Almost 12 months ago, during Eric’s trip here in Manila, he pitched me an idea that he wants me to handle. He told me that I am good at looking at photographs and at the same time he needs a little help running this blog so he told me to start an assignment group. Here we are 12 months on, about to start our 12th Assignment!
I can’t thank everyone enough for participating and responding positively to our efforts. All we hope is that everyone is picking up something new or is motivated to start shooting and getting out there again.
Our current assignment is also appropriate because this is the reason why I do the things I do. So let’s keep this going!
Whenever somebody asks why I do what I do, I always say it is because of love. Turns out, i’m not the only one as our Assignment no. 11 editor’s choice Kevin Weinstein is also the same! In his own words:
Very close to home for me and how I make my living as a photographer is: Love as seen through the world of celebrations and parties. These gatherings are typically close friends and family, some ranging from 2 people, to 1500 and a deep connection between the hosts and the guests is what binds them together into the same rooms to honor a significant event.
A wedding photographer by trade, Kevin is exposed to many examples of love in his daily work. There are so many possibilities with our current assignment. To him, Love is not just a kiss (although it is the example I chose to show :D ), it can be what you are passionate about, your best friends, a family spending time together. Love is a universal feeling and experience that everyone goes through.
So how would you photograph love? Again, Kevin provides great insights:
Think of the saying, “Don’t tell me you love me, show me.” I strongly suggest digging deep for emotion: A look, a glance, a touch, an embrace, think about the way you compose the image rectangle, to what lens you choose, the lighting, and how you process your final image. The most powerful images are ones that evoke emotions and feelings, and combine that with a strong, compelling composition, kick ass lighting, moments, and you start building your own iconic image set.
Those are already excellent suggestions from Kevin especially the quote. My suggestion is to get yourself in the mood. To be able to successfully photograph an emotion like this, you yourself have to evoke this emotion and put yourself in the mood. Tag along your significant other as you shoot and show her/him your love for photography. Go out with your friends use it as an excuse to hop around town for drinks and good company while you have your camera in hand photographing. It can even be as simple as watching your favorite love story before heading out or reading a book about love. (I recommend C.S. Lewis’ The Four Loves where he talks about the 4 types of love! Amazing read!)
But the simplest you can do is to just go out there with a smile on your face and remind yourself of the things you absolutely love about life and photography and make that reflect in your image.
Here are the mechanics:
- Upload your photos interpreting the theme on the designated assignment album in the facebook page
- No words and captions, just your name, and place where you took the photo.
- On the comment on your own photo, post a link to your site (flickr, tumblr, webpage etc.) so that your photo would easily appear on the group’s feed. (Please do it only once)
- Feel free to use film, digital, instant film (polaroid/instax), mobile phones, etc. Any Camera will do
- Keep the file appropriate for web viewing (at least 72 dpi), no need for hi-resolution.
Other things to know:
- We encourage you to shoot during the duration of the 2 weeks instead of raiding your archives.
- It should go without saying but please post photos that you own.
- This assignment will run from Jun 17 to Jul 1, 2015
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions or clarifications in the group page.
- Be open to learning, get up to the challenge, and of course have fun doing it!
At the end of the 2 weeks we will have an editor’s choice picked by Eric and myself and community’s choice which garners the most reactions from the community through likes and comments. We will feature the selections on a post here on the blog. The Winner of the editor’s choice, gets to pick the theme for the next assignment!
If you want additional info about the Streettogs Academy, check my introductory post here
For those who want join the group and take on the assignments, Click Here to head on to the Streettogs Academy Facebook Page
Cheers!
– A.g.