“More photographs of beautiful moments have been lost by looking at our cameras than will ever be lost to missed focus or poor exposure.” David duChemin
I took this image of the musician near Bourbon Street in New Orleans back in 2008 while I was still flying (working). There were perks with that job and one was the photographic opportunities offered on the longer overnights.
Through those long overnights my interest in street and documentary photography was discovered. My camera equipment changed as the smaller mirror-less gear was more to my liking and much easier to travel with. The “decisive moment” began to take on more importance, knowing I could not come back and retake an image if I missed it.
2 Comments
Cedric Canard
New Orleans was a place I found to permeate relaxed energy. At least, that’s the best way I can describe it. My wife and I were there many years ago and we had a great time listening to music, walking the streets, eating the food and getting ourselves absorbed into all the imagery around us. I doubt I have any photos left from then but I do remember taking one of a guy playing the sax while standing on a wall at dusk. I shot him in silhouette and I remember thinking how that one shot epitomised New Orleans for me.
Regarding duChemin’s quote, that’s one of the nice things about today’s cameras isn’t it. Their intelligent auto modes are rather good and that means less time looking at the camera and more time enjoying the moments.
Anyway, nice portrait Monte. Quite soulful.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Cedric! I think permeate works quite well. For me that changed as I walked block to block. The open squares were much different than the narrower streets.
I do not spend as much time on exposure and focus as in the past. I know when to change and adjust both focus and exposure as the scene dictates to my vision and feelings.