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

[Ken Iisaka]

Beautiful images. My favourite was actually that of the model's feet, with
various lines criss-crossing, with subtle gradation of shades. But the
harsh direct light is hard to deal with. Is there a lace curtain? I am
noticing some moiré effect on the model's torso.

On 6 May 2018 at 21:37, 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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-- 
Ken Iisaka
first name at last name dot org or com