Mirrorless: Why I chose Olympus
...because I like it.
It's that simple. I'm not trying to be a smart ass or anything. I just really like it. It's my preference. That's reason enough.
I'd be more than happy to discuss it further with you. Why not get in touch, or come along to a Photo Walk and meet me.
Project Portrait
I'm incredibly excited to announce the start of my Portrait Project.
I said back in early 2013 that I would start a Project this year with the aim of photographing just 50 people. If I'd have announced this back in January like I planned then perhaps 50 people would be an easier target, but we're already in May so it will be a push to make 50 portraits by the end of 2014!
I've included all of the details below in a Q&A format, so read on if you have questions.
If you're already interested and want to register your place in the final 50 just drop me a line and let me know or visit the Take Part appliction page
What's the deal?
I'm looking for volunteers - people who want their photographs made (or even people who are unsure about it)! If you're interested just register your interest right here: Here's a quick Q&A style list of facts about the project:
Q: Why are you doing it?
A: Portraits are the thing I enjoy photographing most. I enjoy interaction with people and making photographs that people like! The lighting and the technical side of things are pretty simple when it comes to making a portrait - the challenge can often be having the right conversation to get the right expression. This is the part I enjoy most.
Q: How much will it cost me if I volunteer?
A: It's free! Chances are if you come to me for the portrait I'll even buy you a drink.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Just fill out the form at the top of this page or head on over to the 'Take Part' page
Q: Why is it free, Won't it cost you money?
A: It may cost me a little something, but mostly it will be my time. I'm hoping to meet with you somewhere local, somewhere half-way or on a photo walk or meetup. This is a project that I really want to do for fun so I'm happy to spend a little something to do it and to invest my own time. I will be offering fine art prints for sale too: hopefully a few sales will cover any fuel costs I may incur and keep Mrs Rammell from telling me off for spending our money to make photographs of other people. I doubt that but it's worth a try ;)
Q: Where are the portraits going to be made?
A: We'll make arrangements on an individual basis: Some people can come to my place where they'll be offered endless amounts of tea and home made cakes. If you'd prefer however, or it's not convenient I could always meet you halfway depending on the distance. Or, as mentioned above if our diaries align and we're going to be meeting at a photo walk or meetup of some kind, then perhaps I could make your portrait then?
Q: Where are you based?
A: I live in Berkshire. Surrounding towns for me include Maidenhead, Bracknell, Windsor, Ascot, Slough, Wokingham and Reading. If you're local to me then perhaps we can put a date in the diary to make this happen. Check out my location on Google Maps
Q: Will the portraits be done in a Studio?
A: Some, yes. Others, no. I've got a studio I often set up at home and I'd like to use it for a good number of the portraits. However if the weather permits I'd quite like to do some of the portraits outside too (or even in doors, but just not with the studio set up). This project will be running until December so during the summer I'd like to get some Vitamin D if I can - we don't see enough sun in the UK - let's make the most of it!
Q: After the Portraits are made and edited, where will the be shown online?
A: They'll go right here on this website into the Portrait Project Gallery.
Q: Can I use the photographs?
A: Yes you can! As photographer I shall remain the copyright holder but I will grant all volunteers use of the photographs online for Facebook Profile Pictures and that sort of thing. I would appreciate it if you could use the photographs with my tiny little watermark in the corner to share the love, but that is optional. I will provide you with files large enough for 8x10 prints. If you would like larger prints then I can provide you with those
A: How will you use the photographs?
Q: The photographs will primarily be used right here on the website on the Portrait Project Gallery for the foreseeable future. I don't plan on selling any of the photographs at all and I shan't pass any copyright or usage rights onto a third party unless otherwise stated. If anything ever comes up I will always get in touch with you first and check with you. It's what I would expect so It's the way I'd like to work it for this project.
Q: Who can volunteer?
A: Absolutely anyone who is 18 or over. This project is open to anyone who would like to come and have their photograph made. You don't need to be a model or a photographer - You just need to have a face (any kind will do!)
Q: I know someone who might like to take part.
A: Excellent! Tell them about the project and link them to this page. If they're interested they can register their interest too. You can tweet them a link to this post. Or you can email them a link or even share it on Facebook:
Q: Can I take part with a friend?
A: You certainly can! I'd happily meet you both (or all of you) on the same day. However, the portraits I make will be of individual people. This project won't include portraits of groups or couples.
Q: Will you give me a print of my portrait?
A: Yes! Of course! Prints won't be free however. I send all my prints out to a OneVision imaging. Prices start from £25 for a single 8x10 fine art print.
Q: What are you getting out of all of this?
A: To meet interesting people. To make portraits that people are (hopefully) happy with. Satisfaction. Practise. A portfolio of Portrait photographs.
Q: What's unique about this project? People have done portrait projects before you.
A: I'm aware that I'm not the first to run a project like this and nor shall I be the last, I'm sure. For me this isn't about creating something that no one else has done before. It's about the interaction I'll get with you and it's about practise. It will be a great chance to meet a lot of wonderful people and hopefully make a photograph you can really enjoy. Of course, no two photographs are the same so the photographs themselves will be unique
Apply Now
The first 50 people to apply will feature in this project for free. To take part register your interest right here on the Take Part page.
I look forward to meeting you and making your photograph!
Apply now
To take part and register to participate simply get in touch via the Take Part Page
Picture (too) Perfect - Sony World Photographer of the Year Awards 2014
I went to the Sony World Photographer of The Year Awards (2014) exhibition in London on May 3rd .
"Stunning!" would be my one word review.
The work on display, as you would imagine from an exhibition with such a title, was simply amazing. In every category, whether it was the open category, people or travel, every single photograph was captivating. If you're in London be sure to get to the exhibition to see some of the most engaging photographs that have been curated in one place.
Common Themes Among Successful Photographs
As well as being photographs that were incredibly engaging, captivating, thought-provoking or sometimes shocking, the most awarded photographs all shared some commonalities:
Eliciting an Emotional Response
Some of the most memorable photographs are the ones that make you think. The photographs that make you say "Oh My God" either from the content inside the frame and / or the short caption written next to the print on the wall, explaining what you are seeing.
Photographs placed 3rd or sometimes 2nd in categories need those captions, not to make up for what is missing, but just to add a little context to exactly what it is you are seeing in that photograph. Photographs of famine, domestic abuse, animal cruelty or acid attack victims: the photographs by themselves are perhaps not clear or obvious at a glance. But when the person or the scene you are looking at is explained it can offer another level of appreciation for the photograph you are viewing, the subject within the frame and the photographer who made the photograph.
For me these photographs are successful because they are far more than snap shots, far more than someone's holiday snaps and far more emotionally deep than I've ever seen even the most decorated of wedding photographers capture on a wedding day.
Successful photographs elicit an emotional response in the viewer. That is the first thing that the photographs at this exhibit share.
Stories
Those placing 1st, 2nd and 3rd all have stories behind them. The most successful photographs of course tell their stories all within the frame with the elements included: allowing each viewer to interpret the story their own way. Much, dare I say it, like art.
- A series of photographs depicting the story or domestic abuse in the US.
- A photograph showing drug users, as they are using inside an abandoned building
- Even a cross-section of recently discovered carnivorous plants that have devoured insects.
All of these photographs tell a story of human nature, of relationships, of evolution & change.
Some of these stories are explained in the short captions, again adding further impact and context to exactly what it is you're looking at. Some of the photographs need little, or no explanation.
A successful photograph tells a story.
Visceral. Imperfect. Gritty.
What I would say that stood out for me from my visit, was not so much one piece of work, (although there are a few) but a theme among all of the entries. As a photographer It's a theme that I can relate back to Street photography.
The most awarded photographs and recognised works are not the ones that are the most technically perfect.
In fact, I'd say that those photographs that are seemingly sharper, in focus, well cropped etc are - on average - lower scoring that those that are imperfect.
However, those photographs where the shutter speed wasn't quick enough to produce a perfectly sharp subject, or where the subject had moved into an out of focus area (particularly reportage moments) or where a photographer had limited time in a disaster zone and so made a photograph where the thirds weren't followed or the main subject was in the 'wrong' place: they were the photographs that were the most captivating and moving.
It reminded me of the interview I did with David DuCemin a few weeks back and he said:
"Human emotion will always win out over the technical aspect of a photograph".
David went on to say that as humans we don't resonate with perfection and explained something called the 'too perfect rule' whereby too much sharpness in an image is as bad as blur. Effectively a perfectly clean photograph is fine, but if the moment or the emotion is missing, then what have you got?
The Sony World Photography Awards are not awards for the most noise-free, aberration-free and perfectly composed and beautiful photographs: They're awards for photographers and photographs that were captured because of the moment, the subject and the story and as such the response each photographer evokes in the viewer.
Long story short the technical matters , of course, a good strong photograph makes a picture more pleasing, but don't miss the moment through trying to seek perfection. Just get a shot and do the best to make it pleasing.
Portraits of London with the Olympus OM-D E-M5
Sometimes the world has a pretty dim view of London and prefers cities such as Paris and New York for photography. They're both grand cities; I know this first hand, but London is a wonderful place and more importantly it's full of some of the most colourful characters you're likely meet almost anywhere in the world!
In London over 300 languages are spoken (Not including the local dialect 'Cockney' :) ). Over 8 Million people call London home and it is the most visited city in the world.
So, when it comes to making portraits of strangers I'm very fortunate to have the City of London on my doorstep.
The Ready Steady Pro Street Photography Photo Walk
On Sunday 27th April I took over 20 photographers on a photo walk in London. The walk, organised as part of The Ready Steady Pro series of meetups, would take in a 4 mile route, passing through Covent Garden, Leicester Square, Carnaby Street, The Mall, Westminster and South Bank. It may not seem like very far, but with over 20 photographers and countless coffee stops (mostly my fault) it took the best part of 6 hours!
Outside Your Comfort Zone
As the organiser and an experienced street photographer It was my aim to get the group out of their comfort zone by making street portraits. This involves approaching complete strangers on the street and making their photograph with their permission. It was something that many of the group were very uncomfortable doing at first, but by the end of the day, after plenty of encouragement and advice (which I'll write about in my next post - Subscribe to receive updates via email) it seems almost everyone had made a few portraits of their own.
I was really pleased to see people getting outside of their comfort zone and talking to locals and tourists.
Gear & Equipment
There were all sorts of cameras to be seen on the day: Sony, Nikon, Canon, Fuji and Olympus (xx was even using an Olympus OM Film Camera!) I personally had my favourite camera to hand: my Olympus OM-D E-M5. Seeing as the walk was hosted in conjunction with Paul Griffith's One Camera One Lens community I made the decision to try and not change lenses all day, so bar a couple of photographs, these portraits were made with the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8mm prime lens (effectively 34mm owing to the x2 crop factor of Micro Four Thirds). It wasn't later on in the day until Linda Johnston and I had a chance to catch up that I had a play with the M.Zuiko Pro 12-40mm f/2.8 (giving an equivalent focal range of 24-80mm). I almost didn't give this lens back to Linda!
I've included all of the EXIF data: just hover above the photographs to see the details.
Enjoy the portraits! You can also click them to enjoy them full screen
The Portraits
We were casually walking through South Bank having a conversation about photography when I noticed this chap briskly walking towards us. I promptly stopped whatever it was that I was saying in the conversation and stepped into this young chaps' path "Wow! Can I please, please make your photograph?" I asked. It wasn't my usual method of convincing people I'm a trustworthy person and that they should let me photograph them, but this guy was in such a rush that I couldn't afford to miss the opportunity.
He kindly obliged and I had him step to one side so I could put the river and some sort of skyline behind him. With the sky now being behind I made a quick adjustment to the aperture and shutter speed to expose correctly and made 3 frames.
As always I took his email address and I'll send him this photograph shortly.
On our way to Leicester Square we walked through The Burlington Arcade in Mayfair. The Arcade is home to many fine shops selling what can only be described as 'Premium' goods; luxury cashmere sweaters, antique fountain pens and of course - a Leica Camera store! We couldn't resist so a few of us went in for a look around. The store is barely 10 feet by 8 feet but it had enough Leica's on display that when sold would amount to more than I'm likely to spend on camera gear in an entire lifetime! Put it this way - the prices weren't on display. And when the prices aren't shown, you know you can't afford something, right?
This man greeted us as we entered, with our cameras in our hands and around our necks a few of us piled into this tiny, minimalist store to adore the Leica cameras which were stored behind glass to protect them from drooling enthusiasts who go there to dream. They weren't prepared to just let us play with the cameras unfortunately, but after some casual conversation, some quizzing about how much of a staff discount he got (which he wasn't prepared to share with me) and after he'd had a good look at my E-M5 I asked to make his photograph - which he was more than happy to allow me to do. For good measure I was sure to include the Leica's in the background here.
I'm not really into my gear too much, but they had a particularly impressive display behind glass in the middle of the store, where they showed the stages of the making of the T-System from one block of aluminium, to the finished camera. This video explains the process.
Perhaps my personal favourite from the day. This is Keith. I was encouraging a participant of the walk to approach strangers and ask to make their portrait. As I said earlier It's easier for some people than it is for others so on this occasion to demonstrate I said "Look, just watch me". I spotted this guy waiting in the middle of the street. He was easy to spot: other people seemed comparatively plain looking, but this guy had his cool hat and dark shades - He was my next portrait!
"Hey there, I love the hat! I look like such a dork in hats! Where did you get it from?" I asked
"I got this back home in The States" He said in an American accent. "Hats don't really suit me either but I don't care" he continued
"No! It looks cool on you, it really does. Do you mind if I make your picture?"
"Yeah sure, go ahead"
As I got into position he started telling me that he was from Seattle and that he was here doing the tourist thing at the moment. We continued our conversation, I explained that we were there in London doing Street Photography. I handed him a business card, thanked him for his time and we continued on down Carnaby Street.
As we got past Leicester Square we stopped for a coffee for a short while. Many people were a little achy by this point. Just next door the Costa where we stopped were these guys (above and below) standing outside a shop providing people with samples. Of course, being the sort of people to get attention and provide samples meant that they were happy go lucky and confident. After trying the Tea and the Cold Hot Chocolate I asked this guy for his portrait. At first he was little unsure, but it just a took a "Oh come on!" to convince him: "Go on then!" he said.
I included the tray of sample drinks in the frame to show what he was doing on the street.
Next up for a portrait was this guy. When I first approached him and his colleague they were both a little unsure, as many potential subjects can be: it's not every day someone stops to chat to you and then asks to make your photograph!
After making the photograph of the gentleman in the previous picture we all had a little laugh and then it became a little competetive. This guy here agreed to have his picture taken because the other guy had just has his done too. So rather than standing there a little nervously this chap put on a smile, gave his head an interesting tilt and effectively gave me a pose for the camera. Good on him!
An area of London I've always had success with street portraits is over at South Bank. It seems to be an area that a real odd mix of people walk through. It's south of the river between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge right next to the London Eye. For this reason you get plenty of tourists, plenty of people who work in London but also a collection of people who seem to be drawn to the area by the Undercroft - a very popular and globally recognised skate park. It's currently under threat as money men want to demolish it and build retail units in it's place. Owing to it's location as I mentioned above it's in a prime position to make any businesses that would potentially occupy the space a good amount of money. However, as the sign in this chaps mouth suggests - "You can't move history"!
I approached this man who was manning a table outside the Skatepark collecting signatures for the 'Save South Bank' petition. I offered a signature in exchange for a portrait, which he happily agreed to. As I wrote my details down on the clipboard he grabbed his hat, shades and the flier and did this!
Next up was a young chap also collecting signatures for the petition. Having seen his friend have his photograph made I think he too warmed to the idea. I didn't have to ask much this time round other than to look at him, gesture by raising the camera and asking "Can I make your picture too?" He nervously nodded and agreed and then seemingly tried to out do his friend and stuck this over his eyes.
I was about to ask him to take it off, but I actually quite like how it turned out. I made a few frames and thanked him. What a cool guy!
By this point in the day we're still at South Bank. As it's close to Waterloo Station, which is linked very well to all areas of London via the Underground, this was an ideal for many people who joined us on the walk to make their way home if they weren't staying later with those of us that were going to have something to eat.
I was saying a few goodbyes and thanking people for coming when I saw this guy walking in our direction. There was no way I couldn't photograph a Jedi in London! Typically, people dressed up like this don't mind having a laugh and clearly don't care so they can be great street portrait subjects. I stopped him and said: "Wow! Great look you've got going on there! Where have you come from, how come's you're dressed as a Jedi?"
"It's the 2014 Sci-fi-London Event. It's closed now you've missed it!"
I asked for his photograph. He pulled out his lightsaber, pressed the button and it made that notorious Lightsaber noise! I made this frame, shook his hand and thanked him. Off he went!
So, that's it for this post. I hope you've enjoyed the photographs and the stories behind them?
Future Events
Come and join me on a UK Photo walk. Upcoming events include London (29th May) and Brighton (August 17th). We are also making plans for a walk somewhere in the Midlands and perhaps Manchester too. Just subscribe to keep up to date, or head on over and Join the Ready Steady Pro community
Street Portrait Tips
Making Street Portraits can be a challenge for some - You need to bring your confidence and ask the right questions. Next week here on the Blog I'll be sharing my top tips for getting a 'Yes' when asking people if you can make their photograph. Subscribe to receive updates via email