At this point in my studies, I am encouraged to reach out to photographers for interviews. Over and above specific Q+As on relevant subjects to my course, I decided to begin a project called ‘Two Questions To…’ where I would fire two small but loaded questions off to successful photographers whose work I admire.
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
I shall post any responses I am lucky enough to receive, below…
KENRO IZU
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
A – I really don’t care or pay attention if my work stands out or not. I only continue to work for the subjects which “stand out” and “resonate” to myself. Each photographer should do what they believe.
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
A – As I use multiple cameras, from 35mm, 2-1/4 (medium format), 4×5″, 8×10″, 11×14″ and 14×20″, there are “my favorite lens” for each camera.
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Reference:
Black, C, (caroline516671@oca.ac.uk) 2017. Two questions from a photography student. [E-mail] Message to K Izu (studio@kenroizu.com). Sent 15:36 28.11.2017. [Accessed 29 November 2017].
HARRY BENSON
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
A – There are no real answers to your first question — it depends on the eye of the beholder. That said, if you can take a photograph that interests you, it should interest others. And if you can take a photograph that you feel has not been seen before, that is the ultimate.
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
A – As for the lens— it would be the 24
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Reference:
Black, C, (caroline516671@oca.ac.uk) 2017. Two little questions from a Scottish Student. [E-mail] Message to H Benson (info@harrybenson.com). Sent 23:06 02.11.2017. [Accessed 3 November 2017].
SATO SHINTARO
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
A – This is a difficult question. When I take photos I always try to feel a specific atmosphere of Tokyo. And that is made from the mixture of the history of the city and the geographical features of the land and people’s lives. I was born in Tokyo and this theme is related to my origin and identity. If I can capture this atmosphere in my photos, I think I can make my works stand out in a world that is saturated with imagery.
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
A – Is zoom lens OK? If so, I want to use 24-70 f2.8LⅡ. If zoom lens is not OK, I will choose 50mm. I use stitching technique. I put a lot of shots to make one image. If I want to get wide image, wider than 50mm, I can make it by using this technique with 50mm.
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Reference:
Black, C, (caroline516671@oca.ac.uk) 2017. Two questions. [E-mail] Message to S Shintaro (shinsato@gol.com). Sent 09:58 29.10.2017. [Accessed 29 October 2017].
STANLEY FORMAN
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
A – You do not know in advance when covering breaking news you will have an image which will standout, you cannot plan it. It’s 40 plus years since I took the Pulitzer images. Distribution, etc is completely different now. If it is that good of an image with social media it will find its way to “stardom!”
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
A – I’m not up on current lens. In my day my favorite was my Nikon 80-200mm. I’m sure the compatible will be faster and sharper. I made my Pulitzers with a 135mm and 20mm.
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Reference:
Black, C, (caroline516671@oca.ac.uk) 2017. Message from website. [E-mail] Message to S Foreman (sjforman@verizon.net). Sent 18:19 03.10.2017. [Accessed 3 October 2017].
ELSA DORFMAN
Q – How do you ensure your images stand out in a world that is completely saturated with imagery?
A – Imponderable question. Philosophical. My answer to your first question: prayer and luck.
Q – You can have one lens for the rest of your life, which one?
A – I say 35 mm not 27 or wider. Slightly wide would be my choice. Again this is a more thoughtful question than it appears. It is about attitude towards change and experiment.
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Reference:
Black, C, (caroline516671@oca.ac.uk) 2017. Two teeny tiny questions from a photography student. [E-mail] Message to E Dorfman (elsad@comcast.net). Sent 21:14 02.10.2017. [Accessed 2 October 2017].
Caroline's Learning Log 