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Pastimes : Digital Photography -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Chas. who wrote (10395)	4/14/2005 5:09:26 PM
From: Done, gone.	Respond to of 21662

I looked at all 36 of your pictures and quite frankly I dont see anything at all that would be considered Photography Art or photo journalism or anything out of the ordinary that anyone here couldn't shoot on just any city street... am I missing something special that I shouldn't be missing.... Maybe yes, maybe no. But no sense in my trying to explain. Only one way to move ahead that I can see: go out on just any city street and make some extra-ordinary snaps that make me envious -- for one -- and force me to realize what my stuff is missing -- for two. "Hurry slowly," as Josef Sudek used to say...

To: Chas. who wrote (10395)	4/14/2005 6:07:26 PM
From: Done, gone.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21662

P.S. You may find this book of interest, if you are looking for answers about street photography in general: amazon.com

To: Chas. who wrote (10395)	4/15/2005 12:23:54 AM
From: Done, gone.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21662

A thought crossed my mind while I mulled over what you said -- don't even start to think I took your comments lightly. I take my critics dead seriously cause they've helped me figure out who I am and what I am doing more than anyone else. So the thought: what kind of photography do you consider to be Art? Links would be great. I ask because clearly you and I are missing the common ground. Perhaps if I understand where you're coming from, I'll be able to communicate my intentions better. Best, Michal

To: Chas. who wrote (10395)	4/15/2005 7:14:52 PM
From: Mike Buckley	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 21662

Chuck, Your continued communications with Michal remind me that I forgot to respond to your post that got the exchange started. I looked at all 36 of your pictures and quite frankly I dont see anything at all that would be considered Photography Art or photo journalism or anything out of the ordinary that anyone here couldn't shoot on just any city street... One of the things that I like about a great photograph is when the apparent ease of making it is partly what makes it great. That's because the photo is so good that it appears that it would have been so simple for anyone to take ... even when I know exactly the opposite is true. I don't know if you've ever tried street photography, but it's generally really difficult. At least that's my perception. Your comment that Michal's stuff appears ordinary, that anyone here could shoot, is the sort of thing that I hope he takes as a supreme compliment; that he makes something so difficult appear so easy is ... well ... not at all easy. :) am I missing something special that I shouldn't be missing.... Despite having said all of the above, my guess is that you're not missing anything when it comes to your perception of whether you like his stuff. If the photos don't move you, there's nothing being missed. However, when you suggest that none of his stuff "would be considered Photography Art or photo journalism," yeah, I think you're missing the historical context of photography that nearly undeniably says it's photo journalism. As for whether or not it's art, that's always left up to the individual viewer. But if you can find just one image that somebody, somewhere wouldn't consider art, I'd be surprised. :) --Mike Buckley

To: Chas. who wrote (10395)	4/15/2005 8:32:04 PM
From: Bill Ulrich	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 21662

I had the pleasure of watching him shoot street stuff over a night and a day, a few years ago. Seeing how he does it, I can say that "anyone ordinary" doesn't have the knack, maybe could figure out the process, but wouldn't have the guts to try. Getting past the "venturing to try" stage, I'd give about a 10-15% chance on the results. Watching him, I sometimes thought internally, "You'd have to be stupid to try some of this." To which his actions responded, "Yeah! I'm just stupid enough to go do it!" This isn't for your ordinary photog. It's very deceptively clever, like a fox.