by Dave | 09 Mar 2014 | Blog
I seem to be drawn to a couple of different subjects when photographing. One is faces, the other is water; not just any face…faces that seem to have a story behind them. The same with water…water needs to provide something that moves me, has emotion behind the scene. While in Nova Scotia not too long ago, we found ourselves driving aground an area of Isle Madame on Cape Breton: Janvrin Island. I’m sure the water around the Island can be more tempestuous, but much of it provides a visual and emotional serenity. Not too many cars and ample scenes on which to feast. The only difficulty is where to pull off the roadway safely. Such was the case with this photograph. We were able to find a small spot on the shoulder of the road that afforded enough safety for the car, but not much for my fanny hanging out in the travel lane while snuggled up against the guard rail in order to capture this scene. I hope you enjoy the view as much as we did.
by Dave | 02 Mar 2014 | Blog
On the Zocalo in Mexico City, adjacent to the Catedral Metropolitana, troupes of Shaman, dancers, and vendors set up performances and healing ceremonies. Ceremonies entail the use of burning herbs and vegetation along with chants and prayers designed to heal and cast out unwanted spirits. Performances are based on ancient Aztec and/or Inca ceremonies, performers and Shaman dress in elaborate traditional feathered head dresses and attire for the performances. Traditionally, men performed the rituals, however, women and, on occasion, children participate in the dances. There are different troupes, although similar, each has a slightly different ritual, dance, and drums or other accompaniments. Individual Shaman perform the healings while using various articles, artifacts, smoke chalices, and chants. The best time to view or participate is on weekends.
by Dave | 24 Feb 2014 | Blog
I have always been drawn to monochrome photography. Even when taking classes during the film era, black and white intrigued me more in the darkroom than did the color lab. While color was fun, the essence of the photograph came through for me more with black and white. I am certainly not opposed to color; I think that with certain photographs the mood is enhanced with color and it contributes to what the photograph says . At the same time, I feel there are photographs in which color detracts from the feeling captured within the photograph; nothing is lost, detracted, or distracted by color, only the essence and feeling of the photograph remains leaving the stark story the photograph tells. Craggy, leathery faces often lend themselves more to black and white than color. What does the subject of this portrait say, where has he been, what story do the eyes tell?
Taken on the Zocalo, Mexico City.
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