holidays in 2007. Christian only purchased three plane tickets: one to Austin, one from Texas to Ecuador, and one from Brazil to South Africa, leaving his itinerary free and open to go wherever the road may take him. In his words, “Travel is freedom …and it's inspiration.” The lack of set plans will allow Christian to truly experience what each location has to offer, to fully immerse himself into the culture, to get to know the people, and to capture this all with his camera. “I really just want to catch people in their element, whatever that may be. And hopefully…capture the emotion.”With a strong passion for both people and photography, Christian’s brilliant style can bring life to an ordinary setting. He has the uncanny ability to see a moment, feel that moment, and translate it through his lens. He says: “I guess an amazing landscape can spark an emotion in people, but I would much rather catch the emotion of a person in my photos.” Christian’s journey will be an exploration of the human condition around the world.LifeVicarious, the photoblog, will be updated whenever there is an available internet connection. Full of images and the occasional story of Christian’s adventures, LifeVicarious will become a virtual tour of the world, where we, the viewers, will be allowed to experience the adventures of this 31 year old globe-trekker, all from the convenience of our homes. In addition to gaining a lifetime of experiences, Christian hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams. “Part of my goal is to get people to take a trip of their own.” A trip, maybe around the world, or perhaps simply a journey of self-realization to taking those first steps to making one’s own dream come true. “…You do have to live life to the fullest, you only go around once. And if I can seriously play even a small part of someone making the decision to follow a dream, I will consider this trip, this blog, and the stories, a complete success.”So pack your virtual bags and let’s hit the road. Come with me as we follow Christian, and live the LifeVicarious; it promises to be one heck of a ride.Click each image for larger view All Images Copyright ©2003-2006 by Christian Wagner

Photobloggers Exposed: Georgia on My Mind

Chantal Stone — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 08:05:19 EDT

In the heart of the American South, in the sunny state of Georgia, live three remarkable photographers, all with a zeal for photography, each bringing a fresh and distinctive perspective of their lives and worlds to the Internet. Images of rural Georgia and quiet Southern life can be found on A Little Piece of the World, the photoblog by Faustina Black. Faustina’s images evoke feelings of nostalgia for long lazy summers, warm breezes, and long walks. Her goal is to create an experience, and she succeeds by sharing her experiences with the viewer, not only visually, but also through her eloquent haiku. Faustina first became interested in photography in high school while traveling abroad as a student ambassador. She purchased her first camera, a few books on photography, and completed some photojournalism course work. Although many of her first images were not very successful, the seed was planted, and years later, grew into what is now a great infatuation with photography. “I want to expand my photos to everything that I can, where ever I am…” she explains, “…I see great photos in my head, and try to capture the same feel with what I can around me.” Photoblogging began for Faustina when she received many positive responses to the images she would post to one of her writing blogs. This then evolved into a crude photoblog, and eventually developed the beautifully designed site she maintains today. Her photoblog now serves as both a daily journey through her world, as well as a gallery for her emerging profession. With the goal of turning her passion into profit, this lively, twenty-four year old, wife and mother has the vision and drive for a successful career in photography. Both a literary and visual feast, Faustina’s photoblog is sure to uplift and inspire. From the country to the city, we find photographer Sebastian Shuster in Atlanta. Moody and methodic, Sebastian’s style can be described as thoughtful, inward, and solitary, and his photoblog is appropriately called Sull3n. Sebastian discovered photography when shopping for a Christmas gift for his sister four years ago. He purchased a camera for her, and fell in love with it himself. Since then, and several cameras later, Sebastian has been exploring his world through images. Photoblogging was the natural progression for this burgeoning photographer who felt that displaying his artwork would help to complete the image-making process.Sebastian prefers to shoot the solitary corners, the isolated spaces that inhabit his world. He seeks out the quiet spots unknown or overlooked by many. I photograph to learn, I enjoy the discovery process and learning how to see. My goal is to make what we see in our ordinary lives more beautiful. The hint at something greater just underneath; the feeling of being on the verge of a new discovery. And it’s this emotive quality that sets Sebastian apart. His images, from the sloping landscapes to the pensive still lifes, are full of passion and feeling, and reflect the forethought and careful planning that goes into each and every photograph. Working in network operations for a large cell phone company, the soon-to-be-married father of an energetic six-year-old hopes to one day be able to make a living through his art. Some of his work can be found at the Composition Gallery in Atlanta, where prints can be purchased. Another Atlanta resident, Otto Kitchens has been photographing since high school. After university, Otto began to take his photography more seriously while documenting his many travels. Otto’s photoblog, Lenscape: OttoK Photography, reads almost like a travel journal, from the dramatic landscapes of Ireland and Scotland, to the warm and moving landscapes of the American South, to simple stills and scenes of the world around him. We are taken on a trip through Otto’s lens. Otto’s images, simply put, are profound. He has a way of looking a beautiful scene, and taking it to another level with a simple click of the shutter. Full of passion and style, Otto’s images are deliberate, precise, and stunningly gorgeous.Lenscape is a journey through a creative man’s mind, with charming poetry included to enhance the fantastic images. Otto began his photoblog late last year after first following several other photoblogs, then feeling compelled to start his own. There, we can see Otto’s unique perspective on the ordinary around him, on nature, and on life in general. Digital shots as well as the dreamlike and, many times, obscure images from a Holga camera are found on his site. As a self-described tech junkie, Otto has always been heavily involved with technology, first going to a technical university, and now working as a developer of IT operations strategies for a large computer company. But photography is opening him up to a new world: “…I'm finding that photography is satisfying needs that I really wasn't aware of. Whether I want this to merely remain a hobby or become something more, I'm still not sure. But for now, I'm having a lot of fun doing it.” He is currently planning his next trip – a trek around Mont Blanc in the Alps, where he and a friend will hike all the way around the mountain, a little over a 100 miles, going from inn to inn. Stay tuned to Lenscape to see where Otto takes us next.

Photobloggers Exposed: Photography in 3-D

Chantal Stone — Tue, 8 Aug 2006 02:37:47 EDT

Three different photographers, with three very different styles, all with one thing in common: a passion for photography along with the desire to share. Allow me to introduce you to Daniel Seguin, David Desjardins, and Dean Sherwood.An Ottawa native and Montreal resident, Canadian photographer, Daniel Seguin has been in love with photography since he was a kid. He often found himself the “photographer of the day” for family events, using his parents’ old Canon reflex camera, and then later served as photographer for his High School yearbook, processing and printing his own images. Then, like many photographers, Life happened, and Daniel set his camera down for a while, only to become reacquainted with his first love years later. Now, as a recent graduate of Concordia University in Montreal with a Master’s degree, Daniel manages to find the time to take the incredible photographs that fill his photoblog Genestho.ca :: Make It happen.Daniel’s work can easily be described with one word: Magnificent. His grand style gives the viewer a glimpse of his unique perspective of the world. His images range from the majestic Canadian landscape to the hidden corners of Montreal. They are crisp, exact, thoughtful and passionate. Daniel’s blog is an exciting journey into his world. Updated almost daily, Daniel sees it as cyclical. He shoots to fill his photoblog; his photoblog is there to inspire him to shoot. He celebrated his one year anniversary for his photoblog this past July, with a collage of all the year’s posts. There, he eloquently explains the significance and impact of photoblogging:Throughout the year, I’ve been fortunate to meet some fabulous people through whom I’ve better learned to see the possibilities and I've found that there is no real right answer out there. For this, I am grateful. Thank you all for having shared in my experience. This photoblog and I have only co-evolved as a result of your visits, prompting reflection, dialogue, and learning...What’s next for Daniel? With his vision and his new degree, the possibilities are endless. Like most of us who see photography as a journey, he plans to practice his technique, learn through experience, and continue to participate in the photoblogging community. He writes that he would also like to somehow integrate his photography with his work in client systems. Whatever he does next, surely he will Make It Happen.Another Montreal resident, and Blogcritics writer, David Desjardins maintains the photoblog Postcards from The End. A systems administrator for an IT firm by day, David fulfills his creative urges through his photography.David’s style can best be described as pensive. His images are very often soft and calm, depicting the quieter edges of Montreal. From architecture to nature, from the still life to the abstract, David’s images illustrate his introspection and his willingness to let his sensitive side be known, while still maintaining an edge. David began shooting when he was introduced to photography in art school. He began his photoblog in early 2005, with PFTE being the updated incarnation. He began his photoblog first as a simple outlet for his art, a place to display and share his work. He then became more involved with viewing other photoblogs, entering the community of photobloggers in which, as David describes “the sharing with other photobloggers and getting to know other styles and types is just sublime for the artistic heart.”For future projects, David would like to explore some creative portraiture. But for now, he enjoys the intimacy involved with close-up and macro photography. Where his photography will take him is anyone’s guess. With little pressure on himself to produce, David allows himself to be creative when the moment speaks to him. “If you try to force art, it won’t come out [right]”, he says, “…I don't really have plans or goals. I do it (photography) because the act of doing it is its own reward.”Across the pond, in Lincolnshire, UK, lives photographer Dean Sherwood. Dean’s gritty, high-energy, impactful images can be found at his photoblog Post79. When not photographing, Dean is also a health club manager and full time student.Dean fell into photography quite by accident when one day he picked up the wrong magazine, and purchased Photography Monthly. He took it home and read it, and was immediately inspired to purchase a camera. The rest, as they say, is history.Dean sees his photoblog as a chance to be creative and to display facets of his imagination through words and images, with subject matter ranging from intense and sometimes intimate portraits, to angular street scenes, to landscapes and fine art.An avid journal keeper, Dean writes his insightful thoughts along with his photographic posts. He also enjoys the friends he has made through photoblogging since the inception of his first photoblog, Captured4Life, and now even more so with his new and improved site Post79.Success has already graced Dean, since he has been published in publications such as Digital Photography, and the German magazine, Max, as well as his local newspaper for his coverage of local events.What’s next for Dean? In his words: “I hope I can take you all on a journey, a journey through the intimate and the open, the extraordinary and the ordinary, the touching and the once touched.” And a trip through his photoblog will certainly do that.

Photoblogging: The Movement of the Image-based Weblog

Chantal Stone — Fri, 4 Aug 2006 04:40:37 EDT

There's a movement on the Internet, and it’s been around for a while now with momentum building every day. It's called photoblogging. A photoblog, quite simply, is a chronological log of photography; a weblog, where the emphasis is on a photographic image, rather than text. There are literally thousands of active photoblogs on the web right now, most updated daily by photographers from all around the world. The photographers themselves vary from the amateur to the professional, from the film purist to the user of the latest in digital technology. But they all share the same thing: a passion for photography. Several online communities have emerged, serving this growing phenomenon. Sites such as Photoblogs.org, Photoblog-community.com, and Coolphotoblogs.com all offer photographers a place to list their sites, share images, communicate with each other, and generate traffic to their photoblogs. Most photoblogs are powered by a content management system, or web host, for example: Expressions or Pixel Post. These services provide photobloggers with the software they need to build their blogs. They offer various templates, assistance in building, and community to expand, share, and grow the photoblogs. Many photoblogs allow for comments to be made on each image. This act of commenting is what helps to build a small of community of photographers, who offer encouragement and critique to one another. Although many of the comments can become redundantly polite, some can offer constructive criticism, or may also take the form of a viewer's question to find out more about the photograph.This growing community of photographers and their blogs is as unique and diverse as each image itself. As a place where the photographer can display images, receive feedback, and share one's vision with the world, the photoblog has become the gallery of the 21st Century, and with each day, a new opening.This article is the first in the series: Photobloggers Exposed, where, in each edition, two to three photobloggers will be profiled. Stay tuned for more…

On the Road to the Ohio Governor's House, 2006: A Look at the Candidates

Chantal Stone — Fri, 28 Jul 2006 17:20:16 EDT

The 2008 Presidential election will likely be the most intensely debated and closely watched election in our U.S. history. All other elections, both federal and state, leading up to 2008 will help determine the outcome. One of the states leading the pack of "most watched" is Ohio.The 2006 Gubernatorial election for the state of Ohio could easily be the most closely watched election of this year. With Republicans occupying the seat for the past sixteen years, dominating both houses of the state legislature, and all statewide executive offices, the Democrats are determined to reclaim their position in Ohio politics. It doesn’t seem to be such an uphill battle -- the incumbent governor, in his final term, Bob Taft has a meager 6% approval rating and the Republican Party is losing support due to a declining economy and job losses.The major issues facing the voters this year will be the economy, education, and the social issues that seem to dominate and overshadow many other issues, including gay marriage.There are four candidates on the ballot: Ken Blackwell (R), Ted Strickland (D), Bob Fitrakis (Green), and Bill Pierce (Libertarian). With the two major party candidates leading in the polls so far, let’s take a look at who these men are, and what they stand for.Ken Blackwell is a socially conservative Republican from Cincinnati, currently serving as the Secretary of State. No stranger to scandal, and with several pending lawsuits against him, Blackwell won his party’s nomination with 56% of the vote. Critics of Blackwell claimed a conflict of interest with his role in the ’04 Presidential election, where Blackwell served as Chief Elections Officer while also being one of President Bush’s strongest supporters.Blackwell’s economic platform stands largely on the TEL (Tax and Expenditure Limitation) amendment, which proposes to limit increases in state spending to the inflation rate. He has been quoted saying that “state and local government in this state have been spending money like drunken sailors.” Blackwell insists that the implementation of TEL would help the state to operate on a balanced budget and would end the era of big government. He supports a marriage amendment to the state's constitution, making gay marriage, and possibly even civil unions and domestic partnerships, illegal, thus garnering strong support from religious leaders. Blackwell is also pro-Life.Blackwell’s education plan includes the proposed “65 Cent Solution” which requires that all Ohio school districts spend at least 65 cents of each education dollar on “in the classroom” instruction, subsequently increasing classroom spending by more than 1.2 billion statewide without raising taxes. The “65 Cent Solution” is a growing national movement with states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Kansas all adopting the legislation, and several other states, including Arizona, Washington, and Colorado considering the initiative on upcoming ballots.Ted Strickland, the Democratic candidate, has been consistently leading the race to the governor’s house, with 47 points versus Blackwell's 27, according to a recent Columbus Dispatch poll. He currently serves as a U.S. Representative for the sixth congressional district of Ohio.Strickland’s congressional voting record indicates a moderate Democratic position on most major issues concerning voters. He is on record as being pro-life, although he does deem abortion a viable option if the mother’s life is in danger. He has voted in favor of stem cell research, against a permanent Patriot Act, and supports a Constitutional Amendment for equal rights based on gender. His voting record indicates a pro-gun rights position, as well as a pro public-health voting record including a vote against denying non-emergency treatment due to lack of a medicareCongressman Strickland’s platform lies largely on his “Turnaround Ohio” plan which includes providing quality early child care for all children, increasing access to higher education, building the state’s regional economies and globally competitive industries, retaining and attracting better jobs for Ohio workers, and providing affordable, high quality health-care for all families.Two very different candidates, both Ken Blackwell and Ted Strickland share a vision for a better, stronger Ohio. Although the polls show the Strickland ticket in the lead by 20 percentage points, it’s still anyones game this early in the campaign. As the summer continues to heat up, so will the road to the Ohio Governor's house.