On Being Famous

<a href="http://www.keithlaban.co.uk">Keith Laban Photography</a><p>When people see me working they cross themselves.

Gee (as you say) Andy, why so angry? If your camera makes you famous, that's great!

Congratulations!

Very nice bike Peter, I'm not riding anything now. Had me a little accident this year, not a big one and no injuries, but scratched up the bike a bit, bent the tank ect. I have decided to do some work on the frame and have taken off all the body panels, electronics and fairing and basically going to chop off all the extra weight, update the suspension and exaust and make it a slimed down "cafe racer." Its going to be a fun winter project. Here is a shot of it sitting in my shed right now. Much more work to be done. I am thinking of picking one of these up for this summer:

 

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/786.aspx

 

or one of these, haven't decided:

 

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/7/0/home.aspx<div></div>

Interesting take on this from various folks.

 

So, Leicas have lost all the "unobtrusive", candid camera value?

 

If you want to be seen with a really "cool" camera, try an Olympus Pen FT with a 70mm f/2 and its original hood!

this thread indicates Leica's get the guys and holga's get the girls... :P

A flurry of posts before I pressed the 'submit' button on the earlier post.

 

Though it sounded like self promotion, Brad's and Jeff's point was good and relevant, IMO (BTW, I am totally ignorant on how you two do on the professional front, so, I say, congratulations and the best).

 

Self gratifying, "yes that happened to me too" comments all the time are boring and suffocating.

Of course, Peter, you are an exception! Any experience with a real Enfield?

They were still being made in India (atleast until the mid 90s- don't know now). Same old design and the 'impressive' noise. Kawasakis and others are flooding the streets there now.

<i>Brad and Jeff, carrying a book to shove under strangers' noses to hear their opinion, that sounds like a swell idea.</i><p>

 

Who said anything about looking for people's opinion? And who shoves it when it always comes out of them starting a conversation? Sounds like you are really angry about something, and it doesn't seem to be connected to what Brad or I said, since you have invented all this stuff.<p>

 

As I pointed out above (try reading the words instead of just flaming away), I do it to get a conversation going around something interesting, like photography. Not what material possessions I have, but photography.

Peter A

 

That's good enough for me. I'm selling all my R's and getting an M.

 

JJ

Yeah look

 

it's just a fact of life some people find photographers interesting for some reason, all that glamour I 'spose, and they start a conversation. Lord do I ever have a glamorous life, not. The gear is an obvious intro to a yarn. Because they are different looking sometimes Leicas get some attention. Most of the time the conversations are pretty inane. If just one more Joe public asks me the film or digital question I swear I'll top 'em. Every so often a good natter develops.

 

Just for the record anthracite R9s with big vario glass do actually pull chicks. The D2x and 1Ds don't pull chicks 'cos their just another black camera. Never taken a Hassy H to a bar so I can't comment, but I recon they could pull chicks too. You know those things now come with a 39 MP back!!

<I>"I do it to get a conversation going around something interesting, like photography.</I>

<P>

It's all photography Jeff, tools included. Besides conversation is about exchange. And good conversation is when both parties have something ot share, otherwise it's just a lecture.

<P>

So at the risk of offending you, tell me, what does the other person have to offer when you whip out your portfolio? A comment about how nice your images are? Or how they shoot something similar but unfortunately don't have anything to show? Suddenly the conversation is about you, and the exchange is one-sided.

<P>

And before you lable me a gear-head or some equipment geek, know that I've pretty much gotten by with one camera and one focal length for most of my life.

Peter's bike has a rear wheel with 5 spokes and RJ's has 3.

Hmm... interesting!

Sure as mushrooms after a rain, Capt'n Brad and Stentorian Jeff will pop up with their "It's not the equipment it's the photographer!!" dimestore philosophy at least once a week.

 

But the image of you two whipping out your mini portfolios on the sidewalk is pretty funny. Thanks.

If I am going to carry a book of something out shooting with me, its going to be whatever novel I am currently reading, along with a bag lunch. I don't see selling many shots or getting into usefull conversations using the above method, but if it works for them, I guess all is good.

I am grateful that I got to know that these two gentlemen published books and carry it with them along with their gear.

 

Most of the time I am concerned with taking a lighter or heavier tripod

(I don't have any of those park'nson proof lenses).

"But the image of you two whipping out your mini portfolios on the sidewalk is pretty funny. Thanks."

 

It's actually really usefull at showing strangers what you can do, what it may look like, that it's harmless, it disarms them. I though more of us did this?

I was in London a few years ago near Piccadilly Circus. There was a guy photographing a beautiful woman near the Eros statue. I walked up to him pointing at the camera when he looks at me,stops me and says "Yes It's a Leica ,it's the only camera I use". I told him that I knew it was a Leica, the reason I walked up to him was to tell him he left his lens cap on for all the photos he was taking.I thought he was really cool too.:)

That is really funny, Eric.

Yours too, Mr.Ging!

<I>Sure as mushrooms after a rain, Capt'n Brad and Stentorian Jeff will pop up with their

"It's not the equipment it's the photographer!!" dimestore philosophy at least once a

week.</I><P>

 

Huh??? Who said anything about that?<P>

 

Andy, you seem bent on getting another thread deleted like the one two days ago.<P>

 

Looking at Andy's "street" work he doesn't strike me as the type who likes people on the

street or even try's to engage them. Perhaps that's related to the anger he's revealing here.

And why he makes up a lot of the stuff he does - ie "shoving stuff under strangers' noses,"

etc.<P>

 

And how nice for you - ie with respect to mentioning your editors, publications, etc.

That's really super! Must dovetail nicely with the thought of your camera making you

famous. Good luck - seriously!

"...It's actually really usefull at showing strangers what you can do, what it may look like, that it's harmless, it disarms them...."

 

exactly Eric....and yes, I keep a little book of 4x6's with me for just that reason.....actually I need a new one. The plastic one I bought is falling apart from being opened so much. anyone know of an inexpensive small book that is not prone to splitting at the seams more and more every time you open it?

 

as far as the post..........I think I have been stopped by people for most of the camera's I own. The BIG winner is my Mamiya TLR........women love that thing ;o)

I love the 120/5.6 S-Planar.

One of my favorite lenses.

 

Good to hear that it worked out for Peter and it will be good to see

some Polaroid shots through your new lens.

 

If it is similar (or better than) to the 120/5.6, you'll find the bokeh

very appealing.

<I>(re carrying a book of photos) I though more of us did this?</I><P>

 

Me too Eric. Some shooters like engaging people; some are afraid of people. A book helps

the former - a long lens the later. <P>

 

Andy's characterization of the ensuing discussion as "it's the photographer, not the camera,"

seems desperate.

How did a cute anecdote turn into a sniping match?

 

fwiw, one of the new iPods works as an album also.