The Silence of Photography

The deafening silence of photography is powerful. When making photographs or viewing photos no sound is captured. The sound of the people, the music or the weather lays within our minds.

I was inspired to shoot some Tempe architecture by viewing my friend Jon VanderMey's photos of his local architecture and sights.  ASU has some great buildings for photography - so I took advantage of this great winter day and went on a photowalk.

Typically I do a lot of concert photography and there is always sound associated with each picture. Not so today. More than the picture I made I enjoyed the silence of the subjects. I was able to create my own soundtrack to today's shoot. Do you know how powerful that can be?

What do you think about or listen to when you are taking photographs? (All photos from today can be viewed here!)

Has Digital Photography Raised or Lowered the Creative Bar?

Has the creative bar been raised now that the point of entry into photography has been lowered?

My mind wonders sometimes and during an afternoon in traffic school I posed this question to myself. Now that almost anyone can afford a camera whether it's an entry level DSLR or 'Point and Shoot' - what has happened to us creatively?

I'm sure there are plenty of arguments for both sides but I think that the creative bar has been raised. Professionals now are separating themselves exhibiting a higher level of expertise more than ever. If we took three photographers (professional, serious hobbyist and amateur) and shot 5 photos of 5 different objects - I'm sure the professional would take away the best pictures. No brainer...they have the most experience and the highest level of technical skill.

The new reality is that the professional has to be on their game so that they do not come back to the pack. No longer can a professional photographer show up and deliver mediocre photographs. My sister's cousin's brother could have delivered mediocrity - but a pro...no way. That's why they are a professional and not someone who take photos occasionally.

Granted, there may be more professional photographers but creatively the hobbyist is pushing the professional to justify their title (and fees.)

What do you think - Has the creative bar been raised? I really want to hear what others have to say about this topic...drop me a line - GRT2

Mailboxes: Dewy, AZ

When Is Familiarity Important? Three Part Series - Part THREE

Sometimes there are situations in photography that the moment is instant and spontaneous. Capturing that moment, that feeling and making a great photograph is the only thing that is on your agenda. There is no time to get familiar with the subject or the location. - click or it may be gone.

There are rules to photography. There are rules and there are suggestions. I try to know the rules and suggestions (I am not the most technical photographer I work on instinct with settings etc.) and when it comes time to make a picture - go with what feels right.

Central Ave Boxing Gym is a place I had never been before. I never really knew what a boxing gym looked liked or what it felt like to be in one. (I can tell you now that it's very hot.) I didn't know what the lighting conditions would be like or spacial restrictions. I went and spoke to some people and observed for a couple of moment before shooting anything. This photo was taken from a balcony above the training floor. It was the place that I could get the best exposure and the best composition.

Moments like this are great when you walk into a situation without knowing anything and leave with a photograph that you really like.

The more you know about something the better your end result will be but don't let that limit you. The best way I've found to familiarize yourself with a subject is immersion. Go out and shoot something, then go photograph it again. Measure your progress - keep notes. What do you wish you did differently? Go and repeat. Great photographers are made by shooting photographs.

When Is Familiarity Important? Three Part Series - Part TWO

Concert photography is like gambling in a casino - the odds are mostly against you. However, there are those times that if you know the game well enough and see an opportunity to come up and have the nerve to follow through - the payoff is huge.

My favorite band to shoot is Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers. Local act gone national, great rock-n-roll and it's always a good time. I've seen RCPM tons of time but I have just started photographing them seriously.

Although I've seem them a lot it wasn't until I saw them as a photographer did I realize how hard this band was to photograph. With every shoot I started to realize how the stage presence and gestures were dictated by the song or tempo. Roger has a great stage presence and is very energetic (someone commented on a photo of mine and said it was trying to photograph a moth in a bright light.) After a while and after watching and after missing shots - it all clicks. Ok here comes the song (Mekong) ok he's probably going to do this...ok here's this song (Counterclockwise) I should be positioned over here a little.  Believe me it makes getting shots like this one (taken on 11/21 in Tempe, AZ) a little easier. Going back to the initial gambling analogy - you're able to stack the deck in your favor a little.

I've never shot soccer before - let alone kids soccer (or kids for that matter.) I was bored one day and I wanted to take photos and I ended up in Snedigar Park in Chandler, AZ. It was hot that day and I decided on setting up in a corner under a tree with a telephoto lens. (Truth be told I never use my telephoto lense - I don't know why.) After reviewing my action shots which were good - not great I saw this photo. A picture of a bunch of kids waiting for play to start. 7, 8 and 9 all in a row. That's what makes the shot. If I was little more familiar with kids soccer or more specifically I may have shot a great action photo - but this is what I came away with. A numeric composition.

Next post will deal with something that I briefly familiarized myself with a left with making a great photograph.

When Is Familiarity Important? Three Part Series - Part ONE

Yesterday I commented on a "How to photograph skateboarding" article and it got me thinking - When is it important to be familiar with your subject? I'll stay with skateboarding for a moment...

If you don't know skateboarding the chances of you taking a great (not just good) skateboard photo in minimal. There are so many subtle nuances in skateboarding that make a great shot. With that being said these nuances that are predictable when you know the athlete and the sport. Here's a photo of Neal Hendrix I shot at The Skatepark of Tampa / Tampa Pro.  Neal is a perfect example. As a skateboarder he is super consistent and since was a contest run he was doing the same tricks in the same parts of the ramp - which is typical of contest runs and in practice. But if you didn't know Neal or the tricks he was doing - you would be at a severe disadvantage. (Thanks Neal for being a good example.)

I ask myself constantly - "Why am I shooting this?" Many times the answer is "because I want to" or simply "this looks cool." I'm fine with any answer that makes someone pick up a camera but if you go back to the why - it's something that interests you - right? Why else would you want to capture that moment in time?

With all that being said sometimes the subject is something that doesn't take a long time to get familiar with. In the next posts of this series I'll give examples of different subjects: subjects that I had to get to know well before I made a great picture and others that I familiarized myself quickly with before a great photo was made.


(Note: Thanks for reading my blog. Please post comments as you see fit or send me an email (grtaylor2@mac.com) with any questions etc.)

Personal Photography Tipping Points : FOUR Photos

Thinking about myself as an artist is a daunting thought. I don't know why but I am extremely uncomfortable with the label. However, I can distinctly remember photographs I have made that made me stop and say I'm on to something. Here they are:

The Vampire - This was taken during a winter trip home. We were walking through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the opportunity just presented itself. I was actually unaware what was going on until Amy pointed it out. Her presence of mind and awareness made this happen - I just had all the right settings dialed it. This shot was altered in Photoshop to make the imagery more powerful.

Jackson Hole, WY - This photograph was the first time I pre-visualized the shot and went back to the spot and made a picture happen. I was driving to the skatepark in Jackson and saw this sight. Not having a camera with at the time made this experience what it was. I saw exactly what I wanted to capture and went back a couple of hours later and created it.

God and Basketball - (Gila River Indian Reservation) While driving around in Arizona I just sort of let the road take me. I ended up on the Gila River Indian Reservation about 25 miles south of Phoenix. After stopping to take a couple of photos I found this site. This was one of the most powerful places I have ever been. The spot was perfect. I had a basketball in the car which completed the picture.

Kristina Snake River Overlook - (Grand Teton National Park) I set out to recreate Ansel Adams' famous photograph. I took about 25 or 30 pictures of this famous spot with my camera in Black and White mode. As I was putting my equipment away I called Kristina's name and she turned to look and this is the resulting picture. This was a one shot moment that I couldn't duplicate again (much like The Vampire) photo.

These are the four photos that make me consider myself a photographer and someone who make pictures. I don't know what else to really say about it. When I look at these photos I am taken back to the exact time and place they were taken - I can't describe it any better then that...

Evolution as a Photographer : Part FOUR

There for a while in NJ after all the travel etc. I became focused on a career. I focused on career and sports and a bunch of things that had nothing to do with the arts. I put the camera down unintentionally and didn't take a photo for a number of years. Why? Not sure...but I do know that the time I went dark from photography makes me enjoy it all the more now.

Fast forward to the winter 1997. A long term relationship I had ended in April of 1997, my grandmother (who I was super close to) passed away winter of '96 and I was at a job I couldn't deal with anymore. (Yes the one I worked hard to get and put the camera down for.) I was done with NJ. I needed a life change since - so I packed everything that could fit in my Honda Civic - anything else that was left I sold to a guy for $500 - and headed West to the Sonoran Desert.

Arizona's beauty captivated me and the logical thing was to start taking photos again. I shot everything once again. Skateboarding, landscapes, desert images, friends, strangers you name it...

I took a job after a couple of years here as the marketing guy for a company in Tempe that built skateparks. The rough part of the job was I had to take photos of skateparks and skateboarders - rough huh? SKATE PHOTOS

I was back with camera in hand and although my interest or passion has never been as strong as it today - I haven't put it down again...

NExt: Evolution as a Photographer : Part FIVE 'til today

Evolution as a Photographer : Part THREE

Carl's photo of the Vermont lanscape really opened my eyes up to what else what out there. I was no longer a one dimensional photographer (or really picture taker at this point.)

After that I traveled a lot. Everywhere I went I brought my camera. Concerts, Sporting Events, Scenic Drives through our surrounding areas etc. Still I took tons of skateboard photos and the like but I had no limits. I felt like Carl's photo gave me permission to expand beyond the boundaries I had been constraining myself to.

Truth be told, I didn't seize every opportunity presented to me to take photos. Some trips were just too long and our travel plans were too sketchy to worry about a camera - not to mention the cost of film and processing.

I learned at an early age that taking concert photos (when anyone could bring a camera into a concert and there were no silly "no professional cameras" rules) was a difficult task. Sian Proctor at PodCampAZ, reminded me of the days of getting back a role of black prints. I learned that with a high ISO there was a substantial amount of noise in the print. I learned that when using a telephoto lens you need to stabilize it from shake or nothing will be in focus. Theses principles learned at 19 or 20 are still rules that apply today to a game that has greatly changed.

It's amazing how thinking back on my evolution as a photographer how many people were instrumental in this journey. Someone was always around me that knew a lot more than me and they were willing to share their knowledge. There are still so many great photographers around me today helping me out - it's an amazing community of sharing knowlege and exchanging ideas.

I enjoyed the art so much at this point - I don't know why I put the camera down (for the first time...)

Part FOUR: Life Without the Camera Before Arizona

Evolution as a Photographer : Part TWO

In high school my interest in photography expanded. I grew up as a skateboarder and a graphic arts student. What a combination. My parents bought me a Canon camera - just a simple point and shoot 35mm unit. Also, available to us was a Canon AE-1 on loan from the Graphics Dept. (Thanks Mr. Goetsch) at Watchung Hills Regional High School (WHRHS).

We would shoot everything. Portraits, skateboard action shots and other interesting items. My real interest in photography came at about 16 when I learned how to develop and process black and white film. This was earthshattering. We could go out - shoot a role of film and for little or no cost we'd have prints. Amazing...

So the cobinationof access to cameras and the availability of processing our own images made my interest explode. Nothing was left unshot.

My friend Ben Cornish was the best out of all of us. (Today, Ben is a filmmaker in Denver but is still one of my favorite photographers.) Some of his photos are iconic images of my younger days. (Weepee Portrait) His eye was better, his tech skills more advances and his willingness to share the knowledge was amazing. To say Ben had an influence on my photography is an understatement.

And so it went - we took music photos, skateboard photos and hanging out shots until one day...

...a bunch of us were in Vermont right before our senior year at WHRHS and our friend Carl Gulbish took some landscape shots. So simply, so cool yet opened so many avenues of creativity. I remember the B&W photo of the running stream with the trees and shadows from Killington - that photo changed the game for us...

Here's a link to Ben's Flickr Photostream

Part THREE: Beyond High School and before Arizona

Thank You...

So much of what I do is based on other people helping me with credentials and access so I just wanted to take a moment and say thanks to everyone:

Keara Zito :  Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers (and a big thanks to Roger, PH, Nick, Jim and Jamie)
Joe Cohen : Lucero
Alana Mulford from Doyle Kos : Rusted Root / Crowfield
Kristine from Avid Exposure : Mickey Avalon
What Laura Says
Kinch
Dry River Yacht Club
Johnny Dudley

Plus there are a number of artists, photographers, musicians and mentors that are too numerous to mention. You're assistance, guidance, critique and friendship is greatly appreciated and truly valued.

 

LUCERO - The Clubhouse in Tempe

I've heard of Lucero and heard them a couple of times so when the chance came to see them in Tempe (1/4 mi from my house) I jumped at the opportunity. Their managment was cool enough to put me on the list and set me up with a photo pass - although one wasn't really needed.

Jack O was also on the bill. He delivered a straight rock and roll set that disappointed none. A lot people came to see Jack and Lucero was a bonus.

Lucero took the stage around 10:30 and played about a 31 song set. A nice mix of old and new stuff and they took a bunch of requests during the show. Definitely worth seeing again. Good night, great music and all on a Thursday night.

The venue was small. A little weird how they separated the over 21 crowd from the rest. The lights we tough for photos - but I came away with a couple of keeper. My favorite is a Pedal Steel Guitar Photo - click here

I ran into some friends I haven't seen for a couple of years at the show. After talking to them for about 10 minutes it was no surprise why we haven'e spoke in so long. They are the cool kids. The cool kids that have nothing going on and you're a sell out if you actually have a 9-5 and a career. Real interesting vibe - wasn't feeling it at all.

Next post: Rusted Root and Crowfield at The Marquee

RCPM : Marquee Theater / Tempe, AZ

What a great weekend of music. Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers delivered rock and roll to a hometown crowd like never seen before.

10/30/09 "When in Rome" Highlights: The band played in full Roman gear and/or togas all night. I don't know how they managed to do so. The crowd, many also dressed in togas loved every minute of the 2 hour upbeat rocking set. The highlights for me were: "City Girls", "Louie Louie" and "West Texas Moon" - great set selection. The energy is The Marquee was amazing as everyone was ready to have RCPM play full shows back in Tempe.
photos of "When in Rome"

10/31/09 "Disco Nights" Highlights: Roger and the guys were dressed as The Village People and played all night in costume. At one point Roger said, "I think I found the one thing more difficult to play in than a toga," about remarking on his chief's headdress. This set was full of all the stuff I love to hear that isn't always played. I love Mekong and Nada - don't get me wrong, but this night was full of old favorites. "European Swallow" to open, "Interstate", "Buffalo", "Tributary Otis" and "Persephone". Just a great night.
photos of "Disco Night"

After one long night of RCPM security started to regulate alcohol consumption and weren't as laid back and chill on night two. That aside - it was a great two nights.

I want to thank Keara Zito from RCPM Management for photo credentials and allowing me access - I appreciate it.

If you've never seen RCPM - go check them out. You'll probably knock down a few beers and a shot or two
of tequilla, forgot all your troubles for two-hours and leave saying "Here's To Life!"

Link to my live music photos

NOTE: I saw Lucero and Jack Oblivian last night 11/5/09 and will post photos and a review. Tonight I see Rusted Root and that will follow.

First Time Ever Published - Uncle June Bug's Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce

This is the first time I've ever published my original Spicy Sweet BBQ Sauce recipe. It took me about a year of trial and error to perfect. After three years of keeping it to my self I wanted to share it with everyone. (Who knew a vegetarian could make such a mean BBQ sauce - anyone see the irony.)


UNCLE JUNE BUG's SPICY SWEET BBQ SAUCE

1 Cup Ketchup

1/3 Cup Beer (Fat Tire or a nice Amber of choice)

1T Cider Vinegar

1/3 Cup Honey

1T Chipotle Powder (I get ground chipotle powder at our local Farmer’s Mkt)

Juice from 1 Lemon

Dash Chili Powder

Dash Garlic Pepper

4T Worcestershire Sauce

Combine ingredients and bring to boil – while stirring.

Add Honey once at a Boil

Reduce heat and let simmer for 15-30 minutes

Enjoy! Thanks for all the support I received for the new blog.

RCPM Back Home For Halloween in Tempe

From the RCPM website (www.azpeacemakers.com)
[The biggest rock-n-roll fiesta in Arizona this Halloween will be at the Marquee Theatre.Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers return for two highly anticipated performances Oct. 30 and Oct. 31! To help everyone get into the Halloween spirit, each night there will be a different theme.Friday - "When in Rome" Toga Party. Saturday ? 70's Night.A $500 Marquee gift certificate will be handed out to the best]

I am excited for these shows for many reasons. Besides the shows (which will rock) being home - I am moving back to my adopted hometown of Tempe, AZ that week. After moving out of Tempe - just South to Chandler, a couple of years ago - I've been planning my move back. Chandler is good, just not for me and Tempe is home.

RCPM playing once again (almost) on Mill Ave. in Tempe at one of those cruxes in my life. Coincidental - maybe, but probably not.

So on 10/30 & 10/31 - friends will be toasting one another, singing and laughing. "Here's to Life!" (Photos and show reviews to come.)