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Feb. 4th, 2009
Answers for Sauntering Soul
Feb. 4th, 2009 05:23 pmSauntering Soul has taken up my invitation to interview me! Here are my answers to her questions.
1. Since taking your photography class, do you enjoy taking photos more than you did before the class with all of the new tricks you learned, or do you feel like it's made you a more "technical" photographer and taken part of the spontaneity out of it?
I enjoy it more, because most times my photos come out in my camera the way I see them in my head...if not better! I learned how to handle shooting situations that gave me trouble in the past, like low-light conditions. I learned to respect my artistic preferences and not think I have to like everyone else's photos, even if they are more experienced or well-known than me. And I learned a bit about quantifying what I like and don't like about a photo, so I can give and understand/receive constructive criticism.
2. I have another question related to your photography (my dad was a professional photographer so I've always been fascinated by those who are talented in the area). Your photos are absolutely breathtaking and I feel strong emotions when I look at a lot of them. Do you normally go out with specifics in mind as to what you want to photograph, or do you find that more often than not you are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time?
Thank you! Most of the time I am just in the right place at the right time, but sometimes I go to a place with a specific agenda. When I did my Coney Island series for class last summer I had an agenda: capture the essence of Coney Island before Astroland closed down and construction began. But I carry my camera with me just about every day, and whenever something captures my eye, I make photos of it.
3. I hope this next question doesn't stir the pot up because it's political. Now that Obama has been in office for a couple of weeks, has your opinion of him changed at all(either for the worse or the better)?
No. Not a bit. Nyet. Negative. Unless he publicly denounces the race-baiting and misogyny of his campaign, discloses the sources of his campaign funding (which he had said he would disclose, but then changed his mind--surprise surprise--just before spending an obscene amount of money), acknowledges the DNC broke numerous rules to give him delegates he did not earn, makes reproductive rights and marriage equality a priority...okay, short of him admitting he has no business being where he is and stepping down, I do not see anything he can do to change my opinion of him. That is the only thing he can do to earn my respect at this point. Anything he does that is the least bit good is the least he can do. Anything he does that sets people's teeth on edge is filed under I TOLD YOU SO.
4. If you were offered the job of your dreams but it meant you had to relocate, would you leave New York?
That is a far more complex question than I am at liberty to publicly answer in depth. "It depends" will have to suffice, because, quite frankly, my dreams involve far more than just a job. :-)
5. We all make mistakes in our lives. Is there one mistake in particular which, in hindsight, you're glad you made because it taught you a valuable lesson that you really needed to learn in your life?
My last job was a mistake. I am glad I made it, because relocating to NYC for it got me out of a suffocatingly conservative part of the state. Besides that, it taught me (in retrospect) how to recognize bullshit when I see/hear it from people in authority. :-) It also taught me I would be far happier working for myself, and that losing a job can mean gaining a life.
1. Since taking your photography class, do you enjoy taking photos more than you did before the class with all of the new tricks you learned, or do you feel like it's made you a more "technical" photographer and taken part of the spontaneity out of it?
I enjoy it more, because most times my photos come out in my camera the way I see them in my head...if not better! I learned how to handle shooting situations that gave me trouble in the past, like low-light conditions. I learned to respect my artistic preferences and not think I have to like everyone else's photos, even if they are more experienced or well-known than me. And I learned a bit about quantifying what I like and don't like about a photo, so I can give and understand/receive constructive criticism.
2. I have another question related to your photography (my dad was a professional photographer so I've always been fascinated by those who are talented in the area). Your photos are absolutely breathtaking and I feel strong emotions when I look at a lot of them. Do you normally go out with specifics in mind as to what you want to photograph, or do you find that more often than not you are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time?
Thank you! Most of the time I am just in the right place at the right time, but sometimes I go to a place with a specific agenda. When I did my Coney Island series for class last summer I had an agenda: capture the essence of Coney Island before Astroland closed down and construction began. But I carry my camera with me just about every day, and whenever something captures my eye, I make photos of it.
3. I hope this next question doesn't stir the pot up because it's political. Now that Obama has been in office for a couple of weeks, has your opinion of him changed at all(either for the worse or the better)?
No. Not a bit. Nyet. Negative. Unless he publicly denounces the race-baiting and misogyny of his campaign, discloses the sources of his campaign funding (which he had said he would disclose, but then changed his mind--surprise surprise--just before spending an obscene amount of money), acknowledges the DNC broke numerous rules to give him delegates he did not earn, makes reproductive rights and marriage equality a priority...okay, short of him admitting he has no business being where he is and stepping down, I do not see anything he can do to change my opinion of him. That is the only thing he can do to earn my respect at this point. Anything he does that is the least bit good is the least he can do. Anything he does that sets people's teeth on edge is filed under I TOLD YOU SO.
4. If you were offered the job of your dreams but it meant you had to relocate, would you leave New York?
That is a far more complex question than I am at liberty to publicly answer in depth. "It depends" will have to suffice, because, quite frankly, my dreams involve far more than just a job. :-)
5. We all make mistakes in our lives. Is there one mistake in particular which, in hindsight, you're glad you made because it taught you a valuable lesson that you really needed to learn in your life?
My last job was a mistake. I am glad I made it, because relocating to NYC for it got me out of a suffocatingly conservative part of the state. Besides that, it taught me (in retrospect) how to recognize bullshit when I see/hear it from people in authority. :-) It also taught me I would be far happier working for myself, and that losing a job can mean gaining a life.
How NOT to Cross the Street by Bike
Feb. 4th, 2009 07:48 pm
2 February 2009
Taken at the intersection of 8th Avenue and 42nd Street. Not only is this cyclist crossing against the light, he is not wearing a helmet. Please, fellow cyclists, be safe out there!
