Adrian Scholes

Showcase Sunday - Ying Tang

Street photography is something that I’m neither good at, nor typically enjoy, but that’s partially because of what the term has come to represent. I have little time for the paparazzi style of  lurking in the shadows with a long zoom lens, waiting to snap unsuspecting ‘subjects’ as they go about their business. After spending a day with Ying Tang, exploring the back streets of Old Shanghai, however, I can assure you she is not one of those photographers.

Ying has a rare ability to spot moments about to happen and be ready for them when they do. It’s easy to imagine a photographer of her genre simply roaming the streets, snapping away frantically and, once home, figuring out the keepers. This is not Ying’s style. As we ventured deeper into the narrow passageways that represent almost all that remains of the old city, we talked with the elders (she talked, I nodded), laughed with the children, and entertained them by showing images as they were created.  

 
At one point she had me sitting with a family outside their house, learning how to properly use chopsticks; by playing solitaire with marbles. The whole day was a truly memorable experience, and it was obvious that Ying is only interested in creating images that truly capture the character of those winding streets and the people who inhabit them.

Ying is currently in Germany, bringing her unique style to documenting a very different way of life. It’s fascinating to see the similarities and the contrasts in her images. She doesn’t try to categorize her work as either photojournalism or documentary. “For me”, she says, “It is a personal journey to be out there on the street and catch the moment that means something for me”.

I think she does a mighty fine job of doing just that.

Showcase Sunday – Joe Cornish

If I had to name one photographer who has taught me more about understanding and working the light, it would have to be British landscape photographer Joe Cornish. His landscapes and the books he writes about them are guaranteed to get me dreaming about setting my alarm, getting outside, and working to master the craft. It’s safe to say he’s been a huge influence on my photographic style. We also share a fascination with rocks and geology, which cannot help but creep into many of the images we create.

To quote from one of his books; “While landscape provides the subject matter, it is light we record and interpret. Light defines space, reveals texture, sculpts form, controls color, and above all ignites an emotional response. The sky is our studio, our theatre, and we must learn to act upon its gifts of light”.

Yes we must, and thanks to Joe Cornish I’ve been slowly learning to act upon it for the past decade. I was lucky enough to visit his studio gallery in North Yorkshire a few years back, and lost myself in the incredible light and almost spiritual level of detail he captures in every photograph. Take a look at his online portfolio, and I’m sure you’ll do the same.

Did I Mention I Love It Here?

I live in Essex County, Massachusetts, and I love it here. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I’ve travelled extensively over the years, but nowhere has captivated me like this region. I’m going to steal from a page of the Essex National Heritage Commission (ENHC) web site, as they sum it up perfectly: “…the Essex National Heritage Area covers the 500 square miles of eastern Massachusetts that lies north of Boston. It's not one location, but thousands of historical sites. Not a mile-long beach, but miles and miles of intact landscapes and glistening coastal areas. Not one story and tradition, but lifetimes of rich experiences that chronicle the history of our region, and our nation.”

Makes you want to live here, or at least visit, right?  :o)

There is so much to see and do in these 500 square miles, so much to learn, and I’m on a mission to do just that. I’ve been posting photographs of recent visits to local landmarks, and this week was a particularly good one for learning.

On Sunday, I joined members of the Essex County Greenbelt Association (ECGA) for a guided tour of the Indian Hill Farm Reservation; one of their properties in West Newbury. As we followed trails through some of the 45 acres, we learned the history of the estate and its fascinating (and maybe a little eccentric) owner, Major Ben Perley Poore. In addition to his prominence as a 19^th century newspaper correspondent and editor, Major Poore was an avid horticulturist and spent years landscaping and planting the hillsides of his property, and creating formal gardens and the winding cart-paths we were walking on. I always enjoy the history of these places, and value the work ECGA is doing to preserve it for us. 

 

Wednesday evening found me at the annual meeting of the Merrimack River Watershed Council, learning more about the important work these folks are doing to monitor, preserve and protect this magnificent river that continues to play such an important role in the history and economy of Essex County. We were also treated to an outstanding presentation on the status and struggles of the Atlantic and Shortnose sturgeon, which migrate from the ocean to spawn at a location a mile from where I live. A truly prehistoric fish, Sturgeon have managed to survive for 2 million years, and until threatened to near extinction by over-fishing, dams and pollution. Another feather for our proud-humanity cap!

Finally, last night was spent in most agreeable company at the Jewell Towne Vineyards; New Hampshire's oldest winery. Although technically in NH, the property spans the border into Essex County, just outside Amesbury. The visit was arranged by the Essex National Heritage Commission, mentioned above; another organization dedicated to “building, growing and sustaining our sense of place”. The tour was engaging, the food excellent, and the wine pairings exceptional. We of course came home with a few new bottles for the cellar (ok, the basement).

Most importantly though, at all of these events I meet the people who are dedicating their lives to promoting, preserving and protecting this amazing region. At dinner last night, we shared our table with Elizabeth Rankin from ENHC. It was impossible to ignore the enthusiasm and conviction in her voice and eyes as she discussed the work of the organization and her role in it. I’ve observed this in every person I’ve met from every one of these organizations.

And this is what will keep me going back, learning more, and doing my small part to help them do what they do best. Did I mention I love it here?

(Practically) Foolproof Picture Taking

I’ve just finished reading an excellent little book; ‘A Definitive Study of Your Future in Photography’, by the late Victor Keppler. Published in 1965, it’s a fascinating read.

From the very beginning, Mr. Keppler draws a clear distinction between the camera as a piece of technology and the camera as a catalyst for art.  

“In the next decade” we are warned, “Cameras will be used as widely and casually as fountain pens” and, more ominously, “Continuing improvements in the design of low-cost automatic camera equipment will enable the average man and woman to take excellent pictures. Picture taking will be practically foolproof.” Frightening stuff!

He discusses what it will mean to be a photographer “in a world where the beginner can take images that compare favorably in technical quality with those of the skilled professional”, and predicts that “the coming technical marvels will make the demand for creativity in photography even greater than it is today.”

This theme is repeated throughout the book. We are continually reminded that an ability to see creatively, rather than mere technical proficiency, will be all that separates average photographers from great ones. The better we are at seeing, the more our pictures will stir the minds and emotions of others, and Mr. Keppler offers all kinds of wise advice on how to look for mood, detail, composition and message before clicking the shutter.

It’s a marvelous book, full of memorable quotes and anecdotes – some of which are naturally amusing when read from the perspective of 2010. Child photography, for example, should never be attempted “unless you have the patience to get what you want”. As the Father of a 7-year old, I can tell you that kind of patience does not exist :o)

Refreshingly, there isn’t a single discussion of camera equipment on any of the 150 pages. We learn how and what to teach ourselves, all about the different fields of photography, and some important rules to live by, but nowhere does he dictate to us the lenses we must own or why we need a camera with a certain ISO capability.

Take a moment to browse the photography books at your local Borders, and try to find something similar. Go on, I dare you. Nowadays, it’s almost impossible for a photographer to produce a book without explaining the equipment you need to emulate his or her fabulousness.

Showcase Sunday – Brittany Held

With Monday morning looming, I’m always in need of a little inspiration to round off the weekend and prepare for what lies ahead.  To find it, I enjoy browsing the work of artists I admire - which gave me an idea for a weekly post.

Welcome to the first issue of ‘Showcase Sunday’ :-)

My plan is to introduce a new photographer (or other artist) each week. These are everyday folks (and in most cases, friends) producing work I’ve reacted to with sighs of admiration and exclamations of “damn, I wish I’d created that”. I’m sure you will too.

So, let me introduce my first Showcase Sunday artist – Britanny Held. I once asked Brittany if and where she’d attended school for photography. Turns out her only formal training was a single semester film photography class, while she was majoring in – wait for this – science! She’s actually a crazy smart (no comma) scientist type; a ‘genome finisher’. I think that’s something to do with painting those little stone people who sit by ponds.  

I’ve written before about those rare people who enjoy a healthy balance of left and right brains, and Brittany is a wonderful and very talented example. Science and creativity in a single package. But don’t take my word for it. She has a bunch of different blogs for you to check out, such as here and here, as well as her web site here.  

Go on. Take a look, and grab the inspiration you need for the week ahead.