Category: RF / Leica Blog

ERNST HAAS – THE ART OF SEEING

Ernst Haas (1921-1986) was a pioneer. He received both the first color feature in Life Magazine and the first one-person show of color photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. His book The Creation, which I purchased in 1976, was the reason I decided to become a photographer. I later joined him for a workshop in Japan for two weeks during the summer of 1984. The 2019 video link below revisits my mentor’s interviews and films that show his way of seeing.

The Art of Seeing

Photo (R to L): Ernst, Takiko and guide, Japan, 1984

WILLIAM KLEIN PASSES AT AGE 96

William Klein was an American-born photographer and filmmaker noted for his ironic approach and use of unusual photographic techniques in the context of photojournalism and fashion photography. He was ranked 25th on Professional Photographer’s list of 100 most influential photographers. Along with Robert Frank, Klein is considered among the fathers of street photography.

JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

In case you hadn’t noticed, Xmas now starts November 1st with sales being announced for early gift buying, due in part to shipping delays (from Santa Claus no less).

Just in time for the holidays is the new Leica Q2 “Reporter” model, which could be sold out to collectors before it becomes available Dec. 9. This limited edition camera with 28 f1.7 Leica lens is fantastic and is cloaked in green paint and kevlar (in case buyers actually want to use it).

Seriously… What I want and what I need are often two different things. For this, I could make an exception!

Enjoy some time off during the holidays!

HAPPIER TIMES

That’s how the front line describes the current Covid situation here in Washington state, where many still wear masks indoors for safety.

That’s good news considering how the USA was impacted by this horrible virus. Still, after traveling to Florida, where masks are rarely worn, I’m glad to be back home, although I really wish I were in Cabo on the beach.

ERNST HAAS – HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

Ernst Haas, the pioneer of color photographic essays, would have been 100 years old today.

He created the first magazine color photo-essay in LIFE in 1962. He became the first color photographer to have his own exhibit at MOMA shortly thereafter. He made this photo of a fall leaf in 1964.

A very good friend of mine, and a fellow student of Haas, Arthur Meyerson, posted this on Facebook today. I was there at the Ernst Haas Worksop in Japan with Arthur in 1984. I couldn’t have said it better.

Arthur Meyerson’s tribute to Ernst Haas

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RAW AND HONEST

There’s always more stuff to acquire. So, how much is enough?

Very few people ask this question of themselves.

Van Life folks do it every day. Check out the film Nomadland!

Long before Instagram, my wife and I lived that mobile dream for awhile. It was a good time camping on and off the road for eight years. My Steinbeck’s America book project resulted from that experience:

Steinbeck’s America

FROM 50 MM TO 28 MM

It’s interesting when you think about it. In the 1950s and before that, people saw the world with what artists called a “normal” perspective. It resembled a 50 mm focal length composition on a full-frame 35 mm format camera.

You see that perspective when you travel to European cities. The streets and buildings are narrow and complement that field of view. Continue reading “”

IT’S ONLY A MATTER OF GOING

From this day forward, all images on this site will be 550 pixels or wider, so you can better see the differences in quality.

“Actions speak louder than words.”

I’ve always believed in that. Yet, in today’s world, more and more, made up images and words are often believed over actions that are actually true. Continue reading “”