by Stephen | Aug 29, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Photos, Stephen M. Levin Travel
Rockefeller Preserve
Skies, Lakes with Clear Water…and Mountains
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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I am a firm believer that there are potential photos all around, all the time. Having said that…. Jackson Hole (Wyoming) is a special place! Thanks to the abundance of big, dramatic skies, still lakes with crystal clear water, and an absolutely stunning mountain range (the Grand Tetons), it’s fun to go out with a camera (or two!) in hand. Every turn of the head is a new treat!
Ever been there? If not, you may want to add it to your bucket list!
Jackson Lake
Jackson Lake
Dam on the Snake River
On the road in Grand Teton National Park
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
by Stephen | Aug 17, 2014 | Stephen M. Levin Discussions/Opinions, Stephen M. Levin Photos
Monochrome versus Color
A good example
Grand Tetons
Se here we are in Jackson Hole….
HAD to go down Mormon Row near the Tetons to get the iconic view of the mountains behind the abandoned Moulton Homestead (see this link: http://www.jacksonholenet.com/history_museums/mormon_row.php).
Judy, Jordan, Elise, Gabe, Drew, and Isaac waited patiently in the car for about 15 minutes while I tried to capture a few different views and exposures. There was an unbelievably dramatic Wyoming sky while we were there.
I had a few moments yesterday to go through the images quickly to see if there were any I liked. I picked out this image for starters to try to determine how it could look in a final version.
Sooo….apropos of my last posting, I have the B&W/Color dilemma! Or, put another way, Monochrome versus Color. I think the colors are gorgeous and dramatic, for sure (see above). But I also think the monochrome captures the feeling and essence of the scene (see below).
What do you think?
(I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, but if ya had to pick one…???)
Grand Tetons
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
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 | 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
