[Leica] Ralph Gibson master class (includes nude images)

[cartersxrd at gmail.com (CartersXRd)]

they have a wonderfully "classic" feel?1920-1950 art photographers

well and sensitivley done

ric


> On May 7, 2018, at 12:37 AM, Richard Clompus via LUG <lug at 
> leica-users.org> wrote:
> 
> I attended a Leica Master Class with Ralph Gibson at the Leica shop in San 
> Francisco with nude models.  I have admired the path Ralph took early in 
> his career by publishing his own work.  My wife of 42 years convinced me 
> to take the course.  She?s worked with male and female nude subjects for 
> her sculptures.  None of us are getting any younger and the class was an 
> opportunity to spend 3 days with a photographer who?s photographs have 
> made me think about developing my own vision.  I have read Edward Weston?s 
> day books many times and felt his nude images appear timeless.  I shot 
> with a Leica M240, 50/1.4 pre-aspheric Summilux, 90/2 pre-aspheric 
> Summicron.  I also borrowed the 50/2 Apo Summicron and the 135/3.4 Apo 
> Elmar from the Leica shop.  If I could have afforded the two apo lenses, I 
> would have taken them home. Wonderful optics.    
> 
> Concentrating on Ralph?s technique of pre-visualization was a requirement. 
>  I went back to the hotel exhausted each evening after the class to review 
> images with my wife.  She?s a much better artist than I?ll ever be.  I?ve 
> never photographed anyone who wasn?t wearing clothes.  There were about 30 
> photographers in the class (both men and women).  There were four women 
> models that were more comfortable without clothes than I was wearing them. 
>  I was a bit uneasy the first day:  how do I react, how do I photograph 
> subjects with a unique vision standing next to 29 other photographers.  
> 
> The experience was a valuable lesson. Using northern window light was a 
> revelation. I wrote an article detailing my daily experiences along with a 
> portrait of Ralph, many ?Ralphisms" and a some nude images from the master 
> class.  His photo critique could be devastating but also revealing.  I 
> have not found a publisher for the article yet.  If anyone would like to 
> read it, I can provide the PDF.  Spending 3 days with a world class 
> photographer who has strong opinions on the creative process was a unique 
> treat for me.  I realize I may never photograph nude models again.  It 
> taught me a lot about myself and photography.  I also thanked the models 
> for their kindness in posing for the class.  
> 
> Here is a link to the 4 nude images in the LUG Gallery.  My apologies in 
> advance if anyone is offended.  That is not my intent.  I printed a 
> portfolio of my best work from the class that remains on a shelf in my 
> home.  Comments welcome.    
> 
> http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/rclompus/L1006623.jpg.html 
> <http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/rclompus/L1006623.jpg.html>
> 
> Be well,
> Richard
> 
> Richard Clompus
> California
> 
> 
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