Contrasts

The other day while shooting downtown during lunch hour I noticed a considerable variety of behavior among all the office workers taking advantage of the warm, sunny weather during their noon break.

Many congregated in popular places to talk and socialize over a brown bag lunch.

Others sought quiet solitude to make phone calls.

Still others chose to stroll along the sidewalks with their partner or close friends.

These varied situations, all in the context of the lunch hour, brings a certain element of contrast to the photographing of this common phenomena. It's a contrast of subject and intent as opposed to a contrast of highlight and shadow. It becomes an important aspect in the telling of the story and helps shape the photographic narrative.

Photos: ©2011 David W. Sumner

It's Not A Job, It's An Adventure

Many years ago I realized the way to make photography completely dull and boring was by making it a job. I don't like taking pictures for other people. The business of photography has little to do with making images. I feel the same about blogging. If I had to do it I wouldn't like it very much. If it was a job, I'd hate it. And I don't want to hate it. I want to do more of it. So as with my photography, so with my blog. I shoot what interests me and what I think is important to document, I will treat this blog in the same manner.

I use Facebook to point out shifts in the photo industry, copyright issues and the like. I also use it to communicate with a few good friends.

Most of my current work can be seen on my Flickr page.I sometimes post five image photo essays there, and my complete Alcatraz project can be seen there.

I also use Twitter, which is linked to my Facebook page, to spread information about photography issues.

So I think I'm going to save this blog to just talk about making pictures and photography that I think is good and or important. That will interest me and hopefully keep me going in the blogosphere.

The photo above is from some recent work I've been doing while sitting in public places.

Photo: Union Square, San Francisco. ©2009 David W. Sumner