Beautiful examples of slow photography I've not seen before Andy, thank you for sharing Alon's work - also I'm looking forward to seeing Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other, it looks superb!
Thank you, Andy for supporting photographers near and far! I always love reading your newsletter and it's huge joy for me to be featured today.
For those who are interested in reading more about my process and my current residency at Tusen Takk, please follow right here in Substack: https://notlikehere.substack.com or find me on Instagram @alonkoppel – thank you all for looking and reading!
It did! Felt great to be outside, breathing fresh air after being cooped up for the week. Spring is starting to arrive here in Madison, and it feels terrific. Thanks for looking, Rob! I appreciate it.
I am frequently guilty of rapid-fire shooting. Lately I have been trying to slow things down. When I arrive at a good photo location I don’t immediately pick up the camera and start shooting. Instead, I take a few deep breaths and try to immerse myself in the scene. Quality is always better than quantity.
The passage of time, and the capturing of light, every photograph is an instant memory. Between the opening and closing of the shutter something changes and can never be seen again. Looking at images is no different but how long is long enough to actually see? Social media and smartphones have changed the way people look and indeed understand images. There's a big discussion to be had there.
The art historian T.J. Clarke's book 'The sight of death: An experiment in art writing' is a meditation, written in the form of a daily diary, about extended looking. He writes about looking at two paintings by Poussin in the Getty Museum over an extended period, under changing lighting conditions and how every time he looks at them he sees something different. It's a very good example of how time changes perception. Well worth your time to read.
Thanks for this note, Michel. I am going to look up your book recommendation – T.J. Clarke's book 'The sight of death: An experiment in art writing', sounds fascinating!
For some time before the demise of C41 roller transport processors, I used to make color panoramic pinhole photographs, some up to 10" x 7'. Perhaps the f stop was about 300. Exposures ranged from 10 seconds to about 45 minutes. There is a lot that can happen in that time in front of an open shutter. I loved seeing how I could edit the changing scene in the camera. THAT was photographic patience!
Great read Andy. I love this style of photography especially by water. It’s a great way to begin the day. This has inspired me to start planning some early mornings, especially as it’s lighter
Thanks, Juliette. It sounds like we're kindred spirits. Make sure to read this post. You will enjoy Sophie Howarth's book. Or maybe you've already read it? Cheers! https://www.flakphoto.news/p/the-practice-of-attention
Like many others I discovered Joel Meyrowitz through his Cape Light series and immediately fell in love with the work, period. And then I saw his street photography and asked myself WTF is this (!) (with a few exceptions of course, but not enough). And then I attended his presentations which sounded and felt super scripted and made me want to walk out. So I'm of 2 minds about him as I am about Salgado - for the exact same reason. If you ever met and/or attended a presentation by Ernst Haas you'd know what I mean.
Good to hear from you, Raphael. I met Joel briefly at the Format Photography Festival in 2011 and found him charming and eloquent. I've always seen him as an engaging and thoughtful speaker, so I'm surprised to hear your reactions to his presentations. But who knows? He has been giving public presentations for many years, and maybe what inspires me does nothing for you. Either way, thanks for the note. I appreciate your reading!
You're probably right, Andy. A friend referred to him though as a "great salesman". So he must've detected some of what I did in his public persona. But of course, that may be his real persona. Who knows. Maybe I react to people who are unequivocally nice. Go figure ;)
As an aside, I had to laugh and stop my scrolling when I read that the artist in residence support comes from a foundation called Tusen Takk. It’s Norwegian and translates to “a thousand thanks”. (I live in Norway.) A fun surprise.
Thanks for your kind note on my photos! Yes, a "Thousand Thanks" is indeed the origin of the name Tusen Takk for the artist residency here. After being here for a couple of weeks I can totally relate and understand why!
These photos bring a peace and serenity that is much needed now. Thanks so much for the experience. I also love Nature 365 that comes to me as an email every day and helps calm my brain. https://www.nature365.tv/project
Beautiful examples of slow photography I've not seen before Andy, thank you for sharing Alon's work - also I'm looking forward to seeing Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other, it looks superb!
Thank you, Andy for supporting photographers near and far! I always love reading your newsletter and it's huge joy for me to be featured today.
For those who are interested in reading more about my process and my current residency at Tusen Takk, please follow right here in Substack: https://notlikehere.substack.com or find me on Instagram @alonkoppel – thank you all for looking and reading!
One of my favorite posts of yours.
I like those photographs very much.
What a wonderful visual reminder to bask in the stillness and to be present.
Indeed. Cheers, Jen!
Thank you, Jen! Glad you enjoyed my photographs.
Love Alon’s work, so glad to see it showcased here! Hope your hydrangea deadheading session helped restore some equilibrium.
It did! Felt great to be outside, breathing fresh air after being cooped up for the week. Spring is starting to arrive here in Madison, and it feels terrific. Thanks for looking, Rob! I appreciate it.
Thanks for looking, Rob! Always great to hear from you.
I am frequently guilty of rapid-fire shooting. Lately I have been trying to slow things down. When I arrive at a good photo location I don’t immediately pick up the camera and start shooting. Instead, I take a few deep breaths and try to immerse myself in the scene. Quality is always better than quantity.
Richard, thanks for you note. I totally agree. Slow is good. Slower is even better!
Thanks for the note, Richard. You might appreciate this, too: https://www.flakphoto.news/p/seeing-in-the-moment
I will check it out. Thanks!
Stunning. I thoroughly enjoyed this post thank you.
Thank you! Please feel free to share it with photo friends. Cheers, Caroline! https://www.flakphoto.news/p/slow-looking-and-photographic-patience
Thank you, Caroline. Much appreciated!
The passage of time, and the capturing of light, every photograph is an instant memory. Between the opening and closing of the shutter something changes and can never be seen again. Looking at images is no different but how long is long enough to actually see? Social media and smartphones have changed the way people look and indeed understand images. There's a big discussion to be had there.
The art historian T.J. Clarke's book 'The sight of death: An experiment in art writing' is a meditation, written in the form of a daily diary, about extended looking. He writes about looking at two paintings by Poussin in the Getty Museum over an extended period, under changing lighting conditions and how every time he looks at them he sees something different. It's a very good example of how time changes perception. Well worth your time to read.
Thanks for this note, Michel. I am going to look up your book recommendation – T.J. Clarke's book 'The sight of death: An experiment in art writing', sounds fascinating!
For some time before the demise of C41 roller transport processors, I used to make color panoramic pinhole photographs, some up to 10" x 7'. Perhaps the f stop was about 300. Exposures ranged from 10 seconds to about 45 minutes. There is a lot that can happen in that time in front of an open shutter. I loved seeing how I could edit the changing scene in the camera. THAT was photographic patience!
Hi Richard, I used to print C41 in a color darkroom, those were interesting days...
And I don't miss those days--all that toxic chemistry exposure!
Great read Andy. I love this style of photography especially by water. It’s a great way to begin the day. This has inspired me to start planning some early mornings, especially as it’s lighter
Thx
Hi Morlene, happy to hear my work inspires you to make early morning art, that's probably the best feedback one can receive!
Hey Alon, yes definitely. As winter fades it’s great to get out with the camera again.
You’re covering a topic close to my heart. Mindfulness while practicing photography is a whole genre unto itself. Glad you’re feeling better, Andy.
Thanks, Juliette. It sounds like we're kindred spirits. Make sure to read this post. You will enjoy Sophie Howarth's book. Or maybe you've already read it? Cheers! https://www.flakphoto.news/p/the-practice-of-attention
Like many others I discovered Joel Meyrowitz through his Cape Light series and immediately fell in love with the work, period. And then I saw his street photography and asked myself WTF is this (!) (with a few exceptions of course, but not enough). And then I attended his presentations which sounded and felt super scripted and made me want to walk out. So I'm of 2 minds about him as I am about Salgado - for the exact same reason. If you ever met and/or attended a presentation by Ernst Haas you'd know what I mean.
Good to hear from you, Raphael. I met Joel briefly at the Format Photography Festival in 2011 and found him charming and eloquent. I've always seen him as an engaging and thoughtful speaker, so I'm surprised to hear your reactions to his presentations. But who knows? He has been giving public presentations for many years, and maybe what inspires me does nothing for you. Either way, thanks for the note. I appreciate your reading!
You're probably right, Andy. A friend referred to him though as a "great salesman". So he must've detected some of what I did in his public persona. But of course, that may be his real persona. Who knows. Maybe I react to people who are unequivocally nice. Go figure ;)
Lovely photos (by Alon Koppel)!
As an aside, I had to laugh and stop my scrolling when I read that the artist in residence support comes from a foundation called Tusen Takk. It’s Norwegian and translates to “a thousand thanks”. (I live in Norway.) A fun surprise.
Hope you are back to tiptop form asap.
Thanks for your kind note on my photos! Yes, a "Thousand Thanks" is indeed the origin of the name Tusen Takk for the artist residency here. After being here for a couple of weeks I can totally relate and understand why!
Great stuff! Be well, Andy
These photos bring a peace and serenity that is much needed now. Thanks so much for the experience. I also love Nature 365 that comes to me as an email every day and helps calm my brain. https://www.nature365.tv/project