Shots and Thoughts

Photos and comments as I explore my passion for photography. Written to and for myself as a journal to track major moments and minor observations as I continue to evolve my visual art. 

Leica Kyoto

One of my favorite stops in Kyoto is to drop into the Leica Kyoto store. Located right in the heart of the historic Gion food/entertainment district, the shop in housed in a remodeled historic machiya styled home. Think old wood beams, white plaster walls, sliding shoji doors and then full of the latest Leica cameras and lens. The team there is always helpful and I bought my Leica Q there last June. 

Here is Yuko san, she is #1 in the shop for customer service.

Kyoto, 2016

Kyoto, 2016

Pro Tip: Having a good camera support team is critical for a professional photographer. I continue to support the local Leica shops (vs online purchase) as the relationships built are helpful and fun!

Friends in Tokyo

Just back from another good trip to Japan. I spent time in both Kyoto and Tokyo, flying out of Osaka both ways. A two week trip, so jet lag coming home this week was especially tough.

One of the things I always try to do on these trips is to reconnect with friends. This time I got to hang out with Dave Powell from ShootTokyo. We have know each other for years, with many common interests and shared challenges. It is particularly nice as we know and appreciate each others families also. 

It was Dave that got me to move into the world of Leica. Actually he also saved me from moving away from Leica as the first few months were tough for me. Using manual focus, all manual settings was interesting as I had come from a razor sharp, auto everything Nikon set up. There was a pivotal day when Dave and I did a photo walk together in Tokyo, where he patiently helped me get the Leica M rangefinder dialed. From that day on I have been shooting Leica exclusively for my street type photography.

On this trip we had a chance to take some photos, have a few beers and eat some awesome yakitori.

Here is Dave having fun on the YouTube set in Roppangi Hills. Note the cap still on the prop beer bottle!

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Pro Tip: It is good to be proactive on maintaining relationships. It had been awhile since our schedules worked out, so really nice to see Dave again.

Prince

Such sad and unexpected news of the death of Prince. He was a true creative and oozed sexuality. Here is my take if he asked me to make an album cover for him.

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

My version of the master Moriayam san style photos.

Pro tip: It is fun watch other's styles and see what you can then make your own. I particularly like the 1960-1970 high contrast Japanese images.

A Range of Looks

When I shoot executive portraits in the studio I always try to get a range of shots that the client can rotate across social media, websites, marketing material, etc. 

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016 

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016 

Japantown Studios San Jose, 2016

Japantown Studios San Jose, 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Pro tip: Bring 4-6 tops from fun to business casual to your photo session, all clean pressed and well fitting. 

Projects

I am working with Joe Aguirre to help develop of couple of projects as I stretch myself creatively. He is just back from a solo show in Paris and brought me some super cool zines that remind me of older Japanese photography, my favorite! 

I will update this post as we spend more time together, using these notes as a reminder of working points we have discussed.

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

Japantown Studios, San Jose 2016

1. Pick two camera set ups and shoot those most of the time. I will go with the Leica Q 28mm and Leica M-A film with a 50mm set up.

2. Blog posts only need a date/location and a one liner.

3. As the shooter I know the context of the photos and sequence shot, but the viewer does not. It is up to me to create that story for the viewer. Time for me to grow out of the timeline approach and move into the creative side. Let go of the linear.

4. Change it up: shoot new people, new locations, different light (but with the same camera and post set up).

5. Let go of my studio mindset when shooting on location with the Leica. Good to carry over all the lighting experience I have learned but also need to shoot more than just head shots on location.

6. There are rules and there are no rules.

7. For a shoot have a specific plan and set of shots, just like a wedding. Then you have room/space for shots that happen in the moment.

8. My editing and post production is fine, not to worry.

9. Now shooting film is fun, not to worry.

10. Let go of the snapshots, although I can do these pretty well now. Best shots are the ones no one has seen before.

11. Check out Model Mayhem for different set of models, different looks.

12. Probably just using 1-2 shots of the same person in a project, unless the focus is just that subject.

13. Projects don't have to be big or small. We picked and sequenced 6 shots that flowed together beautifully. Project done, move on.

14. I should learn some basic InDesign skills as it seems that is the go to platform for publishing.

15. But there are also design people that do books/zines that can help. Pay for it for best quality.

16. Some shots are just great single images, some can be help for larger projects, some are mainstream in a project. All good.

17. No need to delete any shots.

18. Printing is good for developing book layout, etc.

19. With model there is a flow based on the overall dynamic, but it might be thought of as a conversation punctuated by snapshots.

20. For his Paris show he printed 16x20 with some space so they fit into wooded frames from Ikea, no mat required.

21. Having some zines for sale or give away is a good idea to promote your work.

22. For an intial zine may either matte or glossy, 100 or 120 wt paper all the same with uncoated white paper. Spin to USB or finished PDF.

23. Mundane photos need to be really mundane, not postcards or snapshots.

Pro tip: Working 1x1 makes good sense for me at this point, Joe has been super to work with.

Layers

Shooting more now in CA and trying new ideas and approaches. This shot has a nice set of layers,  not always easy to do but lets the viewer linger longer in the image.

SF, 2016

SF, 2016

Pro tip: What is the definition of a good photo? Maybe it is as simple as a memorable photo, one where the viewer looks twice, looks more than 1/2 a second in todays insta world. Making images where people look longer is a good goal.

Film

I just got back my first real set of scanned film shots and couldn't be more pleased for this first effort. I am shooting the Leica M-A camera and my friend Joe turned me on to the external light meter that worked great. You always hear that film looks different than digital shots and it is really true.

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

This was B/W TriX 400 pushed to 1600. I need to sort through the post processing work as it is different than digital.

Pro tip: Just shoot. These rolls have given the me confiedence technically on shooting film. Exposing for the blacks is key, where in digital you are constantly watching the highlights.

Feedback

I spent the afternoon with Faran this week, a long time friend who is an outstanding photographer. He just came back from an extended shooting trip in Iceland with some incredible photos. We caught up on a range of topics including some feedback on my recent Japan prints.

San Francisco, 2016

San Francisco, 2016

Pro tip: Have a small group of trusted friends that provide honest, constructive feedback is invaluable. Feedback on social media is always great, but this 1x1 trusted advisor discussion is key for my photo growth. As a side note he had the new large iPad and it is super for reviewing images.

Impermanence

In just a few days the beautiful cherry blossom trees will be in full bloom and loved by all. The concept of impermanence is materialized in front of us as the season is short and as the blossoms fall away we are reminded of how fleeting beauty can be. But isn't this cold, dark and stark cherry blossom tree also beautiful? Waiting for the blossoms in your life stops you from seeing the beauty in each moment, light or dark.

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Pro tip : Some times the best shots appear when your "done" shooting. Letting go of expectations, lets the shot and world unfold in front of you.

Family Photos

Capturing family memories are one of the true delights of my job.

Los Gatos, 2015

Los Gatos, 2015

Pro tip: Close counts. Get everyone together in the photo. Group hug!

Friends and Fun

A fun time shooting a group 17 year old kids at a birthday party tonight.

Los Gatos, 2016

Los Gatos, 2016

We did a bunch of group shots and then set up a little studio to get some individual shots. The kids loved it and we were pretty quick, less than an hour. I used the ring light and then an umbrella for the portraits.

Pro tip: I printed off 10 copies of the above shots for each girl to take home. Also put together a slideshow they will see when back from dinner. A nice birthday package for a special girl.

47 Years Together

A delight shooting a dear friends family this weekend. A close group anchored by the grandparents, now married 47 years (with many more to come!).

Los Gatos, 2016

Los Gatos, 2016

Los Gatos, 2016

Los Gatos, 2016

Pro tip: I am really proud of the final images for several reasons. First, they turned out exactly like I thought they would prior to shooting. I saw the final images in my mind and made that happen in camera. Including setting up a small studio in their garage to capture this shot. When this pre vision is carried through till the finished product, that is being an experienced professional. Secondly, I was sick as a dog with a bad cold caught after some major dental work. I could have easily cancelled this session, but a pro steps in, steps up and delivers. Boom.

Too bad the NFL MVP didn't step up at the Super Bowl...

On the Street

I love people in motion, especially in a clean backdrop. Dragging the shutter to give a sense of motion.

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Tokyo, 2016

Pro tip: These shots work best when you have 1/3/5 people in the image, the eye/brain seems to like these combinations.

Friends

Ted came down to the San Jose Japantown Studios yesterday and we go to hang out and get some lunch. He is a super photographer and I got the honor to assist him in a wedding a few years ago. He was in town to deliver the finished wedding album.

San Jose Japantown Studios, 2015

San Jose Japantown Studios, 2015

Pro tip: At his core Ted has the word Excellence, and it shows up both in his photography and his life. A good word to live by, a good filter for all activities.

Everybody Likes a Photo

Everybody likes a photo, at least in Japan. These three high school kids in Japan were full of questions and happy to take a bunch of photos together. They were on a field trip and had an assignment to interview an English speaking person. 

Kyoto, 2015

Kyoto, 2015

Pro tip: I smartly walked around this group to turn them into the best light. No need to discuss, just move myself and they got into perfect position.

Kyoto Station

Strong geometric lines, plenty of people and wonderful diffused light pour into Kyoto station.

Kyoto, 2016.

Kyoto, 2016.

Pro tip: This shot just didn't happen. I was waiting, focus and exposure all set. down on way knee watch the groups of people walk by. I knew this was the shot instantly. 

Rain and Light

Rain and light make for a nice combination. Getting the right composure (and not getting TOO wet) is the key.

Kyoto, 2016

Kyoto, 2016

Pro tip: Timing the walk, the footsteps, can make or break these shots.

Flash

I stopped in at the Leica shop in Kyoto today and picked up the new SF40 flash. Yuko san was most helpful setting up and testing the unit, works very well on the Leica Q in TTL mode.

Kyoto, 2016

Kyoto, 2016

Pro tip: I need to shoot a bunch with this flash so it comes naturally and fast. I have that down with my studio flash and now need to do the same with this unit. Both TTL and manual.

Shooting in New Locations

When I arrived in Tokyo this week I was up early and out shooting. I reflected on why changing locations seems to kick up my creative juices. A big part of that answer is how light looks different at different latitudes, longitudes as the seasons change. Also the diffused light of big cities changes the light so beautifully. I

Tokyo, 2016.

Tokyo, 2016.

Pro tip: Travel is wonderful, stressful and just the best. I hope to continue for years to come.