by Stephen | Aug 12, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Color or Monochrome? Decisions, decisions….
Amsterdam
Amsterdam
I try to have a plan or a “vision” when I’m taking pictures. Part of that involves determining whether the final image will be “better” in color or monochrome. And notice I used the term “monochrome” rather than black and white! That’s because I sometimes tint my black and white images (as in the film days) with sepia or something similar. So, technically, the image may not end up black and white, per se!
Nowadays, with digital cameras, one can choose after shooting whether or not to make the image monochrome or color either during post processing (using software) or in the camera (in some cases). And there are even cameras (or settings within cameras) that allow one to take the photograph as black and white, rather than converting them afterward. My personal choice is to process the color image out of the camera and convert it to black and white, usually using Nik Software Silver Efex Pro 2 or OnOne Software B&W.
But, like I mentioned, I usually have a plan or concept before I shoot the image! Sometimes, however, that doesn’t work out. I’ve had images that I thought would be better in color, but then I decide to try it in B&W to see how it works and change my mind. And vice versa, of course.
I’ve had a few people ask me why much of my stuff is black and white. I find that interesting, actually, because I often wonder why I don’t have MORE black and white! But then I get a shot that I think looks great in color and I wonder why I even bother with black and white!
Hahaha….decisions, decisions!
One of the great features and creative tools available with digital photography!
Here are a few images I’ve gone back and forth with over the past few years….what do you think?
Downtown Office
Downtown Office
Bike Shop
Paris
Paris
Glencoe
Glencoe
Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa
Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop
by Stephen | Jul 27, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Motivation, Inspiration, Introspection
Why take a picture?
At the Glencoe Beach
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The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without the camera.
–Dorothea Lange
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I SO agree with that sentiment. At least, I feel that it applies to me 100%. And I’m glad to see that expressed by Dorothea Lange, one of the most famous photographers in the world from the 1930’s and beyond. You may be familiar with her famous, iconic photo taken during the Great Depression, “Migrant Mother.” (Plus, she’s also the fictional topic in the recent novel, “Mary Coin” by Marisa Silver.)
I have always felt that I “see” differently when I have my camera. And I also know that things I photograph remain in my mind and consciousness for a long time. I still remember the circumstances, details, and names of people and places I’ve photographed from many years ago. I suppose it’s similar to the phenomenon where one tends to remember things you write down….kinda “sears it into your brain,” so to speak.
So, sometimes, I just take my camera along. No ulterior motive. No agenda. Just to have it to help me “see” the world around me.
Motivation, Inspiration, Introspection.
Two examples…
On Thursday night, Judy was leading a book discussion group at the Glencoe Library. While she was there, I went to the Glencoe beach at about 8PM and just looked and walked around. I realized my hand was constantly on the camera and my finger on the shutter release, even as it was slung around my neck. I ended up photographing about a half dozen scenes that drew my attention. The photo at the top of this page was almost handed to me…I was framing the graphic pattern of the bars against the multicolored dusk sky when this child climbed aboard and added to the scene. I took about 4 or 5 frames without moving and “used” this particular pose. I like how his foot is positioned.
Would I have stopped and appreciated this scene if I didn’t have my camera with me??
Another view of Glencoe Beach
Example number 2 came from the Stand With Israel Rally on Madison in downtown Chicago earlier in the week. As I left home on my way there, I wondered why I was taking my camera. I also wondered why I had TWO cameras with me, as a matter of fact! I wasn’t shooting for an assignment. And I didn’t even know anyone else who was going. But, there I was, right in the front and center. I had a bunch of people asking me who I was and where my pictures were going to be “published.” I just smiled and told them they were for me, though I had the same question…haha. I realized, though, as I was walking around that the reason I had my camera(s) with me is because it helps me to see things and to “store” what I experience in my memory.
At the “Stand Strong With Israel” Rally
As I wandered around, it was breezy and there were many flags blowing around. I don’t know how to explain it, but I “felt” the airiness and motion of the flags. And that kind of inspired and motivated how I took the photos. I tried to let that feeling help me try to capture motion, blur, soft focus, etc. I took several photos….above and below are just a couple of examples. I felt the elderly woman in the wheel chair, surrounded by a swirl of people and activity accurately captured the mood and scope of the rally.
Now, I don’t think I’ll soon forget either of these experiences!! Nor the other subjects I photograph.
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
by Stephen | Jul 7, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions
Vivian Maier, Part 1
Amazing photographer/Amazing story
Mysterious and Inspiring!
Photo I took of one of the benches along Lake Michigan Shore where Vivian Maier sat.
This is one of the benches at Rogers Beach Park along the shoreline of Lake Michigan near where Vivian Maier sat near her final home off of Sheridan Road, on the border of Evanston and Chicago.
You may have heard the story already. Vivian Maier worked as a nanny in Wilmette and Highland Park in Illinois since the late 1950’s for much of her adult life. Before that, she lived for a while in New York City where she was born and also some time in a small village in France (her parents were French). She lived a rather solitary and simple life, outside the families where she worked. And it was no secret that she was consumed with her interest in taking photographs….mostly with her Rolleiflex film cameras.
One of many self portraits of Vivian Maier. January, 1965
Vivian was also a hoarder, and later in life kept much of her belongings in a storage locker.
In 2008, she was injured in a fall and subsequently died in poverty at 83 years old in 2009.
A professional scavenger and local author, John Maloof, took a chance and purchased the contents of her storage locker at an auction that was held a year or two before her death. Over time, he discovered that there were thousands of photographic prints, negatives, and undeveloped film. And he realized, after posting some or the images on Flickr, that he had discovered something special.
Special indeed! Vivian’s work has now become well known in photography and art circles. Her images of people and street scenes have been on display around the world. Books have been written about her and about her photos. There have been a few films about her life and her work. In other words, she has been discovered!
In my opinion, she is the “real deal.” She is now gaining a reputation as, perhaps, one of the top street and urban landscape photographers of the Twentieth Century. The strange and amazing thing about the story is that no one knew of her work until she had died!
Vivian Maier exhibit at the Highland Park Art Center.
So many questions exist about her life and her work. And, since this is a “new” story, much is being discovered all the time. Many or most of the families she worked for are still around. Also, many of the people who appear in her images as children are now coming forward with new information and insights about Vivian Maier.
There are now three primary owners of her negatives and prints. John Maloof owns the majority of the images followed by Jeffrey Goldstein and a third person. According to one source, Maloof owns 100,000 to 150,000 negatives, more than 3,000 prints, and hundreds of rolls of undeveloped film while Goldstein has 17,500 negatives, 2,000 prints, 30 home movies, and some slides. Wow.
Jeffrey Goldstein-one of the three owners of Vivian Maier’s images
I have had the good fortune to meet and visit with Jeff Goldstein in one of the labs where the work is being stored and handled. He is a very nice guy and is fully committed to Vivian’s images. He and his staff work very hard on behalf of Vivian Maier’s legacy as, I am sure, are John Maloof and his crew.
Jeffrey Goldstein in one of his Vivian Maier labs
Who knows how this story will evolve. And who can predict the ultimate legacy of Vivian’s work.
And it makes one wonder….what if these images hadn’t been discovered and were, instead, thrown in the trash by someone? Yikes.
What was her motivation? Her training and background?
This is part one on Vivian. I am fascinated by her life and, most certainly, her work. And I hope I inspired you to learn more about her, too.
Jeffrey Goldstein showing two prints of Vivian’s work
Jeffrey Goldstein looking at some of Vivian Maier’s negatives
A small sample of additional resources:
John Maloof’s website
http://www.vivianmaier.com/
Jeffrey Goldstein’s website
http://vivianmaierprints.com/
Movies
“The Vivian Maier Mystery”
“Finding Vivian Maier”
Books
“Vivian Maier: Out of the Shadows”
“Vivian Maier: Street Photographer”
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
by Stephen | Jun 18, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Lookin’ Around Chicago
Always something to see
I love living in the Chicago area. What a great city. Clean, fantastic restaurants, gorgeous architecture and skyline, museums, endless variety of activities, and home of the beloved Cubs. Best city in the world.
So, I always enjoy the opportunity to walk around with my camera. Helps me to notice things and to focus…literally…on what’s around.
So, walking down Erie Street just west of Michigan Avenue on Sunday, we passed the Driehaus Museum (http://www.driehausmuseum.org/) which is housed in a magnificent old mansion that definitely catches your eye. We’ve been there before (HIGHLY recommended) but this time, there was something else to see—a Green Vintage 1958 Caddy parked right in front. Wow. Looked like a scene from a movie!
(As it turns out, after I took the photo, I chatted with the driver and found out the car is in the Richard H. Driehaus Collection at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage. http://www.chicagovintage.com/)
1958 Vintage Green Caddy
Monday night, Judy and I ended up in the Lincoln Park neighborhhod near a home on the 2500 block of Lakeview where Judy was to be leading a book discussion group. So, we had time for a short walk across the park over to a familiar pond presented us with an interesting perspective of the city, just before an incoming storm. And a couple of friendly gents who were hangin’ out at the park made a nice photo opp, too.
Lincoln Park
Like I said, I love living here!
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
by Stephen | Jun 6, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Carry A Camera!
And use it…
Last evening, Judy and I went to the Art Institute of Chicago to hear a talk by Josef Koudelka, a legendary photographer of our era.
http://www.artic.edu/exhibition/josef-koudelka-nationality-doubtful
Definitely worth checking out. Amazing photos from the early 60’s on, including chilling images from Prague during the Soviet Invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968.
What a crusty and colorful artist. And such an interesting personal history.
Anyways, thanks to him, I was inspired to choose today’s topic—“Carry A Camera.” That’s not an uncommon credo—you’ve probably heard that before. But I want to add something profound to it: Take pictures! Take pictures of anything and everything. No matter where you are or what you’re doing. With or without people in the frame. Day or night, inside and out. Don’t have any expectations about taking Pulitzer Prize or National Geographic shots…just shoot for yourself whatever and whoever is interesting to you.
Josef did and does that. He takes photos where he is…the people and places around him. LOTS of images. He said he still likes nothing more than going out for a walk “with his camera” and looking around to see what he can find. No expectations. Just exploring. Taking pictures simply for the sake of taking pictures.
I think Vivian Maier did that, too. And many others.
http://www.vivianmaier.com/
http://vivianmaierprints.com/
Here are a couple of random examples that I made last night…before I knew I was going to write this today.
Lamar and friend
After we left the Art Institute, we stopped on the way home at Eataly for a bite and a glass of wine. While sitting at the counter in the veggie section, I started up a conversation with our chefs. One of them liked my camera (which was also on the counter) and I always use that as “leverage” to take someone’s picture! I took a couple of shots of them and we continued to speak off and on throughout our meal. Afterwards, Lamar (on the right) and I shook hands and said we’d be sure to find each other the next time we came to Eataly.
I like the photo of Lamar and his friend. Maybe it’s because of our interaction or because he was such a nice guy. But, in any event, I’m glad I have that in my collection now. And maybe I’ll bring him a copy next time we go there.
Espresso at Eataly
Then we walked over to the coffee bar and ordered an espresso. I started photographing the espresso machine and the woman started backing away to get out of the photo. I told her to stay in….”I like when people are in my shots.” She said something about not liking her hands, but I told her they looked fine.
And I like that image, too. I like the story of the photo, too.
It so happens I had my “big camera” with me. But I could have just as easily used an iPhone or any other camera. It ain’t the gear. It’s all about the picture!
Hope you enjoy!
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
by Stephen | May 20, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Does Photo Gear Matter?
No…and yes!
Gabe, Drew, and Isaac came for a visit
By now most people have heard the adage in reference to taking pictures that “it’s not the camera.” Or, “cameras don’t take pictures, people do.” Etc. Those remarks are usually in response to the common comment made to photographers, “Nice camera! You must take really good pictures.”
There’s even a well known joke about the photographer who goes to a woman’s house for a scrumptous dinner. Afterwards, she says, “I like your photos! You must have a nice camera!” And he says, “Thank you! And I could tell you have a nice oven.”
Anyways, what do the photos in this posting have in common? I’ll tell ya…they’re all shot with an iPhone camera. They’re not necessarily great photos, but I did “see” them in the context of the camera phone…and knew what kind of image I could get. NOT the same as what would have resulted had I used my big, heavy single lens reflex. So, I like them all, but I know that much of their character is due to the fact that they were taken with the phone and using iPhone apps for additional processing, etc. where needed or wanted. And I had to improvise a bit with regard to lighting, backgrounds, etc. In a way, I had to be more creative with some of these even though the phone is more limited than a fancy shmancy camera and lens in many respects.
Here’s an example: This guitar was/is actually not a guitar. It’s a two inch tall glass decorative piece. I backlit it using an LED flashlight that I got at the hardware store for $1.99. And I used an app to “swirl” the background, which was actually the carpet in the living room.
Rock Concert
Fun, eh?
And I wouldn’t have done that with the 35mm camera.
Conversely, I don’t think I’d shoot a formal portrait of someone with the iPhone.
I actually like to think that my iPhone photography has helped me with my overall “seeing of images” just as my 35mm camera has helped me learn to visualize my iPhone photos.
The Beatles
Leaves in the rain
So, I guess I am suggesting that the camera does matter! It should have an impact on the final image. But ya still need to look in the viewfinder (if there is one!) and know when to click the shutter, what to put in the frame and where, and how to light the subject.
Ryan Field-NU
Denver Scenery
Santa Monica
And you may have already noticed that there are many pro photographers doing excellent work with their camera phones. It’s become quite common. Who would’ve thought that just a few years ago?
In case you’re interested, these are the photo apps that are on my iPhone. And I always play around with them for about 10 minutes or so when I first get them so that I can have an idea of how they work and think about where they can be utilized most effectively.
In no particular order: Camera, Camera+, PerfectlyClear, Hipstamatic, Instagram, Camera!, ToonCamera, Snapseed (I use this one a lot!!), Lo-Mob, Plastic Bullet, Accu Camera, Filterstorm, ColorStrokes, PhotoStudio, PS Express, Photogene, Slow Shutter, BlurFx, Pencil Illusion, MobileMonet, ArtistaOil, Paint it! Now, Noir, Perfect B&W, TimeLapse, DOFMaster, LongExposure, PicTapGo. And there are many more becoming available all the time.
Dress in a Window
Self Portrait w/Guitar
Dinner at Lucy and Gary’s
Feel free to post some of your iPhone images in the comments! And let’s follow each other on Instagam (though I don’t use it as much as I should…how about you?). Instagram: sml_phot0
Summer Scene
Bowls
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
