My health is beginning to return. I put together an order for someone today but couldn't exactly stand on line at Post Office, so I'll do that tomorrow.
Now - the search mechanism is just about there. If you play with it for a while, you'll be able to dig up amazing things. As an example, type in "Jesus" and see where it leads you.
I've set it up so that you can search individual parts of the site, or the entire site. The "Articles" section isn't exactly right because it also includes all my old old journal entries from the very beginning - but that makes it fun. I can sort that out later.
Or type in evanescent and see where it leads you.
2/28/2006
2/27/2006
FREEDOM
FREEDOM IS GOD'S GIFT TO THE WORLD.
Is it true? What does it mean? If God did give us freedom as a gift then why didn't he do it sooner and why does everyone have to fight to get some of it and - oh yes - why is it so rare?
And if freedom is the big prize - then why are those who proclaim it always trying to tell me what to do and what is right and wrong. The worshipful give me freedom so long as I'm like them and do as they do. Believe in our God and you shall be free.
Hey you! Don't smoke marijuana, boy. Hold on a second while we execute a couple of murderers and throw stones at that gay couple.
Huh? Doesn't your God say that is wrong?
Remember this, friend: FREEDOM IS GOD'S GIFT TO THE WORLD. AND THERE IS NO FREEDOM WITHOUT RULES. FREEDOM WITHOUT RULES IS CHAOS. OBEY THE RULES
Your rules?
Yes. Obey them all. Don't question anything. You can't be free unless you're willing to follow our rule book. You see that, don't you?
I'm not sure.
When we talk about FREEDOM, son -- we are not talking about individual freedom to do anything - that would be dangerous. We are not talking about allowing actions between consenting adults because that would be bad. Oh sure if a couple of gays want to get married that would be okay - but you can't allow it because you've got the camel's nose under the tent. Next thing you know the whole country is gay and there's no procreation. You wouldn't want us to stop procreating - would you, son?
You mean that secretly we're all gay - and just waiting for someone to tell us it's okay?
We might be. Who knows. But we sure as hell ain't gonna find out. Freedom has it's limits, you know. You look confused. Don't be. Don't think about it. All you need to do is remember that FREEDOM IS GOD'S GIFT TO THE WORLD. AND IN ORDER TO BE FREE, YOU NEED TO OBEY THE RULES. Got that?
Yes. I think I do.
Good. Have a nice day, friend.
Thank you - your royal moralness. Oh, what's playin' on my iPod. It's Mr. Bob Marley:
Is it true? What does it mean? If God did give us freedom as a gift then why didn't he do it sooner and why does everyone have to fight to get some of it and - oh yes - why is it so rare?
And if freedom is the big prize - then why are those who proclaim it always trying to tell me what to do and what is right and wrong. The worshipful give me freedom so long as I'm like them and do as they do. Believe in our God and you shall be free.
Hey you! Don't smoke marijuana, boy. Hold on a second while we execute a couple of murderers and throw stones at that gay couple.
Huh? Doesn't your God say that is wrong?
Remember this, friend: FREEDOM IS GOD'S GIFT TO THE WORLD. AND THERE IS NO FREEDOM WITHOUT RULES. FREEDOM WITHOUT RULES IS CHAOS. OBEY THE RULES
Your rules?
Yes. Obey them all. Don't question anything. You can't be free unless you're willing to follow our rule book. You see that, don't you?
I'm not sure.
When we talk about FREEDOM, son -- we are not talking about individual freedom to do anything - that would be dangerous. We are not talking about allowing actions between consenting adults because that would be bad. Oh sure if a couple of gays want to get married that would be okay - but you can't allow it because you've got the camel's nose under the tent. Next thing you know the whole country is gay and there's no procreation. You wouldn't want us to stop procreating - would you, son?
You mean that secretly we're all gay - and just waiting for someone to tell us it's okay?
We might be. Who knows. But we sure as hell ain't gonna find out. Freedom has it's limits, you know. You look confused. Don't be. Don't think about it. All you need to do is remember that FREEDOM IS GOD'S GIFT TO THE WORLD. AND IN ORDER TO BE FREE, YOU NEED TO OBEY THE RULES. Got that?
Yes. I think I do.
Good. Have a nice day, friend.
Thank you - your royal moralness. Oh, what's playin' on my iPod. It's Mr. Bob Marley:
Now, son. Bob Marley is not on our approved list. Give me that a second while I erase him...
Most people think,
Great God will come from the skies,
Take away everything
And make everybody feel high.
But if you know what life is worth,
You will look for yours on earth:
And now you see the light,
You stand up for your rights. Jah!
2/26/2006
Anti-Menu Guard
Don't mess with this dog you menu guys! He'll rip you apart!
I know that everyone is always complaining about the menus that are slipped under your door on the upper east- or west- side of the city, but I like getting the menus. Someday, maybe I'll do a collage of them. At this point I have about 50 menus in my top drawer. Everything from Indian to Italian. It's like a free subscription to what's available. Introduction to the great melting pot. The only thing I don't like is when they slip a menu under the door late at night. Cat hears it. Thinks its a mouse. Jumps down from the loft (and he's pushing 17 pounds now) so there is a thud, and scrambles to the door only to be disappointed to find the latest Thai menu. Oh well. Now that he's up he needs to patrol the rest of the house and make sure nothing has moved around since he went to bed. And then it's time for a crunchy late-night snack. And then: hop, hop, and one final hop takes him back up to his big carton in the loft.
Epson Perfection V750-M Pro
From the just in dept, from Barrett, new Epson Scanner with wet mount capability!
I need all my reporters now, since I'm still suffering with the bronchitis and haven't been sleeping well at all.
I need all my reporters now, since I'm still suffering with the bronchitis and haven't been sleeping well at all.
Kodak sees Two Roads
From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, by Ben Rand (sent to me by Barrett)
Kodak believes that as the industry evolves, some photographers will continue to use film, some will prefer digital imaging and some will use both technologies, says Mary Jane Hellyar, president of Kodak's film and photofinishing systems group.
"Many people portray our industry as a winner-take-all battle between digital and film. But it is not that at all," Hellyar will tell reporters at the 82nd annual Photo Marketing Association International convention, which starts Sunday in Orlando, Fla. "By focusing on technologies, you miss the most important element, the end user."
That end user, she says, has a range of needs. For instance, an estimated nine out of 10 professionals use digital cameras — but of that number, Kodak estimates that two-thirds still use film for a portion of their work. Among consumers, Kodak says that half of U.S. households continue to use and process film and single-use cameras.
Read the full article (opens new window)2/25/2006
Predictions
I now have bronchitis. Visited the doctor yesterday and was told the lungs are clear but he doesn't know whether its viral or bacterial. That's perfect because the coughing has made my back worse.
Maybe, all these evil spirits that were supposed to come out during that yoga class and enter the floor through the third eye got caught on the way out and are embedded somewhere in my body. 55 days into my new health program - this is where I've wound up. Things will go as they've got a mind to go.
The reason that I ask for predictions on the political front is that they give us a chance to question our beliefs, and what we think we know. In other words I like to try and bring some little bit of scientific principle to what is often a blank screen that we toss our own prejudices on.
I tried to give President Bush the benefit of the doubt before he went into Iraq by saying that if this didn't turn into a civil war with house to house fighting - then the President understood what was going on better than me.
I try to get a gauge on how political the president is by asking for predictions about whether he will stand up to the congress about the port issue. Would he really risk it all for something he says he believes in. In fact, if he did - I could at least say he really does stick to his principles and core beliefs.
It is tough to know what's going on inside the white house because secrecy is critical to their operations. It becomes clear that President Bush has turned off a lot of conservative republicans with the Iraqi invasion - but now I get the feeling just because the true conservative doesn't want to get involved in this foreign policy nation building business - but also the money involved.
That brings us to what I think is the heart of the matter - is the war good for business? On the one hand - there are chants from the left that the war is enriching the pockets of (fill in the company name here) and that the secret owners of society are getting richer. The cry is that this is all about oil.
On the other hand, prominent conservatives are decrying the fact that the surplus has been squandered and that the combination of tax-cuts and more spending has become dangerous.
Follow the money.
There are other theories floating around that the Bushes are tied in some way to the UAE. So what is their prediction?
Lester has supplied two possible endings: one that Iraq does go into, or perhaps is already, in a civil war and that the President will be forced to withdraw.
Two: that the factions will unite against the U.S. and force the U.S. out.
At the bottom of these predictions is a question about the will of the United States, the purpose of the war, whether Sunnis and Shiites can get together, and even more interesting what will happen when and if the U.S. leaves.
My own hunch is that this is some world domination attempt that was dreamed up when the USSR went kaput. And that the christian fundamentalists also see it as a worthy crusade. The problem is that this "feeling" doesn't lead to a thought experiment or prediction. It doesn't tell you what the world domination powers will do next. They seem to back down if the Americans turn against them? How many times can you fool the people?
Yes, the media did a bad job going in the build-up to Iraq. They were like little kids waving flags and playing inbeds with no idea of what the consequences of all this would be. Now where do they stand? I don't think they know much about what is going on from their bunkers.
Now they're following the next story which is how the emperor has no clothes, how the whole thing is falling apart. That's just as good a story to them as playing soldier was. There two stories they love: the rise of an idol and the toppling of an idol. In that respect they're neutral.
Anyway - predictions. According to my theory president Bush and his companions will never pull out of Iraq. Never. No matter what. This is a part of their religious, moral, and empire-building plan. It cannot be undone.
Now the people may get sick of it all and elect someone who promises to end the war, but that's another story for another time.
Maybe, all these evil spirits that were supposed to come out during that yoga class and enter the floor through the third eye got caught on the way out and are embedded somewhere in my body. 55 days into my new health program - this is where I've wound up. Things will go as they've got a mind to go.
The reason that I ask for predictions on the political front is that they give us a chance to question our beliefs, and what we think we know. In other words I like to try and bring some little bit of scientific principle to what is often a blank screen that we toss our own prejudices on.
I tried to give President Bush the benefit of the doubt before he went into Iraq by saying that if this didn't turn into a civil war with house to house fighting - then the President understood what was going on better than me.
I try to get a gauge on how political the president is by asking for predictions about whether he will stand up to the congress about the port issue. Would he really risk it all for something he says he believes in. In fact, if he did - I could at least say he really does stick to his principles and core beliefs.
It is tough to know what's going on inside the white house because secrecy is critical to their operations. It becomes clear that President Bush has turned off a lot of conservative republicans with the Iraqi invasion - but now I get the feeling just because the true conservative doesn't want to get involved in this foreign policy nation building business - but also the money involved.
That brings us to what I think is the heart of the matter - is the war good for business? On the one hand - there are chants from the left that the war is enriching the pockets of (fill in the company name here) and that the secret owners of society are getting richer. The cry is that this is all about oil.
On the other hand, prominent conservatives are decrying the fact that the surplus has been squandered and that the combination of tax-cuts and more spending has become dangerous.
Follow the money.
There are other theories floating around that the Bushes are tied in some way to the UAE. So what is their prediction?
Lester has supplied two possible endings: one that Iraq does go into, or perhaps is already, in a civil war and that the President will be forced to withdraw.
Two: that the factions will unite against the U.S. and force the U.S. out.
At the bottom of these predictions is a question about the will of the United States, the purpose of the war, whether Sunnis and Shiites can get together, and even more interesting what will happen when and if the U.S. leaves.
My own hunch is that this is some world domination attempt that was dreamed up when the USSR went kaput. And that the christian fundamentalists also see it as a worthy crusade. The problem is that this "feeling" doesn't lead to a thought experiment or prediction. It doesn't tell you what the world domination powers will do next. They seem to back down if the Americans turn against them? How many times can you fool the people?
Yes, the media did a bad job going in the build-up to Iraq. They were like little kids waving flags and playing inbeds with no idea of what the consequences of all this would be. Now where do they stand? I don't think they know much about what is going on from their bunkers.
Now they're following the next story which is how the emperor has no clothes, how the whole thing is falling apart. That's just as good a story to them as playing soldier was. There two stories they love: the rise of an idol and the toppling of an idol. In that respect they're neutral.
Anyway - predictions. According to my theory president Bush and his companions will never pull out of Iraq. Never. No matter what. This is a part of their religious, moral, and empire-building plan. It cannot be undone.
Now the people may get sick of it all and elect someone who promises to end the war, but that's another story for another time.
2/24/2006
history of the world 2006
Okay - now for some politics. You see Iraq tottering on civil war. Question: what next? What does el Presidente do if Shiites and Sunnis really go at each other. Is that it? End game is get the hell out? End game is bring in more troops to try and control civil war? (Has that ever worked?) The world spins out of control.
Bush's mantra (read the books by the disgruntled insiders) : I don't try to doublethink myself. I don't question myself. I know what's right and what's wrong. But how does he know? What is it based on? From what I can see it's based on what he's told by his cabinet.
It might have worked - the big idea - the Iraq invasion - but he grabbed hold of the wrong end of the bull and now the bull is turning. And all the republicans and all the advisors can't put him back together again. He's finished.
Bush's mantra (read the books by the disgruntled insiders) : I don't try to doublethink myself. I don't question myself. I know what's right and what's wrong. But how does he know? What is it based on? From what I can see it's based on what he's told by his cabinet.
It might have worked - the big idea - the Iraq invasion - but he grabbed hold of the wrong end of the bull and now the bull is turning. And all the republicans and all the advisors can't put him back together again. He's finished.
2/23/2006
Grand Central, Morning
Grand Central, Morning
I know -- a cliche subject done to death. But man, I can't resist this - especially with the beautifully blown highlights.
Health
I've been in a lousy mood the last few days. Probably caused by my aching back - I definitely pulled something - and I've had to give up the excercise routine for a while. But I also am faced with medical expenses (routine but expensive) that have to do with my medicine for Crohns disease, and a routine colonoscopy that's coming up and a doctors appointment. In case you are reading this for the first time - I've had Crohns for about ten years. It's been in remission for about six or seven years. But I am on expensive medication and I have a high insurance deductible and I have to go through a colonoscopy every year as a preventive measure. The medical stuff hits me this time of year.
The insurance I have is quirky. I need to lay out the money first and then - eventually - I get reimbursed for what they think whatever it is should cost. Anyway - it ain't great, but the insurance is specific to the laws of New York and only costs me $250 a month. On top of that, I need to get some dental work done - and I have no dental insurance.
So that's where the rubber hits the road. If I didn't have health expenses, and if I hadn't bought all the new equipment - and if pigs had wings - I'd be perfectly solvent.
Oh - and about writing this stuff in the blog - who cares anymore. I made a deal with the devil. Bottom line: I put myself on display to sell pictures (years ago).
Kafka has a great story about the artist as a circus freak. Now I can't remember the name of the story. Oh, was it called "A Hunger Artist." Did it have anything to do with what I'm blabbing about? I doubt it. I'm in the mood for some Kafka though.
* * *
But you see - that's why it doesn't pay to really get too worried about this crap. I went to the pharmacy a little while ago to pick up my medicine. Last year, this cost $1200 for a 3-month supply. The pharmacist sees me come in and smiles. "I have good news for you," he says.
He pushes the receipt for the drug in front of me and it is only (being relative) $850.
Wow, say I. That is good news. It went down so much since last year.
And yes - it did. He doesn't know why, but I'm not asking. So I'm starting to feel a little bit better.
* * *
And received two emails about the cause of Crohn's being discovered (The Lancet) and the use of Viagra to stimulate blood to the colon. There's a joke in this somewhere - but I don't know what it is yet.
The insurance I have is quirky. I need to lay out the money first and then - eventually - I get reimbursed for what they think whatever it is should cost. Anyway - it ain't great, but the insurance is specific to the laws of New York and only costs me $250 a month. On top of that, I need to get some dental work done - and I have no dental insurance.
So that's where the rubber hits the road. If I didn't have health expenses, and if I hadn't bought all the new equipment - and if pigs had wings - I'd be perfectly solvent.
Oh - and about writing this stuff in the blog - who cares anymore. I made a deal with the devil. Bottom line: I put myself on display to sell pictures (years ago).
Kafka has a great story about the artist as a circus freak. Now I can't remember the name of the story. Oh, was it called "A Hunger Artist." Did it have anything to do with what I'm blabbing about? I doubt it. I'm in the mood for some Kafka though.
* * *
But you see - that's why it doesn't pay to really get too worried about this crap. I went to the pharmacy a little while ago to pick up my medicine. Last year, this cost $1200 for a 3-month supply. The pharmacist sees me come in and smiles. "I have good news for you," he says.
He pushes the receipt for the drug in front of me and it is only (being relative) $850.
Wow, say I. That is good news. It went down so much since last year.
And yes - it did. He doesn't know why, but I'm not asking. So I'm starting to feel a little bit better.
* * *
And received two emails about the cause of Crohn's being discovered (The Lancet) and the use of Viagra to stimulate blood to the colon. There's a joke in this somewhere - but I don't know what it is yet.
2/22/2006
Fine Art B&W Printing
"Last time I checked my bankroll,
It was pretty thin,
Sometimes it seems like the bottom,
Is the only place I been." - John Prine
I'm beginning to wonder whether I shouldn't branch out at this point and take on clients that I would do personalized b&w inkjet printing for. You give me the negative or the digital capture, I'll do the photoshopping as necessary - or you do it - and output with the 4800 on paper of your choice (more or less).
How do you figure out how much to charge? I'll try and work that out.
It was pretty thin,
Sometimes it seems like the bottom,
Is the only place I been." - John Prine
I'm beginning to wonder whether I shouldn't branch out at this point and take on clients that I would do personalized b&w inkjet printing for. You give me the negative or the digital capture, I'll do the photoshopping as necessary - or you do it - and output with the 4800 on paper of your choice (more or less).
How do you figure out how much to charge? I'll try and work that out.
The Amazings
The story about the UAE taking over a couple of ports, including one in New York - is amazing because it has actually caused politicians from both sides of the aisle to unite against the president. However - the theory that we want to give contracts to our friends - whether they be Arab or English - makes good sense. In fact, an unnamed source has told me that Pres. Bush's first idea was to give control of American airports to the Iraqis to prove that we took care of our friends, no matter their religion or nationality.
President Bush argued that this was not as crazy as it sounded since Iraq was now a democracy - and that we wanted to show our support for democracies in the middle east.
The president, though - will explain why this move makes sense - and since this is not a political issue, but an issue of national security - the president will not back down from this no matter who is agin him. That is amazing.
The Met players have shown up for Spring training - and I have to believe that this is the year they will make it to the division playoffs. And to make it better, they have their own t.v. station in New York.
President Bush argued that this was not as crazy as it sounded since Iraq was now a democracy - and that we wanted to show our support for democracies in the middle east.
The president, though - will explain why this move makes sense - and since this is not a political issue, but an issue of national security - the president will not back down from this no matter who is agin him. That is amazing.
The Met players have shown up for Spring training - and I have to believe that this is the year they will make it to the division playoffs. And to make it better, they have their own t.v. station in New York.
2/21/2006
Flat Iron & Empire State Bldg.
Shot through sculpture and reflected from same. 23rd Street. And, because of a reflection in the next shot, I actually know that this was shot with the Hexar Classic. It was on TMax 100, which I didn't use very often, but the scan looks great.
Skyscraper Men, Battery Park
My lower back continues to bother me. I wish I could say that I hurt it doing some acrobatics, but it was just that yoga session that did me in.
2/20/2006
Museo Silver Rag
I placed my first order for Silver Rag (two rolls) and should have it by the week-end. I still have enough left from the beta stock to do a few 11 x 14 prints. The cut sheet silver rag won't be available for - say another week or two.
If you want to know pricing and where I ordered it from, please e-mail me. I like the roll paper anyway, so this isn't a big deal, but I could use the letter size for my 5 x 7's. In other words, if someone orders one 5 x 7 at this point they're still going to get it on the luster. If someone orders a bunch of 5 x 7's I'll do 'em on the roll paper.
If you want to know pricing and where I ordered it from, please e-mail me. I like the roll paper anyway, so this isn't a big deal, but I could use the letter size for my 5 x 7's. In other words, if someone orders one 5 x 7 at this point they're still going to get it on the luster. If someone orders a bunch of 5 x 7's I'll do 'em on the roll paper.
day 51
I am in training for when they put the stationary bike in the Olympics. On Friday I did an hour on the bike. I think it would be at least as exciting as curling.
Then I walk up these spiral stairs to the small room upstairs in the club where I usually do some stretching, but on Friday there were two women sitting in the Lotus position and one asked me if I wanted to join them for Yoga class.
Well sure, says I. And I grab a mat and it starts off easy enough with some hand wringing to generate heat and some chanting (I'm good at that) but soon I realize that the teacher and the one woman beside me are way beyond my stretching capabilities. But I'm trying to stay with them and I won't go into the whole thing but by end of an hour session let's just say that I felt like I had just finished a 20 mile march with full pack.
The teacher and the other woman tell me that I did very well, considering this was my first time, and that they had been doing this for many years.
I say that I think I did okay in that I'm already sore, but I don't think I sprained anything.
Wrong.
I'm sitting here with a badly pulled lower back. My bad. I'm sort of an idiot when it comes to this stuff. Way too competitive with myself?
My family is like that: very politically sensitive, and aggressive maniacs when it comes to any sort of game or athletic activity.
One day, about 20 years ago, my parents put up a badminton net near what was then our country house. My younger sister (seven years younger) and I played all the time and one day I told her that I had gotten good enough to serve and hit her in the head. Sort of like Babe Ruth pointing to the stands.
And so I did. The shuttlecock left a crimson mark in her forehead.
She was 14 and went running in the house screaming. Out comes the old man. A tough bird.
Hey, did you hit her in the head!
Sure did, dad. Right in the forehead. I told her I was gonna.
Yeah? How'd you like I did that to you!
I told him he could try if he wanted to but it took practice. When he started down the stairs, I took off. He doesn't tolerate wisecracks well.
A few years later, my sister dug a small hole (she swears she didn't) on my side of the court, covered it with leaves, and hit the shuttlecock so that I put my left ankle into the hole and had to be taken to the hospital.
Revenge, the dish that is best served years later.
But that stuff comes from big daddy. Dad was an excellent paddleballer and even when he was in his sixties, he used to be able to drive me all over the court until I was ready to collapse. He could not stand losing. Not at anything.
After he taught me to play chess when I was around seven years old, he absolutely loved to play. Until the day that I beat him (I think I was about ten years old) and he would never play me again.
No, I'm too busy. Much too busy.
And out he'd go on to take care of his business.
Anyway - health is tough. But I'm going to stick with it. Ouch.
Then I walk up these spiral stairs to the small room upstairs in the club where I usually do some stretching, but on Friday there were two women sitting in the Lotus position and one asked me if I wanted to join them for Yoga class.
Well sure, says I. And I grab a mat and it starts off easy enough with some hand wringing to generate heat and some chanting (I'm good at that) but soon I realize that the teacher and the one woman beside me are way beyond my stretching capabilities. But I'm trying to stay with them and I won't go into the whole thing but by end of an hour session let's just say that I felt like I had just finished a 20 mile march with full pack.
The teacher and the other woman tell me that I did very well, considering this was my first time, and that they had been doing this for many years.
I say that I think I did okay in that I'm already sore, but I don't think I sprained anything.
Wrong.
I'm sitting here with a badly pulled lower back. My bad. I'm sort of an idiot when it comes to this stuff. Way too competitive with myself?
My family is like that: very politically sensitive, and aggressive maniacs when it comes to any sort of game or athletic activity.
One day, about 20 years ago, my parents put up a badminton net near what was then our country house. My younger sister (seven years younger) and I played all the time and one day I told her that I had gotten good enough to serve and hit her in the head. Sort of like Babe Ruth pointing to the stands.
And so I did. The shuttlecock left a crimson mark in her forehead.
She was 14 and went running in the house screaming. Out comes the old man. A tough bird.
Hey, did you hit her in the head!
Sure did, dad. Right in the forehead. I told her I was gonna.
Yeah? How'd you like I did that to you!
I told him he could try if he wanted to but it took practice. When he started down the stairs, I took off. He doesn't tolerate wisecracks well.
A few years later, my sister dug a small hole (she swears she didn't) on my side of the court, covered it with leaves, and hit the shuttlecock so that I put my left ankle into the hole and had to be taken to the hospital.
Revenge, the dish that is best served years later.
But that stuff comes from big daddy. Dad was an excellent paddleballer and even when he was in his sixties, he used to be able to drive me all over the court until I was ready to collapse. He could not stand losing. Not at anything.
After he taught me to play chess when I was around seven years old, he absolutely loved to play. Until the day that I beat him (I think I was about ten years old) and he would never play me again.
No, I'm too busy. Much too busy.
And out he'd go on to take care of his business.
Anyway - health is tough. But I'm going to stick with it. Ouch.
2/19/2006
From George Washington Bridge
A few years ago I went to visit a friend in Washington Heights and found myself with tripod and camera on the G.W. at dusk just as a snow storm was coming in.
Inkjet Collection
After two visits by collectors to my place last week - both looking for old "vintage" darkroom prints - I began to wonder whether the darkroom prints would be worth more to future generations, or whether inkjet prints were now worthy for collectors. Neither visitor wanted to look at inkjets.
Think back to the early days of photography when it was considered a mechanical form of reproduction and the photographer was just a guy who pushed a button. What was that compared to painting? Where was the art?
I think there is a similar feeling about inkjet prints: there is just a machine that prints out pictures like a printing press. Everyone has an inkjet printer in their home. Anyone can make an inkjet print.
True. And anyone can take a picture.
Anyone who has tried to make a really fine art inkjet print knows the difficulties involved. Your ideas about a particular print change over time; your technique improves; and if you go back and look at an inkjet that from a few years ago and compare it with a recent inkjet from the same capture or negative you will see huge differences in terms of technique and interpretation.
From the collector's point of view, I would think this is exactly the time to collect fine art inkjets. It's the early truly fine-art prints by that will have more value in the future. In other words, you will need, as a collector, to understand the process - and to have an eye - just as with any art form - but you can pick up the equivalent of a Van Gogh for next to nothing.
I predict that some inkjet objects of art created today will one day be worth as much as any expensive darkroom print of days gone by.
Think back to the early days of photography when it was considered a mechanical form of reproduction and the photographer was just a guy who pushed a button. What was that compared to painting? Where was the art?
I think there is a similar feeling about inkjet prints: there is just a machine that prints out pictures like a printing press. Everyone has an inkjet printer in their home. Anyone can make an inkjet print.
True. And anyone can take a picture.
Anyone who has tried to make a really fine art inkjet print knows the difficulties involved. Your ideas about a particular print change over time; your technique improves; and if you go back and look at an inkjet that from a few years ago and compare it with a recent inkjet from the same capture or negative you will see huge differences in terms of technique and interpretation.
From the collector's point of view, I would think this is exactly the time to collect fine art inkjets. It's the early truly fine-art prints by that will have more value in the future. In other words, you will need, as a collector, to understand the process - and to have an eye - just as with any art form - but you can pick up the equivalent of a Van Gogh for next to nothing.
I predict that some inkjet objects of art created today will one day be worth as much as any expensive darkroom print of days gone by.
2/18/2006
Boy on Bench, Paris
Rise up this mornin'
Smile with the risin' sun
Three little birds
Sit by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin' this is my message to you:
Singin' don't worry
'Bout a thing
'Cause every little things
Gonna be alright...
Three Little Birds, Bob Marley
2/17/2006
Puerto Rican Day Parade
Puerto Rican Day (vintage)
I was going to write something about this shot, but what the heck - I guess it's loud enough on it's own.
The Museo Silver Rag is getting closer. Okay, the title of the release is a bit much, but I'm still excited to see the stuff materializing.
2/16/2006
Today
A collector stopped by and bought one print (something that I've never put up on the site) and a one of a kind print since it was the only darkroom version...
Then I went back to the marketing stuff and put up my tri-level special offer.
Then I took a nap.
Today is day 47 of my nicotine free existence. Not too bad now. I spend more time in the gym, and I guess that's a good thing, though there are some tricky things in the gym - these spiral stairs that I have to walk up after getting off the bike. I've almost tripped twice now. That line from Cabaret keeps coming to mind: He was the healthiest corpse I'd ever seen.
I have a morbid side which pops up when things are going well. I always thought it was a Jewish thing but after watching a couple of episodes of Raymond, I think it is just first or second generation syndrome. That we don't really believe we belong here.
Now if you tell me that you are a descendent of the pilgrims, and you have the same syndrome, then I'll chalk it up to being human.
Then I went back to the marketing stuff and put up my tri-level special offer.
Then I took a nap.
Today is day 47 of my nicotine free existence. Not too bad now. I spend more time in the gym, and I guess that's a good thing, though there are some tricky things in the gym - these spiral stairs that I have to walk up after getting off the bike. I've almost tripped twice now. That line from Cabaret keeps coming to mind: He was the healthiest corpse I'd ever seen.
I have a morbid side which pops up when things are going well. I always thought it was a Jewish thing but after watching a couple of episodes of Raymond, I think it is just first or second generation syndrome. That we don't really believe we belong here.
Now if you tell me that you are a descendent of the pilgrims, and you have the same syndrome, then I'll chalk it up to being human.
Prices to Go Up
I am going to raise prices on the smaller prints from $25 to $28 (more or less) during the next few days - or maybe today if I get around to it. I had orders for something like 30 of these small prints over the last week and I think that means that the price can go up a bit, plus it is still taking me time to assemble the things, though packaging is now pretty simple.
On the other hand, if you wait a while - I should be able to order the Museo Silver Rag paper in a week or two. I'm sort of counting the days. I want to only work with that paper stock. Should be out around March 1st.
Orders for the larger prints dropped off so I went back to the Victorias Secret site to see what they were doing sale-wise when there are no holidays, and they've got a "special offer." Fixed amounts of money off if you buy so much stuff. I have to believe that these offers work or they wouldn't be doing it. You know they've got a braintrust of MBAs who specialize in marketing underwear. Do you think they could ever do the same thing for men? I know, you don't but look what Starbucks did for coffee? Who would have believed that?
And I am still working on the connection between selling art and underwear but haven't put my finger on it yet (pun intended).
It's not underwear, it's romance.
It's not a photograph, it's art.
It's not art, it's an investment.
It's not an investment, it's a piece of history.
Whatever...
On the other hand, if you wait a while - I should be able to order the Museo Silver Rag paper in a week or two. I'm sort of counting the days. I want to only work with that paper stock. Should be out around March 1st.
Orders for the larger prints dropped off so I went back to the Victorias Secret site to see what they were doing sale-wise when there are no holidays, and they've got a "special offer." Fixed amounts of money off if you buy so much stuff. I have to believe that these offers work or they wouldn't be doing it. You know they've got a braintrust of MBAs who specialize in marketing underwear. Do you think they could ever do the same thing for men? I know, you don't but look what Starbucks did for coffee? Who would have believed that?
And I am still working on the connection between selling art and underwear but haven't put my finger on it yet (pun intended).
It's not underwear, it's romance.
It's not a photograph, it's art.
It's not art, it's an investment.
It's not an investment, it's a piece of history.
Whatever...
2/15/2006
First Snow
This is the shot I was looking for. I remembered the trees, the pharmacy which is on my right, the corner it was taken on and how the girls mother was behind me watching. I even remembered that this was the last shot on the roll (which it was). But what I couldn't remember was where it was filed.
Rose In Snow
While looking for the other snow picture, I found this one that I had given up on finding. I wanted to put it up for Valentine's Day, but I guess I'll save it for next Valentine's Day.
Dead Photographers Society
Rare photo sets $2.9m sale record
A rare print taken by US photography pioneer Edward Steichen has set a world record for the highest price paid for a photograph auction.
The Pond-Moonlight - taken in New York in 1904 - was sold for $2.9m (£1.6m), more than doubling the previous record.
The 41x48cm photo shows a pond in a wooded area with light coming through the trees and reflected in the water...
Here's more from the BBC.
Thanks Jim T. for the e-mail.
A rare print taken by US photography pioneer Edward Steichen has set a world record for the highest price paid for a photograph auction.
The Pond-Moonlight - taken in New York in 1904 - was sold for $2.9m (£1.6m), more than doubling the previous record.
The 41x48cm photo shows a pond in a wooded area with light coming through the trees and reflected in the water...
Here's more from the BBC.
Thanks Jim T. for the e-mail.
2/14/2006
Filing System
I've been good with everything that is in the Prints for Sale section. If it's a negative, or a digital capture, I've got the source filed. That alone took me something like two months of incremental tedium. Now I get a request for a shot that hasn't been on the site for a long time: a little girl with her tongue out letting snow fall on it.
When did I shoot that? I don't have a clue. I remember where I was standing (the pharmacy was behind me. Corner of 2nd avenue and 80th street). But time is elusive. It couldn't have been this winter? No way. And it wasn't last winter.
So off I go on a merry chase. Did I shoot it digital? Film? I figure it was probably digital, but maybe not. I go through all the digital stuff from 2004 and 2005. Gadzooks, I shot a heck of a lot of digital in that overlapping year from July 2004 to July 2005. And so many shots that I can't figure out why? What in the hell was I thinking shooting the same thing over and over again. Definitely a hit and mostly miss feeling.
So now it's off to negative land. That's going to be an archeological dig for sure. There's no way around this sort of stuff. If the negative has been offered for sale, then I have it handy. But if it's just some bit that someone thinks of a couple of years later --
On the other hand, I almost always find something else worth a test print on these expeditions so it's not a total loss.
Anyway - how long do you think the Cheney stuff will last on the late night shows. I'm giving it a week unless he shoots someone else.
When did I shoot that? I don't have a clue. I remember where I was standing (the pharmacy was behind me. Corner of 2nd avenue and 80th street). But time is elusive. It couldn't have been this winter? No way. And it wasn't last winter.
So off I go on a merry chase. Did I shoot it digital? Film? I figure it was probably digital, but maybe not. I go through all the digital stuff from 2004 and 2005. Gadzooks, I shot a heck of a lot of digital in that overlapping year from July 2004 to July 2005. And so many shots that I can't figure out why? What in the hell was I thinking shooting the same thing over and over again. Definitely a hit and mostly miss feeling.
So now it's off to negative land. That's going to be an archeological dig for sure. There's no way around this sort of stuff. If the negative has been offered for sale, then I have it handy. But if it's just some bit that someone thinks of a couple of years later --
On the other hand, I almost always find something else worth a test print on these expeditions so it's not a total loss.
Anyway - how long do you think the Cheney stuff will last on the late night shows. I'm giving it a week unless he shoots someone else.
Medium Format Epiphany
Ah. That was the cheapest way to get the medium format bug out of my system. I have to thank Matt for loaning me the Pentax 67 because I had an epiphany after using it.
Epiphany 1: only one camera can occupy a place in your heart at any one time.
The converse: if you are using the MF camera, then you are not using another camera (in this case my M3).
If you are out there going back and forth about medium format (ask yourself about your own style) and then borrow or rent the MF camera of your choice. See if that gets it out of your system or draws you in deeper. My own conclusion should have been fortold by the fact that over the years I've sold all my medium format equipment: Not for me. And no, it wasn't the Pentax 67 that pushed the epiphany button. Would have had same result with any MF camera.
And it's not only the camera.
I still get a better scan from a 35mm negative with a dedicated film scanner than from the Epson 4990. With the transparency scanner you've got two pieces of glass to keep clean. You've got problems with Newtons' rings (yes, once in a while even when using the supplied Epson carrier); you've got to keep the film flat. And of course not many shots on a roll which means changing rolls more often and more time developing to get an equivalent number of negatives.
Nah. Not for me.
Disclaimer: Your results may differ.
Anyway - the whole gestalt (did I spell the right?) totally turned me off.
Let's face it, I like the look, in fact I love the look of my Tri-x 35mm negative at 8 x 12 inches or cropped to 11 x 14.
So why does medium format come up at all... ? That is just the restless mind talking when it is bored. That is just (for me) a way of distracting myself. Someday that part of my mind is going to say, "hey wouldn't it be fun to shoot with the view camera again?" Please, keep reading this blog and if you ever see me going in that direction, remind me of my MF epiphany. Please, I beg you.
Epiphany 1: only one camera can occupy a place in your heart at any one time.
The converse: if you are using the MF camera, then you are not using another camera (in this case my M3).
If you are out there going back and forth about medium format (ask yourself about your own style) and then borrow or rent the MF camera of your choice. See if that gets it out of your system or draws you in deeper. My own conclusion should have been fortold by the fact that over the years I've sold all my medium format equipment: Not for me. And no, it wasn't the Pentax 67 that pushed the epiphany button. Would have had same result with any MF camera.
And it's not only the camera.
I still get a better scan from a 35mm negative with a dedicated film scanner than from the Epson 4990. With the transparency scanner you've got two pieces of glass to keep clean. You've got problems with Newtons' rings (yes, once in a while even when using the supplied Epson carrier); you've got to keep the film flat. And of course not many shots on a roll which means changing rolls more often and more time developing to get an equivalent number of negatives.
Nah. Not for me.
Disclaimer: Your results may differ.
Anyway - the whole gestalt (did I spell the right?) totally turned me off.
Let's face it, I like the look, in fact I love the look of my Tri-x 35mm negative at 8 x 12 inches or cropped to 11 x 14.
So why does medium format come up at all... ? That is just the restless mind talking when it is bored. That is just (for me) a way of distracting myself. Someday that part of my mind is going to say, "hey wouldn't it be fun to shoot with the view camera again?" Please, keep reading this blog and if you ever see me going in that direction, remind me of my MF epiphany. Please, I beg you.
2/13/2006
Scenes from a Blizzard
Crossing 86th Street -
with one of those "health" carts that carry your oxygen and other stuff. This guy should definitely not have been out. But it takes a hardy breed to make it in this town.
And the "car cleaners" taking a break. "Lady - we've dug out your car for you - almost! Go ahead, ring her bell again, I don't think she heard us."
That is such a great hydrant - isn't it? Oooh, someone put a happy face in it!
And remember to wear the proper headgear.
And always find one snow covered bike.
You Can't Make This Stuff Up
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 — Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shot and wounded a prominent Austin, Tex., lawyer on Saturday while the two men were quail hunting in South Texas, firing a shotgun at the man while trying to aim for a bird, a member of the hunting party said.
An unnamed source blamed the accident on poor intelligence. A spokesman for Mr. Cheney insisted that this was just an accident and not an attempt by Mr. Cheney to step up the administrations attack on trial lawyers.
Another witness stated that this was one of the reasons that they don't let you get too close to the vice president.
One witness stated that the wounded lawyer, Mr. Whittington was heard to say, "I'll contribute more next time" before the shooting - but that could not be confirmed.
There is also a rumor that the Democrats have sent an invitation to Justice Alito to go duck hunting with the Vice President.
An unnamed source blamed the accident on poor intelligence. A spokesman for Mr. Cheney insisted that this was just an accident and not an attempt by Mr. Cheney to step up the administrations attack on trial lawyers.
Another witness stated that this was one of the reasons that they don't let you get too close to the vice president.
One witness stated that the wounded lawyer, Mr. Whittington was heard to say, "I'll contribute more next time" before the shooting - but that could not be confirmed.
There is also a rumor that the Democrats have sent an invitation to Justice Alito to go duck hunting with the Vice President.
2/12/2006
Musical Coffee Chairs
When street photographers go out for coffee - there is a mad rush for the "best seat." What exactly the best seat means - is open for interpretation. This time, I think I got the "best seat" because I could pre-focus on the place where people put milk in their coffee. I'm pretty certain that I could spend an entire day photographing one Starbucks, or maybe any coffeeshop. Has anyone done that yet? Probably but we don't know about it because the movie hasn't come out yet: Starbucks - The Movie. Hey, they're producing music already, why not do a story about how they arrived on earth and took over like the pods in Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
Blizzard, 2nd Avenue
Blizzard '06 - 2nd Avenue
I got a little nervous about the shutter speeds on the Pentax 67 not lining up correctly. Still not sure if I underexposed everything by a stop. Anyway, this was done during the height of the storm around 9 a.m. this morning and I have at least one more that I like from the 67. Then I picked up the M3 and wandered around a little bit more freely.
blizzard and pentax 67
I am going in and out of the blizzard with the 67. Not far. Just around my block and so far haven't gone past 2nd avenue. Tripod of course. Mirror lock up - of course. I can't get the meter in the thing to work. Just one funny thing: it is true this makes a noise like a tank rolling over rubble when it fires off but if a Pentax 67 fires in a blizzard and nobody hears it - did it fire? You see where I'm going. Anyway, I'm just taking it easy. Go out - shoot a roll. Back into the house and drink some coffee. Oh, and I will say this: the Pentax 67 is not exactly a delicate camera.
2/11/2006
Miss Universe
She was waiting to be interviewed in Times Square. I was told she was Miss Universe. The interview took place in Gerrman. Whether she is or isn't - she has my vote.
Negatives
Hanging up strips of film to dry. Look carefully at the frames. How'd you do? You blew that one. But you got the other. What mysteries are revealed? Nothing like it.
2/10/2006
Pentax 67
Frantic sort of morning rushing down by car to B&H to pick up ink (bought the 220 ml stuff this time); and then back up to Matt's to pick up the Pentax 67 from him. It is a mighty chunk of photographic funk. Then cleaning it up, and there were a few things I couldn't remember so I hunted around on the web and downloaded a PDF of the original 67 manual. Haven't put any film in it yet. Two lenses: 55mm and a 165mm. I think it was the idea of the snow that's supposed to be on the way that gave me a final push to play with the thing.
Another odd thing is that while I was there I picked up some HP5 plus (35mm) for Matt - and apparently this stuff is getting to be harder to come by. They only had 15 rolls left, and according to Matt the stuff has been going in and out of stock very quickly. I'm still going for Tri-x but it is starting to get nerve-wracking.
On the other hand, I bought a lot of ink in 220 ml holders (yikes they are big) for the 4800. Sort of scary to lay out that kind of money for ink all in one shot, but I keep telling myself: I'm saving money. I'm saving money.
Which is what I guess you folks that come back with the 50 pack roll of toilet paper (big savings) which gets stored in the basement tell yourselves late at night: I'm saving money. I'm saving money...
Another odd thing is that while I was there I picked up some HP5 plus (35mm) for Matt - and apparently this stuff is getting to be harder to come by. They only had 15 rolls left, and according to Matt the stuff has been going in and out of stock very quickly. I'm still going for Tri-x but it is starting to get nerve-wracking.
On the other hand, I bought a lot of ink in 220 ml holders (yikes they are big) for the 4800. Sort of scary to lay out that kind of money for ink all in one shot, but I keep telling myself: I'm saving money. I'm saving money.
Which is what I guess you folks that come back with the 50 pack roll of toilet paper (big savings) which gets stored in the basement tell yourselves late at night: I'm saving money. I'm saving money...
2/09/2006
The Universe
In my quest for the spiritual center of New York city (some might call it a vortex), I went out last night on the 6 train and headed downtown not sure where I was going. I had my trusty M3 and a tripod with me. The train was crowded at 9 p.m. I tried to get a feel for where I was headed.
Maybe I'd go way downtown on a downtown train. Maybe Chinatown. I've never photographed Chinatown at night. Oh, Chinatown isnt' the center of anything. The center of the New York Universe is Times Square. Face it. Glitter. Shows. Tourists. Sales. Recruiting station. Police station. And giga-video displays. The tourist know where the center of the city is.
And so I hop off the 6 train at Grand Central. How grand it is. And then hop on the shuttle and in two shakes of a New Yorkers tail I'm in the hub, the center, the spiritual swirl of New York City.
And guess what? I'm standing in the exact center of the New York Universe, when a small video crew arrives with two models. Gawd, I think, they're making them skinny. It's cold out and I'm edging back when one of the crew says to me - "she's worth a picture or two."
So I get closer and sure enough, the tall skinny one is beautiful. The videographer is swirling around her as she walks back and forth in the hub of our universe. I take a couple of shots of her.
Who is she, I ask the guy.
She's Miss Universe - he says.
And sure enough - turns out she is the reigning Miss Universe.
Not Miss America. Not Miss New York. Miss queen of everything known to exist. Queen of the whole Universe (assuming there is only one universe, but when she flashed me a 100-megawatt smile she was brighter than all of Times Square and I knew that for one year she was in charge of things and would do her best to calm an anxious world).
And so there you have it. I have not only arrived at the center of the New York universe, but been greeted with an incarnation of same as well. Film at 11. All times are approximate.
Maybe I'd go way downtown on a downtown train. Maybe Chinatown. I've never photographed Chinatown at night. Oh, Chinatown isnt' the center of anything. The center of the New York Universe is Times Square. Face it. Glitter. Shows. Tourists. Sales. Recruiting station. Police station. And giga-video displays. The tourist know where the center of the city is.
And so I hop off the 6 train at Grand Central. How grand it is. And then hop on the shuttle and in two shakes of a New Yorkers tail I'm in the hub, the center, the spiritual swirl of New York City.
And guess what? I'm standing in the exact center of the New York Universe, when a small video crew arrives with two models. Gawd, I think, they're making them skinny. It's cold out and I'm edging back when one of the crew says to me - "she's worth a picture or two."
So I get closer and sure enough, the tall skinny one is beautiful. The videographer is swirling around her as she walks back and forth in the hub of our universe. I take a couple of shots of her.
Who is she, I ask the guy.
She's Miss Universe - he says.
And sure enough - turns out she is the reigning Miss Universe.
Not Miss America. Not Miss New York. Miss queen of everything known to exist. Queen of the whole Universe (assuming there is only one universe, but when she flashed me a 100-megawatt smile she was brighter than all of Times Square and I knew that for one year she was in charge of things and would do her best to calm an anxious world).
And so there you have it. I have not only arrived at the center of the New York universe, but been greeted with an incarnation of same as well. Film at 11. All times are approximate.
Answer or Not
Dear Mr Becherman
i am a A level photography student and i am working in Black and white. right now i am working on a essay asking wether or not there is a place for black and white photography in the 21st century. for a part of this i have been looking for artists statements on why the use black and white instead of colour in the work. i would very much appreciate it if you could tell me why you use black and white photography? what is it that fascinates you about it? i am sorry to trouble you but im sure you can be a big help. yours sinceraly...
What do you say, answer or don't answer? I'm inclined not to since my name wasn't spelled correctly. On the other hand I don't know what "A level" means. Is that public school? Also I would have a big problem trying to honestly answer the question.
What do you say, answer or don't answer? I'm inclined not to since my name wasn't spelled correctly. On the other hand I don't know what "A level" means. Is that public school? Also I would have a big problem trying to honestly answer the question.
Honeymooners
Ralph
Norton, it's like I always say: 'Be kind to the people you meet on the way up... 'cause you're gonna meet the same people on the way down.'
Ciao
Hi Dave
The shipment of gorgeous photos arrived and I can't wait to see them on the wall! they are absolutely great! Thanks again....might be back for more and I have already recommended your site to others.
2/08/2006
View from Metropolitan Museum Steps
I'm almost through with the first third or so of the old stuff and starting to get the itch to go out and shoot again. This shot was basically - oh, they've got lights beneath the railings. I wonder what I can make out of that.
Gallery
That was a first. I've had people call before and ask if they could stop by to look at prints but two women buzzed and I looked at the video phone and thought it was some friends and buzzed them up. When they arrived - it was clear that I didn't know them and they asked if this is where the art gallery was.
Uh, no.
They had a print out of my home page in their hands and wanted to know if I had pictures in stock for them to look at.
Uh, not exactly. I print on demand.
And they sauntered out. I think we were both embarassed. But there you go. No advertising and people looking for my gallery. If it didn't cost so much to open one in Manhattan. I guess I could rent the apartment next door which is almost always changing hands; turn it into a gallery; get in trouble with the landlord; and go bankrupt in a couple of months. There's a plan.
Uh, no.
They had a print out of my home page in their hands and wanted to know if I had pictures in stock for them to look at.
Uh, not exactly. I print on demand.
And they sauntered out. I think we were both embarassed. But there you go. No advertising and people looking for my gallery. If it didn't cost so much to open one in Manhattan. I guess I could rent the apartment next door which is almost always changing hands; turn it into a gallery; get in trouble with the landlord; and go bankrupt in a couple of months. There's a plan.
2/07/2006
Gordon Parks and MF
Speaking of Medium Format I got the most use out of the Rollei TLR and the Mamiya 6. Reason - those were cameras that I could easily take with me. Light. Easy to slip into a bag. You use what you've got with you. Who would go out for a walk with the Pentax 67? Add a couple of lenses to the Pentax and you had a bad backache on the way.
Anyway, I felt most comfortable with the Mamiya 6 (even more so than with the Mamiya 7 which I wasn't that crazy about and only used for a week as a rental. The main improvement with the Mamiya 7 was the rangefinder could be used to focus a longer lens.)
But I liked the way the Mamiya 6 could be collapsed; and I like the square format. Much faster to use than the Rollei, though you'd be surprised if all you're doing is using the Rollei you can get pretty adept with the thing and I always thought that looking down at a ground glass screen helped my composition. One other thing these cameras have in common as opposed to the Pentax 67 is quietness.
* * *
Went to the Gordon Parks exhibit at the Greenberg Gallery. There is obviously something wrong with me. Yes - the first shot when you walk in of the guy coming out of the sewer is amazing (however it was done). And the rest of the work is - well - it's great. It is. But it didn't leave me with any haunted feeling as the Saul Leiter exhibit did. Hard to fathom my reactions. The prints are well done.
As I say, there's something wrong with me because I noticed a small hair that was on the negative that hadn't been spotted out on one print. That seemed weird. But except for one or two prints - it didn't feel mysterious to me. Well - it's a documentary style.
Afterwards spent time in coffee shop with Matt and we were talking about medium format stuff and he offered to loan me a Pentax 67 and a couple of lenses. And yes - how amazingly cheap medium format has gotten. For fun I looked up a couple of Hass bodies on eBay... wow. What a market drop there. Those used to be the things no one could afford. I think I saw the 500 c/m kit in good condition for like $750. Back, lens, body and a couple of filters. Am I wrong or was that selling in the $25oo range last time I looked a few years back? And the Pentax 67 - what a plummet there. Damned sharp lenses. So digital has pretty much replaced MF at this point. Will they keep making film for these guys? I'm going to borrow the 67 from Matt since I'm feeling more like doing tripod stuff these days.
Anyway, I felt most comfortable with the Mamiya 6 (even more so than with the Mamiya 7 which I wasn't that crazy about and only used for a week as a rental. The main improvement with the Mamiya 7 was the rangefinder could be used to focus a longer lens.)
But I liked the way the Mamiya 6 could be collapsed; and I like the square format. Much faster to use than the Rollei, though you'd be surprised if all you're doing is using the Rollei you can get pretty adept with the thing and I always thought that looking down at a ground glass screen helped my composition. One other thing these cameras have in common as opposed to the Pentax 67 is quietness.
* * *
Went to the Gordon Parks exhibit at the Greenberg Gallery. There is obviously something wrong with me. Yes - the first shot when you walk in of the guy coming out of the sewer is amazing (however it was done). And the rest of the work is - well - it's great. It is. But it didn't leave me with any haunted feeling as the Saul Leiter exhibit did. Hard to fathom my reactions. The prints are well done.
As I say, there's something wrong with me because I noticed a small hair that was on the negative that hadn't been spotted out on one print. That seemed weird. But except for one or two prints - it didn't feel mysterious to me. Well - it's a documentary style.
Afterwards spent time in coffee shop with Matt and we were talking about medium format stuff and he offered to loan me a Pentax 67 and a couple of lenses. And yes - how amazingly cheap medium format has gotten. For fun I looked up a couple of Hass bodies on eBay... wow. What a market drop there. Those used to be the things no one could afford. I think I saw the 500 c/m kit in good condition for like $750. Back, lens, body and a couple of filters. Am I wrong or was that selling in the $25oo range last time I looked a few years back? And the Pentax 67 - what a plummet there. Damned sharp lenses. So digital has pretty much replaced MF at this point. Will they keep making film for these guys? I'm going to borrow the 67 from Matt since I'm feeling more like doing tripod stuff these days.
Pope, Central Park
Pope John Paul II crossing Central Park, 1995. Cardinal O'Connor in the backseat.
Night Storm
Hi Dave
Just a note to let you know the print arrived today! Thank you; its fantastic! ( Night Storm ). That's winter captured in single print; the crisp air, crunch of snow underfoot, the muffled and distant sound of traffic; great stuff!
It arrived in perfect condition too and its off to the framers this afternoon for a nice black wood frame!
Cheers and all the best,
Allan (Great Britain)
[Just a note: That was done on the Museo Silver Rag. I have been sending out one or two prints on that stock because I love it so much, but I only have enough left for about three large prints. Well, it will be available in three weeks. Since this is a 4 x 5 negative, it's also the result of a better scan with the 4990 and I'll give myself a pat on the back - more sophisticated PS skills.]
Just a note to let you know the print arrived today! Thank you; its fantastic! ( Night Storm ). That's winter captured in single print; the crisp air, crunch of snow underfoot, the muffled and distant sound of traffic; great stuff!
It arrived in perfect condition too and its off to the framers this afternoon for a nice black wood frame!
Cheers and all the best,
Allan (Great Britain)
[Just a note: That was done on the Museo Silver Rag. I have been sending out one or two prints on that stock because I love it so much, but I only have enough left for about three large prints. Well, it will be available in three weeks. Since this is a 4 x 5 negative, it's also the result of a better scan with the 4990 and I'll give myself a pat on the back - more sophisticated PS skills.]
2/06/2006
Rent Fast
My meanderings through old negatives left me here in Jersey City. But there was also a brief stay in Disneyland (FL) on a business trip and Washington D.C. Maybe this is my vacation - living through past trips.
2/05/2006
Am Pm
I've been spending a lot of time contemplating man's idiotic nature lately (cartoons have been the latest culprits). I hope that no one is offended that the chicken is holding an American flag or two. As is required now, I certify that there is no political or religious meaning behind the picture that I am consciously aware of.
If any can be found - it is unintentional. I sign this under the watchful eye of the state god on this day - blah blah blah...
Dreamland 101
I'm sitting in a large, tiered lecture hall at college. What college, I don't know. But I don't know anything that anyone in class is talking about. I know that I haven't read anything that's been assigned all year. If I'm called on, then I'm going to just have to say, sorry but I haven't read that.
But at the beginning of class the professor finds some notice on his desk. He can't make heads or tails of it and begins trying to analyze the meaning of the notice.
Good, I think. Take the whole damned class trying to figure it out. Maybe I'll get by. It has something to do with shopping carts not being allowed in the hallways but only on Sundays. Something like that.
The students are all into trying to prove how smart they are by telling him what the paper might mean. Maybe this is a a law class? Philosophy? I'm not even sure what class it is, that's how lost I am. But I realize that I need to complete it to get my degree.
Well, finally they get on with the lesson and I still don't have a clue. But about halfway through a wind blows through the classroom and the paper they had been discussing at the beginning about shopping carts blows out the window. The professor asks for volunteers to go outside and retreive it, and my hand is up first.
So out the window I go. And straight into a lake. The paper is floating around, but I fugre I'll just take as much time as I can before getting it so that the class will be over. And sure enough when I return the class is over and two men are standing there in the classroom with duck hunting outfits on and cracked shotguns.
After introductions they inform me that they are going to teach the next class on duck hunting and I hand them the paper which they explain is not about shopping carts but about how many ducks each hunter is allowed to bag.
Whatever. I walk into the hallway, and realize that I've just graduated because of this nonsense. But no sooner has this thought hit me, then I find myself with the professor at a party on the lake, or more properly on a series of rafts on the lake - and the professor looks like James Coburn and he's reading from the same book as in the classroom and I still don't have any idea what he's saying. We get to talking and he remembers me as one of his students and tells how he left teaching and went into writing for Hollywood which is where he's been for the last ten years.
I tell him I too wrote screenplays for a while. Ah yes, he says. He thought he recognized my name. He's smoking cigarettes - one after another and now he's out. For some reason, I'm just as eager to get away from him now - because he's mentioning these writers as if I'm supposed to know them - but I've not heard of a single one. So I'm just nodding that so-and-so was good and getting deeper and deeper into lies. So when he mentions that he's out of cigarettes I volunteer to go off and get some for him. He tells me that they're called Woosherfields. Something like that. British I think.
Which I do.
When I return his wife is handing him a tape. It has a soundtrack for a movie they're working on. She tells me that this is a new rap version of RESPECT. Ugh, I tell her. That's a bad idea.
No, she assures me. Good idea.
I hand the package of cigarettes to the James Coburn Professor of something and he takes one out and smokes it. Offers me one while he continues name dropping names I should have heard of. I take one cigarette. Light it. But I don't get any draw. I'm sucking on the thing - but no smoke or air or anything is coming out.
He's going on debonairly about more things I never heard of - and I taste this funny plastic tip that is stuck in the cigarette. Ah - so that's what the problem is. I pull the white plastic tip out. Coburn explains that this is how they keep each cigarette fresh. I toss the tip into the lake and watch is float off. And then as I'm about to take a drag - I wake up. No smokes for me. Not even in dreamland.
But at the beginning of class the professor finds some notice on his desk. He can't make heads or tails of it and begins trying to analyze the meaning of the notice.
Good, I think. Take the whole damned class trying to figure it out. Maybe I'll get by. It has something to do with shopping carts not being allowed in the hallways but only on Sundays. Something like that.
The students are all into trying to prove how smart they are by telling him what the paper might mean. Maybe this is a a law class? Philosophy? I'm not even sure what class it is, that's how lost I am. But I realize that I need to complete it to get my degree.
Well, finally they get on with the lesson and I still don't have a clue. But about halfway through a wind blows through the classroom and the paper they had been discussing at the beginning about shopping carts blows out the window. The professor asks for volunteers to go outside and retreive it, and my hand is up first.
So out the window I go. And straight into a lake. The paper is floating around, but I fugre I'll just take as much time as I can before getting it so that the class will be over. And sure enough when I return the class is over and two men are standing there in the classroom with duck hunting outfits on and cracked shotguns.
After introductions they inform me that they are going to teach the next class on duck hunting and I hand them the paper which they explain is not about shopping carts but about how many ducks each hunter is allowed to bag.
Whatever. I walk into the hallway, and realize that I've just graduated because of this nonsense. But no sooner has this thought hit me, then I find myself with the professor at a party on the lake, or more properly on a series of rafts on the lake - and the professor looks like James Coburn and he's reading from the same book as in the classroom and I still don't have any idea what he's saying. We get to talking and he remembers me as one of his students and tells how he left teaching and went into writing for Hollywood which is where he's been for the last ten years.
I tell him I too wrote screenplays for a while. Ah yes, he says. He thought he recognized my name. He's smoking cigarettes - one after another and now he's out. For some reason, I'm just as eager to get away from him now - because he's mentioning these writers as if I'm supposed to know them - but I've not heard of a single one. So I'm just nodding that so-and-so was good and getting deeper and deeper into lies. So when he mentions that he's out of cigarettes I volunteer to go off and get some for him. He tells me that they're called Woosherfields. Something like that. British I think.
Which I do.
When I return his wife is handing him a tape. It has a soundtrack for a movie they're working on. She tells me that this is a new rap version of RESPECT. Ugh, I tell her. That's a bad idea.
No, she assures me. Good idea.
I hand the package of cigarettes to the James Coburn Professor of something and he takes one out and smokes it. Offers me one while he continues name dropping names I should have heard of. I take one cigarette. Light it. But I don't get any draw. I'm sucking on the thing - but no smoke or air or anything is coming out.
He's going on debonairly about more things I never heard of - and I taste this funny plastic tip that is stuck in the cigarette. Ah - so that's what the problem is. I pull the white plastic tip out. Coburn explains that this is how they keep each cigarette fresh. I toss the tip into the lake and watch is float off. And then as I'm about to take a drag - I wake up. No smokes for me. Not even in dreamland.
2/04/2006
Torsos, Paris
This one left me clueless at the time. I'm guessing they were for an exhibit, but perhaps they had some more sinister purpose.
busy
Just been very busy lately with a couple of larger orders from commercial customers: lobbies etc. Quite a bit of printing. I wish that the Silver Rag paper was out already. I would like to use it for these projects.
* * *
I am getting a hankering to shoot again, but not the streets of New York. I feel like going back to tripod work - somewhere new.
* * *
I am getting a hankering to shoot again, but not the streets of New York. I feel like going back to tripod work - somewhere new.
2/03/2006
Let's Go Mets
The Place: Coney Island. The Time: The Present. The dot on the man's lip: a tiny square bandaid.
2/02/2006
wellness
Of course, as part of my wellness campaign I found the cheapest health club in the neighborhood and joined up. I've been going for a few days now. Man, this place is filled with losers. I know that sounds harsh and I'm probably one of them, but did you ever see a health club where they've got a bunch of old geezers standing around smoking before going in, and the club even has one of those ashtrays outside with the club's logo: SMACK.
I climb up on a bike, in a row of bikes, in a grid of bikes with the big t.v. blasting some Insider Information about some very gorgeous stars that I suppose we are aspiring to be like or want to know more about. I don't. Everytime I come in I search for the remote control. I then get a bike that is as close to the remote as I can manage and very slowly, as I do my bike thing, I turn down the sound... slowly...
Nobody notices because they've all got the latest copy of some glamour magazine in front of them and buds in their ears... quieter and quieter...
And then the manager, an obese guy who looks like he just stepped off a tramp steamer, comes by and grabs the remote and turns up the sound again. I'm not ready to mess with him. Not yet. Maybe a few more weeks.
I think I saw my grandmother there the other day (she's 92). She said she was going to start working out again now that the kids were finally out of the house.
Well, it's a nice place and I'll keep going - but I'm telling you - the place is filled to the brim with what I'd call bad influences. Oh - upstairs - I found one guy drinking from a brown paper bag. Now it might have been some sports drink - but I don't know. He was wearing a raincoat and sneakers and it wasn't raining.
I climb up on a bike, in a row of bikes, in a grid of bikes with the big t.v. blasting some Insider Information about some very gorgeous stars that I suppose we are aspiring to be like or want to know more about. I don't. Everytime I come in I search for the remote control. I then get a bike that is as close to the remote as I can manage and very slowly, as I do my bike thing, I turn down the sound... slowly...
Nobody notices because they've all got the latest copy of some glamour magazine in front of them and buds in their ears... quieter and quieter...
And then the manager, an obese guy who looks like he just stepped off a tramp steamer, comes by and grabs the remote and turns up the sound again. I'm not ready to mess with him. Not yet. Maybe a few more weeks.
I think I saw my grandmother there the other day (she's 92). She said she was going to start working out again now that the kids were finally out of the house.
Well, it's a nice place and I'll keep going - but I'm telling you - the place is filled to the brim with what I'd call bad influences. Oh - upstairs - I found one guy drinking from a brown paper bag. Now it might have been some sports drink - but I don't know. He was wearing a raincoat and sneakers and it wasn't raining.
2/01/2006
Day 31 + 1
Now here keeping track of days since giving up the habit gets complicated. I don't even get the purpose of months at all. Why not just break the year into 365 days more or less. Wouldn't that make everything easier? I'll meet you on the 300th. The process I'm working on is going fine. It should be finished on the 68th. Et. cetera. Well, what's wrong with that? It'll be great for people who have given up some bad habit to keep track of how many clean days they have under their belt. You won't need to figure out crap like how many days one month has, or count on your knuckles. What do I care if January is based on some old Roman God that looks forward and back at the same time? Or any of the other obsolete Gods of yore. I say just go for good old consecutive numbers.
Oh, you say - but what about leap year? Same as now. Same as now. Just have one year that has 366 days in it every four years. Okay?
Anyway, in case you're wondering what else I've been up to - I'm starting to work on the 11th Man Book again (story by me and A.G. based on my photographs) and this time I've come up with a hairbrained scheme to at least get a couple of these books done. It's a combination process where I'll leave a blank page in the layout for where the photographic print is going to go, and have the text part of the book done at Lulu. That way I end up with a bound book - but with no pictures. So - I do the prints the usual way on the inkjet - and then glue them into the book on the blank pages. What you say? Insane? Maybe - but the idea is to only produce a few this way that can go off to publishers and agents et. cetera. Not to mass produce the book this way which would be insane unless someone wanted to pay a high price for each book. I mean, that's a lot of glue labor.
Besides that I finally got the kitchen back in working order. And orders have piled up again so I'll just be printing for the next few days.
* * *
Oh, and I've become completely infatuated with the wacom tablet. Yes, I'm now used to it. I don't use it for everything - but for any sort of retouching work - very useful. I set the first button on the pen to ALT so that I can do my sampling etc. without using the keyboard. I'm not sure what to set the 2nd button to yet.
Oh, you say - but what about leap year? Same as now. Same as now. Just have one year that has 366 days in it every four years. Okay?
Anyway, in case you're wondering what else I've been up to - I'm starting to work on the 11th Man Book again (story by me and A.G. based on my photographs) and this time I've come up with a hairbrained scheme to at least get a couple of these books done. It's a combination process where I'll leave a blank page in the layout for where the photographic print is going to go, and have the text part of the book done at Lulu. That way I end up with a bound book - but with no pictures. So - I do the prints the usual way on the inkjet - and then glue them into the book on the blank pages. What you say? Insane? Maybe - but the idea is to only produce a few this way that can go off to publishers and agents et. cetera. Not to mass produce the book this way which would be insane unless someone wanted to pay a high price for each book. I mean, that's a lot of glue labor.
Besides that I finally got the kitchen back in working order. And orders have piled up again so I'll just be printing for the next few days.
* * *
Oh, and I've become completely infatuated with the wacom tablet. Yes, I'm now used to it. I don't use it for everything - but for any sort of retouching work - very useful. I set the first button on the pen to ALT so that I can do my sampling etc. without using the keyboard. I'm not sure what to set the 2nd button to yet.
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