July 20, 2004
Panoramic photos from Vietnam
Photographer Thinh Le has created a very rich body of work that is
worth checking out at his web site.
The photo above has much more detail when viewed at a larger size.
Thinh Le had this to say, via email:
"My panos were taken with a 35mm rotational camera that can
capture 360-degree or more views in a single continuous exposure.
The camera maker's website is at www.roundshot.ch.
"Technique-wise, my rotational camera has its quirks: not all types of film are
pulled smoothly by the camera, the camera is fixed focus, and I need to use
a tripod most of the time. However, in general, it's a simple piece of
machinery and is the right tool for my vision. I guess the most challenging
thing about the 360-degree format is seeing in that format. Fortuntately, I
have some formal training in Architecture which I believe has helped me with
spacial visualization. Personally, I like places with lots of foreground
details and actions but I also like to include as much background details
like architechtectural elements as possible.
"The images are scanned from film and printed on inkjet paper.
I am printing in various sizes up to 16" x 160" (the ratio of the
dimension is approximately 1:10). Please feel free to contact me
if you have any questions or comments."
July 18, 2004
Minor White, Wow
“Do you know the taste of a photograph that depletes you? Taste the taste of the photographs before you serve them to your friends. When you encounter an image that angers and is rejected out of hand, and especially if you cannot forget that thorn, what is being nourished? Those images that haunt for days and weeks, though the first impression may have been almost out of sight . . . what is being nourished?
“Maybe something in you that is starved by your inhibitions and perversions has had a tiny bit of food and is crying out for more. Feed that place, or stirring, as often as you can, for it’s probably your soul. Open up, take a chance that it is.”
-- Minor White, Cleveland Workshop 1964
Mystical poet philosopher photographer Minor White (what a name!)
captured my attention thanks to numerous quotes in “Camera Lucida”
by Roland Barthes. The only bad thing was that White’s book was out
of print, and expensive, in the used rare book market. Finally,
in need, I broke down and bought a copy in good condition at Moe’s
Books in Berkeley, and I’ve been savoring it ever since.
He is inspirational, in so many ways, as a photographer (incredible)
and human teacher.
Anybody know other good sources of Minor White insight? I'd like to
soak it up. What was the deal with this guy?
Link to this site