The Art of the Snapshot (We’re Still Making Them Today!)

A couple of friends over for a BBQ bumping elbows. I have a love for old snapshots. There's something special about those photos that aren't meant for the gallery wall, that aren't going to win awards, but are just simply destined for the photo album--the "open-the-pages-and-reminisce book" that we used to create all the time...

When Tack Sharp Isn’t Best

I love a sharp negative and photographic print as much as the next guy. I strive for proper focus. Who doesn't? But there are times when it's not about the tack sharp focus, but about the moment. When the shutter can't quite still what's happening, but it still captures it. Like these two photos of...

Save Those Negatives

I find it unbelievable that I have to write this, but the trend in film developing labs, not professional ones, but drugstore-types, is to return digital files and not return the negatives for film that they develop. It would be like Bob Dylan (or more likely his record company) saving one cassette tape of Highway...

Good Shooter or Good Editor, You Choose

I know a photographer who shoots with his finger on the shutter, shoots hundreds of images every time he goes out--obviously he's a digital photographer. He says he doesn't know what he wants and needs to have plenty to choose from later to find the shot, so he has to shoot like this. Hundreds of...

Ah, The Difference a Print Makes

The photographic print defines today's photographer. That's it right there. Doesn't matter if you originate on film or a digital sensor, it's the print that defines the photographer. What have you made lately? Show me your work, let's see your photographs? I'd go so far as to say that those making photographic prints are the...

The Film/Digital Difference

The difference between the two is night and day to me, and I am assuming you also can see it. There's a time for each, just like there's a time for watercolor and oil paint. Just like there is a time for takeout food (takeaway for those readers across the pond) and a time to...

The Long Road, May It Lead to a Great View!

No matter what road you're on... ...may it lead to a picture-perfect view at the end. Here's a wish for a safe, healthy, prosperous and adventurous 2021 for all of you who are part of my readership. Thank you for coming to my 'theater' and watching my 'show'. I am grateful to have a voice...

Just Imagine What I Could Do With A…

Nikon F2! Such a machine!Leica M6! Ohmigod, fine German engineering!Olympus OM3! No batteries needed! Pentax MX! Look at that huge viewfinder!Nikon F! The legend, it went to war!Canon F-1! Built like a tank!Leica R6.2! All Leica goodness! Contax T3! Small wonder, Zeiss lens! Leica IIIf! The ultimate photographic jewel! You know what I can do...

Making Family Photographs and Annie Leibovitz’s Way

There were many people online panning Annie Leibovitz's Master Class, saying she just talks a lot and doesn't give enough information about her process. I was gifted a year of Master Class from a friend and watched a few of the opening episodes and thought they were okay, but they didn't leave me wanting to...

All It Takes…

All it takes is to be there for each other.