THE BAKER

August Sander arrives in Fresno.

I take that back. The photo was taken in Kingsburg. That Sander guy really gets around.

I like these dignified shots of people being proud of their crafts and businesses.

I like it, wondeful composition... well done

Great shot, Dave, of a man that looks so very proud of his store. Regards, LAwrence.

I see no tongue-in-cheek aspect to this photo. You've changed, man.

This is a picture with photographic roots, so to speak. The owner in front of his shop; the family in front of their new car; the individual pictured along with the fruits of his labor has long been a photographic theme each of us can recognize in family albums tucked away in the bottom drawers of cabinets all across the world. We immediately understand these pictures for in their simplicity of statement, they strike a universal chord we all respond to.

you're absolutely right Jack but there is more. One of the most important things when producing a movie is the casting. Looking at this ohoto I can only say you could hardly have done better Dave. Man, does he look the part. Furthermore, thanks to the lighting conditions he really comes alive in those subdued colour. So yes, it's all that Jack has mentioned but a lot beyond that as well.

He looks proud! his body language tell the sutisfactory of the house history.Jack

sums it up nicely..

this photo could be in a book called "Get To Know Our Town". Does he sell V8? Cheers, Micheal

Barry: Thanks pal. Virtually all of my grandparents came from Germany, so I guess Sanders and I have that in common.

 

Adan: This man speaks limited English, but he has managed to keep this bakery on main street of my town going for a lot of years. And I think he does show his pride in this image.

 

Marco: It's a simple shot, maybe what I would call a snapshot. Just meant to freeze a man, a place and a time. Nothing more.

 

Lawrence: As I said, he is indeed proud of his store and his survival in the sometimes rugged world of business.

 

Doug: No, there isn't any hidden meaning here. I wrote a grant proposal and received the money to do a book that is designed to be a snapshot of my community in this, its centennial year. I'm struggling with it, because it is not my style of imaging, and I'm stressed by the need to do a decent job and a looming deadline. So, this is just a straight forward documentation. Simple. Very simple.

 

Jack: I just used the word simple in answering Doug, and then go to your comment and find you used the same word. I guess that really hits the nail on the head. While my town is almost completely dominated by whites in the movers and shakers class, this gentleman is rightfully proud of what he has been able to accomplish.

 

Ton: No casting here. He is the role. Thanks for your approval of the image. I'm a big fan of your critiques, and I know you pull no punches. That's the way it should be.

 

Pnina: Yeah, damn Jack always sums it up nicely. You're no slouch either in that field.

 

Micheal: Read the above comments to Doug, and you'll find you hit the nail on the head. It is a book telling about our town. Only thing you missed on is that I don't think he's a big promoter of V8, and the working title of the book is, "One Hundred Years and Counting." lol

I think these last two photos will make excellent captures to help tell the story of your town. There is a sense in which you have not really isolated them from their surroundings and so they seem a part of where they are, which I think is a good way to go in an endeavor such as this. There's a straightforwardness, but also a sense of casualness, that you are adhering to. Now, if only my local Starbucks could start a one-student-at-a-time policy! No, actually, that adolescent energy at lunchtime makes me nostalgic, not to mention that being nostalgic about it makes me feel old.

David, i think these last two images are really nice for putting a face on your community. they are much more than snapshots. they seem to capture something essential about these two men.

As for the Starbucks thing, I know exactly what you are saying. Most afternoons I go there, and the high school kids can really be disturbing, but they can also make one feel mighty old.

 

You get what I'm after. Simplicity. No hidden meanings. No irony. Just trying to capture a bit of the essence of the individual. It's a tough go for me, as I'm not very good with overt street photography. Maybe with this project I'll improve.

Thanks. That's a high compliment, as I've always thought a really good portrait makes the viewer think they know more than they possibly could about the subject. As you know, it's not an easy go for me. But I stuck my foot in my mouth on this project, so I'll just have to do my best contortionist act and try to pull it out.

David, i have full confidence that you will succeed with this job. challenging oneself is a really good thing.

When your town has its bicentennial celebration, this is the kind of picture the local people will treasure. It is simple and honest, and portrays the baker and his environment skillfully and accurately.

 

In my mind you have been much too self-critical when it comes to portraits. You've done some excellent ones. I think it just a matter of overcoming the hesitation. My own experience has been that people generally just want to know why I want to take their picture. I tell them honestly. Sometimes I just say that I like their beards, their hats, or that I just think they have an interesting face. The only times I feel really uncomfortable is when I try to sneak a portrait and get caught.

 

This is a very good picture. I'm anxious to see more.

Thanks. Well, this little project is forcing me to move to a more overt style, so maybe it will serve as an impetus for personal and artistic growth. I have to say I've had the Oxford Project in the back of my mind while I've been seeking out folks to photograph.

I'm glad you've opened yourself up to taking portraits. This is a grand capture. Not fussy. Posed, but not formal. I love the sprinkling of leaves over the sidewalk.

Nice story, very well related. Best regards.

As you know I am a fan of documentary photography and even more with people...this is a superb portrait of the guy in front of his bakery...unpretending and open, soft light and simple composition...the documentary photographer leaves the subject speak for itself to the viewer...that's what I like most here....

Thanks. It's more like a got myself railroaded into taking portraits. Of the dozen or so I've done, this one is one of my two faves.

Once again, I'm deeply indebted to you for taking a look.

Thank you. I'd like to think you are right here. It's unpretentious and I think his pride and humility come out. But it's hard for me to be my own judge, so I'm grateful to hear that others feel pretty much the same way.

Da ganas de comer el pan de este hombre... felicidades a Ud y a el...