Sally Mann

Sally Mann’s photography processes were amazing. She continues to make her own filters by dying glass platelets similar to the works of Ansel Adams. Although I am not a fan of her images, her exposure techniques are quite interesting. I think it is mostly from my experience of the digital world of photography or maybe just the inexperience with these type of hands-on techniques, without technology doing most of the work. I believe that if photography is a passion, like it is for me,  rethinking the structure within photography and the uniqueness of each image should be allow one to grasp these wonderful ideas brought on by old school photographical techniques not relying solely on the new world of the true photographic image.

Chased by the Light Continued…

Another one of my favorite photographs from Jim Brandenburg’s 90 Day (North Woods) collection captured on Day 51 titled, Lichen- Covered Cliff with Quartz. This image signifies the beauty of color that only nature can provide. Brandenburg allows us to see how life on earth can look like a hand-painted piece of art. This image adds great contrast of color; orange and red lichen with background of charcoal rock formation. Also, we can view the fractures within the rock, reflecting possible age, affects from weather, and/or geographical movement.

Lonely Moon_Sunset

 

I captured this cool pic in Sept 2008 above my home…

San Elijo Hills, Ca

RL

Chased by the Light

A Photographic Journey with Jim Brandenburg

Jim Brandenburg’s amazing journey enables photographers to find purpose for each image they capture. In Chased by the Light, Brandenburg speaks of taking risks and finding the most valuable essences while preserving images of natural settings. Although his life has taken many turns, this 90 day project has been the most enduring and challenging in his career. With only capturing one photograph a day, Brandenburg’s true talent was a phenomenon. 

One of my favorite photos was captured on Day 40 titled, Frosty Sedge Meadow. This photo reveals great compositions of texture, color, and depth. When looking from bottom to top of the photograph, the change is so drastic from one part of nature to the next, all in one setting.

FLESH: Portraits by Gary Schneider

FLESH: Portraits by Gary Schneider

As I walked into the ‘Flesh’ section of the MOPA gallery, a feeling came over me as if I was walking through a room of x-rays, possibly in a hospital or medical conservatory. I couldn’t fathom that these were actual photographs, realizing my inexperience of developmental processes of photography. As I viewed each photograph, one by one came alive.

The most amazing photograph categorized in the Genetic Self Portrait section of the collection was that of a strand of hair (Hair, 1997). This image offers many views of texture with twisted fibers; bringing a threadlike object into an enlarged powerful connection into reality, close up and personal.

Another photograph I enjoyed viewing in Schneider’s collection was the family tree of handprints. Each handprint had its own characteristics featuring family members born from 1925 to 2002: mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, sisters, brothers, and spouses. This is where Schneider’s talent came alive, also mirroring so many similarities within each handprint, even similarities amongst complete strangers. (Family Tree: Hands, 1925-2002).

Gary Schneider’s artistic talent unveils, connecting human characteristics of commonality, put into a visual perspective with his unique procedures of photography. From rendering of platinum prints to gelatin silver prints, Schneider’s collection will fascinate many. 

Rita Lizcano

 

Gary Schneider: Hair, 1997 (Gelatin Silver Print)