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Archive for January, 2014

Die ästhetische Form des Kapitals

08 Jan

Ein Beitrag von: Ingo Dammasch

Das Problem ist: Das Bankenviertel beeindruckt nur von oben. Zwischen den Türmen selber ist nichts los. […] Es gibt hier nichts zu sehen, wovon man später erzählen könnte. […] Touristen sieht man hier nicht, worüber man sich nicht wundert.

So beschreibt der Schriftsteller Wilhelm Genazino das Bankenviertel Frankfurts.

Und er hat Recht: Was einem stattdessen zuweilen begegnet, sind hektische Menschen, die abwechselnd einen Blick auf ihre Uhr und auf die Kamera des „Fremden“ werfen. Die Sterilität der Straßenzüge und Fassaden, deren Eingänge von modernster Kameratechnik überwacht werden, erinnern mehr an Orwells „1984“ als an die Möglichkeit, kreative Fotos zu machen.

© Ingo Dammasch

Wer sich dagegen unbeeindruckt von der „Tristesse“ zeigt und sich den Details der Wolkenkratzer widmet, erfährt ein Gefühl der kühlen Faszination für diese Gebilde. Während man Panoramabilder der Skyline schon unzählige Male gesehen hat, gibt es nur wenige Arbeiten, die sich dieser abstrakt nähern.

„Abstrakt“ heißt für mich persönlich, bestimmte Details der Fassaden oder architektonische Besonderheiten hervorzuheben. Dabei geht es mir darum, mit dieser Reduktion die Ästhetik der Architektur zu zeigen.

© Ingo Dammasch

Ob ins scheinbar Unendliche reichende Fensterfassaden oder sich darin spiegelnde Gebäude – bei jedem Spaziergang ergeben sich wieder neue Perspektiven und andere Lichtverhältnisse, die die Bildstimmung jedes Mal aufs Neue variieren lassen.

Die Motivation, ein und dasselbe immer wieder neu zu entdecken und mich bei der Motivwahl auf die Enge und das Beängstigende der Bauten einerseits und die Grenzenlosigkeit der in den Himmel ragenden Wolkenkratzern andererseits einzulassen, fasziniert mich.

© Ingo Dammasch

So zeigen die Fotos eine Eindeutigkeit, die uneindeutig bleibt. Zusammen ergeben sie eine „fotografische Spurensuche“, wie Kröner die abstrakte Fotografie definiert. Eine Spurensuche der Struktur und Beschaffenheit des Bankenviertels.

Ganz besonders hat es mir dabei der „Silver Tower“ (auch: Dresdner-Bank-Hochhaus oder Jürgen-Ponto-Hochhaus) angetan, in dem die Deutsche Bahn zuhause ist.

© Ingo Dammasch

Dieser ist architektonisch höchst reizvoll, da er als das „einzige Gebäude in Frankfurt mit runden Ecken“ gilt. Mit seinen 167 Metern Höhe war der Silver Tower bis 1991 sogar das höchste Gebäude in Deutschland.

Aufgrund der runden Ecken und der verschiedenen Bestandteile des Towers lassen sich hier unzählige lohnenswerte Perspektiven und Standpunkte ausmachen.

© Ingo Dammasch

Am Ende eines jeden Fotospaziergangs sehe ich meine Fotos durch und freue mich schon auf die Sichtung am Rechner. Im Gegensatz zu den meisten verlasse ich also mit einem Gefühl der Zufriedenheit das Bankenviertel.

In diesem Sinne lässt sich am Ende Genazino vielleicht zustimmen, wenn er sagt:

Wer Frankfurt für ungenießbar hält, hat nicht verstanden […], dass die Dynamik des Kapitals eine Macht ausstrahlt, die selber längst ästhetische Formen angenommen hat.

© Ingo Dammasch

Angefangen habe ich mit dieser Serie erst im September des vergangenen Jahres. Ich möchte das Projekt auf jeden Fall weiterführen und obwohl ich nicht sehr oft in Frankfurt bin, nutze ich doch jede Gelegenheit, einen Abstecher in diese Stadt der Gegensätze zu machen, in der urige Apfelweinwirtschaften und gewaltige Finanztürme in enger Nachbarschaft existieren.

Alle Zitate sind dem folgenden Buch entnommen: „Tarzan am Main – Spaziergänge in der Mitte Deutschlands.“ von Wilhelm Genazino. Ullstein Verlag. 2013.


kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin

 
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Posted in Equipment

 

GearShop videos: Advice and recommendations on camera technology

08 Jan

gsbug.jpg

We’ve added four new clips to our series of informative videos hosted by professional photographer Ryan Phillips. In this installment, he explores how sensor size can help you decide on your next camera, the benefits of shooting video on mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm’s unique technologies, and if image stabilization really makes a difference in your photos. See videos

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CES 2014: What we experienced at Pepcom Digital Experience

08 Jan

allisonlion.jpg

CES 2014: Every year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Pepcom holds a ‘Digital Experience’ showcase event before the main show opens, to showcase the best of the technology that is being exhibited. It’s also a good opportunity for informal meetings, networking and general gawking at cool new things before the noise and fury of the main event in Las Vegas Convention Center. And did we mention it’s also really strange? This year’s theme was the Wizard of Oz. Our intrepid editorial team were there. 

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hot Cup of Tub: Portable Wood-Fired Outdoor Soaking Pool

08 Jan

[ By WebUrbanist in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

hot tub wood fired

No need to plug in this particular hot tub – heat naturally circulates as you burn wood, keeping yourself warm outside by throwing logs on the fire much like you would in front of a living room hearth.

hot tub wood variant

hot tub wooden shell

Dutchtub, which started making waves with its distinctive mug-shaped design and off-the-grid mobility, is back with a wooden twist on its original poly-fiber shell (and the same stainless steel lining).

hot tub portable design

Both the classic and new designs boasts extreme portability, able to be towed behind a bike, tossed on top of a car, or even dragged behind a canoe for the truly ambitious soak-seeker.

hot tub to go

Like the outdoor equivalent of a fireplace flue, the spiral contraption sticking out the side allows users to adjust the temperature along with the burn rate. Optional accessories include a chimney to route smoke up and away as well.

hot tub cookout barbeque

While it is not necessarily a safe or sanctioned use, some clever revelers have also discovered you can use the flames to cook a meal while you bask in the warm water and wait, turning the wood-burning element into a de facto stove.

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Posted in Creativity

 

Nomadic Urbanism: Futuristic Walking City Draws on History

08 Jan

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

walking city rendering

The notion of a mobile city is not new, but in this case, the architect has gone to great lengths to construct a vision that could conceivably be built. So while it may look like fantasy at first glance, it is rigorously researched and has deep roots in built environments that have really been made to move.

walking city closeup angle

walking city route speculation

The design of this Very Large Structure by Manuel Dominguez proposes a plug-and-play platform set atop a series of treads that would house everything from housing and restaurants to hospitals, libraries, sports facilities and even universities. Their mobility would provide dynamic equilibrium of urban and rural populations, facilitated in part by energy self-sufficiency generated on board via renewable sources.

walking city axon diagram

walking city assembly inspiration

“Even though I am very attracted to science fiction and utopical and distopical architecture, I was more interested in investigating real life technology” its designer explains. “These included open-air mining machinery, shipyard installations, logistic and management in super-ports and super vessels, space technology and eco-villages.”

walking city mist

walking city comic strip

The idea of the Walking City has a rich history. In a 1960s Archigram article, Ron Herron proposed massive robotic mega-structures that would dynamically follow available natural resources and work, providing human resources and manufacturing capabilities on demand. Like some meta-robot out of a 1980s cartoon, these mobile platforms could join to form temporary metropolises as well.

Next Page – Click Below to Read More:
Nomadic Urbanism Futuristic Walking City Draws On History

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Samsung launches leatherette-coated WB350F Wi-Fi compact

08 Jan

WB350.png

CES 2014: Samsung has unveiled the WB350F – its latest style-concious, Wi-Fi connected compact. The leatherette-clad WB350F features a 21x, 23-483mm equivalent, F2.8-5.9 zoom lens, in front of a 16.3MP BSI CMOS sensor. It features a touch-sensitive 3″ hVGA (460k dot) LCD. It also features NFC, allowing quick connection and ‘Tag & Go’ image transfer with compatible smart devices. 

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lost your Photo Mojo? Ten Tips to Bring Back the Magic

08 Jan

We all go through creative blocks. Is it such a bad thing? Or, on the contrary, is it a sign that we need to push ourselves, and grow in the process? I think that a loss of passion may be an opportunity to renew and refresh your vision and turn it in a positive experience, instead of staying in a rut and feeling sorry for yourself.

Ten Tips to Get your Photo Mojo Back

1 – Get out of your comfort zone

You may hear this one often, but have you done it yet? I’m not suggesting that you go out and shoot your first wedding, but try something that may seem out of character for you. I consider myself more of an urban photographer than anything else. But I have experimented with other genres, such as B&W flower photography. Did I enjoy it? Sure I did, tremendously! But I also realized that I’m happier shooting street photography. That realization alone gave me a boost to get out and do more of what I love most.

I'm mostly a street photographer but I enjoy trying new genres and techniques. It gets my creative juices flowing! ©Valérie Jardin

I’m mostly a street photographer but I enjoy trying new genres and techniques. It gets my creative juices flowing!
©Valérie Jardin

2 – Hang out with other photographers

Hanging out with like minded people is like therapy. Admit it, you often experience some frustration when you are on an outing with non-photographers. Being able to enjoy a photo walk without having to justify why you need to take your time to get the shot is priceless. Join a group or start your own. The latter option is a good way to make sure that you will show up for all the photo walks!

3- Start a new project

Before you embark on a long project, make sure you’ll be able to handle the commitment. For example, a 365 project is a great way to grow as a photographer but it can also become a burden and be counterproductive. If you end up quitting after a few weeks, you may end up feeling worse about yourself and photography in general. If you decide to go for the 365, don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t get to the point where you’ll shoot just about anything to get your pic of the day. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun! You may also consider starting something a little bit more manageable such as a 52-week project, a short term photo essay, a series of portraits of strangers or selfies, etc. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you share with the world! Which leads to the next point…

Some project ideas to help you out

Don't forget that you are your most readily available subject. Have fun with selfies! Here I played with long exposures and ghost images in an old theater.  ©Valérie Jardin

Don’t forget that you are your most readily available subject. Have fun with selfies! Here I played with long exposures and ghost images in an old theater.
©Valérie Jardin

4 – Try a new lens

Rent or borrow something completely different such as a fish eye, a macro lens or a Lensbaby Composer for a few days, see the world differently and embrace the new possibilities.

See a list of the most popular lenses – survey of dPS readers

5 – Share your work, start a blog!

Share your work on social media, or consider starting a photography blog. You don’t need to be a writer to start a photography blog, think of it as a journal in pictures. It’s so much more fun than keeping your images in your hard drive. It will also give you a boost in your confidence and push you to shoot more and better.

This is my personal blog where I write about projects and things I'm working on outside of my photography business.

This is my personal blog where I write about projects and things I’m working on outside of my photography business.

You can get a free, or inexpensive blog using resources like:

  • Square Space – starts at $ 8/month
  • WordPress.com – starts at free

6 – Page through a good photography book

We get inspiration online all the time. Everything we do seems to be online. The Internet is a wonderful thing and we are exposed to the work of so many amazing artists from all over the world and in real time. Sometimes we need to slow down and sit down with a big beautiful book of photographs. Visit a real book store or a library for a change of pace and for renewed inspiration.

Valerie Jardin Photography - books-1

Take the time to page through a real book once in a while.

7 – Visit museums

Photography exhibits are a wonderful way to get some inspiration, but do not neglect looking at art in general. Sculptures, paintings, etc. See the passion that fueled the works of art showcased at your local museum.

8 – Teach a child

Give a camera to a child and go on a photo walk. You’ll be amazed to discover the world from a child’s perspective. Better yet, this could ignite a life-long passion thanks to you!

9 – Write a list of techniques you’ve never tried and give it a shot!

There isn’t a single technique that is not explained in detail online, so you have no excuse for not experimenting with something new. You never know, this light painting thing may just be what you need to feel inspired again, so get to work!

10 – Simply pick up your camera and photograph something in your house

There is no reason to stay in a rut, all you need to do is pick up a camera, any camera. You can even stay home and do it. Pick an ordinary object and make it look extraordinary! This simple step will get the creative juices flowing again.

Just pick up the camera and photograph something, anything, around your house!  ©Valérie Jardin

Just pick up the camera and photograph something, anything, around your house!
©Valérie Jardin

Okay it’s your turn

It’s okay to feel down and uninspired, it’s all part of being an artist. Turn it around and use it as an excuse to push yourself and try something new!

Please take a minute to share your experience dealing with creative block and how you found your muse again.


Books mentioned above and in Valerie’s stack:

  • Through the Lens: National Geographic Greatest Photographs (National Geographic Collectors Series)
  • Paris – Robert Doisneu
  • Photography: The Whole Story
  • Vivian Maier
  • William Albert Allard: Five Decades

The post Lost your Photo Mojo? Ten Tips to Bring Back the Magic by Valerie Jardin appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Samsung launches dual-grip, 60x WB2200F superzoom with Wi-Fi

08 Jan

WB2200F.png

CES 2014: Samsung has announced the WB2200F, a 60x superzoom camera with dual grip design. It offers a 20-1200mm equivalent, F2.8-5.9 zoom lens in front of a 1/2.3″-type 16MP BSI CMOS sensor. Beyond that, specifications are sketchy – it’s Wi-Fi equipped, with NFC to make pairing and sharing with compatible smart devices simpler. It also has a 3″, hVGA (usually 460k dot) LCD panel. The company promises long battery life and an electronic viewfinder, but in both cases gives no real detail.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Some Photography Education Deals Are Too Good Not To Mention

08 Jan

Olmstead Point Star Trails, Yosemite National Park

Over $ 1200 of Photography Education Resources for $ 89

This week there is a 5 day sale (4 days remain) of an amazing treasure trove of photography education material including over 12+ eBooks, 12 collections of Presets & Actions, 12 Videos/Courses and nearly a dozen discounts to a variety of photography services. If that weren’t enough 10% of every sale is going to a variety of charities.

Start your week and year right by checking this out.

Be sure to act soon as the The Complete Photography Bundle discount ends 1/10/14 at noon EST.

Copyright Jim M. Goldstein, All Rights Reserved

Some Photography Education Deals Are Too Good Not To Mention

The post Some Photography Education Deals Are Too Good Not To Mention appeared first on JMG-Galleries – Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography.

       

Related Stories

  • Some Photography Education Deals Are Too Good Not To Mention – Enclosure
  • Best Photos of 2013 by Jim M. Goldstein
  • Best Photos of 2013 by Jim M. Goldstein – Enclosure

 


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Posted in Equipment

 

Nikon launches AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G for FX format SLRs

08 Jan

35_1p8-news.png

CES 2014: Nikon has rounded-out its line of relatively affordable F1.8 primes for FX cameras, with the launch of the AF-S Nikkor 35mm F1.8G. It uses a Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet autofocus, and includes one ED and one aspheric element in its optical construction. It’s not to be confused with the existing AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G, which is for DX format cameras only. It’ll be on sale February 20th with a MSRP of $ 599.95.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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