Tell Me How You Feel. Really.

I used to be pretty active in giving online photo critique, but I have since stopped. Photo critiques are much better given in person, where the dynamics are completely different. It is far too easy to give comments such as "nice shot", "good composition", or to just click the "Like" button in Facebook, none of which helps the photographer.

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Random Thoughts on Mobile Photography

First off, I have to say I'm not an active mobile photographer; I like working with certain tools, and using my mobile phone for something other than texting, calls or social networking doesn't appeal to me. But I've been hanging out quite a bit with "celeb" (I'm using this term because he hates it oh-so-much) mobile photographer Aik Beng Chia, and this is a topic that comes up often enough that I have formulated some thoughts on it. I'm not a gear snob either, so that isn't a factor in appraisal. It may not work for me, but it's worked well enough for a lot of people to produce genuine works of photographic art, so it is a legitimate media and a legitimate art in my mind.

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In Photography, Gear Matters

Got your attention now, didn't I?

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Quote of the Day

Here's a tip for my fellow photographers from fashion photographer Melissa Rodwell:

Every time you visit an agency or meet someone, you should be showing your book and graciously accepting criticism. You’re going to have to develop thick skin. It’s never easy being told something isn’t good, but it’s going to happen. Get used to it. Get to a point where you thrive on it.  Take the feedback, make the changes, and go back and see what they think about the changes you’ve made.  But seriously, show it to anybody that will look at it. Other photographers. Bookers. Editors. The models. Always take the critique, but don’t take it personal.

I guess it really depends on your perspective about photography. Some just wanna have fun shooting coffee cups and their lunch, and that's all right by my book. But there are those of us whose idea of fun lies in making our photographs mean something, to someone. To make a photograph that shows us, and the world, who we are, and how we see the world.

By all means, have your fun. Disagree with me. But if you are, in any way, semi-serious about this beautiful art, then you owe it to yourself to accept that while there is no right or wrong way to go about it, there is a difference between good and bad art. Once we establish that, we can have a fruitful discussion about this art that we love.

Black & White 100 Project - 100 of 100

"Good Night" — Leica M6 and Konica M-Hexanon 50/2 on Kodak Tri-X. All rights reserved.

In my mind, this seemed a fitting photo to end this project with. An elderly man having a quiet nap, a breezy late afternoon, and a nosey, curious photographer. Different worlds metaphorically. Or is it?

When I started this in 2009, I did not know where the project will take me, but now I do. I appreciate black and white film even more, and I'll probably never shoot colour negatives seriously again. I'll probably still shoot the occasional roll of slides, especially when I travel, but I've fallen in love with black and white all over again.

For personal work, I've moved on to bulk-rolling Tri-X. Buying individual, pre-packaged canisters just isn't economical at this point. And I never thought I'd fall in love with using Leica cameras, but I'm a convert now. Two workhorse rangefinders, a couple of lenses, and a case-load of Tri-X is all I need.

I've never been more excited about my personal work, and that has a lot to do with the people I've had the honour and fortune to meet. The photographic community in Singapore, those with a genuine passion for photography, and respect it as an art, is very small, and I'm glad to be a part of it.

More photos soon. Good bye, dear project, and thank you. I will miss you.

Black & White 100 Project - 99 of 100

"Hello, and Goodbye" — Leica M2 and CV Nokton Classic 35/1.4 SC on Kodak Tri-X. All rights reserved.

Just a short, fleeting moment. A warm smile, a wave of appreciation. Connections that would have never been formed, if not for the fact that I have a camera in my hands.

Black & White 100 Project - 98 of 100

"Three's Company" — Leica M2 and Canon 50/1.4 LTM on Kodak Tri-X. All rights reserved.

Probably a good illustration to how your choice of framing affects how the viewer may perceive the photograph, and what story it tells. A photograph is also an insight into the photographer's mind. I kind of wonder what I was thinking here, besides "that fellow looks lonely".

Black & White 100 Project - 97 of 100

"Provision Shop" — Leica M2 and Canon 50/1.4 LTM on Kodak Tri-X. All rights reserved.

One thing that distinguishes MacPherson estate from most of the rest of Singapore are the many small, "mom-n-pop" shops that populate it. Many have long histories that will not be guaranteed. This kind shop-owner has been running this provision shop for 40 years, and the shop has been around for 60. His dad and mom handed it over to him, and he will be retiring at the end of this year.

Neither he nor I know what will happen to the shop after he retires, as all three of his children are established academics who are happy with their careers. Going into the family business is not fashionable, least of all if the business is not a fashionable one to begin with. But the local provision shop is a part of Singaporean culture, and one that many take for granted. Like shopping for fresh produce at a wet market, where the vegetable seller will throw in some spring onions because we bought a buttload of other veges. Then eating at the local coffeeshop, where the auntie or uncle serving drinks remembers your usual orders and have them ready before your seat is warmed up. Then the provision shop, where kids and adults can get most of every household essential, from cooking oil to soft drinks to cheap candy and toys.

I'll be back soon to take more photos and maybe have a longer chat with him. These are places and things and people that we might not get to see for too much longer.

Black & White 100 Project - 96 of 100

"Haji Lane" — Leica M6 and CV Nokton Classic 35/1.4 SC on Kodak Tri-X. All rights reserved.

A reminder of simple blessings

Just a couple of photos that made me smile.

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