Warms the heart . . .

. . . and inspires the soul.

Here's a comment that was left on my Model Mayhem page:

April 11, 2008 8:20pm

i want to not just comment on every pic, but every pixel you have touched. You are a true artist.

Feedback makes it all worthwhile. Mwah.

Random confluence

I was shopping with a friend for a photo printer to gift her mother. Her mum got a PowerShot for Christmas, and wanted a docking printer for it. Very specific. We went to the usual budget sources in Fredericton, The Source and FutureShop . . . and were served by two very different young men who seemed mostly interested in getting a commission. At least the guy at The Source knew what the hey he was talking about; our salesman at FutureShop was full of deceit and double-edged words to cozy us up to the idea of buying the most expensive printer available. Jerk.

So then we went to Wal-Mart. Oh, I know what you're thinking. Normally I won't set foot in the place since low, low prices equates to some combination of shoddy merchandise or crappy service. They had the Canon docker we were looking for, but none in stock. The sales guy (who does not receive commission) checked the warehouse (they were out) then gave us the number for the north side Wal-Mart to see if they had one. They did. Hurrah.

But the point of this story is that the gentleman working at Wal-Mart was not a part-timer looking to put himself through university on his commissions. He was old enough to be a lifer. And he knew exactly what he was talking about. He was helpful, jovial, knowledgeable . . . now, before you go thinking I've got some big girl crush on him, let me just say he wasn't my type. But the fact that he knows so much about printers and photography and is working in the electronics section at Wal-Mart . . . was disheartening.

In the end, it turns out Canon doesn't make a printer dock; you have to go with Kodak or HP. Funny ol' world, ain't it?

Why do the techie stores want young, ignorant males in their employ when they could have someone like Wal-Mart Guy (WMG)?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Long time, no postings

And here's why:

The show is up until the end of the month; come on down to The Playhouse at 686 Queen St. in Fredericton and check it out!

There's already been some media coverage of the exhibit, and it's generating positive responses. I admit to having been a bit concerned because of the subject matter, but so far no complaints.

I've received all kinds of feedback; here's the best:

Little boy, looking at pictures: "So . . . did any of these people die having their photographs taken?"

Playhouse employee: "No, I think they're all just posed shots."

Little boy, relieved: "Oh, okay." [after a pause] "I think I like art."

ECMAs

Atlantic Airwaves broadcast from the Playhouse

Photo: justFRED.ca/M. Whyte

Heeeeeeeey kids!

Fredericton played host to the 2008 ECMAs from February 7-10. I got to run rampant for justFRED.ca, shooting stills of everyone and everything I ran into. Sometimes, literally. Apparently CBC videoed me in the penalty box (again, literally) while shooting the Gala. Nifty. So how was my hair, eh?

I met Catahoula Brown and his bass man, Rob C. during my wanders on the free shuttle service. I also met Bill Stevenson (wicked pianist) and John Draper (wicked photographer). All wonderful people.

My favorite shows? The CFAT Nocase Showcase at boom! with Stereo Airing, Ross Neilsen, and Holophonic Porno. Also, the Vixen's Nocase Showcase with First Words, Ghettosocks, Monark, et al.

Photos?

boom! Nocase

Photo: justFRED.ca/M. Whyte

Yes, please.

Awards Gala

Photo: justFRED.ca/M. Whyte

Top ten refusals on the job

I hear some interesting things when I'm running around the city taking pictures of humans, birds, etc. Numbered among those are reasons why people don't want me to take their photograph. Sometimes it makes sense, sometimes it's laughable, sometimes people run away. Here are the top ten rejections I've received to my question, "Could I take your picture?":

10. Your camera looks expensive. I don't want to break it. Maybe I could take your picture, instead?

9. What kind of camera is that? I have a _____________ camera, myself.
[This one normally leads into ye olde half-hour camera geek-out]

8. No, you can't take my picture, but my friend/spouse/coworker, here, they'd LOVE to have their picture taken.

7. [astonished] Why would you want to?

6. Sorry! I'm in a hurry . . .
[Usually followed by reasons the person is in a hurry]

5. No. I don't want my picture plastered all over the Internet/your Facebook/Myspace/Flickr account.

4. You'd have to clear it with my agent.
[or]
What's the commission? I don't work for free . . .

3. Sorry, I'm too drunk to have my picture taken.

2. [When talking about shooting freelance] So you're like the Peter Parker of Fredericton?

1. Are you married?

Tips for shooting stills of passerby

This always brings up a point of 'ethical' concern. Do you ask the people whose picture you're taking if it's okay before you shoot? You might lose the moment but you're being up-front with your intentions. You could always shoot first and ask questions later . . . or not at all. . .

So ask yourself if you're a photojournalist, a hobbyist, or concerned with documentary. The aims change the means.

I think taking the photo then showing it to the person (or, in the case of film aficionados, telling about it) is an acceptable compromise. On contract, I always ask first. But sometimes . . . the moment slips past you if you wait and ask.

It's one tough judgement call after another. My two primary concerns in street photography are representation and reputation. I ask myself, Have I fairly represented the subject? His or her feelings? If/when the subject sees the still, will s/he love it? Hate it? At the same time, you may have an artistic responsibility to convey the 'ugly' side of the human condition: poverty, bereavement, prejudice, violence. . . and that's not a side most people want others to see. Heck, most people won't let me take their photo this season due to runny noses. So then it comes down to reputation. Yours. Mine. If you're working in your home city, chances are you'll run into that person again some day. Once you've lost your credibility, it's next to impossible to get it back. You might get a knuckle sandwich.

Okay, okay, the numbered list.

1. As a general rule, ask people before you take their picture. I know that awareness of the photographer and the camera changes the image. You know that, too. You should still ask whenever possible. Some people don't like having their picture Out There. Some people have religious, cultural, and or personal reasons which prohibit images of themselves being taken. Respect that.

2. When you can't ask the subject, ask yourself if the shot is worth it. I mean, if something is so beautiful it strikes your heart like Stendahl, take the freaking picture. No matter what. Just be ready for any eventuality if you're taking a picture of someone's ugly side. Insurance on your camera might be a good idea.

3. Establish rapport. It can be one of the most strenuous challenges in the industry. You will often have to convince people to let you take or keep a picture of them. You can normally tell within the first few seconds of meeting someone whether it's worth your effort or not. Body language speaks volumes. Make eye contact. Smile.

If it's digital, you can offer to show them the picture to assuage their fears. For film, perhaps get a mailing address to send them a print along with a comp card.

4. Be bold, be confident. Well, running up to a stranger and asking if you can take their photo is pretty darned bold. Don't be afraid to make yourself foolish or vulnerable, don't be intimidated by your situation. You are a photographer (even as a proam)! Take pictures! You will face rejection and criticism. Don't take it personally. Don't make it personal.

5. Feel it out. Okay, this part sounds pretty flakey but each city and each neighbourhood marches to the beat of its own drum. It is imperative that you get a "feel" for what you're taking pictures of. Wander around a while, get into your groove, and snap away.

Links

• Street photography tips from the Digital Grin Photography Forum.


• Discussion thread on Flickr, mostly the candid/photog incognito approach.

• Mixed bag of photo tips from National Geographic.


• General commentary on street photography via photo.net.

• A digression into street photography ethics from Stephen Haynes' blog

Photo credits: justFRED.ca/Mae Whyte