leepix

<p >Documentary and street images are my favorite passions. I enjoy hunting the urban landscapes and have been doing this for several years now. I don't think I have the final say in what you should carry on the street as a photographer, but I can share what I do and why. Everyone has to make choices based on their abilities, budget and desired look.</p>

<p >Biggest factors for consideration are intrusion and reactions. You have to decide if your trying to evoke a reaction or attempting to capture the truth without your influence becoming part of the scenario. I believe that people are usually aware of a camera most of the time. They either shrug it off or pretend not to pretend. Others try to escape and some send threatening glances or even rude jesters to signal their displeasure.</p>

<p >The street offers amazing dances of interactions. Its like a little ballet of sorts. When I shot street scenes 30 years ago it was way different than it is today. Much different. Today there is a prevalent feeling among many people that photographers are taking advantage of them, or invading their lives.</p>

<p >The worst is the folks that believe photographers will gain millions of dollars by selling their likeness to CNN or TV. This is really popular folklorist hogwash of course. After 30 years of shooting I am still waiting for the big pay-off. Teehee. The closest ‘big’ sale is my street shot of the ‘Blind leading the Blind’, which has been printed about 5,000 times so far. Besides that rarity, I still have days of starvation.</p>

<p >Today, people are camera conscious and media swamped, so they see your gear and react much faster than decades ago. So, one needs to be a little 'foxy' to get candid moments these days. </p>

<p >Criteria for camera and lens choice.</p>

<p >1. Stealth and efficiency. Do you need to work covertly - Is your back strong?</p>

<p >2. Desired Look. - Do you want to show the whole scene or isolated portions?</p>

<p >3. Personal (Emotional) comfort. Like, are you OK with shooting in people, animals and situations at close or extreme-close range? Not to exclude safety issues. Like, it's probably not a good idea to race into a robbery-in-progress and begin shooting wide-angle close-ups of the perpetrators. This could lead to some potentially awkward moments and damage to your gear and not to mention your life. You may end up on the top of the list of The Darwin Awards. On the other hand, you may get a Pulitzer Prize for your efforts. Advice: Tread with caution around the angry and desperate. Avoid the armed and dangerous.</p>

<p >Why Wide -Angle Lens?</p>

<p >I do! I crave this excitement! And it is exciting. Sort of like 'humanities roller coaster' for me. I never know what will happen. Oh, I have a hunch of sorts after sizing up the unsuspecting subjects. But I like the sheer candid immediacy of being 8-12 inches from a persons face. </p>

<p >I was not always able to do this sort of thing. In past years I was literally too timid to approach anyone. Ever! So I used long lenses and tried to be invisible mostly. After working at overcoming my fears for a while I am finally able to feel OK about getting in close. Really close!</p>

<p >Most of my candid portraits are shot at less than 2 feet from the subject. Many as close as 6 inches from their faces. I know about distortion and try to use this to exaggerate the eyes in such a way as to offer a better window into the subject’s heart. At least that’s my reason for doing this. Not to make folks ugly or funny looking, which, by the way, is quite easily achieved with this lens.</p>

<p >The subjects I choose usually are startled enough to react in a ‘natural’ way. Usually. I get the occasional belligerence or anger of course. I have become agile at adapting and responding with compassion and showing my genuine harmlessness as needed. But this technique is only useful when you wish the subject to interact with your efforts. </p>

<p >

<ul>

<li>My GEAR CHOICES</li>

<li>I carry plenty when I walk the streets. Usually a Canon 5D Mll and a Canon 40D as second body. The 16mm-35mm lens on the Mark ll and the 70-200mm lens on the 40D.</li>

</ul>

</p>

<p >NOTE: I love the Canon 5D Mll because it is simply wonderful in it’s ability to render full frame detail and the texture of subjects. Delicious quality! And 16mm is 16mm!</p>

<p >The Canon 40D I use for the speed of shutter and because it is able to convert my 300mm lens to an effective 450mm. This is great to get those shots across the street or in the middle of a rioting mob without getting trampled. I carry a sling-bag that snugs into the small of my back so I can keep 1 or both cameras out of sight until needed.</p>

<p >My favorite and constant friend is the Canon 16-35 f2.8 lens. This gets me casual covert shots if needed. But, also allows me (nay forces me) to get into others 'space'. Sometimes this is daunting and can be mucho dangerous, (and/or embarrassing) so I have to pick my visual gardens carefully. One needs lost of breath mints too! But the end results are stunning and quite often surprising and fun!</p>

<p >The Camera bodies:</p>

<p >Canon 5D Mark ll & Canon 40D</p>

<p ><ol>

<li>The lenses: (only two at any time)</li>

<li>Canon 16mm-35mm f2.8 (fav)</li>

<li>Canon 70mm-200mm f2.8 (fav)</li>

<li>Canon 24mm-105mm</li>

<li>Canon 28mm-300mm</li>

</ol></p>

<p > </p>

<p >Bottom line, any camera will do. But, a camera that has little or NO delay is best for Candid Street and documentary work. I even carry a small point and shoot camera with me most of the time. Because there are situations when this affords the best candid captures.</p>

<p >Most people feel that point and shoot cameras are harmless and the person behind the Cam is an amateur. This is useful to me when I am trying not to influence certain situations.</p>

<p >Please feel free to comment or send me questions if you care to. I love to share my experience with other photographers.</p>

<p >Cheer and happy hunting,</p>

<p >Lee McLaughlin</p>

<p > </p>

<div></div>

I have recently begun to work with old dolls. I am attempting to discover more of my inner

theater. Often illusive. I have begun to sense that dolls allow me to look deeper into

myself. Why is this? I dunno. Just happens.<div></div>

You are RIGHT!

<p>I offer some thoughts and hope for a peaceful and harmonious outcome.

Just to be certain that I was maybe a target. I re-registered recently under a' new name'

and posted several images.- none recieved the low scores barrage 2/3- 3/3 -3/4 crappy

results that are now soooooo prevalent. When I posted the same images in my own

name--BANG! low scores. It is a shameful situation. <p>

<br>The folks that could trace this activiity have turned the other way.

Why? I don't know. But after asking many many times for clarity and answers about this

related topic. I received no reply. <br>

<p>Nada!<p>

<p>It is an abuse issue that the admin group cannot or 'will not' address.

Therefore, I have begun to utilize other websites for 'feedback' - there are several that do

not allow weasels to flourish and multiply.<p>

<p>While I like the diversity of this community and enjoy learning and sharing, the few

that lurk anonomous in the dark, (like 'coakroaches') are rather a bore.<p>

<br>Additionally, the need to offer a 1-3 rating score is like offering a gun to anyone.

Some will be responsible, but, just like life, many will not. Blood will flow.<br>

<p>The suggestion to limit the low ratings with mandatory commenting is a good one.

The suggestion to remove the 1-3 score numbers is better.<p>

<p>Positive suggestions are much more appreciated by the struggling student and artist.

A community like this could be more supportive and not tolerate the mean-spirited few

that plague us.<p>

<p>On a final note, offering the 'vote' to strays and wannabees (folks with little or NO

work posted) is like trusting your kids with strtangers. You just don't do it. A

photographers work is like a litttle 'life' of its own. We go to a lot of effort and invest a lot

of our hearts in this endeavor.

Having the work recieve 1/1 and 2/2 scores is like seeing your child return from school

with a black eye from the town bully...it is never any fun.<p>

<br>Ah yes, we can all be phlisophical and passive about this.

Ratings are "of little importance' etc etc.--but if this were true, why have them at all?

I am not offended by the low scores, and I don't 'take it personally' these days./

It is just silly that this privilege is offered to just 'anyone' with complete autonomy.

<br>

Wouldn't it be interesting to see who actually gave all those 1's and 2;s and 3,s? - I wonder

who would cringe first and scurry back under the rocks?

<br>it was a bit easier to deal with last year because the names appeared next to the

scores. At least one could send an email to inquire why.<br>

<br>The power of the admin is infinite. They can do anything they want. Anything!<br>

The situation will remain unpleasant until 'they' do something about it.<br>

My best wishes to all in the mean time,

their are still many good hearted people here and the value of those individuals is great.

cheers,

Lee

Allowing 'anyone' to rate is a mistake. Many of the low ratings are by folks without any work

posted. Under the anonymous system you get a rash of folks that only rate nudes high, and

everything else low..very low!! It is a bit discouraging. Took this website down a notch. boo

hoo.<div></div>

It is all very complicated--Maybe only blind folks should post ratings..then, the playing

field will be equal. BUT___ I respectfully submit that we Eliminate the negative area of

scoring- 3, 2, 1's--. If someone does not like the shot--let them Move on. Why give

power to the merciless and ruthless few? - I believe in encouragement, not punishment. If

photos are ignored and not scored for example---this would stimulate growth, not painful

annoyance.

Can we talk???

I posted a question regarding how to get a photo submitted for acceptance as a TOP photo

last night. Since that posting, my photo LOST 1 rating which means someone or something

removed 1 score. How is this possible? Was this deliberate? I love this community and

except for several 'attacks by a few photo-less low-score ratings occasionally really enjoy

the feedback and would love to someday get a photo into the lime light. Like Orphan

Angel : http://www.photo.net/photo/3145307.

With 26 (er, umm now, 25 ratings), at 6.40/7 and 6.32/7 score-- It seems possible that

this shot might be good enough to fly. Yes? Maybe?

If anyone can shed some light I would most appreciate. Please feel free to contact me off

the air. PS My question posting from yesterday also disappeared.

Respectfully yours

Lee McLaughlin<div></div>

I strongly believe that those who are able to rate should at least have a photo or two of

their own posted. Then, if they single out a particular image and give an arbitrary 1/1

because they 'feel like it' that day, then, the rest of the community can take a shot at

reciprocating. -- It might humble those that act out of ignorance and immaturity.- Just a

thought. But, really, what is the point of allowing the 'tedious and rude' to give other

members 'black eyes' often, just for mean spirited sport? I have been the victim of a

couple bad apples and it blemishes the fun. The only thing to 'learn' from these attacks is

that the world is rife with donkeys. We already know that. Right? I know donkeys have to

eat too. But, hey. Why not let the non artists share their own community? - Just a thought,

here. (at no time were any donkeys actually injured or shot during the writing of this.)<div></div>

By the way - they let you shoot in some very unusual places like the Erotic Museum and

the louvre...WOW.. Incomparable... Much better than London for example (my experience

only) Lee McLaughlin.<div></div>

Thanks for the input. I am holding back from selling ALL rights. I think you are correct in

this. Thanks Again.

Cheers to all.

Please tell me your feelings concerning selling the rights to my BLIND LEADING THE BLIND

photo. I sell printsof this currently and have also sold short term usage to various clients. I

am considering using this on a post card that I will sell. But the company that wants to

purchase this, wants ALL rights. Is this a good or bad decision to sell? Do others sell ALL

rights? Thanks for any comments. -- Lee McLaughlin<div></div>

Here is another sample of Paris- I love this city, and shooting photos in Paris is

extremely fun and rewarding. This is a city visually stunning! Beyond compare! Shoot

everything! Lee McLaughlin.<div></div>

I was just there in August. I carried 2 Canon 10D bodies and 3 lenses arond

everywhere - day and night. I shot about 3000 images in the 2 weeks I was there and

many were 'in the faces of Parisians. I did get some "pa photo" sneers from time to

time. But mostly I encountered mild ennui and quizical stares. I shot students,

seniors, coficials, homeless, prostitutes, and tourists from everywhere. NO PROBLEMS.

Of course if it felt wrong to shoot I followed my instincts. Everyone should. People

have a way of telling you about their comfort level without words. Listen with your

heart! ad SMILE! A simple smile can disarm the most caustic of attitudes quickly. -

Good luck on the street. --Lee McLaughlin<div></div>

I appreciate the input from all. I see that the world is much different now. Less innocent.

Less tolerant than ever. Even so, I am motivated to capture fleeting moments in time. It is

just a bit more challenging I guess to remain unscathed by fear these days. I really am

motivated by love. - I might get something

larger than my 400mm lens to supplement my bag of tricks. Yikes!!! - My favorite lens is

my 12mm. Photographing people is, alas, what I am compelled to do. God help me.

I was in London last month shooting street scenes in public. I was horrified on Sunday

when several undercover cops and uniformed cops surrounded and agressively escorted

me to a 'qiet corner' to go through my camera bag, papers, and check on the last photos I

had shot.

I played them back on my camera monitor (I was shooting with 2 Canon 10D's) with

100mm-400mm lens on one.

The officer in charge offered that I had to erase 4 of the frames, or my gear would be

confiscated. I erased the frames immediately. I thought it was just of an ordinary young

boy playing in the park with others..apparently it was not. They warned my not to aim my

camera at that kid again.

I did'nt. I was extremely vulnerable and felt like I could be squashed at will.

But they did politely release me after cooperating. Still don't know who it was.

But this is further evidence that many are very 'tense' and photogrphers can seem

threatening with long lenses. be careful out there--

Lee mcLaughlin<div></div>

Thanks a bunch all!

I also just got wind of the Epson p-1000- has a large viewer. Looks great!

it is a bit pricey, but does it all!

now to find best price and any other contenders.

Cheers

Lee

Hi there Dennis,

I get around the globe as well and use a Canon 10D for most of my work.

I scrapped my Sigma lens early on after seeing the difference with Canon "L" or even

Tamron lenses.

Much cleaner optics and sharper detail- especially in shadow areas. Also, the crispness

overall is truly noticeable. Edge to Edge!

I fianlly got the Canon 100-400mm which is the most amazing lens, with image stabilizer.

It gets into the scene and allows you to pick and choose the parts that are strongest.

By the way, with the Canon 10D you get an effective range to 600mm so thats very nice for

zooming in. It is not cheap...but you get what you pay for.

It is not that light either, but the sharpness and clarity makes up for the weight.

I also have a Canon 75-300mm f4-5.6 with image stabilizer.(it is for sale, by the wasy)

It is not an "L" lens, but very sharp onto itself. And it is VERY lightweight.

Hope you get thousands of great shots on your trip;.

Cheers

Lee McLaughlin<div></div>

I need to hire a few models for "Romantic Moments' type post card shots around Paris. I

am shooting people and turism type shots August 1- 10 2004.

am also looking for an assistant (someone familiar with Paris is preferable) perhaps a local

artist that want to conspire!!!

If anyone knows someone that may be interested in collaberation - please contact me.

Cheers

Lee McLaughlin

leewrites@mac.com<div></div>

I need to find the right solution for wireless trasmitting images as I shoot.

I want to enable muself or assistant to inspect the images as I shoot and collect them into

hard drive.

Any thoughts or experience out there?

Thanks

Lee McLaughlin

Hello,

Can anyone suggest a good solution for wirelss transmitting images as I shoot to be

captured and displayed for critical inspection during the sessions?

I shoot hundreds if not more images during on set (Hollywood) shoots and want to insure

that all is well as i go.

Thanks

Lee McLaughlin

I sent a friend to this site so that she may look at some of my work and others as well.

She typed in my name: "Lee McLaughlin" and no photos came up.

She tried by Titile: "Intersection of Hollywood and Pain" No luck.

then tried a general search by category: STREET- still no luck.

Why is this? Can someone let me know how to accomplish a specific search for specific

photos and photoagraphers that appear on your site.

Thanx

Lee McLaughlin<div></div>

Can anyone offer a brief comparison of these two beasts?

I have been shooting with the 10D for almost 2 months now and I am wondering if the big

brother is appriceably sharper-better- bla bla bla.

It is rather a huge jump in price for me.

Thanks

Lee McLaughlin<div></div>