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About Yousef Karsh: Regarding Heroes

Saturday, October 24th, 2009

I recently ordered and received a book on the classic photography of Yousuf Karsh:  Regarding Heroes.  Now, I had heard of him and even recognize some work – Mr. Karsh is one of those people whose work reverberates throughout the world.  I was completely unprepared for the beauty in this book.

If I can get my act together, I’ll go over a few of the photos over the next few days.  Suffice it to say, it contains photos of past greats.  This is a book on portraiture.  But oh, what portraiture!  I have seen many great portraits, and have heard many people talk about how the point is to make a human connection.  Never have I really seen that in action.  The photos I see in this book don’t reflect the person and his/her personality, it amplifies it.

Just a gorgeous book.  Grab it if you can find it!

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Antique Technology

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009
I was recently asked if I subscribe to any paper forms of informational distribution.  The answer is yes, I subscribe to quite a few magazines.  Some of them, in the order that they came to me:
  • B&W – a fine-art industry mag.  Pretty artsy, has occasional (artistic) nudes.  I’m not currently subscribed, just pick it up on a whim from time-to-time.  It’s less technical, more image/history/film centric.  Personally like it and will likely subscribe soon.
  • American Photo – more of a “pop-photo” magazine.  Subscribed, didn’t like it much & let the subscription lapse.  The problem is it occasionally has *awesome* articles, and it’s cheap, so I’ll likely subscribe to it again in the near future.
  • Layers – a post-processing mag for graphic designers (and one of Scott Kelby’s pubs).  Decent, but I get the subscription for free (It comes with a Kelby Training subscription).  I wouldn’t pay for it on my own, though.
  • Photoshop User – another Kelby publication.  PS & Lightroom specific.  Comes with the NAPP membership.  This one I would recommend for most photographers – they’re really good at covering the more basic parts of PS, and there’s always something in there that interests other folks (I particularly like Deke’s column!).
  • LensWork – possibly the finest “magazine” on the market.  All published in B&W (even if the originals are in color), with a serious (but not overbearing) outlook and a focus on the unknown photographer.  Not as good for learning technical details, but fantastic for looking at what other people review.  And overall, fantastically edited & professionally put together.  My only complaint: it’s not a magazine, despite what they say.  It’s a fine-art literary publication.
  • National Geographic – Possibly the best mag out there for just viewing awesome photos.
  • PPA Magazine (Professional Photographers of America) – I’ll probably let it lapse.  It’s good for the studio photographer, but too much emphasis on marketing & business for my taste.  On the other hand, there are occasional ideas that are just great.  I suppose it’ll depend on the renewal rate.
  • Outdoor photographer – The few times I’ve read this, it’s been a bit too preachy for me (yes, even after loving National Geographic!), and their emphasis on lower-grade glass (lenses, surprisingly positive reviews) put me off.  It’s OK from time to time – I usually grab it before I fly out – I won’t feel to bad about leaving it in the airplane!  Not going to subscribe any time in the near future, though.
  • Pro Photo Techniques – a great mag, but tends towards the technical side.  My favorite for technical resources.
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Sweet Deals

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

I promise, I’m not a shill for Tony Sweet.  Really, I’m not.  But I do get asked about where my ideas come from, and right now I’m gaining most of them from different existing photographers.  Sometimes it’s Joe McNally, Moose Petersen, or Jim Goldstein.  When it’s flowers, it’s usually Tony Sweet.

Tony doesn’t have that many books out there, and his style isn’t for everyone (is anyone’s?).  I will say that I really like his Visual Literacy: Photography Workshop DVD.  As far as raw technique, it’s pretty much the best of his bunch.

Looking for more flower ideas? Grab his Fine Art Flower Photography.

Some other day, I’ll write about his other books…

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LensWork: The Best of EndNotes

Monday, July 13th, 2009

I received the latest edition of LensWork over the weekend.  If you haven’t read the magazine, then let me recommend it – instead of the typical junk covering the latest, most popular cameras, or whatever is “hip” (think HDR), they focus purely on art.  This usually means black and white photography, and they do a fantastic job at publishing.  In fact, I’d sooner call it a mini-art book.

Mere magazine it is not.

Back in May, you may remember that one of their authors passed away.  The current issue is completely dedicated to him – no photos, just his final thoughts, writings, memoirs from others, and the like.

I’m reading it now.  I highly recommend that you try to get yourself a copy.

And no, you can’t have mine.

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On photography books, in general.

Friday, July 10th, 2009

I’m a sucker for books.  Any book, really – it’s like a fetish, without the perversion.  As far as you know.

One of my resolutions this year was to stop buying technical photo books – start focusing on artsy ones, instead.  It looks like I’ll be breaking my resolution – Trey has finally come out with a book on HDR.  I have absolutely no idea if it’ll be that good or useful for me (although if it’s anything like his work, it’ll be beautiful), but I know I’ll buy it.  It’s titled “A World in HDR“, and can be gotten on Amazon (pre-order) or through Trey’s blog.

I really wish I could afford the packet that Trey’s offering ($60 for autographed book & print), but I’m completely self-funded.  I’m afraid I’ll be going the cheapest route…

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Box o’ Rocks

Friday, May 29th, 2009

The title is a family colloquialism for my head.

This, as opposed to an exhibit being shown right now at the Ansel Adams gallery in Yosemite.  I actually have the book from Bill Atkinson, which covers some of the groundbreaking work with the printing.  I don’t recall exact details and I’m too damn lazy to actually open the book, but I recall there being some incredible works there.

I suppose I’ll have to look at the book again.

The book, in case you’re interested.

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Bill Jay’s End Note

Friday, May 15th, 2009

I just heard that Bill Jay passed away.  If you’re a casual enthusiast of photography, you may not know who he is.  Most of the pros know him and think quite fondly of him.

I had only recently heard of him, after my wife gave me a gift subscription to LensWork last year (link currently has a memorial to him).  He wrote a column called “End Notes” that I found fantastic – often the most interesting part of the magazine.  Most months, I would start with his column and work my way back.

Embracing writing style, wonderful observations.  It was like a family reunion, at dinner.

Now I will never have a chance to meet him in person.  I think I’ll be spending some time downloading all of his articles and reading them.

Much better writings than this:

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