[Leica] Image criteria - a Luddite view NOW- "THE VIEW!"

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (tedgrant at shaw.ca)]

Hi George & folks,,
When I first began using Leicas' it was my understanding from photo 
magazines and a couple of  the "idols whom I admired, used Leica!" Therefore 
if I use a Leica I will shoot in similar fashion ... ERGO! ... foolishly as 
most amateurs, "MY PICTURES WILL BE  EXTRA SPECIAL!" Because everything with 
a Leica will make me look perfect! :-)

Little did I realize at the time what counts most regardless of camera 
quality... "IT'S THE HUMAN HOLDING THE CAMERA!"

There was never any of the technical diatribe we see these days. All that 
mattered was you had the best in focus, sharpest, best content photo of the 
moment possible to capture!" WHY? Well there wasn't any thought other than 
what you shot was the best because you were using a Leica!! Because you were 
told and knew no different!
All the technical aspects we go through day after day here on the  LUG in 
what lens does what, or what lens is the squeekest clean sharpest" never 
existed in conversation, nor sure as hell through online communication.

I  never ever thought, nor questioned anything about what lens to purchase! 
It was automatically Leica, get it out of the box, get it exposing film as 
quick as it could be ! To help me expose better pictures! Technical stuff in 
the box? hell it and the box went into the garbage and I started shooting 
the kind of things my eye saw! I had assignments to do!

"TEST THE LENS BEFORE YOU USE IT?" Idiot! It's a Leica! It's perfect, move 
yer butt the plane leaves in an hour for Paris and you better not miss it!" 
TEST? Hell shoot the assignment and look at the stuff when yer back! And 
that's what real gut wrenchng testing a Leica is all about! You jut trust it 
to be perfect and the best! Oh yes I know these days every dick and jack 
make new glass that's excellent. But then life isn't as perfect as it was 50 
years ago!

There  really wasn't and still isn't any kind of rule of thumb;  first, 
second or third system to follow other than the LIGHT!  And regardles of 
what anyone says... "LIGHT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN MAKING PICTURES 
MAGICAL!" Oh I don't doubt for one mili-second there will be a bunch of 
retorts! But do you know what? I don't give a flying hoop what anyone says 
because I have 60 years plus of professional assigned & published 
photography behind me to back it up!

It's just one of those "mean assed days folks I need not be tampered with!" 
At least I've given notice ladies and gentlemen.  Take care! Thank you for 
understanding! :-(
cheers,
today?it really is
"old doc ted!" :-(

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "George Lottermoser" <imagist3 at mac.com>
To: "Leica Users Group" <lug at leica-users.org>
Sent: Monday, January 03, 2011 12:21 PM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Image criteria - a Luddite view


> Using the LUG, and other online galleries to post images
> does not mean that the images do not also go to print.
> Quite a number of LUG image posters also sell prints
> and license the printing of their images.
>
> Technical quality remains an important goal for any serious photographer;
> right along with aesthetic, conceptual and emotional quality,
> pleasing self, clients and others.
>
> Attempting to prioritize these "qualities"
> and/or "visual elements" makes very little sense.
>
> Working a scene, a set, a subject
> requires an organic and fluid interaction;
> and all these elements and qualities are being weighed,
> compromised and decided upon as necessary and possible.