The Next Step

After reading a few of the blogs that I usually read, I came across an entry mentioning the passing of Leonard Freed. I had no idea who this man was, but decided to follow a link to the Magnum site, http://www.magnumphotos.com/Archive/C.aspx?VP=XSpecific_MAG.PhotographerDetail_VPage&l1=0&pid=2K7O3R14GRLX&nm=Leonard%20Freed, and see what he was about. Now, I get it! What wonderful work and what wonderful subjects such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Marilyn Monroe, just to name a couple. All of the magnum photographers are at the top of their game and have been nominated to be part of that exclusive ‘club’. He certainly deserved to be there.

It’s easy to get sucked into the ‘if I had the right equipment I could …’ thoughts. Just because he used a rangefinder, doesn’t mean that if I use one that I’d get the same results. I was, however, curious, if there were any digital rangefinders and there are 2:

Leica M8 – $4795
Epson RD-1 – $2995

Now, compare these ridiculous prices with what you would pay for a used rangefinder that uses film: $50-$200!

The good thing about the rangefinder is that it allows for candid photographs with it’s whisper quiet shutter. My D2x, on the other hand, is extremely loud and is sure to attract attention. The sound of the mirror going up and coming down is unmistakable. You know that your picture has been taken. The D2x is no the right tool for the job. It’s the perfect tool for what I like to do, though.

It’s more than just a camera though, you can’t be afraid to approach, ask to take the picture, and get right in there with them. One photographer that read about, whose name escapes me, said that you need to use a 50mm lens and be a part of the action, otherwise you are simple a voyeur.

I can’t wait until The Next Step workshop because it’s all about street photography and approaching people to get the shot. It’s about overcoming fears and taking the next step. Sometimes is just hard to know which way to go …

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