Yes! My Photo Blog is Back! It’s been a while, but I made some changes and have some new ideas to incorporate, too.
One of the differences is that I changed my domain hosting from GoDaddy to BlueHost. I’m hoping it’s seamless and goes well. But, please let me know if you detect any new issues.
Also, I’m planning to make one new blog post near the first of each month.
NOTE that I am going to continue to post on Instagram, too, as usual. Please follow me there at sml_photo. Not always the same photos as in the blog, though.
I’m still undecided about how much to use Facebook for my photography.
I’d appreciate it if you would help me out and spread the word to friends and photographers about this blog. I’m always hoping to attract new subscribers. Either enter your e-mail in the box on the page where it says, “Blog Sign-Up” or just write to me and I can add people.
Finally…after this issue, subsequent posts will be shorter. I think.
————————————————–
We’re gonna start with some photos from England. The photo above was taken in an alley. I usually go with black and white, but the colors here (at night) were just irresistible. And, I couldn’t have placed the man better…under the “stage” sign.
Once again, the lighting (rather, the lack of it!) caught my attention when I noticed this reader. His pose and expression are arresting.
Another reader, both of them in locations in Hampstead, though days apart. And, once again, the lack of light and pose caught my attention.
Surprise! Rain in London! I took the liberty of some creative processing to feature the phone booth. I like the students’ expressions as they walked past me.
Another rainy day! And, this time I thought I’d highlight the mailbox…but I decided I’d better also do something about the person walking by in the red outfit. Couldn’t have planned that!
You may have noticed we spent a lot of time in Hampstead. Well…we stayed there…close to our family. This woman musing in the coffee shop next to our B&B caught my attention. So did the coffee and pastries we had there!
Here we go…an entirely different area! We were visiting the Windsor Castle and one of the guides there suggested we walk up a ways to visit the Two Brewers Pub. Glad we did! Nice guy. Picturesque place. And, a ready inventory of drinks from floor to ceiling! By the way, some of his family live near our home! See what you can learn from walking around with a camera!
Hope you’re glad my photo blog is back! I am. Enjoy.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Comments welcomed.
Stephen M. Levin
E-mail stephen@sml-photos.com
Instagram sml_photo
Twitter @stephen_levin
Facebook @stephenmlevinphotography
Web www.sml-photos.com
Wonderful congratulations Stephen very exciting,
Love your work, prospective, content and your writing.
Glad you included me. Best wishes.
Thanks much for stopping by and taking a look, Susan. And, your kind words are appreciated.
We really enjoyed the pictures Steve.I love your technique. It keeps you looking deeper into the picture
Thanks, Ed. So glad to hear that.
Thanks for takin’ a look!
I love the bit about Alex’s family being near you! Its amazing how often we find connections when we’re far from home. The atmosphere in these photos is arresting…. I love that you chose to highlight the phone booth!
Thanks much, Mari.
Yes…I felt the same way about the atmosphere. Interesting light and form, etc. And the rain helps, too.
SO glad you like the phone booths. I thought it might be too gimmicky, but decided that it “worked” in that context. (At least, I hope it did!
Welcome back. You are like a fine wine. Your aging brings on more exceptional images and decisions of composition and color versus Black and White. Have a Healthy and Happy New Year to you and yours.
Best wishes to you and yours, too. Thanks for your kind comments, Stan.
Maybe it’s experience rather than aging!? haha Like you, I keep trying and keep learning. And then, hope for the best.
Always a pleasure to hear about new pictures you’re sharing. Thanks, and good luck with the blog. The format works well. As usual the latest pictures are wise, observant and creative. Will be looking forward to new posts.
Thanks so much, Mike! Glad to hear that you like the blog. I do try to stay creative…and keeping my eyes open at all times.
I echo Mike “wise, observant and creative” and add instructive. I love the usage of the varied reds. As always, I get a strong sense of the locality which you’re shooting.
Wonderful, Dave. Always appreciate your responses and observations. Good for me to hear what people like…the isolated color, in this case. Thx.
I think you need to ask yourself what is the goal of your being on all those social media platforms like Facebook and Tweet, etc. Sell images? People know who Stephen M. Levin is? Share your latest travels and images?
That’s a good question, Stan.
I think the short answer is that I want a platform and outlet for creative expression. And then see what, if anything, happens.
Also, to have fun and try to elicit a positive reaction from people.
Good stuff!
Hey! Thanks, Jordan.
Great pictures from England. I always enjoy viewing your photos.
And I always enjoy you looking at the photos! Thanks…and thanks for commenting, Susanne.
(Are you on Instagram? More England photos coming there. sml_photo)
Each piece is a testament of detail. There is just so much to take in. Texture, color, contrast, subjects, light, and each piece completely unique from the other. Simply exquisite work.
Thanks, Jonathan! So touched to read your comments. Really!
So cramped & poorly lit pubs, pensive coffee shops & rainy days. Great subject material. Did this captured the mood of your experience in London? Or is this just the stuff that seemed to provide good content for your images?
Tough question…or maybe not! That is, the first thing I notice in a scene is type and amount of light and shape. Maybe the light was/is better in coffee shops and on rainy days. Or, maybe I am driven (like most people) by my mood or atmosphere of wherever I am. Or, perhaps most likely, it’s because I usually have a camera nearby ’cause I’m always lookin’ for something that may provide content with potential.
Or, all of the above.
Welcome Back to Publishing!
Ha! This ain’t so easy.
These are great “captures” of some of our experiences in London.
Can’t wait to see what else you might share from those wonderful days wandering, walking, eating, sharing and experiencing a bit of life in London with our family.
Thanks, Judy.
Yep…there’s plenty more from this trip. Lots to do and definitely much to see there!
We’re gonna keep exploring near and far! Home and away.
Wonderful! Sandy & I so enjoy your “hobby”. We think you’re a fabulous artist & love seeing your creations!
Thanks
Stephanie- Thanks to you and Sandy! That makes me VERY happy.
Love your sophisticated work Stephen!
Oooh. I’ve never heard that description before. I like it! haha
Thanks much!
Steve – LOVE the lighting on the “Backstage” photo. During my advertising days, there would have been a 3-hour delay and a charge of $11,000 to wet down the alley to get the look you captured. Ha! As always, beautiful work. Mark
Wow! Expensive effect. Glad I “found” this lighting! haha
Thanks SO much, Mark. Appreciated.
Love the wet shots. It might be said that you are a photographer king who rains over England!
I’m glad the photos made a splash for you!
Thanks, Paul.
Glad to see you still skulking in the streets, probably on your knees bashing the Leica. Good on ya!
Yes! You are absolutely correct!
Thanks, Geoff!