Surrealism and Neo-Imperialism at the Photo Plus Expo

I photographed this model at a vendor's booth at the Photo Plus Expo in New York City as a photographer talked about the virtues of a certain lighting system.

I wondered what it is like: to be a model, to be on display, to be gawked at, to aim sultry looks at camera toting photographic trade show visitors.

With this multiple exposure, my intention was for her torso to become background texture.

When I later realized I did not know her name, I went back and asked the photographer. He replied: "No idea. I never asked her." Now the headless torso becomes a metaphor for treating women like objects.

I encourage my students to take in all manner of art and photography, as what you look at affects what you see. The "Look" from my blog's title refers to this process.

As for me, I have been looking at a book of surrealist photographs. My layered offering below (all done in camera) was inspired by these artistic explorers from last century.

Along with women, common subjects of promotional imagery at the show were colorful, traditional people from around the world. Fresh from teaching a class on photography and ethics, I pondered issues of exploitation while I contemplated documenting the situation.

I then attended a seminar by Tim Hetherington, who showed multiple forms and styles: stills, videos, art, documentaries, installations and photojournalism. His intellectually rigorous talk went far beyond the mechanics of shooting both stills and video (the billed seminar topic), to touch on concepts ranging from neo-imperialism to homoeroticism.

My resolve bolstered, I went back to shoot on the trade show floor.

As the story goes, photographic pioneer George Eastman was to take a trip to Santo Domingo. The camera outfit at the time, he said, "was a pack-horse load." Mr. Eastman never took the trip, devoting his life instead to creating easier methods of picture taking. His company became Eastman Kodak.

Had he made it to Santo Domingo, I wonder what kind of images he would have come back with.

© 2009 John Nordell

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Summer Harvests and Musical Influences

A couple of hard frosts led me to clean the garage so a car could fit. In the process I found this box of summer souvenirs. The collection looked as grand and precious as ancient artifacts in a museum.

I then found myself in a photographic quandary. How to show the whole collection, along with the defining edges of the box, but also see the small items clearly. Hmm. Guess I need a detail shot as well.

However, I really wanted to tell the whole story with a single image. The multiple exposure I then created lacked the elegance I sought.

Summer Harvest

Later in the day, driving home from dinner at The People's Pint (delicious local food) I listened to Aphrodesia, a world beat band that mixes American R&B and African Pop, a James Brown and Fela Kuti hybrid. (One way I connect with my students is to solicit music from them. I play tracks as they come into class. A student recently laid Afrodesia on me.)

As I listened, a quandary solving vision came to me. Click image to enlarge.

Summer Harvest II

I grooved to Aphrodesia as I put these pieces together.

©2009 John Nordell

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Finding Light Before Sunup

It was a delicate extraction. So as to not disturb this fallen leaf, I carefully lifted the lid of my trunk to retrieve my camera bag.

Something about complementary colors in dawn street lamp light compelled me to photograph.

Having recently produced some videos, the idea of motion and sequence is on my mind. With my camera set to a slow shutter speed, I experimented with taking pictures while walking across the parking lot.

Parking Lot Cosmos

My final destination: the eyeglass shop.

Sunglasses for Sale

After these 10 minutes of shooting, the camera went back in the trunk, and I went into nearby Denny's Pantry for breakfast.

© 2009 John Nordell

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My Sunrise, Ansel's Moonrise, and Localized Weather

I first heard of the concept of localized weather when visiting Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska. I stood in the valley sun gazing at the lofty cloud-shrouded peak.

Later, a farmer explained to me how different areas of the same field can frost at different times.

River Sunrise

Living and working along the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, this weather effect is pronounced.

Half a mile away from the river the sunrise can be clear, lacking mystery and atmosphere.

I created this effect by telling my camera that I was photographing in warm, indoor, incandescent lighting conditions. This image reminds me of Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico by Ansel Adams. I think I placed my sun in the frame where he put his moon.

Click here for the account of how Mr. Adams nearly missed his shot since he could not find his light meter!

As I photographed, a woman pulled up in her car. We exchanged awed greetings of the beautiful scene. She caught it on her cell phone camera.

"That made my day," I remarked to her as she headed off.

© 2009 John Nordell

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