Small Victory

This week, I took the 5D out to go another round with the video function. I spent one afternoon just playing with the camera trying to get interesting shots and was pleased with what I got in some daylight experimentation.

But the real question was, "How can I get visually pleasing results in low light conditions?" I found out about Canon's new firmware from a friend and downloaded it. This allowed me greater flexibility when I shot. I now have the ability to choose ISO, aperture, and shutter settings. Here is the results I came up with. I am not there yet, but I am 1 step closer to a solution.

Fragments create Fiction

My process usually begins from the outside in. I've been told that it's uncommon, but that is the way that photographs speak out to me. It begins with a place I come across, without looking for it. As I drive home late at night, I will catch a strange light at the periphery of my vision that screams out to stop and take a look.

There is only a hint of story in my mind, just a foundation, an aesthetic, a stage for a drama to unfold. I then carry it in my mind and wait for an idea to formulate. I was told once that an interesting portrait begins with an interesting location. The question, is the frame an interesting one before you put someone in it. I work from the larger picture and if the story is to be told, the details reveal themselves.

Fixed Photo Adventure

Last sunday, I spent the day with a gang of teenagers obsessed with "fixie"s. Single speed, no brakes, balls out bike enthusiasts who want nothing more than a stretch of road to mash(speed down) or a curb to trick. I decided that it had been to long since I had got down with the local boys to shoot the teen throttle. I wanted to begin a series that took an inside look into the lifestyle of local teenagers who have passions of their own that revolve around bikes, music, and brotherhood. I didn't have any idea how grueling 25 miles on a fixed gear could be. The photo session was funded with skin of my backside, but I got what I think is a good beginning to a vibrant series. I plan to do a couple more rides and plan on shooting the boys rehearsing music in their make-shift practice spaces.

There bike club is the first fixed gear bike club in Long Beach. I helped them establish outreach to the community by creating a blog for "Ride Long Beach". Here is their link- http://wilsonridelb.blogspot.com/