charlesphoto99 Posted April 23, 2007 Share #1 Posted April 23, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Here's a link to a Lightroom web gallery of a small project shooting Vietnam war re-enactors a couple of weekends ago. All images shot with M8 and mix of 24 (primary), 35 Lux Asph, 90 APO and CV15 (only one image here I think). All images adjusted in Lightroom with further tweaking in PS. B&W converted via channel mixer in PS and then dodged and burned with a soft light layer. Alien Skin Exposure filter added to all - either Tri-X or Kodachrome 64 or 200 (wanted slightly more period film look). All were shot at ISO 320. Anyway, thought it was pretty good example of the M8 in the field (literally!). No real problems except when we arrived at the sight the body had one of it's temporary lock-ups. Fortunately it came back to life by removing the battery and quickly re-inserting. It left me a bit rattled though as the day would have been a total wash. The M8 handled the extreme lighting conditions like a champ - I find exposing for the highlights one can pull a lot out of the shadows with Lightroom's Fill slider. Let me know what you think. Gallery Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/22331-m8-gallery-new-project/?do=findComment&comment=236734'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 23, 2007 Posted April 23, 2007 Hi charlesphoto99, Take a look here M8 Gallery new project. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
tashley Posted April 23, 2007 Share #2 Posted April 23, 2007 These are top-notch, though I find myself wondering which bit of the zeitgeist or weltanschauung impels people to re-enact something with such complex resonance. My faves are 3, 8, 9 (double fave) 18 (spooky) 23, 24 and 26. There are some tremendously poppy shots there technically too, makes me know for a fact that with the M8 and well matched lenses, we are a privileged bunch to be barking up this tree... Best Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
winks147 Posted April 23, 2007 Share #3 Posted April 23, 2007 The pictures are decent technically. As one who lived through that era, I find the subject repugnant. I can't believe that there are those who re-enact this travesty. Well, I can believe it, I just don't see why. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #4 Posted April 24, 2007 I'm not sure why they do it myself, though there was one VN vet along, as well as a recent Ranger vet of Afghanistan. I thought it might make an interesting project, and intend to pursue it a bit further, going along on some WWII re-enactments. Maybe throw some Civil War etc into the mix. Not sure why anyone would want to recreate the Middle Ages either but people do that as well. Technically these guys are what is know as "Airsofters" ie they use guns that shoot plastic pellets vs the true re-enactors that shoot the real thing using blanks. I'm fascinated by various subsets of culture - you name it and you'll find it. So what's repugnant? One of my all time favorite photo books is by Polly Borland called "The Babies" about adult men that dress up in diapers etc and act out as babies. It is an incredibly difficult subject and yet she nails it in both sympathy and surreality and just plain ol' great documentary photography. The book is so out there and yet so very good it is impossible to put down. It's not a subject I ever want to experience, or even condone, but it's a part of the world, and to me more fascinating than yet another picture of a damn flower. It's the reason I went with that particular publisher (powerHouse) for my last book. I'm not even implying these pictures are in that league or have any redeeming value whatsoever, it was merely a foray into these guys idea of a Sunday afternoon. My idea was to do more portraits but I also got a bit swept up in the action. This is the first cohesive set of images I've shot with the M8 (acquired in March and now back to Leica) so I thought I'd share them with the forum and my techniques to make them. The site is also for the kids in the pictures - for my project the images would be a slightly different edit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tashley Posted April 24, 2007 Share #5 Posted April 24, 2007 I'm not sure why they do it myself, though there was one VN vet along, as well as a recent Ranger vet of Afghanistan. I thought it might make an interesting project, and intend to pursue it a bit further, going along on some WWII re-enactments. Maybe throw some Civil War etc into the mix. Not sure why anyone would want to recreate the Middle Ages either but people do that as well. Technically these guys are what is know as "Airsofters" ie they use guns that shoot plastic pellets vs the true re-enactors that shoot the real thing using blanks. I'm fascinated by various subsets of culture - you name it and you'll find it. So what's repugnant? One of my all time favorite photo books is by Polly Borland called "The Babies" about adult men that dress up in diapers etc and act out as babies. It is an incredibly difficult subject and yet she nails it in both sympathy and surreality and just plain ol' great documentary photography. The book is so out there and yet so very good it is impossible to put down. It's not a subject I ever want to experience, or even condone, but it's a part of the world, and to me more fascinating than yet another picture of a damn flower. It's the reason I went with that particular publisher (powerHouse) for my last book. I'm not even implying these pictures are in that league or have any redeeming value whatsoever, it was merely a foray into these guys idea of a Sunday afternoon. My idea was to do more portraits but I also got a bit swept up in the action. This is the first cohesive set of images I've shot with the M8 (acquired in March and now back to Leica) so I thought I'd share them with the forum and my techniques to make them. The site is also for the kids in the pictures - for my project the images would be a slightly different edit. The reason I said 18 was spooky is exactly because of the kids in it: if I were to shoot or edit it, it would be about how adult men on an adrenalin/sex-denied/small willy/faux-nostalgia trip can unwittingly encourage their sons to become canon fodder for The Next War. But that's just me - weird, and I haven't worn a nappy (EDIT: diaper) for years... ;-) t Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #6 Posted April 24, 2007 The reason I said 18 was spooky is exactly because of the kids in it: if I were to shoot or edit it, it would be about how adult men on an adrenalin/sex-denied/small willy/faux-nostalgia trip can unwittingly encourage their sons to become canon fodder for The Next War. But that's just me - weird, and I haven't worn a nappy (EDIT: diaper) for years... ;-) t Funny, I wish it was that nefarious! Shows the power of photography to speak to the viewer however it may be. I think most of these kids are just the outsider war-buff kind of self professed geeks. The organiser, who's 35 with two kids and a somewhat "hippie" wife says as much about himself. Apparantly some do want to join the military - others want to have nothing to do with it. I'm a bit of a military buff myself who got waylaid in my teens by punk rock. My girlfriend does give me a ribbing because more often than not the TV is tuned to the History Channel. There is tactics involved and squads and maps and jargon, etc. I think it actually keeps some of the kids out of trouble, even if that trouble is nothing more than morosely sitting in front of computer games. It's the adults I'm a bit more worried about! Anyway, for the record I was "killed" twice, mostly because I was running around taking pics and not keeping my head down. And for the record I've gone drinking with ex Viet Cong and NVA in Vietnam - there was no way we were gonna win that war. And this group pictured contained more true combat experience than our current leaders. I'd rather that people play at being soldier than play with real soldiers. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sisoje Posted April 24, 2007 Share #7 Posted April 24, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, I commented about image that glorify guns on FM forum last year and I was trashed big time about it. I'll take chance again here on LUF. To the author: please, don't take it personally, but... I can not stand this particular subject! Talk about images of war? Real or fake (like this story). What is the meaning of this? I wonder what these people (and kids) were telling you while you were shooting (with your M8)? Like we don't have enough "war theme" in all of the media all over the globe that we need to "play war". I wonder if these bozos would avoid the possible draft in USA if it comes tomorrow, or they would be first in line to be real veterans. All of this looks so pathethic: seeing how (some) poeple in US love the whole institution of guns, but when it comes to a real thing nobody has a real answer (war in Iraq, Afganistan or Columbine or from the last week at Virginia Tech...). The most disturbing image is the group of kids posing: their parents must be proud. Yeah, next year give them real bullets, not plastic! I can't stand this.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted April 24, 2007 Share #8 Posted April 24, 2007 It's an interesting subject, these people who want to re-enact such a sad war. If you do more, I'd try to describe the whole thing inside and out, in and out of costume, in and out of character...everything. These people tell us something about America in 2007 Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlos diaz Posted April 24, 2007 Share #9 Posted April 24, 2007 I'm not sure why they do it myself, though there was one VN vet along, as well as a recent Ranger vet of Afghanistan. I thought it might make an interesting project, and intend to pursue it a bit further, going along on some WWII re-enactments. Maybe throw some Civil War etc into the mix. Not sure why anyone would want to recreate the Middle Ages either but people do that as well. Technically these guys are what is know as "Airsofters" ie they use guns that shoot plastic pellets vs the true re-enactors that shoot the real thing using blanks. I'm fascinated by various subsets of culture - you name it and you'll find it. So what's repugnant? One of my all time favorite photo books is by Polly Borland called "The Babies" about adult men that dress up in diapers etc and act out as babies. It is an incredibly difficult subject and yet she nails it in both sympathy and surreality and just plain ol' great documentary photography. The book is so out there and yet so very good it is impossible to put down. It's not a subject I ever want to experience, or even condone, but it's a part of the world, and to me more fascinating than yet another picture of a damn flower. It's the reason I went with that particular publisher (powerHouse) for my last book. I'm not even implying these pictures are in that league or have any redeeming value whatsoever, it was merely a foray into these guys idea of a Sunday afternoon. My idea was to do more portraits but I also got a bit swept up in the action. This is the first cohesive set of images I've shot with the M8 (acquired in March and now back to Leica) so I thought I'd share them with the forum and my techniques to make them. The site is also for the kids in the pictures - for my project the images would be a slightly different edit. Charles, More power to you! I find the images quite interesting and the best of these feel right out of publications from that era and I am a Vietnam era veteran. As a conscientious objector who was denied that status, my feelings are that the younger generations have much good to learn from your images than not. As for the criticism towards those that participate in these kinds of activities, well that too is something for young people to learn from. By the way, what is the title of the book of your images, is it still available? CD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted April 24, 2007 Share #10 Posted April 24, 2007 Where's the dead, mangled, bloodied rabbit held by its ears and the jerk with the silly grin who shot it saying "But I was only playing"............... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #11 Posted April 24, 2007 Well,I commented about image that glorify guns on FM forum last year and I was trashed big time about it. I'll take chance again here on LUF. To the author: please, don't take it personally, but... I can not stand this particular subject! Talk about images of war? Real or fake (like this story). What is the meaning of this? I wonder what these people (and kids) were telling you while you were shooting (with your M8)? Like we don't have enough "war theme" in all of the media all over the globe that we need to "play war". I wonder if these bozos would avoid the possible draft in USA if it comes tomorrow, or they would be first in line to be real veterans. All of this looks so pathethic: seeing how (some) poeple in US love the whole institution of guns, but when it comes to a real thing nobody has a real answer (war in Iraq, Afganistan or Columbine or from the last week at Virginia Tech...). The most disturbing image is the group of kids posing: their parents must be proud. Yeah, next year give them real bullets, not plastic! I can't stand this.... I appreciate your comments...but: See my posts previous to yours. I don't condone the use of guns but am merely documenting a subculture. Sorry if I brought this to your attention but it's there and happening (this is actually small scale compared to some). And you have the right to be disturbed by it. I'm actually glad it has that affect, though if I were to tell these people I want to come and take their pics so people can think they are freaks they wouldn't let me in the door. Perhaps it's better to be a part of something than not at all if it helps fulfill a fantasy in a healthy way. I'm not defending our lame gun laws, but I think mental health has more to do with the state of violence in this country than anything else. Guns just help it become actualised (and should be controlled for that reason). Role-playing has been proven to be a valid thing, particuarly for those who find things such as sports, etc not part of their make-up. I actually found these people to be very very nice, though certainly confused, (but not in a violent rampage sort of way!). But so are the people who vote for American Idol but couldn't be bothered to vote for the President. It's the age we're living in. Anyway, just trying to put a little context around it. The fact that people react strongly to the work is a sign to continue with it - I haven't been so sure. If I post anymore (in Photo Forum) I'll be sure to put "Gun Alert." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob_x2004 Posted April 24, 2007 Share #12 Posted April 24, 2007 I dont get it. Is it for a fim or for training or something? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #13 Posted April 24, 2007 It's an interesting subject, these people who want to re-enact such a sad war. If you do more, I'd try to describe the whole thing inside and out, in and out of costume, in and out of character...everything. These people tell us something about America in 2007 Cheers, Sean Thanks Sean, Yeah, I have more of the bits surrounding the actual event, and those will go on my main website once the piece is edited. This was mostly because the subjects were bugging me to see pics I put this edit together. Just like anything it takes time to both warm to a subject and have them warm to you. I may go on a 4 day event this summer in which case there will be more downtime to get more personal. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #14 Posted April 24, 2007 Charles,More power to you! I find the images quite interesting and the best of these feel right out of publications from that era and I am a Vietnam era veteran. As a conscientious objector who was denied that status, my feelings are that the younger generations have much good to learn from your images than not. As for the criticism towards those that participate in these kinds of activities, well that too is something for young people to learn from. By the way, what is the title of the book of your images, is it still available? CD The book is"Touch Me I'm Sick" on powerHouse. Seventeen years of my rock n roll photography, mostly of the grunge scene here in Seattle. Still available on Amazon at a steal for how beautifully printed the book is. And thanks for your comments! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted April 24, 2007 Share #15 Posted April 24, 2007 The sad part is that from your statements and images you seem to enjoy and endorse this activity Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sirvine Posted April 24, 2007 Share #16 Posted April 24, 2007 Please limit your photography to children, pets, coffee mugs, sunsets, wildlife, woodlands, color charts and focus tests. All other topics glorify the dark side of humanity, which we are working very hard to defeat by burying our heads into the sand. Your cooperation is appreciated, mmmmkay? Charles, your photos are terrific (all of them that I've seen) and the noise they are generating only enhances the flavor, from my perspective. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_reid Posted April 24, 2007 Share #17 Posted April 24, 2007 Thanks Sean, Yeah, I have more of the bits surrounding the actual event, and those will go on my main website once the piece is edited. This was mostly because the subjects were bugging me to see pics I put this edit together. Just like anything it takes time to both warm to a subject and have them warm to you. I may go on a 4 day event this summer in which case there will be more downtime to get more personal. Hi Charles, I understand. One can't photograph something like this without being accepted and tolerated, to some extent, by one's subjects. No access - no pictures. These people, it seems to me, are trying to create an illusion and play a very unusual sort of game. If it were me (and it isn't) I'd want to photograph not only the illusion itself but also the creation of this illusion, what lies behind it, etc. You may already be doing that. This is a contemporary thing they're doing, it tells us something about these United States at this point in time. It's good to pay attention to what's going on even though some (quite understandably) will find it disturbing. The challenge, for any photographer who takes this as his subject, it seems to me (and feel free to ignore me on any or all of this) is to not make mock war pictures of a mock war. Cheers, Sean Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest stnami Posted April 24, 2007 Share #18 Posted April 24, 2007 Sorry but there is no darkside to these images, just a whole bunch of images placed out of context and images mainly from the back of the war games. Yes bit does look like a pretend games event and that's how the images come across, pretend stuff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
humanized_form Posted April 24, 2007 Share #19 Posted April 24, 2007 hey Charles... i saw many of your rock pics when i was subscribed to the Sub Pop singles club! i liked how natural your pictures looked. nice to see you here. k. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted April 24, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted April 24, 2007 Sorry but there is no darkside to these images, just a whole bunch of images placed out of context and images mainly from the back of the war games. Yes bit does look like a pretend games event and that's how the images come across, pretend stuff Like I said, I put this site up for the subjects but thought I'd pass the link on here as an example of a set of images with the M8. Yes, I have pics of them getting ready, etc. but the subjects themselves are more interested in the illusion part so I'd thought I'd focus on that for their sake for this auxiliary Lightroom gallery. I will, once I gather more work (hey, this is from a 4 hour afternoon) then do a more objective (or subjective depending on how you look at it) edit for my main site/portfolio/etc. And I never intended for there to be a darkside. I've never really been a darkside photographer. This is pretend, and I intend on investigating it as pretend. Anything wrong with that? We all pretend in some way, some just more flagrantly than others. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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