The antidote to nihilism or pessimism in life is to ACT — to do something (self-directed) that fulfills our own inner curiosities, or our own inner creative motives.
“Back by popular demand, Postcards from the Darkroom is a feature on Haptic Press by Sean Lotman. All images posted will be scans of his color prints handmade in his darkroom. A lover of narrative and color and travel, Sean hopes to tell a story or at least convey a feeling. He is the author of Sunlanders (Available for a limited time in the HAPTIC SHOP).”
Some more fun philosophizing — a photographer is all about making fictions with his or her photos; altering and transforming reality with their camera.
One of the most challenging things in the wintertime is to overcome the feeling of depression, gloom, and to discover inspiration and motivation to make photos, explore, find joy and optimism, and make art.
I’m currently the most prolific I’ve ever been in photography– shooting hundreds of photographs a day of just random stuff. I feel fantastic, and want to share this joy with you — how I have been able to shoot photographs everyday, and find joy and beauty in the mundane, everyday.
Photo by Joy – Winner of STREET CLUB Winter School
Eric and I (Cindy) are so so grateful for all who participated in Street Club Winter School on the ERIC KIM FORUM–an open and free school with photography challenges based on STREET NOTES. A very big special thanks goes to VICKI SEABROOK who volunteered to coordinate the Winter School.
Feel free to continue uploading and providing feedback on the assignment threads. Also, if you’re looking for some more challenges, pick up a copy of STREET HUNT –now available as a mobile edition.
Congratulations to Joy and Geoff! Winners please contact me at hapticindustries@gmail.com for your prize.
STREET HUNT is your new street photography field assignments manual, full of brand new, innovative, and challenging street photography adventures for you to embark on.
If you would like to coordinate the next Street Club, let us know! We would love to continue the community of learning here on the forum 🙂
Best,
Cindy & Eric
WELCOME TO STREET CLUB: YOUR FREE PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOOL (Summer 2017, Winter 2018)
During the week, complete the assignment and upload your 1-3 best photos from the week to this thread. Feel free to add your own reflections on the assignment: What were your challenges and successes? At the end of the week on Sunday, Eric and I will choose our favorite images and explain why.
Our dream for STREETCLUB is to
1) Encourage you to shoot, experiment, and learn and
2) Learn from others by providing and receiving constructive feedback. (Each photo you upload, leave constructive feedback for three other photos).
HAVE FUN! Love, Cindy, Eric, & Vicki
ARCHIVE: STREET CLUB SUMMER SCHOOL 2017
STREET CLUB video reviews is over, but you can still participate by completing the assignments and leaving feedback on others’ submissions on the threads below. Keep shooting!
In celebration of Eric’s big 30th birthday, I (Cindy) made a list of 30 top things I’ve learned from Eric Kim—the generous educator, experimental photographer, and open and honest friend. (more…)
STREET HUNT is your personal guide to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and to embark on new, exciting, and fun street photography adventures!
Adventure awaits! CHOOSE YOUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE is your unique opportunity to find inspiration through helpful photography assignments catered to you.
What is entrepreneurship? To me, it is taking risks for the sake of the collective of humanity, and discovering knowledge, wisdom, and utility for our fellow human beings.
As I write these lines from my laptop, while standing (with laptop on top of a microwave in the Airbnb kitchen of our apartment in Lisbon), we are preparing our last day with our moms.
Cindy, my mom, Cindy’s mom huddled around laptop. Lisbon, 2018
My mom, Cindy’s mom, Cindy and I had a phenomenal time here in Lisbon — enjoying the absolutely delicious spicy frango chicken, and also the epic home-cooking that our moms have been doing for us.
Family portrait at our Airbnb in Lisbon, 2018
Every day, our moms (while Cindy and I are usually still in bed), go to the local Lisbon farmers market, buys fresh groceries, fresh meats (most chicken/pork being around 1-2 euros for a kilogram (2 pounds)), and also go on little expeditions with one another.
Fish from my mom in Lisbon.Barbecue chicken in the park with family. Lisbon, 2018Our moms cooking at home. Lisbon, 2018My moms spicy pork belly made at our AirbnbCindy’s moms amazing pulled chicken salad
Also Cindy and I worked together (for countless hours, and with endless espressos) perfecting our new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography” — thank all of you who picked up a copy. It has been a fun challenge distilling all of my knowledge in street photography, and writing a personal, honest, and practical/philosophical guide to street photography.
My mo filleting a fish, for home made cevicheMy moms home made fish ceviche
Some people ask — “How is it like traveling with both your moms?” To answer shortly: awesome. Having double-mom power is the biggest blessing — Cindy and I love our time talking with them, learning more about our childhood, and also about their personal goals/ambitions in life.
My mom having fun by the water
For example, I have been teaching my mom how to start her own photography blog in Korean– both on her Chromebook and on her phone. Cindy has been empowering her mom to take photos, create slideshows using the free ‘Quik’ app in the Google Play store, and also how to crop/create her own profile pictures.
Cindy’s mom and my mom, enjoying Portuguese Egg Tarts in Lisbon, a photo that puts a smile on my face :)Cindy and her mom, lookout view in LisbonCindy’s mom and heads in background
10 Life Epiphanies
Selfie of me and my mom. Lisbon, 2018
Also some life epiphanies I’ve had:
I prefer home-cooked food, rather than going out to fancy restaurants
Walking is very important for my mental health — I’ve been spending more time to just go on walks with my camera (RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM NECK STRAP).
There is never an ‘optimal’ time to publish or do anything. The secret is to just make the best out of everyday — and those little acts will snowball massively over time.
In photography, I love shooting high-contrast JPEG color (positive film preset on RICOH GR II), program mode, shooting while walking, and just shooting snapshots. Enjoying the joy of everyday photography.
Cindy with red scarf, blue tiled walls. Lisbon, 2018
I am also super excited that my sister ANNETTE is joining us for a new London HAPTIC Internship, where we are all going to work on some super exciting art projects for you!
Also upcoming is my 30th birthday — on Jan 31st. I hope to use this opportunity to reflect on my life, my values, and my future direction as well.
Then for the rest of the year? Not quite sure. but life is all about the ride.
Thank you
Portrait of Cindy with curved shadows. Lisbon, 2018
As always, thank you so much for supporting my journey with Cindy, and for your never-ending encouragement and support. None of this would be possible without you.
After a month of traveling with our moms and working on some secret projects, Eric and I (Cindy) proudly announce the reopening of the HAPTIC shop with the launch of the new ERIC KIM NECK STRAP.
Cindy here: This is the last week and assignment for the free STREET CLUB WINTER SCHOOL in the Eric Kim Forum! Participate in the photo assignments and provide constructive feedback on other’s photos.
On January 31 (Eric’s birthday!) he will do a video review of all the photos submitted in Street Club and pick two winners for the grand prizes 1) Best photo and 2) Best Critique. From now until January 30, submit your photos and critiques to any of the week’s assignments.
This special feature post was written by Berlin street photographer Oliver Krumes. Check out his work here.
Negative core beliefs hold us back from many things in life – such as finally quitting an unsatisfactory job to pursue working, for example, as a photographer or leaving an unhealthy relationship to seek the love of your life. I have come to realize that negative core beliefs have even affected my biggest passion: photography.
In Photography Entrepreneurship 101, we have covered how to make money from photography– but we haven’t quite covered should you try to make a full-time living from your photographic passion?
Why is it so hard for us to stay inspired in photography? This is something that has challenged me for a long time — and I think I’ve discovered some of the solutions and secrets for myself. I hope some of my experiences can also help empower you.
In this post we will cover practical tips and guidelines on how to shoot better portrait photos. You will learn how to interact and guide your subject, and reveal their soul with you lens.
One of the reasons why I love street photography: it is the ultimate form of self-therapy– for my mind, my well-being, my mental health, and my overall optimism and positivity towards life.
To advertise my new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography“, here is a list of practical and philosophical tips on street photography, which I hope can empower you to take your street photography to the next level:
I am very excited to share my new book with you: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography — your new personal primer to mastering the fundamentals of street photography, conquering your fears, and taking your street photography to the next level.
Can a photographer shoot video as well? Here are some practical lessons I learned while shooting video and the cinematography for “The Undeniable Force of Khó Khăn†by Cindy Nguyen.
This is a special feature post by Aaron Feser, a photographer and videographer based in Calgary, Canada. You can see more of his work here.
Shooting photographs with video has a difficulty level that falls somewhere between stills and video. It’s a hybrid tool that’s only practical for special situations. But if you like a challenge it represents a unique creative experience that might change the way you think about street photography.
I think a 35mm ‘full frame-equivalent’ lens is ideal for 90% of street photographers. Why a 35mm lens, and how do you shoot with it in street photography? Some practical ideas:
The happiest photographer is the photographer who is cheerful — who is optimistic, looking forward to the future, excited to make new photos, and still has that child-like sense of wonder and curiosity.
I remember when I was 18 years old; I had no interest in making money from my photography, and I didn’t really have any ideas on making a living from my photography.
If you’re having a hard time finding inspiration in your photography and life, I recommend trying out shooting macro photography — or just photographing the details of stuff, very close.
Okay first of all, macro photography gets a bad reputation for only being for “noobs†(newbies). But, I think the secret to staying inspired as a photographer for your entire life is to in fact, be a “noob†(newbie/beginner photographer) for your whole life.
1928, the false mirror eye in clouds by Rene Magritte
For example, long before I shot street photography, and all I had was my little Canon SD 600 point and shoot digital camera, I loved photographing closeup macro photos of everything — flowers, stuff I found on the ground or details of things I found interesting.
However, as I started to become more experienced in photography, shooting photos of flowers or my food wasn’t “serious†enough. Thus, I stopped.
And when I stopped shooting these childlike, beginner photos — I think a part of my childlike curiosity also died.
The joy of being a beginner photographer
Now, I’m back in full noob photography mode, having fun shooting without barriers. I give myself full freedom to photograph anything I want, however I want to shoot it, regardless of what it is. In fact, I love photographing my food — even though I am sometimes scowled at by other more “serious†photographers.
Find beauty in the small things
Anyways back on the topic of macro photography: shooting close up detail photos of things are fun. It allows us to really pay attention to the beauty in the small things.
Cindy with blue candle over face. Marseille, 2017
I shoot closeup macro photos with my RICOH GR II in “Macro†mode, and use the popup flash. I love it, because I can make interesting photos of anything — the trash I find on the ground, a detail of some texture in the wall, or even my food.
Some ideas and tips to make better macro photos:
1. Clean background and edges of your frame
Espresso at CULTURE ESPRESSO in NYC
When you’re photographing a closeup macro photo of something, look at the edges of your frame, and try to keep the background simple and clean.
This will allow the viewer’s eye to be fully focused on your subject.
2. Use a flash
Use the built-in flash in your camera, if you have it. If not, use a small flash when shooting closeups.
The fun thing with a flash: it transforms whatever you’re photographing into something else — something more unusual and surreal.
Good inspiration is to see Araki’s closeup macro flash photos of flowers (which he makes look like genitals) and Martin Parr from his “Common sense†Book, when he makes food and other British things look quite disgusting.
3. Don’t seek to make “pretty†photos
Urinal and red catcher.
To me, I’m more interested in making interesting (non boring) photos than pretty pictures.
Beef goulash macro. Prague, 2017
That means, often when I photograph closeup macro photos, the subjects actually look pretty gross. The food I photograph looks a bit gross. Also, when I photograph urinals, yes, that looks a bit gross.
Curry bratwurst. Prague, 2017
Don’t shy away from making “ugly†or “gross photosâ€.
4. Stop, pause, and really look at something
Little man abstract. Marseille, 2017
For me, the purpose of macro photography is to really just stop, pause, and look at stuff — and examine it, closely. That means, when you look at your coat, just stop and really look at it.
Pink toilet paper. Marseille, 2017
We have become so accustomed to common objects like clothes hangars, light bulbs, and coffee cups, that we don’t see the inherent beauty in the shapes and forms of the objects.
Toilet by Edward Weston. For two weeks Weston studied and photographed the ordinary plumbing fixture from different angles. For this version he dispensed with the tripod, rested his 8 x 10-inch Seneca view camera on the floor, and directed the lens upward, lending unexpected volume and monumentality to his subject. He wrote that the “swelling, sweeping, forward movement of finely progressing contours” reminded him of the Victory of Samothrace.
So macro photography is a good exercise for us to stop, pause, reflect, and really see.
5. Look for interesting shapes, forms, colors, and textures
Face abstract. Amsterdam, 2017
Look for circles, triangles, rectangles, squares, and when you shoot, try out different perspectives. Shoot from a high angle, and low angle. Work the scene by tilting your camera to the left and right, and try to make a diagonal composition.
Colorful wall abstract. Amsterdam, 2017
Also, look for interesting colors — what color is the object you’re photographing, and what color is the background?
Or do you see any interesting gritty textures you can photograph?
6. Shoot portraits in macro mode
Cindy with hands on face. Red, Kyoto 2017
I’ve done a series of street portraits on the RICOH GR II in Program mode, iso 800, and macro mode with the 28mm lens. It creates a very interesting perspective and look for peoples faces— which I like. The photos feel more intimate, like you’re standing right next to them, looking straight into their soul.
So as an experiment, try to shoot portraits of people in macro mode. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, maybe do a self-portrait series of yourself in macro mode instead.
Woman with thick glasses and green hat. BART, 2015
7. Shoot like a child
Tissue on ground. Marseille, 2017
Just imagine,
If I were 5 years old, what would I stare at, and find interesting — and thus want to photograph?
Rediscover your inner child, and shoot without hesitation or any barriers.
Conclusion
Orange and blue. Marseille, 2017
Macro photography is fun. If you don’t have a lens that focuses closely, just use your phone and flash.
Don’t take it too seriously. Use macro photography as a way to better appreciate the common objects in your everyday life, and as a way to just shoot more.
Abstract man with arm. Marseille, 2017
There’s beauty all around you: everything is interesting, as long as you look closely enough.
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