One Shoot Photography Sunday: Interview with photographer Claudio Mufarrege (& Picture Prompt Challenge)

One Shoot Photography Sunday!

Claudio Mufarrege

This week I would like to introduce all of you to Claudio Mufarrege, a relatively recent addition to the photography world. Though he describes himself as an “amateur,” one need only peruse Mufarrege’s Flickr to see that he already has a wealth of beautiful shots under his belt.

This Argentinian photographer is a man of many talents, as well as many jobs. In addition to his photography, Mufarrege is a husband, a father, a manager for a Scania Trucks Dealer, and the editor of his own little gem of a site: The Imag-e-ination Daily, a media site that stretches across both news and photography boundaries. He’s also a technological enthusiast – a trait that’s contributed to his skill with photomontages and photocomposition, thanks to his programming skill.

Tytyri Finland

Claudio considers the internet “a medium to learn,” and true to that estimation, he’s found himself in many places across the web, including Twitter (@claudioar), Flickr, and his own site, the Image-i-nation Daily.  I, Chris Galford, invite you to meet Mr. Mufarrege, and enjoy some of his insights and his work:

The Long Goodbye - Photomanipulation

*One Stop Poetry's Chris G. conducted the following interview:

What originally sparked your interest in photography? How long have you been at it?

Claudio: When I was 5 my father buy a Kodak Instamatic 125. This was "the family's camera" for more than 30 years! I never had the chance of take a photo with it, just to be (together with my anothers 3 little brothers) a simple "model" for my mother and my father. In 1996, after the born of my daughter Rebeca, my wife and I bought a fixed focus 35 mm Fujifilm camera that "lived" about 8 years with us, until it broke. It never was "my" camera. From the beginning of my adult life I was away from any form of visual arts, despite my love and admiration for them. I worked as a loan officer at a bank for almost 10 years, and simultaneously as an analyst/programmer and designer of software systems in my own company until about 12 years ago when I was hired by a Scania heavy trucks dealer where today I work as Commercial Manager of Aftermarket Services. To mid 2007, surfing the Internet, I discovered Flickr, and I was amazed by the possibilities of digital photography. I became a user without any photo to show..., and two months later, without consulting anyone, I purchased my Sony DSC H9 and started this adventure... "Otro Scania" (a truck shut at my work) was my first uploaded photo.

Otra Scania

How would you describe your photographic style?

Innocence - Laughing at the Cemetery

Claudio: I don't know if I have a "style." I have no formal training. I am self-taught, passionate about learning and experiencing. Much of what I learned has been by the criticism, comments and suggestions received on Flickr. The rest of reading and rereading tutorials, tips and articles almost 100% online. I feel that I'm still an amateur, and I am not satisfied with the quality of my photos. Looking back, of course I see my progress, but I think I'm missing a lot in order to become a photographer of quality. In the last 18 months I started to experiment with photomontages and photocomposition, and the tools' learning curve for me was quite simple for my programming skills.

Do you have a personal philosophy about photography? What about photography appeals to you?

Melancholy

Claudio: Photography is for me a 'safety valve,' a means to express the sensitive, shy and introverted Claudio that does not have the capacity to do with poetry or prose, is also a "ground wire" that connects me to the beauty of the world, I know perfectly well that many horrible things that are wrong in the world and hurt me deeply, but at this point in my life I prefer to capture with my camera the things I see and fill my soul of joy.

The most important thing at the time I take a picture, is almost the same as in most of the activities I undertake: enjoy it. As a hobbyist I have the advantage of not having to take photographs of duty, so I can choose to or not taking (provided you have free time to go out and take them ...). Particularly pay attention to composition and light, and the presence at the picture of an item that gives interest to the shot. I totally agree with the Dorotea Lange's quote "The camera is a tool that teaches people how to see without a camera. "

In your traveling as a truck dealer, do you find lots of opportunity for photos? Do you have any favorite locations/spots you’ve taken photos in the past?

Claudio:  In my work I found some opportunities to take pictures. In 2008, invited by the brand for which I work, I spent two weeks in northern Europe in the middle of spring, visiting Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Holland and Belgium. When we were not in a factory or a dealer, I "escaped" and took lot of photographs. I'm in love with the landscapes of the region of Argentina where I live, the "Pampas", for its vast horizons, her bright plains and dramatic skies, and this has been a recurring theme in my last series of photos.

Eternity of Life

What has been your experience with the internet as a medium for sharing your art and photography?

Estacion Matilde - Windmill

Claudio: More than a medium to share my art, the Internet was (and is) a medium to learn. But it gives me some surprises : I sold almost a dozen works at USA, Holland, Italy and Taiwan, via e-mail. Although that does not mean I think I could stay economically with photography, is a great source of satisfaction and a "massage" for my ego.

Tell us a bit about Imag-e-ination. What inspired you to start that up? Where do you hope to go with it in the future?
Claudio: I'm a avid and encyclopedic reader, and the Internet means to me access to the largest library in history. So, the Net is a source of inspiration for me. In that spirit, I joined Twitter and found a community of photographers, poets, artists greater even than he had found on Flickr. So great was the amount of information, and of such quality, that I decided to share with my followers in a more practical way. So I found the site paper.ly that allows me to semi-automatically generate a summary of the tweets of the day in the form of digital diary, and I very happy with the results. I hope I could improve the Image-i-nation journal, transforming it in an independent page.

Iguassu Falls

Do you find any similarities between photography and poetry?
Claudio: For sure. Most of the time photography is visual poetry, and poetry is a mental image through words. As I said, I could express some things that I'm not capable of do writing. Usually I use some quote or a poem as the title of the companion of my photos.

End of Summer

With the advance of digital photography today, how much of a shot would you say is in the picture itself, and how much is in post production work?
Claudio: Post production (digital or not) always existed. The vast majority (if not all) of the common tweaks in exposure (dodging & burning) and retouching have been done since the advent of photography. Then there's the artistic, creative side of photography (ie 'making' pictures, rather than 'taking' pictures) such as adding/removing elements of a scene which enhances the final image. Again if your intent is to create a particular scene or mood, then what of it? Only in 'record' photography is it strictly necessary to record, without adjustment, the scene. This again comes back to the purpose and intent of the photographer—to merely 'capture' a scene or to create a scene, and I usually create an scene.
 

Sunset Without You

What would you suggest to others just beginning with photography?
Claudio:  Shot, shot, shot, shot. If you’re using a digital camera, the cost of errors is free. Go crazy – you might end up with something you like. You’ll certainly learn a lot in the process.
Exercise the power of observation, without the camera. Pay attention to detail. Share your work and be open to the critics.

What kind of camera and equipment do you use for your photography? Editing programs?
Claudio:  My camera is my old point and shot Sony DSC-H9 with a very common polarizer filter, and I use Photoshop CS3 for editing.

Happiness is not a state to arrive, but a manner of traveling

Could you please recommend a few photography resources for individuals who wish to know more about the art form?

Claudio:  Some resources...

Flickr : http://www.flickr.com
Deviant-Art : http://www.deviantart.com/
DPS Digital Photography School :
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/
JPG Magazine : http://jpgmag.com/
Photoshop Tutorials : http://photoshoptutorials.ws/
PSD Tuts : http://psd.tutsplus.com/
Abduzeedo : http://abduzeedo.com/
Obvious Magazine : http://obviousmag.org/en/archives/photography/

And all the photographer's sites for inspiration (and happiness).

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Now for the Picture Prompt Challenge!

Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55) based on the prompt.
Post it on your site.
Sign up using Mr. Linky so people can find your work.
Let us know what you are sharing by leaving a comment below.
Finally, visit other participants, comment, & give credit to Claudio in your post. 

Thank you,
dustus

Accept the picture prompt challenge! :)

Claudio has titled this photomanipulation "The Arrow Shot"

Photography Interview with Lisa Michelle Arhontidis & Picture Prompt Poetry Challenge

Welcome to One Shoot
Photography Sunday!

Over the American Thanksgiving holiday weekend, amidst Turkey and other fine delicacies, I had the honor of interviewing Texan photographer Lisa Michelle Arhontidis. She is a self-taught photographer with a penchant for people – and her website, for one, boasts a fine portfolio of her experience with portraiture photography. No newcomer to the social media scene either, this Nikon girl has already gathered a loyal following on both Twitter (@lmphotos) and Facebook.

*One Stop Poetry's Chris G. conducted the following interview:

What sparked your interest in photography? How long have you been working with photography?

LMA: I remember trying to get into Photojournalism in high school but I didn't have any room for it in my schedule. Years later I was desperate to get a camera and see if I had "The Eye" for it. In 2006, a Nikon D50 was purchased and I practiced and practiced shooting anything I could. In late 2007, I got a call from a friend in need of a replacement photographer to shoot her elementary cheerleaders' annual group and individual photos. 22 girls total, and to say I was nervous was an understatement. I got there...parents behind me watching...and it just happened. I was cool, calm, creative, and I had a ton of fun. Best beginning experience ever. Haven't looked back since!

In your case, your photography tends to focus on people, portraits, etc. – what is it about people that appeals to you and your camera?

LMA: People! Sounds simple but I love people. I love the range of emotion I can get from someone in a single session whether it's a child or adult. I also adore working with kids, since I seem to have a superhuman patience when it comes to photographing them.

Do you have a personal philosophy about photography? 
LMA: Inspiration over Imitation. So many people out there forget that what you see from most photographers came from their heart and usually tons of planning. I am inspired every day by amazing artists and I take that inspiration and turn it into something that I hope will be an inspiration to other artists.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of people-centered photography? How does one, in a sense, "capture" the essence of a person?

LMA: Connecting. In order to bring out true emotion you have to find a way to connect with your subject. It's always awesome when by the end of the session I feel like I've made a good friend. In all honesty though I have had a couple sessions where I just couldn't find that connection or they didn't really let me in. Those were tough shoots and I found it hard to enjoy the finished product.

What has been your experience with the internet as a medium for sharing your art and experiences with photography?

LMA:  Facebook ...is amazing and in my opinion the easiest and most fun form of advertising for any photographer. First off, it's free! And besides that it's just a great way to spread your name around to the masses. I haven't exactly had much luck in the way of bookings through twitter (http://twitter.com/Lmphotos) but it's certainly another tool I use. Why not, right? The more free advertising the better! ;)

What sort of education/experiences have you gone through to get where you are today?

LMA: I'm completely self-taught. It's been frustrating at times when I desperately want to do something I see in my head yet can't quite get it exactly right. I will always be learning though and hope to never feel like I know everything there is to know. I mean how could I when art is always changing.

How much of your work/photography in general would you say is pure shot vs. post-processing/digital editing? 
LMA: My goal is to have a great shot straight out of camera so the only cropping that ever takes place is when I take the shot. Lighting is also a big deal to me because that just makes my finished product more beautiful and natural. My post processing consists mainly of skin retouching. I also like to use actions that I play with and alter in order to create different moods like a vintage effect or a killer b&w or sepia.

What kind of camera, lenses, filters, and/or editing programs do you typically use? LMA: I'm a Nikon girl. I am currently shooting with a Nikon D300, and for lenses I go between the Nikkor 50mm 1.8, and my Nikkor 18-200mm 3.5-5.6. I use Photoshop CS3 with plans to upgrade to CS5 soon. And I only shoot in RAW.
  
What would you suggest to people just beginning with photography?
LMA: Take your camera everywhere. Take pictures of everything. Learn how to visually crop when you shoot as opposed to cropping while you edit. Practice on friends and family before you start charging. And have fun learning.

Are there any photography resources you would recommend for individuals who wish to know more about the art form?
LMA:  I love to look at my local competition's websites to get a good understanding of what attracts them and how our work differs. I also find a ton of inspiration in their work and use that inspiration to fuel me to be better!

As far as technical information, here are some goodies:

http://feedgrids.com/grid/photography
http://www.mcpactions.com/blog/
http://www.photographyblog.com/category/photography_techniques/
http://www.digital-photography-school.com/tips

And this next one is my photographer crush...her work is beyond inspiring and she is only 21! http://www.larajade.co.uk/

*********

And now for the Picture Prompt Challenge!

Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55). Post it on your site.
Sign up using Mr. Linky so people can find your work.
Let us know what you are sharing by leaving a comment below.
Finally, visit other participants, comment, & give credit to Lisa in your post. 

Thank you,
dustus

Accept the picture prompt challenge! :)

Photography Interview with Trent Chau & Picture Prompt Poetry Challenge

Welcome to One Shoot
Photography Sunday!

Once again I have the distinct pleasure of introducing an extremely talented photographer, and a young one too: Trent Chau, a Georgia-based photographer and member of the Atlanta Photographers Guild. Much of what he has learned has been self-taught, but beginning in 2009, he entered the Gwinnett Technical College looking for a degree in photography. He has a penchant for portraiture photography, but has certainly run the gamut of the art.

Since entering the photography scene Mr. Chau has also built himself a web presence, operating a website, as well as a blog where you will discover samples of his work and discussions about photography. He’s also active on Twitter, @trentchau.

*One Stop Poetry's Chris G. conducted the following interview:

What sparked your interest in photography? How long have you been working with photography?

TC: I was first exposed to photography through my father.  He had an old Canon AE-1 he got from the PX while serving in the military that he used for family photos that he handed down to me in the late 90's.  It wasn't until the early 2000's did I really get an interest in it.  After years of doing graphic design with Photoshop it became more and more natural to encompass photography into it.  In 2003 I purchased a Olympus C-5050 and with its 2.0 lens all of a sudden this newer world of "Bokeh", DOF, and Macro came into the picture and BAM! I was addicted.

What about photography appeals to you? What inspires you?

TC: Two main things about photography appeal to me.  The subjective human factor of it.  The interaction and communication before and after the shot is inspiring.  While talking to or directing a model, I also talk to them about their life.  While shooting a wedding it's not uncommon to chat at the groom about how the Dawgs (University of Georgia) are doing (except for this year :(), and lastly the amazement and satisfaction that people are quick to show when they see a photo of themselves, someone they know, or just a photo they like in general...it's awesome.  It's possible to say the Artist in me likes that part.


The technician in me likes the fact that successful photography is an equation.  A puzzle that is laid out in front of you, and you have the power to put those pieces together in whatever way you want.  There is a level of set rules that you have to follow, but the more you know about those rules and regulations the more you can achieve efficiently and potentially bend and distort to your needs.

Do you have a personal philosophy about photography? 
TC: Some basic ones.... Shoot 85~90% of your photo in camera.  I have absolutely nothing against post production, but after years of shooting thousands of photos I rather spend time with my daughter than editing photos.  So using technical knowledge and experience, mixed with general photography experience such as people interaction, it's a personal goal to pretty much shoot the shot in the camera, not in the computer.


A major personal philosophy about photography of mine is "Remember the root" of photography.  The root being Light.  My father was an engineer and he once told me "Son, always learn to the foundation level why something works.".  Photography at its most basic level is dictated by light and how it interacts with your subject.  So I believe that the continuous path of understanding light, manipulating it, and capturing is my personal goal with photography.  (I'm beginning to sound like Ryu from Street Fighter, but instead of kicking Ken's ass, I'm clicking shutters instead).

I note a great deal of your photography has to do with people – what would you say is the most challenging aspect of portraiture photography, as opposed to say, landscape shots?

TC: The most immediate challenge is handling someone's expectation along with your own.  What are they thinking? What do they want? Do they think I know what I'm doing? When those questions intermingle with other doubts it can become suffocating.  Those feelings do dwindle a little bit, but occasionally those doubts just explode back even after years of shooting.  Oddly enough those questions are mostly trivial though.  People will love the photos, you will give them what they want.

Where are some of the places you’ve shot photographs? Do you have any favorite locations/spots/setups?

TC: I've had the privileged of shooting many different places, and also self educated myself on shooting in various different situations by learning studio lighting from one light to ten.  As mentioned above lighting is the foundation of photography, and can help lead to amazing results.  I enjoy a lot of places to shoot that range from natural locations, to more urban locations.  A belief I have though is for portraiture you just have to suggest a location in your photography, not actually capture it in full detail.  As such I use a lot of faster lenses ranging from F1.2 to F2.8.  These allow you to capture your subject in detail, while beginning to blur around the subject.  You still capture an idea of the surroundings of the subject, but you aren't spoon feeding your audience the exact minute crisp details of the surroundings.


Saying such, I do tend to favor natural locations that show a state of being lived in our decay for any natural shot.  For studio shots white or black roll paper, some kicking trance music, and fan and it's a good day.

What has been your experience with the internet as a medium for sharing your art and experiences with photography?

TC: The internet is bad ass.  I love it...it's fun, the people are fun, and if they aren't well it's easy to ignore than because there are so many cool people why would you waste time on the annoying ones?  I have to pitch one of my favorite groups of all time. The Atlanta Photographers Guild (http://www.flickr.com/groups/atlantaguild/) in Atlanta was a internet group on flickr started by Marc Turnley.  Marc loved my stuff, and had open arms for me to join up to the guild and participate at the meetings and in the online discussions.  I joined when there was about 200 people in the group.  Now several years later we are topping 2000.  The internet is the reason why something like this works.  The cool part is that it's a fusion of traditional hand shaking face-to-face meetings mixed with internet discussion that makes it work so well.


On the other hand web presence items such as Websites and Blogs have been a good experience for me.  Websites are a little archaic now but still provide an audience a glimpse into my work.  Blogs have been a great part of the internet experience and it's been great.  Heck this interview is done now because my blog was found by you guys so that has to mean something.  The blog experience is awesome.

Do you find any common ground between photography and other creative pursuits like writing or poetry?  TC: At its most basic level yes, and that is pure unadulterated joy.  The internal joy we have as individual pursuing something we find pleasing.  The self acknowledgement of progression as we move forward in our work.  The conquering of self doubt as we explore new techniques or beliefs and apply it what we create.  The only major difference I see in writing/poetry (which I used to do) is that in photography the audience  is more expansive since there isn't multiple languages along with cultural differences to work around.  A picture of a flower is a picture of a flower, while a poem about a flower can be translated so much differently between languages.

What sort of education/experiences have you gone through to get where you are today with your photography?

TC: I was self taught until 2009.  That's when I enrolled into Gwinnett Technical College's photography program just to have a degree (hey the little daughter shouldn't see her pops without a degree).  It was lots of reading the internet, lots of messing with lights and lenses, and most importantly going out there into the world and just plain screwing up and having the balls (or ovaries) to ask yourself why you screwed up and how can you fix it.  Experimenting was a key factor in improvement, and also getting multiple different opinions from people but in the end forming your own by actually trying out everything you can.  Never ever saying "I believe in this because this what so and so believes", but saying "I believe in this because I did it".
  
What’s your take on the debate between traditional “purist” photographers and what’s viewed as the more modern crowd advocating digital editing/post-processing, etc?
TC: I've got no beef about major post production, I personally try to avoid it myself.  Bringing back dad's belief in the matter, as long as you know "Why it works on the foundation level" is what's most important to me.  Purist photographers bring up a great point when they ask people if they know aperture, shutter speed, iso, white balance, and all the other aspects that control photography.  It is very good to be able to consistently be able to get results because all the technical aspects are controlled by the photographer. Yet digital editing and post processing is not a crutch that holds photographers up, it's a catalyst and it can bring even the best "Pure" photographers work to the next level.  To ignore the benefits of digital editing would be very short sighted and arguably idiotic.  Something to ask though is if the digital manipulation is to fix a problem or to make something better, if it's consistently for fixing a problem than that's something that should be remedied by just good old traditional "Learnin."

Where do you hope to go from here? Are there more aspects of photography you would like to learn, or different things you would like to do with your photography in the future you don’t do now? Do you plan on joining or making a studio?
TC:  I would like to teach photography, actually would LOVE to teach photography or marketing in the collegiate level.  I've been blessed with amazing and wonderful teachers throughout life, and it would be a pleasure to return the favor.  Along with teaching it would be nice to moonlight as a photographer for small gigs such as weddings, commercial work, and potential a book of sorts.  I had a studio and loved it, but money is difficult to come by as a student so it was one of the first things on the chopping block.  Potentially in the future another studio would be nice, but having more money in the account is paramount right now.

What would you suggest to people just beginning with photography? 
TC: Buy Lightroom, it's the smartest thing you can do.  Seriously.  Learn it just so you can import your photos from your card, and organize it.  It will save your photos by date, so even if they do look like snap shots, at least they are organized snap shots.  Go do it now..I'll wait for you to come back from the store and install it.


Okay it's installed?  Cool!  Now go shoot.  Shoot everything.  Shoot leaves on a tree, take a photograph of a person, take pictures of cats.  Now bring it into Lightroom and get it organized, look at it on your screen (which is hopefully bigger than your cameras lcd).  Now take more photos of something different....rinse, repeat, and enjoy!  Photography is you going to it, not it coming to you so go out and have fun, and shoot shoot shoot.

What kind of lenses, filters, editing programs do you use? What f-stop/settings do you prefer? And, being a Nikon man myself, I have to ask: why Canon? What about their cameras appeals to you?
TC:  I'm a huge fan of L series lenses from Canon, and pretty much shoot exclusively with them.  They were purchased when I was working corporate though so it's rarer these days to own them since they are pretty darn expensive.  My favorite lenses is the Canon 35 1.4L, the Canon 24-70 2.8L, The Canon 85 1.2L II, and lastly the Canon 50 1.2L.  A majority of my shooting ranges from an F range of 1.2 to 3.5, using iso 50~800.  I avoid high Iso personally, and will introduce my own lights if the scene becomes dark.  Since I favor primes it's not uncommon to use 2 cameras at the same time with one prime lens each.  This leads into editing and image maintenance, and that's were Lightroom shines.  With it you can import and tag all the photos, and also easily apply universal fixes if required.  This saves time and makes editing a pleasure.


Concerning why Canon.  My father gave me a Canon camera, and it's been that way since.  When I got the first Digital SLR the Canon 20D had just come out and it absolutely destroyed the Nikon D100 in all aspects (but most importantly the use of a CMOS over CCD).  Overtime I found the lenses that Canon had were better for my style of shooting over Nikons.  Lenses such as the 35 1.4 and 135 f2 were awesome Canon lenses that Nikon either didn't have or were a little too expensive.  Canon's always have been a little cheaper in comparison to Nikon and that was a major factor.  If you took the kit that I amassed over several years and go the Nikon equivalent, you could easily purchase a D3x with some lenses when equating the cost difference.   Something else that really sealed the deal was the Canon 5D, it really was revolutionary and amazing with its full frame sensor.  I still drool at the photos that come from it today.  Nikon did respond several years later with the D700 but Canon released video capability with the 5D Mark II and I haven't looked back.  Nikon is great and should always be considered by someone when looking at cameras, but for me Canon is the number 1 option.

Are there any photography resources you would recommend for individuals who wish to know more about the art form?
TC: There are so many great places online to get information.  Something really cool though is to check your local school system.  In Georgia its free to go to school if you don't have a degree, and that could really help one get educated.  Education is not what people hand you, it's what you are willing to go out and get yourself so do the hard work and time and you will be rewarded.


Online as mentioned there are many wonderful resources.  I've always been a fan of photography forums such as Photocamel (www.photocamel.com), Canon Digital Photography Forum (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/), and one of my personal favorites Fredmiranda.com (Fredmiranda.com).  These forums educate via interaction with other photographers and provide excellent feedback.


One of the greatest websites as a photographer to go see is Strobist.com run by David Hobby.  David Hobby knows it's about light, and he delivers education about light in a way that challenges you and makes you so much smarter.  His website should be favorited by everyone who wants to do photography on a high level. 

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*Trent would like to thank his Multimedia II class, as well as his teacher Mr. Jones, without whom we might never have gotten to see his wonderful blog.

*To learn more about Trent Chau and his excellent photography visit his Flickr pages:

 http://www.flickr.com/photos/trentchau/

*********

And now for the Picture Prompt Challenge!

Write a poem (or Flash Fiction 55). Post it on your site.
Then sign up using Mr. Linky so people can find your work.
Please let us know what you are sharing by leaving a comment below.
Finally, visit other participants, comment, & give credit to Trent in your post. 

Thank you,
adam

Accept the picture prompt challenge! :)

One Shoot Sunday - Photo prompt - homelessness

 

Adam Dustus is taking a much needed day off. So I (Leslie Moon) am putting together a photo prompt which I hope makes your creative juices flow.

I was struck with a poem written (by Brian Miller) about homelessness and the responses it evoked. I would have to say that people often skirt the issue of homelessness because they can't understand it. I guess you can't understand it unless you have been there or you make the effort. I was homeless as a young, single woman; I lived in my car. I never felt any different; never wore a placard. I just had no money and no place to live.You learn from life by living it.

 Look at these pictures. What do they evoke? 

What are the people thinking; what does their day hold?

Please take the picture prompt challenge and share your words by placing a link to your site below. 

Thanks to the photographers for their fantastic work in capturing these individuals.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pedrosimoes7/3148834712/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3351531204/sizes/m/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wetwebwork/120881153/

One Stop Poetry Interview with Photographer Silviu Ivana

One Shoot Photography Sunday!

Sunday means another photographer for your viewing pleasure. Today we’ve the honor of introducing Silviu Ivana, a Romania-based photographer with a focus on nature photography. His explorations have brought forth some truly beautiful art, and we are grateful to have but a few of his pieces for you today. For Silviu, it is the touch and feel of the world that drives his photography.
—Chris Galford

 

How did you become involved with photography?

"My first contact with photography was when  I was in high school. I asked my mother to buy me a camera for Christmas. Unfortunately after a few days somebody had stolen it when I was at a party. It was a simple camera with film, but it was my first camera. Since than I have changed a few cameras."

What about photography appeals to you?

"I believe that photography gives me the possibility to express the way in which I see the world. It also gives me (sometimes) the power to shape it in a way in which I want to see it. But the most, it gives me the possibility to transmit the beauty of this world."

Do you find any similarities between photography and poetry?
"Both give the possibility to share a feeling or a multitude of  feelings. The photography uses the visual way and poetry uses the written way."

Do you have a personal philosophy about photography?

Currently I can't say that I have a clear philosophy, because I don't have the necessary experience for that. I can say that my current principle is to "use" the camera every time I have the possibility and whenever I believe that I see something that can be captured in a photography. In time, I will develop my own philosophy, mainly based on the photography type that I will enjoy the most.

Where are some of the places you’ve shot photographs? Do you have any favorite locations/spots?

Now I enjoy the landscape/nature photography, so every place on this earth can be a candidate for great shot. At the end, it's all about the capacity of the photographer to "build a frame" for that location, a frame that will capture the attention of the viewer.

What catches your attention when you're taking photos? 

"I try to capture everything that touches me; that reaches my heart. It can be the beauty of place, or of a face. But it also it can be the pain of a person, or the degradation or the mystery of a place. All of these are parts of our life, it's not always the nice part."

What kind of camera, lens, filters do you use?
"Currently I use a Canon 450D with 18-55mm and 55-250mm lenses. Most of the times I use also a polarized filter. I work most of the times with the Av and Tv settings, based on the situation."

Could you please recommend a few photography resources for individuals who wish to know more about the art form?
"There are plenty of specialized photography sites and books (either reaching general topics or either treating specific topics), the only condition is to have time to read and practice. Here are a few examples of sites from where I 'steal' the photography knowledge."

Digital Photography School : http://www.digital-photography-school.com/
Photocrati: http://www.photocrati.com
Photography: www.photography.com
Photography About: http://photography.about.com/

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Visit Silviu's Picasa page

His photography blog: http://sisivana-photo.blogspot.com/

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Now for the Picture Prompt Challenge!

How would you translate Silviu's beautiful photograph into poetry (or microfiction)?  Submit your poem (or Flash 55) by signing in to Mr. Linky. Then let us know what you are sharing with us by leaving a brief comment. Finally, please visit other links, comment, and give credit to Silviu.

Accept the picture prompt challenge! :)

One Shoot Sunday - Guest Hosted by Moondustwriter

Welcome to 

One Shoot Sunday

Today I have the honor of  showing  you Terence Jones' photography. 

Look through the aperture with him and experience art.

Enjoy Terence Jones

What is your favorite subject to shoot?
"I usually want to capture something that is lost in every day's speed. I just realized this extremely old iron rail in front of my window. It is probably eighty years old, has seen wars, births, deaths; it is a silent witness of what happened here."

How does black and white impact your expression?
"Very much actually. Colors force the viewer to see the picture in a pre-defined way. In shooting black and white, I believe that  the perception is more genuine and not necessarily linked to former experience. It is more pure, more about the picture itself."

Tell me about the 365 project:
"It was a challenge from some friends. The 365 is about more honest experimenting with techniques and sharing those results no matter how good or bad. It's much different from the pretentious way of taking professional pictures; you only send out the ones which are the best of the best.  With the 365, you openly present whatever you have on that particular day. I see my shots and can reconstruct my mood on that day. It is good and honest because it is authentic."

What would you suggest to people just starting out?
"I believe in the Tradition of the Sun (Coelho). Go the extra mile, explore, get in touch and connect with what you are doing. You have to touch it yourself. Go out from the beginning and have fun."

For those of you who are curious, Terence shoots with a Canon EOS 7D. His primary lens is the Canon 50mm. He is a shallow depth of field addict; usually shoots almost wide open at f/2.0.

Thanks Terence

Just like One Shot Wednesday, we are trying to create a community of photographers with One Shoot. There is diverse talent out there. I enjoy each day of discovery. Please feel free to link a favorite piece and/or comment. Maybe you will feel challenged to enter your own 365 day photo project. I am thinking about it.

Adam Dustus will return next week for another One Shoot Sunday.

Cheers - Moondustwriter

http://www.flickr.com/photos/terence_s_jones

Dustus Friday: Photography by Terence Jones

You know the saying when the cat's away?? Well today I am going to play on Dustus' day a little. I want to introduce Terence Jones. If you have been to my blog recently you have probably seen several of his photographs.

Terence is a professional photographer who lives in Germany and the East Coast (lucky guy). His love for photography started twelve years ago. He has shot all over the world.

"My philosophy of photography is existential. I want to capture things the way they ultimately are; I try to capture an idea or a perception in a shot. Often the real nature of something is hidden or cluttered by other things."

You may not have noticed this poignant scene in the bustle of the city but Terence caught the moment:

"One of my all-time favorites. Why? Because I was this girl waiting. I knew that she was waiting for something, for someone. She was very nervous. And then the guy showed up. And that was the most authentic, true, deep hug I have ever seen in my life. Absolutely *amazing*. There was soooo much energy there! "

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/terence_s_jones/4924809125/

Please don't let this silly poem detract from the depth of Terence's shot from his window

Boston

 a poem by Moondustwriter

I can't make sense

of this weather

can you

hot and steamy

now it's flooding too

I can't seem

to keep the drops at bay

my feet aren't dry

what am I to say

I'm wet

clammy and cold

the damage

to my potted plants

cost untold

 please let up

your beauty is my friend

but on a day

of rain and sogg

our love affair

nears its end

Please come back for One Shoot Sunday. I will have a montage of Terence's work.
Would also love for you to visit my site and read the poetry of a High School student friend, David, who all of a sudden was bit with the poetry bug. He is looking for feedback. 

Guided Home, Poem & Photo by Adam Dustus

Hear the seen
Beyond accustomed background
In between recall noticing
Each day what's missing
Confounds constitution

*

Continuous distant bombarding
Drone breaks through space
Crest rage splashing
Spirit-starving, pulse reviving
Ear drums absorb ruffling calmly
Like seashells echo hinting wakes

*

Standing beacon tall off pebbled shore
Walk along the gorgeous lawn
Even hum your favorite song
Alive this loving joy to breathe
 *
Life wrecks fear
Will turns up cheer
Being subject, our element
Salt in skin and trails of tears
Guided home after many lost years

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*The above poem was written in Northport, Michigan—
home to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.