the american snapshot

snap·shot ('snap-shät) n. an impression or view of something brief or transitory.


The "American Snapshot"... the phrase keeps popping up of late; in magazines, blogs, books and museum exhibitions.

The photo above was taken by my father, of my grandfather. I have no idea of the year and I wish my father were here today to tell me more about this photo and others that he took. Instead, I can only wonder about the camera, what he thought as he composed the shot and how the film was processed.

I am intrigued with the snapshot - what does and what does not qualify? Obviously, a formal portrait would not; would most of the stunning photographs in NatGeo? I doubt it - they are carefully conceived, composed and produced. And certainly, just any picture, snapped without regard to light and composition is not what I am referring to either.

More to come...

just 3 words

My 3 words for last week: "I am addicted"

~to photography... to taking/making photographs~

I went poolside yesterday... to read, swim, relax. I had packed my camera bag - three cameras (well, there were puffy clouds, so I needed the IR one) and left it at home. Panic! There are potential photos everywhere.... alas - I need help. Is there a group out there? Will B&H please stop accepting my orders? (just kidding you guys - winkwink!)

PS I am reminded of a quote:

There will be times when you will be in the field without a camera. And, you will see the most glorious sunset or the most beautiful scene that you have ever witnessed. Don't be bitter because you can't record it. Sit down, drink it in. and enjoy it for what it is! - DeGriff

click here

... to disappear

roll on summer

toes are tanned and nails painted hot pink,

splashing and taking it easy

just 3 words

bridge to nowhere

three

last week's "just 3 words": peace, love, photography

The LOOK3-Festival of the Photograph in Charlottesville, VA was an exceptional three day event. I look forward to next year! Would love to be able to attend a workshop...

The exhibits, the talks, the art everywhere - fabulous!

LOOK3 - Festival of the Photograph

5 days, 1050 miles, max speed: 86.5 mph, photos viewed: too many to count

Impressions:

cameras on shoulders, or raised to the eye - shooting rooftops.. or other photographers....

the funniest presentation (nervous laughter): Brenda Ann Kenneally, "Upstate Girls"

the most exciting new concept: Maggie Steber, "Tab" magazine

the most emotional images: also Maggie Steber, images of her mother Madge

the best workshop images: Eugene Richard's students

the most plastic images: Julie Blackmon, "Domestic Vacations"

the most comfortable: Sam Abell, "The Life of a Photograph"

the least comfortable: Brenda Ann Kenneally, "Upstate Girls"

what are you trying to say?

When I hear someone (usually a professor or instructor... and I think they are just trying to fill a classroom) ask "what is your message (painting, photograph, etc)?", I want to .... well, I get a little sassy. A message or story is not imperative for a good photograph or painting - except in photojournalism. Art is about light and shadow, lines, form and (as Henri Cartier-Bresson said) geometry.

You want a story, go read a book!

snapshot

snap·shot ('snap-,shät) n. an impression or view of something brief or transitory.'

The theme for YourSpace at the Festival of the Photograph is 'snapshot'.

dis

I am disappointed, dismayed and disgusted with the "apparent" choices for the presidential election. Give me a 3rd choice - please!!

***

etc

• Looking forward to attending the Festival of the Photograph next week!


• It's too darned hot!!


• Summer baseball is here!


• Bumber sticker spotted on a recent road trip: "Things just haven't been the same since the house fell on my sister."


• just 3 words for last week: "Rest in Peace", Mellie's granddaddy.

Ground Control to ....

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to view the Space Shuttle launch on May 31, 2008. The sight, sound and feel of the liftoff were amazing!