one of my favorite mantras for photography comes from Albert Einstein: « make it simple, but no simpler ». it rings true, yet, in something as objective as mathematics, or even algorithm design, it is quite the challenge: there are no instructions. in the subjective field of photography, the liberty of seeking simplicity can lead…
Albert Renger-Patzsch
one goes to museum, as one can do here in Paris where there is so much access to photography exhibit. I had not heard of Albert Renger-Patzsch before, though it is clear now that in 1920s he was having some thoughts/approaches on what we would later see from the New Topographics: from the Bechers, all…
Boe Marion
this is a striking photo, in the sense that it recalls many things at once: and I really like that. first, there is the Paul Strand feel to the composition and light, as well as the facial expression on the lady (at right). second, the tonality and balance between light and shadows are effective. link:…
turns in Fashion Photography
the great reveal in photography styles, for me, is that of what is classified as fashion photography. it is rather surprising, even after all this time, that I discover a photographer of great appeal, and it turns out that there was much work done in Fashion photography. some of them, like in the 50s with…
the reset via Lisbon
lucky to visit Lisbon for the first time, and it was fantastic in many ways. photographically, the supernice thing is to have a reset: each city makes a different connection, and obviously impresses on how to photograph it. the hills, the tiles, the shades… and on this visit, it was mainly the search for texture…
Saul Leiter: the quintessential form
sometimes, luck strikes. for Saul Leiter himself, I am not sure, as he was dismissive of praise, but lucky for us, because it is the rare instances in art when a talent makes it through despite how they approached a road to fame. since Early Color was released in 2006, and now on its 6th…
IOWA by Nancy Rexroth
unlike the previous post, in that I am very familiar with Michael Kenna’s work, I am not familiar with Nancy Rexroth. thus, I cannot say what her style, if she has one, is like. however, I can glance at her work in the magnificent re-print of her book IOWA, and know that it is a…
what does the camera do?
fundamentally, photography is about freedom— there should not be any rules, as it is already difficult to work with the few decision-points in the journey. the recent book from Michael Kenna reminds me of such a decision-point: is one’s style (if we have one) to be ever dominant, and all cameras are just a tool?…
Box of Fallen Leaves 
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