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.
Article comments
1 - A.L. Harper
Damn! You can take amazing pictures, write well and you're sweet and gorgeous to boot! I'd ask you to marry me but I'm straight. Damn my love of [edit] men!
2 - Mrinal Kapoor
Well, congratulations Azhar! You deserve all the praise. BUT--- Do you really enjoy being described as crony and subordinate? For that is what the word 'minion' means.
Regards
3 - Phillip Winn
Wow, these are really good. Gavin's and Azhar's photos really stood, and I like Gabriel's as well. Excellent finds!
4 - Vyder
Congratz Azhar...good job...fame is finally coming to u i see...
5 - Azhar
Thank you Chantal, and thanks Mrinal, Philip & Vyder. Wish Blogger supported Trackbacks so I could ping this though :D
As usual, Gavin does not dissapoint :D and its nice to discover Gabriel, somehow I can relate to him...
6 - diana hartman
another fabulous field of finds, chantal...thank you for looking around so i don't have to :)
7 - chantal
Thanks for the comments everyone....
Phillip, Andrea, and Diana--be sure to check out their websites...they will not disappoint. The images included here are only the tip of the iceberg!
Mrinal---thanks for reading. The word "minion" doesn't necessarily have to have a negative connotation. I think most serious photographers would agree, anyway, that we are all slaves to our craft.
Vyder---again, thanks for reading.
Azhar--keep up the awesome work :)
8 - Mrinal
I am impressed Chantal! Never thought you would take the trouble to reply to poor old twisted me.
In any case, to my mind minions does have a negative meaning-I must have played too much Dungeon Keeper :P
An otherwise very well written article.
It is just a hobby of mine to find faults in use of language-Azhar can vouch for that!
No hard feelings.
-Mrinal
9 - Gavin
Thanks Chantal.
10 - -E
Congrats! This article has been selected as one of this week’s Editors’ Picks.
11 - DAVE
Sometimes so depressing to see others works... sigh.
Great article
12 - chantal
I know...they are all sooooo talented, and so damn young!
Thanks Dave :)
13 - Jet in Columbus
Wednesday November 15th is Chantal's birthday!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHANTAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!