Hello world,
I'm finally back from a two week break in Japan, where I stayed in Osaka, visited Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto and many small towns in the Kansai region.
As a result of my absence, I have was only able to write only two blog posts (although of rather more substantial depth than my usual musings and photos). If you haven't read them yet, I suggest you scroll down and have a look.
I took my Ricoh GR1v and Olympus OM-D E-M5 with my on my trip. I shot a couple of thousand frames on digital, 4 rolls of black & white 35mm film and 2 rolls of colour 35mm film. So I'll be slowly processing and editing my Japan street photography and developing those few rolls of film. This means you can look forward to at least a couple of months worth of content from my Japan.
For now, have a look at some photos from the nifty Ricoh GR1v shot in London to test out the camera.
If enough people are interested I can do a quick review of this camera. Leave a comment below.
Shot on Neopan 1600, pushed to ISO3200 and developed in Ilford Microphen:
I'm finally back from a two week break in Japan, where I stayed in Osaka, visited Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto and many small towns in the Kansai region.
As a result of my absence, I have was only able to write only two blog posts (although of rather more substantial depth than my usual musings and photos). If you haven't read them yet, I suggest you scroll down and have a look.
I took my Ricoh GR1v and Olympus OM-D E-M5 with my on my trip. I shot a couple of thousand frames on digital, 4 rolls of black & white 35mm film and 2 rolls of colour 35mm film. So I'll be slowly processing and editing my Japan street photography and developing those few rolls of film. This means you can look forward to at least a couple of months worth of content from my Japan.
For now, have a look at some photos from the nifty Ricoh GR1v shot in London to test out the camera.
If enough people are interested I can do a quick review of this camera. Leave a comment below.
Shot on Neopan 1600, pushed to ISO3200 and developed in Ilford Microphen:
Hello Abtin, I stumbled upon your blog a few weeks ago ans since then I read every new post. I really like the way you approach your subjects, in a gentle, non intrusive mood.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever crop your pictures? Or use photoshop?
The reason I ask is that I saw that you left the scratches (from the film squeegee?) on one of the last series, and was wandering if you choose to keep your photos untouched?
You can take a look at mine if you want to: http://www.collectif-krasnyi.be/ (the b&w ones)
Best,
Nelson
Hi Nelson
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. My style can sometimes be a little intrusive to the extent that people will put their hands up to cover their face or turn around, but hey, I'm okay with that.
Regarding cropping and photoshop, I straighten crooked photos which results in a little cropping and I do the occasional upping of contrast and sharpening in Photoshop's ACR. If there are dust spots which piss me off I will clone them out but only if I can be bothered. All the imperfections and flaws of negatives add character to the photos I feel.
I look forward to checking out your work when I have a minute.
All the best,
Abtin
Hey Abtin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your answer. It's funny, I just finished to watch the great documentary about Daido Moriyama ("Stray dog of tokyo"), which influenced my last shooting session as well. Did you see it?
Regardless of the result of his work, which is undoubtedly a great accomplishment, my feeling was that he didn't look so happy in his work: a lot of his shoots were taken "from the hip" and it seemed like he avoid all contact with his subjects. Seemed to me like he found his pleasure in his darkroom.
On the total opposite, I watched some videos of Bruce Gilden and Mark Cohen who litterally assault people with flash without any precaution. (any thought about this kind of approach?)
I think of it a lot these days, how to find an equilibrium between going unnoticed, be close enough to get a good shoot and not being too intrusive. Well, it seems like you found yours :)
Oh btw I'd be highly interested to read your review of the Ricoh GR1v, I'm looking for one since I've seen Moriyawa in action ;)
Best,
Nelson
I watched that video before I went to Japan a couple of weeks ago with my GR1v. As you can see in my latest post, it did influence my shooting style (not sure whether it's a good or bad thing).
DeleteI think Moriyama's style of photography is a reflection of his character, he's a shy, quiet man. Gilden on the other hand are the total opposite... If you ask me who's work I prefer, I'd have to say Gilden. They are more strikingly interesting for me but I do like the subtlety of Moriyama's work.
I have tried Gilden's approach (or as close as I dare get) and you can see some of the work here: http://abtin-e.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/night-time-street-with-flash-15042012.html and in previous posts.
I love the results, but it's not everyday I can get myself to do it. I'm still trying to find my style and it will be a long, long time before I develop and refine it, slowly but surely.
Regarding the review of the GR1v, I will certainly plan to do one soon. It's a camera that influences the way you shoot, and it deserves a mention.
Thanks again for the comments and I hope you carry on visiting the blog.
Regards,
Abtin