For the past eight years in the space, I've shared with you hundreds — and perhaps thousands — of my photos. Everything from baseball to boobies to booze. From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Bronz Zoo to Bon Jovi. You get the idea.
Like William Hung, however, I had never received any formal training. (Shock of the century, I know.)
That all changed in February when I enrolled in a 9-week Photography II course, taught by Charles Lavoie, at Photo Manhattan. With weekly lectures, tutorials, homework assignments and small-group critiques, it was the perfect bridge between the Super Bowl and Opening Day. Certainly better than watching the fucking Knicks continue to torch the heralded legacy of New York City basketball.
The course wraps this Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m., with a public exhibition by approximately 20 students from three classes. All are welcome to attend the showing at Photo Manhattan (51 W. 14 Street). (See past exhibits.)
My contribution will be six photos from my chosen subject of NYC underground. The subway system allowed me access to a wealth of people, lines and colors, without being exposed to rain or cold, and without limitations of shooting only during daylight hours.
Here is a gallery of 10 shots I really like. Since I can only display six, I am leaning toward the ones below, though I have a couple of days to decide on which shots make the cut.
What I love about these shots is that they are uniquely mine. Not in my personal "style" or anything, but they belong to my eyes and my brain and my hands.
If 100 of the world's best photographers went into the subway system today to copy my assignment, they couldn't do it. They could shoot more technically sound photos. They could present shots that are more intriguing, with more striking color or that speak more of a message. But they couldn't match these exactly. They are all mine.
That's what I like about photography and all creative arts, including the music and writing I dabble in. If you make it, you own it, and if you like it, you can make yourself happy just by creating more of it.
these are awesome. congratulations.
as someone with zero photography background, i would offer one comment regarding your selection. for me, that picture of the lady by the boxing poster waiting for a train is the weakest one of the six. only because i find that reflection of you to be a little distracting. of course, that could be what you like about it. and it's quite possible that it's not as distracting when viewed full-size in person. the internet sucks for this type of thing.
but the greater point is you should dump that one simply to make room for the guy with the keyboard. that one kicks ass. i might have to buy a print. i just love how the energy and motion surrounding him, slightly out of focus. to me, that one has to make your final six. no-brainer.
enjoy your opening.
Posted by lucythedog at April 9, 2008 8:12 AM