[Leica] Farmers' Market

["Oliver Bryk" <oliverbryk@attbi.com>]

Bruce wrote:

"Oliver,
You asked for some comments about your photo shoot at the Farmers Market.  
First of all let me say that I don't know you and you don't know me but I 
have a very long background in photography and part of that has been as an 
instructor.  My comments may be negative but hopefully you will use them as
a 
learning tool.  So here it goes.
First of all I would suggest a different film (try Fugi NPS 160).  Your
color 
saturation is not good.  I don't know if this is a computer problem or what 
but all of your pictures have washed out color.  I think you would have 
achieved better results in black and white.   As for the 15 mm lens, I have 
to ask WHY?  I use Leica equipment mainly for the quality of lenses.  They 
are extremely sharp.  None of your pictures are sharp.  Camera bodies are 
almost irrelevant to me.  If the lens isn't sharp, it's a piece of junk.  I 
truly feel that if you had used a 35, 40, or 50 mm lens, you would have 
gotten more exciting pictures to look at.  All good or great photos are 
visually interesting to look at.  In other words there is usually some sort 
of "energy source" in every photo.  When you start using extremely wide
angle 
lenses, it is very difficult to capture that "source".  The reason being is 
your natural eye does not see at that wide of an angle.  Your natural vision

ranges from 35mm to 50mm.  So in my opinion file the 15mm in the circular 
file.  I have a few suggestions next time you go to the market.  Focus on 
more simple subject matter.  Don't try to say to much in one picture.  Maybe

concentrate on just the produce or individual reactions to someone's 
purchase.  Don't be afraid to get close to your subject matter.  The simpler

the photo the better.  I know I may have opened a can of worms here but I 
hope you and other LUGers can use some of this information.  Looking forward

to seeing more pixs.
Sincerely,
Bruce Morton
SIUASU@aol.com"

Bruce, thank you for your detailed comments, based on your very long
background in photography; it was only in 1953 that I became a US Army still
and motion picture photographer. I have used Agfa Optima and Vista negative
films for many years because I prefer their long scale and accurate color
rendition. To my eyes, most current consumer films are too contrasty and
overly saturated. I have photographed people at the market many times in
black and white; this time I chose color for the spring vegetables, fruits
and flowers. IMO perceived sharpness, contrast and saturation of small
images posted on the Internet are affected by a lot of intervening
variables, including the viewer's display screen and driver. IMO each of us
has a personal way of photographic seeing that includes choices of camera
placement and focal length for any given object of visual interest to the
photographer. IMO different viewers will have different responses to the
result; one of my friends critized my posting for failing to present a
"story in pictures". Thank you again for your comments; although they are a
bit too prescriptive for my tastes I know they are meant to be constructive.
Other LUgers will have to speak for themselves.
Oliver Bryk



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