Re: [Leica] HCB method

[Bernard <5521.g23@g23.relcom.ru>]

csocolow wrote:

> Carlos Blanco wrote:
> >
> > Some days ago, while I was teaching, one of my pupils asked me about
> the way
> > HCB has taken "Dehors la gare de St Lazare". I gave him my
> suppositions,
> > based on the observation of HCB work, on his brief comments and on
> the kind
> > of equipment he used at that time. I would like to know your
> opinions
> > basically on two subjects:
> > 1-how he took that photo
> > 2-I assumed the photo was not prepared in the meaning of telling the
> guy to
> > jump and so on. But waht about those in which two old fat
> black-dressed
> > greek women passed by under a balcony with two statues? And the
> rest?
> >
> > thank you for your opinions and knowledge
> >
> > carlos
>
> I seem to recall that he did one of two approaches. Either he would
> see
> a situation or setting and set up waiting for the final element. For
> example, the bicyclist at Hyere whizzing past the curved stairway.
>
> Or he would wander along with camera at the ready, delicately
> concealed
> in his hands on his chest, and bring it to his eye for the brief
> instant
> of completing the awareness through the action of recording it on
> film.
> The photo of Barrio Chino, with the market vendor sleeping with the
> drawing scribbled on the wall seems to illustrate this instant
> reaction
> and awareness.
>
> I think good Leica street technique requires constantly monitoring
> your
> exposures as you wander but not putting the camera to your eye until
> you're absolutely ready. That way the camera is always set properly
> for
> the correct exposure. The same goes for disance and focus.
>
> I read where he was great at being invisible. "The Artless Art"
> published by Bullfinch Press has wonderful writing about his approach.

Yes, but....... this was all a long time ago, and back then people
didn't feel assaulted when they got a camera stuck in their face. Now
that things have changed (somehow), even "decent" people feel that
strange urge to assault the photographer, instead. Or sue you for
whatever and for nothing at all. But that's just part of US culture,
these days; the suing part, I mean.

Bernard