Steve Shapiro (sgshiya@redshift.com)
Sun, 31 Jan 1999 16:00:26 -0800
I'm enjoying this thread --
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Lahrson <tripspud@hooked.net>
To: alt-photo-process-l@skyway.usask.ca
<alt-photo-process-l@skyway.usask.ca>
Date: Sunday, January 31, 1999 3:36 PM
Subject: Re: Quasi "alt" question re:8x10 cameras
>Michael Keller wrote:
>>
>> I have to disagree, Steve. I've seen a few examples of EW's work in real
life,
>> and plenty reproduced (well) in publications, and I think the fact the
EW's
>> prints surpass his materials, equipment and income show that great photos
come
>> from the photographer. I think his prints are wonderful, and I don't
"see" the
>> poor quality materials or other limitations you note.
>>
>> IAC, no one should start out thinking that money is a limitation on their
>> ability to create.
>
>Hello,
>
> I'll have to take Miclael's side in this discussion. The fact that
>Edward Weston was able to overcome any equipment or materials limitation
>because he was not wealthy is, perhaps, one of the reasons for his
>successful, emotionally satisfying images.
EW WAS frustrated by his equipment limitations.
>With some exceptions, such
>as Cecil Beaton, really wealthy people never became great
artists/photographers.
>There is no reason to struggle, and without struggle, there is no art.
>
> This all borders on personal taste, of course. I've admired Ansel
>Adams work, read all of his technical books and seen many of his works
>in galleries. But for me, his work does not "reach" me emotionally.
You are certainly not alone, there.
>Alfred Steiglitz work "reaches" me as does the work of Frederick Sommer
>who just died recently. Diane Arbus "reaches" me.
She retches me, unfortunately that may have been her purpose, but not to my
enjoyment.
>Gene Smith "reaches"
>me.
One of the most valuable giblets obtained by my apprenticeship was that the
master photographer was one of Gene's friends and my favorite quote: "With
three bottles of Scotch and enough paper, I can make a fine print from any
negative."
>Steven Shore does not move me.
>
> I will not continue......the idea is that the individual is free
>to respond to a photograph or not respond.
>
> Rich Lahrson
> tripspud@hooked.net
>
S. Shapiro
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