Comments on: A Story of A Photographer Leaving Her Comfort Zone

By: TheHolyFatman

TheHolyFatman — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:21:24 +0000

Great story, but little correction: Katrina hit in 2005.

By: nina friedman

nina friedman — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 19:56:49 +0000

Very inspirational and know exactly where you are coming from.
It is extremely difficult to get out of our “comfort zone”…I guess one can always
say “what is the worst that could happen”…rejection is not that bad.

By: Nancy

Nancy — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:42:17 +0000

If you like this, check out the 100 strangers group on flickr. The idea is to gather photos and stories of 100 people you don’t know. Some of my most memorable photos and certainly most memorable stories have come from the photos I have shot for this project. Join us! http://www.flickr.com/groups/100strangers/

By: Carroll Owens

Carroll Owens — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:16:43 +0000

Cathode may be friendly and polite on the street, not so much in the Feb 7 post.

By: Jim Williams

Jim Williams — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:09:03 +0000

Not sure I get all the excitement here. I agree with the comment re: ‘..cheap romance novel..’ It is a shame that such a strong subject matter and moody location produced a resulting image so lacking. Just seems badly focussed with an attempt to cover it up/recover it by passing off over processing as creativity. Focus on the eyes is not always vital in a portrait as energy and mystery can come from unconventional focal points but here there is no focus on any aspect of the subject or his surroundings. The story here is surely that of his suffering, the destruction of his home or that of the failure of the US government to deal with the tragedy. Not really sure how this blurred image portrays any of that.

One can only assume that in having finally overcome her fears regarding approaching a stranger as a subject, that she was still shaking too much to concentrate on any technical basics. Odd for an otherwise accomplished photographer (great images on her site) Bravo for getting out there and having a go I guess!

It is important to remember that what matters is the image, especially in this kind of journalistic endeavour. Not the photographer behind it.

Sorry

By: Loraine McCall

Loraine McCall — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:26:58 +0000

This made me think that the worst thing that could happen is that he’d say “no”. Thant doesn’t really hurt does it? It’s always best to think “Well, at least I tried!” rather than “If only…”
__
Mojica Photography

By: Mike Stan

Mike Stan — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:51:21 +0000

Nice story, and I like the idea and emotion of the picture.

Unfortunately it looks like a lot was done to it to recover from a poorly exposed and blurry shot. If I’m wrong, perhaps the photographer can explain her motivations or idea behind the effects she was using?

By: Pied Crow

Pied Crow — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:21:51 +0000

Interesting story, and such interesting replies, ranging from “you inspired me” to “what’s the big deal?” I think some of us photographers are fundamentally shy people with a powerful interest in others. In street photography, those characteristics collide, and it can take enormous courage for the shy ones to get out from behind the camera and ask permission. This woman took the step and it made her feel great. That’s good, right?

And for those who say there’s nothing to be scared of — well, then you guys are still working in your comfort zone. So get out of it, instead of dissing those who don’t share it. But don’t fool yourself that there aren’t times when you will risk making someone angry, or having your gear stolen, or other unpleasantness. It does happen.

I agree though that the image itself seems pushed to the limits. It could work well as a b&w, I think.

By: Diana Powell

Diana Powell — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:11:52 +0000

I thought your article was inspiring as well. I liked your post processing work – I use topaz adjust to get those effects sometimes. The image certains tells the story for me. I don’t think you were being overly dramatic. As a woman shooting alone it is difficult to go up to a stranger and ask them for permission to shoot. I have to be in a certain frame of mind before I can do that, lighthearted and happy.

You don’t mention whether you actually got a release from the man? I love to travel to locations to shoot and always try to get one or two “character” images. I do them for the memory of the moment, not for sale or publication, so I do not worry about a release. I’m not sure, but isn’t the relase for commercial use anyway. If you have it posed in a gallery (on line) but not for sale, is it all that important? I agree that often if you have to do this you wind up staging, and my best character shots are spontaneous. One of my favorites were of two characters sitting (and drinking) on the river walk in New Orleans, and they had a good time mugging while I made the shot. I did ask their permission but not for a release.

By: Bill

Bill — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:01:51 +0000

There is no doubt in my mind that the photographer is great, but this article reads like a cheap Romance Novel from a used book store.

I agree with cathode, grow up.

What is going on here? The dPS newsletter used to have some substance to it.