Rorschach

Week 6

Rorschach

I captured this image standing in the middle of a redwood grove on a shoot last week in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For some reason as I reviewed this set of images from the day,  Rorschach came to mind. According to Wikipedia, the Rorschach test, administered by asking what the test subject sees when looking at a series of random ink-blot patterns is intended to analyze thought processes, personality characteristics or emotional functioning. I've always heard of it in connection with trying to see how someone perceives their world, or what currently preoccupies their thoughts. The abstract nature of the image above led to the association with the Rorschach test, but it wasn't long before I started to notice meaningful images and shapes. The longer I stared at it, the more complex the image became, infused with all kinds of references to current events, etc. that I'll spare you from, but even I was surprised.

I think with anything, both literally and conceptually, when we look at something long enough, different patterns and connections will emerge, something more than that which is represented at first glance. That item of scrutiny can be a picture, similar to the one above. It can be a work strategy, social or political topic, even a worldview. I believe we are built to deepen our understanding. We want to make sense of things that at first glance don't seem congruent with what we already think we know, and we want to verify that how we perceive things is indeed right-thinking. Whether you believe the results of these analyses are constructs based on predetermined thoughts or revelations as a result of the search itself is a topic for another conversation, I suppose. I do think, however, we are misguided not to engage in this type of analysis. To cruise through life without the opportunity to broaden and deepen our understanding of others, of ourselves, and of our higher power is a service to no-one.

Don't get me wrong. We can't walk around in an introspective fog, not moving forward with our lives and plans, afraid to take action because we haven't "thought about it long enough". We have to make the best decisions we can based on the current understandings we have. But to not be open to re-interpretation, fresh perspective, and indeed, correction, is to close the door to deeper understanding and wisdom. Who wants to do that?





image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/60 sec @ f8, ISO 400

Contrast

Week 5

Contrast

February 5, 2011

Sometimes looking at an image in stark contrast leaves an indelible impression, a more lasting and clear memory of what is being beheld. I'm no color or visual arts expert, but it seems that boldly contrasting colors, or contrast provided by light & dark (as with the image above) simplifies, lends clarity, and enhances the image. The components of the image that oppose one another also seem to give vibrance and attention to their opposite elements. The tree seems to point out the interesting cloud consistency in a manner it may not have if there were more color and detail in the hillside. Likewise, the boldness of the silhouetted tree and hilltop would not be as prominent if the sky were darker and less dynamic.

I think similarly, moments and aspects in our lives can be more vivid when viewed in relief against the events and circumstances in the lives of those near us, or in our own changing environments. Our appreciation of the small studio apartment we live in shifts when we are exposed to the corrugated metal and cardboard shanty shared by a family of 5 outside of Manila, Kampala, or Port au Prince. The 60 hour work week or underpaid position that we bemoan is mourned when lost and replaced with joblessness. The beauty of human relationships emerges with clarity when conspicuously absent through loss, and conversely grief is more poignant the greater we love and value what is no longer ours.

Diversity, breadth of experience and cultures... contrast... these things lend a richness to our human journey that I, for one, am thankful for. It's a richness and depth that is a gift, one I don't think we can be truly aware of until we experience it, and that is worthy of being sought after.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 70-200 2.8L lens, 1/1000sec @f11, ISO 400

Books

Week 4

Books
January 27, 2011

Last week I was hired to shoot a corporate event for a large Bay Area organization. Held at The Mountain Winery in the hills of Saratoga, the event was certainly at a beautiful location, and would be memorable if for that reason only. What stood out to me, though, and was refreshing to witness was the choice of activity for the night. Now I'm no stranger to team-building events, having been in the corporate world for over 10 years, but this was different. The company chose Impact 4 Good, a "socially conscious corporate teambuilding company" to be the central focus of the evening. There was no falling into each others' arms, no cheesy trust exercises for these seasoned executives (who have likely done hundreds of teambuilding events over the course of their careers.) Rather, this group of VPs and up played games. Cool games like tower-building with Jenga blocks and team-scrabble. They had trivia contests and book balancing races, where teams literally balanced books on their heads in slalom-like contests against their colleagues from around the world.

  Even more impressive than the unique activities they participated in, was the purpose of the night. These teams of professional men and women competed in these games to earn building materials; materials they they would use that night to put together bookshelves. These bookshelves would hold among others, the childrens' books that these executives contributed towards the philanthropy - a local school - benefiting from all of this effort.  

To me it was an interesting choice of philanthropies, literacy. I confess, it's not one that I think about very often, and yet one that has a huge impact on an individual's life... as well as the lives of the literate surrounding them. A few statistics* to think about:

• 50 percent of adults cannot read a book written at an eighth grade level. 
•  
• 20 percent of Americans are functionally illiterate and read below a 5th grade level. 
•  
• 3 out of 4 people on welfare can't read.
•  
• 20 percent of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage. 
•  
• 3 out of 5 people in an American prison can't read.
•  
• 85 percent of juvenile offenders have problems reading. 
•  
• Illiteracy has been proven to cause children to drop out of school. Dropouts cost our nation $240 billion in social service expenditures and lost tax revenues.  

*taken from Education-Portal.com


There are many worthy charities, and this isn't an endorsement of one over the other, but rather a positive statement about the impact individuals and organizations can have on their neighbors, on their local communities, and worldwide. This organization and these individuals chose to build needed bookshelves and contribute books to a local school, and I think that's pretty cool.

 

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/40 sec @ f1.8, ISO 640

Wedding Day

Week 3

Wedding Day

January 16, 2011

Photographing weddings is a unique experience for many reasons. As I was reminded by a gifted wedding photographer just last night, this day quite possibly holds the most meaning of any day to come, (perhaps next only to the birth of their children) in the lives of the couple being joined together. It is unique because of this significance, and it is unique because often it is one of a very few times when all or near all of these two peoples' family and friends are gathered together in one place. It is unique because it is not only a milestone in the lives of the bride and groom, but also in the lives of their parents, their siblings and loved ones.... Even for their friends, both new and old, it helps shape the contours of their own stories as they look back at their respective lives and place this wedding squarely in that river of memories.

It's a beautiful thing to be included in the process, an honor to be asked to capture that important day, to tell a visual story that will last for the lives of the couple, and into the generations to follow. There is only one chance at it, there is no re-shoot opportunity, no do-over... and for that, it is a privilege.

I was given this privilege last week by a dear friend of mine, and during the joyful whirlwind of her making her bridal preparations, I took the time to make the above image. It's one of my favorites from that part of the day -  I like the continuity of the dress with the fabric of the canopy and window dressing, as well as the subtle shadows in the dress and the overall brightness of the photograph. For me, knowing what surrounded this scene, it is like watching a solemn moment of calm amidst the slightly controlled chaos of a wedding day. I dig it. Hope you do too.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/250 sec @f2.8, ISO 400

Time Flies...

Week 2

Time Flies... 

January 7, 2011

I don't know about you, but I couldn't tell you half of the things I did last week. If I thought about it long and hard I bet I couldn't hit 75%. Maybe it's my questionable memory faculties, I tell you the truth when I say I forget stuff constantly. Where was I? Oh yeah... last week. While I couldn't tell you what I did with some of my time, I know that none of it involved taking pictures. I'd know... I'd have the proof on my hard drive or in a film canister as evidence. The above image was actually taken at the end of the prior week. "Really? Aren't you, like, a photographer and stuff?" Well, yes I am. I apparently got caught up in other aspects of my business. Things like preparing for shoots, marketing, networking and communicating with clients, editing, etc... and before you know it, it's next week. Well, this week. Anyway, there is a substantial amount of time that seems to have just vanished. Some of it was probably following some random link on Facebook, or reading that extra chapter in the mystery novel, or dinner at a friends house, but some of it is just... gone. I can't account for it.

Which leads me to this week's blog topic. I know, I know - you look at the image above and say "really?"... gravesite... time... you think I'm gonna go into a depressing essay on death. Well lucky you, I'm doing no such thing. I did think it was a nice image, though. Plus it got me thinking about how all these people were put on this earth for a given amount of time, and now they are not here. There is a definitive, non-negotiable amount of time we have, and none of us are given a glimpse into what that allowance is.

If you were given a sealed envelope, and told it was all the money you had to spend at the grocery store, or farmer's market, or some other place you could find things you needed or wanted, what would you buy first? Remember, this is a sealed envelope that you can't peek into. Would you start off with some staples like bread, rice and milk? Or would you go straight to the ice cream aisle and take the gamble that you'd have enough to get the things you needed to be nourished?

Money in this example (albeit an oversimplified one) is of course the time we are given here on this planet. Where are you spending yours? I know I've spent WAY too much time over the decades stocking up on ice cream instead of cruising the organic veggies section, and would like to re-assess the risks I'm taking. I'm positive that my shopping cart will find its way to the candy aisle from time to time, and I think that's ok, even healthy. For me, though, I'm going to try to remember that the only resource I'm given each day I wake up is the time I have that day. I can choose to use it by building people up or tearing them down. I can take care of my body with exercise and nourishing food, or give it quick-fixes like caffeine and hamburgers. I can be disciplined about my business or just do the things I enjoy about it. In short, I can make an effort to be purposeful in everything that I do, or I can allow distractions to keep me from staying on the course I've set.  I think there is joy and satisfaction in choosing the former in each case, and after all, we have no idea when our allowance will be up.

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 1/200sec @f2.8, ISO 100

Golden Gate

Week 1

Golden Gate

January 3, 2010

I started out 2010's 52 Photos with an image of the San Francisco skyline as shot from Bernal Hill on the south side of the city. I thought it would be fun to again start off the year with a San Francisco scene, and so I give you... the Golden Gate Bridge. Also shot at night, this image was taken from a few steps off of the pathway that runs between Fort Point and up to the bridge itself.

I love the glow that the bridge gets just after sunset, the purplish-blue sky and the Marin Headlands silhouetted in the background. It's a beautiful sight. I can see why this vantage point has been used to photograph the bridge so often, it truly is breathtaking, an iconic image to say the least.

As I review this and many other images I made in San Francisco last week, I can't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at my growth as a photographer over the last year. Please don't misunderstand me, I am under no delusion that I don't have exponentially more to learn than I have learned thus far. I do, however feel good about the few things I have learned, grateful to those that have taken time to teach me, and excited for what this next year will hold for dgP. 

Enjoy this image, and the many more to come this year! I hope to keep you eagerly following along and engaged each week, and enthusiastically sharing with your friends and family the images and topics you encounter here.

Here's to a great start to 2011!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 24-70 2.8L lens, 49 seconds @f22, ISO 100

Danger!

Week 52

Danger!

December 30, 2010

There is certainly wisdom in heeding signs, though sometimes I believe we need to push on despite what others are telling us. Now it is not advised to ignore this particular sign, as there is a very tall cliff a very short distance behind it. It does, however bring up thoughts of risks and fear, and of fulfillment. 

Someone I respect a great deal once told me one of few regrets he had as he looked back was the handful of decisions in his life that were made out of fear. That surprised me at the time because this is a man I always viewed as confident, steady, and a man that was and is greatly respected in his community. All these things are true, and this man has shown to me and many others a tremendous amount of courage and leadership. I believe, though, he was referring to some life choices that perhaps he would have made differently. 

All of us can look back and wish we had made different decisions... I know I certainly can. All of us, with hindsight, can see a different path and imagine where it might have taken us. I believe this is a useless, and destructive way to live.  I don't mean thoughtful reflection, mind you. That's how we recall what has shaped us, and serves as a reminder to why we make the decisions in front of us. Rather, it's that pining over what could have been and despairing where we are, wishing we had taken different paths that erodes peace and confidence and can rob joy from your life. My college fraternity had a saying we all had to learn as pledges:  

Yesterday is gone forever. Tomorrow is yet to be. The destiny of [the fraternity] rests today with Thee. 

I think there is wisdom in this idea far beyond a social fraternity's well being. It's the idea that yesterday's choices can't be changed. Tomorrow is impossible to project, and the only influence you have on that future is the decisions you make today, right now.

I think this is where fear comes in. Fear has it's place, and keeps us from reckless abandon, and a life full of poor decisions and hurt for ourselves and more importantly, other people. But often, we look for signs of danger in an almost obsessive desire to avoid pain or hardship, when sometimes it's the thoughtful and deliberate pushing past these signs that results in peace and growth and fulfillment. Who is it you want to be, follow, or represent in this life? What are your dreams and the gifts you have to offer?

May 2011 be one of joy, and of peace, and of courageous decisions to shape your life and bless those around you. Happy New Year everyone!

image taken with Canon 5DMII, 50mm 1.8 lens, 1/5000 sec @ f1.8, ISO 400