LETS project

[Pete Millson]

Hello.

I'm currently part-way through a project photographing members of the LETS (Local Exchange Trading Systems) groups near where I live.

I have exhibition space booked for May and am hoping to get a few writers involved in doing essays to accompany the photographs. I'd like it to be a book too.

Happy to hear any comments although I reserve the right to ignore the one's I don't like!

All shot on the M6 and either TMAX 400 or HP5 developed in Fotospeed FD10 (for reasons of economy).

PETE.
(A blog about it is here)

[azzo]

Pete,

Very nicely handled light and tones with the 1st being my favourite.

[cocker]

Interesting treatment. Too grainy and salt and pepper for my taste and they wouldn't encourage me to join the scheme!

[roguewave]

Pete, I'd be interested to know if the 1st is Tmax 400. I shoot with this film and usually have no grain, even when pushed. Is this a desired affect? I like the image, but the scale-like skin does make her appear either much older or weather-beaten than I would have suspected. I like the layout & selected lighting here. You're brave to bring in so much darkness in the background. I really think that works well in setting up other elements and creating a mood.

[Pete Millson]

Originally Posted by roguewave

Pete, I'd be interested to know if the 1st is Tmax 400. I shoot with this film and usually have no grain, even when pushed. Is this a desired affect? I like the image, but the scale-like skin does make her appear either much older or weather-beaten than I would have suspected. I like the layout & selected lighting here. You're brave to bring in so much darkness in the background. I really think that works well in setting up other elements and creating a mood.

Thanks. Yes, someone else mentioned grain but I fear it's over-sharpening of the scan that's responsible. I'm a bit careless and it may have been sharpened twice or more.

PETE.

[jotam]

PETE,
For me, the first one!
Really impressive!

Regards.
José

[alun]

Ditto -- the first is strong. Interesting idea, too, to photograph LETS members.

cheers

[thompsonkirk]

On the (strongly) positive side, these are fine environmental portraits.

On the developmental or suggestions side, could you give the trading/exchange more content, including in the portraits what the people are actually exchanging/doing? IMO this would add interest to the book.

Kirk

[india]

Hi pete, the first one for me looks like the lady is coming out of the dark.
Great feel to the photo!

[Catatac]

Originally Posted by india

Hi pete, the first one for me looks like the lady is coming out of the dark.
Great feel to the photo!

I agree

[Pete Millson]

Originally Posted by thompsonkirk

On the (strongly) positive side, these are fine environmental portraits.

On the developmental or suggestions side, could you give the trading/exchange more content, including in the portraits what the people are actually exchanging/doing? IMO this would add interest to the book.

Kirk

Hi Kirk. A very good point and I'm tackling it this way (cut and pasted from my 'blog' - sorry, saves typing!):

My aim, with the photographs, is to concentrate on the individuals involved rather than the skills that they bring to the scheme and offer. LETS is an inclusive system and it fosters respect; it has respect built-in. However, in order that the pictures can be understood in the context of LETS, sustainable living and living within a local network, I plan to caption the images with three pieces of information:

1. Their name (obviously)

2. A brief trading history. This is to show what they offer, what they’ve ‘bought’ and what their connections are to others. My wife even suggested linking all the photographs with ‘arrows’ or ’string’ once they’re up to make the point that all these individuals live ‘together’

3. My comments. This could be my thoughts about them as individuals, things they do, things they’ve made me think about, in short, anything relevant and interesting.

The combination of an individual portrait and a description of how they relate to the community, in the context of LETS, will, I hope, have a strong impact.

For the book, I want to involve a number of writers, hopefully all from within the LETS scheme, and ask them to each write an essay; their thoughts and ideas about LETS. My photographs I suppose, sandwiched in the middle.

Like a nice chocolate filling.