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

[Richard Clompus]

Thank you for your feedback.  The pattern on the model was caused by very bright northern light coming through 100 year old window panes that had imperfections in the glass.  

Richard

> On May 6, 2018, at 10:07 PM, Ken Iisaka <ken at iisaka.com> wrote:
> 
> 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
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> Leica Users Group.
>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Ken Iisaka
> first name at last name dot org or com
> 
> _______________________________________________
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