Those of you who follow NEwsRandoM know I have a Love affair for the NY TImes LENS Blog. Why you ask?! Look no further than this interview (orig. in Chinese) with Mongolian photographer A Yin who has documented the fleeting nomadic culture of his homeland and thus the disappearing mores and traditions of a people who descend directly from Genghis Kahn.  The above Diptych is of  the same boy two years (and thus two Eras) apart. The shift from a ‘way of being’ that has lasted for hundreds if not thousands of years to a space and a place that is distinctly 21st century China is profound, melancholy,  and sobering. I would write more but as not to color your experience with this work  Click on the link here or the photo above (make sure to view in Full Screen mode) and let me know what you think.

© C. Stephen Hurst. 2010

Process and Methodology.  Two words that intrigue me. From a HursT point of view powerful and professional photographs are simply made (for lack of a better term) conscious of the multiple (and sometimes conflicting) elements that come into being before, during, and after the shutter is pressed.

A personal axiom: When the fashion photographs from a shoot are a great success everyone, and I do mean everyone–from the stylists and models to the Janitor and Delivery Guy–bathe in the credit for a job well done. But when the photos are a diaster and not worth publishing and when the client makes Godzilla seem like a tame and domesticated pet by comparison. And when Things fall Apart, as Chinua Achebe writes, it’s your fault and your fault alone.

© C. Stephen Hurst. 2010

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A few Portraits before the models were styled. Pre styling shots are incredibly important for me to understand the energy models radiate and how best to capture it.

© C. Stephen Hurst. 2010

© C. Stephen Hurst. 2010

Finished Shots from the Campaign can be seen here.

© C. Stephen Hurst. 2010

My homage to the raw and unfettered Florence Thompson’s of the world. aka Women of Strength, and Charity, and Seduction, and Labor.

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From the visual poet Dorthea Lange:

‘A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera.’

See excerpt of the new Biography after the link.

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• Female model with an ancient, angular face. Rough Skin. Strong jaw line. Sunken eyes.
• The crown of Christ (either purchased or Hand Made)
• 30 to 40 Nativity Candles with Christian Iconography on them
• Fake blood (1 oz will do)
• Vintage Handbags
• White Wife Beater (meeting with Stylist will crystalize the other clothes)
• Oil and Vinegar Salad Dressing in a Spray on Bottle (for the skin)
• Baroque Paintings of Christ and the Crucifixion
• Brazilian Catholic Icons, Deities, Saints both kitsch and austere
• Retro Black Bicycle with U style handle bars and Felt Black Banana Seat

#2 Editorial

• White Female Model. Face more flat than oval. Piercing cold blue or green eyes.
• Various face paint: Brown, Orange, Green, Red, Black, White
• A bushel of winter dried wood Branches
• Fishing wire
• Lettuce, Romaine Red Leaf

Is there a better online publication than the New York Times Website? Case in point: two recent multimedia presentations from NYtimes.com

First is a curator discussion of Edward Steichen’s Fashion photography exhibit currently on display at the International Center of Photography Museum in Midtown Manhattan. 

Secondly is the NY Times Magazine special site entitled Obama’s People. 52 Portraits of aides, advisors, and other influential members of his incoming administration photographed in rich high key lighting by the superb Nadav Kander.

The use of fuax ringlight lighting and his ability to capture and isolate the small but incredibly significant gestures of future policy makers is downright delicious. Furthermore, kudos to Kathy Ryan, Director of Photography at the NY Times Magazine, for a supremely conceived and executed project. Take a peek, listen to their words, let me know what you think.