Belle Posted February 8, 2008 Share #1 Posted February 8, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I was battling life when I discovered street photography in 2006. After my first round of chemotherapy, I was completely unable to walk because I was bedridden for a month. In an effort to regain my strength, I decided to pick up my camera and walk around downtown Los Angeles. I quickly discovered that my Canon camera was too big, too loud, and too obtrusive. I also discovered that the exposures meter on the camera was not as reliable going through sunny and shady areas of downtown L.A. Focus was also a bit of an issue. I thought to myself that I needed a quieter camera and better mastery of my skill and equipment. That’s when my research landed on Leica. During my second round chemotherapy, I ordered a MP, along with a 35 mm Summicron lens. I studied about hyperfocal distance, Sunny-16 rule, shooting from the hips, and how to approach people on the street. I also bought books to learn about the great documentary photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, Dian Arbus, James Netchway, and more. During my break, I immediately took to the street to master my camera. One of the fruits of my learning was a photo that I took of an usher at the Grove Theater. I remember that day very well because the next day I was going into my third round chemotherapy. I went up to the usher and asked if I could take a picture of her. She kindly looked at me and said “sure.” It was said in such a warm and compassionate manner as if she knew what I was going through and she wanted me to be okay. Without the aid of a meter, I quickly set the shutter speed to 1/30 sec at f2. My encounter with the usher was memorable, but the resulting photo was also one of the most memorable photographs that I took. Perhaps the LFI editor saw what I saw because it was selected as Editor’s Choice on LFI’s web site this week. Link: Link: LFI Gallery - Galerie That photo of the usher showed me the photographic possibilities and potentials that I can strive for. It also reminds me of the encouragement I felt from one person about life. Today, I’m cancer free and continue to enjoy street photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 8, 2008 Posted February 8, 2008 Hi Belle, Take a look here My Leica Story: Photograph of an Usher. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rob_x2004 Posted February 8, 2008 Share #2 Posted February 8, 2008 Congratulations. And congratulations on getting past the other stuff too:). So what did "usher" teach you about shooting from the hip;) Good stuff. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twom4 Posted February 8, 2008 Share #3 Posted February 8, 2008 Dear David, Congratulations on both accounts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhotoArchival Posted February 8, 2008 Share #4 Posted February 8, 2008 Dear David, Congratulations on both accounts. And welcome to the forum, David. Lovely shot with very nice light, tones, and selective focus. She does look at peace with you taking the photo. I look forward to seeing more of your stuff here! Amado Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
usefeet Posted February 8, 2008 Share #5 Posted February 8, 2008 Welcome to the forum David, and thanks for sharing your story. May the Leica rangefinder and photography bring you joy and help with your healing! Cheers, William Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted February 8, 2008 Share #6 Posted February 8, 2008 Excellent shot - post more please! Welcome to the forum - glad to hear that things have turned out well! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eyedeebee Posted February 8, 2008 Share #7 Posted February 8, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Nice one! - I second the request for more shots. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Iron Flatline Posted February 8, 2008 Share #8 Posted February 8, 2008 Lovely image. Keep 'em coming! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocker Posted February 8, 2008 Share #9 Posted February 8, 2008 David, Nice story and very good picture!:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted February 8, 2008 Share #10 Posted February 8, 2008 Hi David, I can only echo what the others have said, a moving story and an excellent photograph. If you have more you'd like to share then let us see them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguewave Posted February 8, 2008 Share #11 Posted February 8, 2008 David, your's is an inspiring & triumphant story indeed. Welcome to the forum and of course, your new life. As other's have shared, we all are anxious to enjoy your forthcoming images and insight. Art is often a wonderful crucible providing pathways previously unknown & hidden. Thank you for letting us in. Ciao. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 9, 2008 Share #12 Posted February 9, 2008 Great picture, great story. Congratulations and welcome to the forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravastar Posted February 9, 2008 Share #13 Posted February 9, 2008 There are more of David's photographs in the album. I particularly like the one under Santa Monica pier with the couple contrasted against the pylons encrusted with shells and starfish - most unusual. Congratulations on both counts. Bob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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