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Artisans - finally on line

Hi Tim,

Your pictures are really wonderfull.
However, i think one is above all : serial about printer, Stéphane Landois. This one is my favourite, maybe because of the subject (printing and letters) but also because it is more subjective and abstract than the others.
 

Cem_Usakligil

Well-known member
Hi Tim,

I have just taken a look at all the 7 sets. My first impression is that it looks really good. I am sure that the artists themselves will be very satisfied with the results. Having said that, I have a couple of comments if I may.

Firstly, you say in your introduction:
... With a subtle mix of photojournamism and fine art, Timothy offers a glimpse into the typical day of each atelier.
In some of the sets, the balance between the fine art vs the photojournalism is a bit skewed IMHO. For example, take the picture of the ceramic artist whereby only the rims of her glasses are in focus; I don't think that particular one adds value to the whole set.

In some other sets, I don't think that you have shown enough of the artisans dexterity, skill, creativity and passion. For example, the set of the printer is a bit lacking in that area, again this is my honest opinion :).

All in all, it is a great job very well done! Thanks for sharing with us.


Cheers,
 

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
The hat maker, leaning forward, her hands sensuously lost, almost fusing her with her work. This picture is locked to the page by flash so I can't link to it easily. However, it's easily found and worth studying as it shows the essence of the artisan.

It's delicate and archetypical image of the devoted artisan.

Asher
 

Michael Fontana

pro member
Tim

I like your work a lot (even or maybe I work in a totally different genre) and when looking at your artisan serie, on some image, I felt that you made some crops to have the images more active.

Meanwhile beeing a reportage-type photography, it has some very nice abstractions, at the
shoemaker, the 7th image, la ceramique dans le four, etc.

Another point I appreciate is the shallow depth of field in some shots - isn' it making a bit of abstraction as well? Good counterpoint to todays (digital) overall-sharpness, giving anything the same importance, and reducing a picture-idea to USM-numbers, only. A bit harsh, I agree ;-)

The warm color cast beeing in nearly all the shots leads to the question, if you intend these professions to show as lost ones, documentating them for the last possible time?
 

Tim Armes

New member
Hi all,

Thanks for your comments.

Hi Tim,

However, i think one is above all : serial about printer, Stéphane Landois. This one is my favourite,

I don't know if I could pick an absolute favourite, but this series would certainly be a contender.

Hi Tim,

Having said that, I have a couple of comments if I may.
Of course.
Firstly, you say in your introduction:
Actually, I don't, that's why it's in quotes :)
In some of the sets, the balance between the fine art vs the photojournalism is a bit skewed IMHO. For example, take the picture of the ceramic artist whereby only the rims of her glasses are in focus; I don't think that particular one adds value to the whole set.
The balance comes from the fact that the images where taken in a reportage style - there was no posing and the artisans were really working. I was just there taking pictures. On the other hand, I was trying to take photos which also have a more fine-art feel - an art expressed by art and not simply documented without further attention.

The image you mention is there because I enjoy the blurring of the colours - I consider it an ambiance shot.
In some other sets, I don't think that you have shown enough of the artisans dexterity, skill, creativity and passion.
Then my work has failed on you. However, that's okay; Artisans was a challenge and trying to take images that express the above is difficult, especially given the short period of time that I had with each person - I wouldn't expect to seduce everyone.

Or maybe it's the text that you have the most issue with - it set you up for something that you didn't receive. This may be a fair retort, although I think that the collection is far more powerful when seen as a printed exhibition.
Tim
I like your work a lot (even or maybe I work in a totally different genre) and when looking at your artisan serie, on some image, I felt that you made some crops to have the images more active.

Some images have been cropped (the square ones have, obviously), but generally there's very little cropping. If an image is better cropped then I have no quarms about doing so, however I've been forced to keep the same aspect ratio so that I could bulk order the mountboards.

Another point I appreciate is the shallow depth of field in some shots - isn' it making a bit of abstraction as well?
I like shallow DOF in general and I use it to both isolate the subject and to give the images a more romantised feel.
The warm color cast beeing in nearly all the shots leads to the question, if you intend these professions to show as lost ones, documentating them for the last possible time?

I use tonalities to pull each series together - and I choose the tones based on my own subjectivity. It's true that these tone tend to be reminiscent of old times.

Tim
 

Cem_Usakligil

Well-known member
Hi Tim,

I am almost sorry I've chimed in since you've said that C&C was welcome.
Let me clarify that I liked the collection as it is, a lot! Your work has not failed on me.

.... Or maybe it's the text that you have the most issue with - it set you up for something that you didn't receive. ...
This is exactly the reason why I have made those comments. Without the introductory text, I wouldn't have. I apologize in case I have caused any frustrations, it was not my intention.
 

Tim Armes

New member
I am almost sorry I've chimed in since you've said that C&C was welcome.
Let me clarify that I liked the collection as it is, a lot! Your work has not failed on me.

Cem,

I'm glad you did, and C&C is welcome. If I just wanted everyone to say "Wow, that's great" then I wouldn't ask for C&C, in fact I wouldn't even post at all.

I'd much rather that you give your honest opinion - feedback is vital. Perhaps the text is too strong, now I can think on it.

Hi Tim,
I apologize in case I have caused any frustrations, it was not my intention.

No apology needed and no frustrations caused at all. The problem with writing posts is that the tone of voice doesn't always come through as intended. Re-reading my own response I see that can can be read defensively, but that wasn't the case. My thinking was more matter of fact, just explaining what I was trying to do. No photographic work is ever going to please everyone, I wouldn't never expect it to, or want it to, and I'm never offended when it doesn't please. However it's useful to know why - so keep up the honest critique.

Tim
 
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