As most of you know I am a traditional film photographer who always uses a tripod for my artwork. So this is my first digital hand held photography experiment.
My initial intention for using this small 12 mega pixel camera was to photograph Philadelphia scenes for my Philadelphia gift project. But when the blizzards came I took it along with my 35mm.
What I enjoyed was the spontaneity; shooting by impulse rather than contemplation. I must admit it has been a liberating experience. I found holding a camera the size of a pack of cigarettes challenging because I am compulsive about camera movement and shake. I am developing practices to eliminate both;exhaling before shooting, bracing the camera and other traditional hand held practices. To my delight I am very pleased with the results, and find them perfectly fine for small prints 5×7 maybe 8×10.
What I do miss is the contemplative experience. Using a tripod enables me to spend time observing the surroundings,looking at various compositional possibilities, relax and get physically involved with my subject. The temperature, the smells, the weather, the surroundings, all create the context for the experience of communing with the subject. I make my exposure at the moment I feel most connected with my subject.
I will continue to explore the point and shoot and see what I produce with a less studied approach to my work.
Hear are some samples:
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Armond, I came out of the Leica rangefinder street perspective, Winogrand, Frank, Klien- and transitioned to the small digital format with far less difference as you will encounter. The only time i use a tripod is for studio work, and always find it oppressive (work). I have some of the formalists like Atget, Jackson, Curtis, but realize it is a different temperament than what i have.
Anyway, be reactive, DO NOT PREVISUALIZE, enjoy discovering what the camera sees. The art will be the edit so make lottsa images. Think what is different of what a camera sees than what you see, what a camera does that a painting doesn’t. and camera shake, tilted horizon, etc., use it! it is the nature of the camera.
like your last lake image with the sign.
i have two of the small point and shoot cameras, and carry them with me all the time. i love when i see something quite spontaneous and can whip the camera out to capture the moment.
great playtimes…
relax and enjoy!