[Leica] Lower 9th Ward - 21 images

[jsmith342 at cox.net (Jeffery Smith)]

Thanks much Ted, it really means a lot to me. As for an ID, I actually do
carry my Delgado College ID around my neck, making it look, at first blush,
like I have some sort of press ID or other professional credentials. I also
wear matching beige pants and shirt, giving myself a uniformed look. The
Blackberry phone on my hip also make me look like I'm on the job.

And thanks for your comments about the Tri-X. I've really gotten to like
that film. Were it not for the newer model cars in the photos, I could
probably pass this collection off as being from a hurricane in the 1940's.
And I really like that look.

Best,

Jeffery Smith
New Orleans, LA
http://www.400tx.com




-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Ted
Grant
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 4:44 PM
To: Leica Users Group
Subject: Re: [Leica] Lower 9th Ward - 21 images


Jeffery Smith showed: "The weather war of the world day after!"
>>> This is a sampling of 21 frames from my first two rolls of Tri-X 
>>> shot
>>> last
> week. I have 7 more rolls that are at the lab now. When I get those
> scanned
> and reviewed, I will probably pare this group down to half a dozen shots.
>
> http://www.400tx.com/9th-1.html
>
> The Tri-X is a bit gritty. I may make another trek with Acros or Agfa 
> 100 next week. <<<<<<<

Jeffery lad,
Oh, whatever you do, don't worry about the Tri-x gritty look that's what 
adds to the over all look of these un-worldly looking scenes.  Besides there

isn't one common sense reason in the world to be concerned about fine grain 
with this type of devastation. Leave it be with the film, stick with the 
Tri-x and maintain the look.

This is dramatic reality, not some camera club fine grain tonal art 
pictures. It is a once in a life time moment where the grit, grime, death 
and destruction should be recorded as real and as visually strong as 
possible with no concern for fine grain.

Look if this were Robert Capa shooting and or many of the old time greats, 
they'd make sure the grittier it looked the better. And their instructions 
to the darkroom would be just that, "make 'em look gutsy!" Fine grained be 
damned!

You are producing high end photojournalism documentary photography, so just 
keep doing what you're doing and don't mess with the system in the middle of

the street! And hopefully the pea brained authorities don't screw it up with

their stupidity by stopping you from moving about..

I do believe I suggested some time ago a kind of police issued "recognized 
authority" badge or ID card hanging off your neck or carried that would keep

the hounds at bay, as you've already encountered, these "security fools" 
aren't any brighter today than the days of the storm.

And of course you look as much like a terrorist as Santa Claus, ;-) but if 
the guard doesn't have a brain what matters, he wouldn't recognize Santa 
either. ;-)

You're doing a splendid job with this so far, don't let any "iIligitamus 
Carbarundumous" screw it up...

English meaning? "Don't let the bastards grind you down." ;-)

Damn fine work indeed. Is there any possibility you would offer these photos

to the wire services or publications of international interest?  But then 
again you do like living in your country at the moment don't you? ;-)

And I can't think of a faster way to be given a fast track ride to another 
location, obviously not of your choosing, if they were given major play 
across the world. OK OK I'll leave it be, not my place. ;-)

keep 'em coming Jeffery can hardly wait for the next batch.

ted


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