What should I post next? These industrial photographs were all taken with in one hour. To get five good photographs in one hour and create a series isn’t easy. Especially, if they are all in the same room. These photographs were an exception, but it’s a good format for finding new things to shoot and creating some mini series’. Anyone have any ideas?
One of the great things about Arequipa is its constant deep blue sky and the surrounding mountains. This speaks for itself. To see a more detailed view of this panorama (be sure to zoom in) click here. I’m sure going to miss the Summer in the south while I’m freezing here in Philly.
[caption id="attachment_1061" align="aligncenter" width="900" caption="View of the city of Arequipa Peru from the Mirador of Sachaca"]
[/caption]
One: I love the freedom to create great memorable images for the people who hire me. On Pete and Rose’s wedding I was the second photographer for my good friend Jeff at Jeff Wojtaszek Weddings (just click the name to see more from Jeff). So the fact I was able to tag along as second shooter on Pete and Rose’s wedding was a great opportunity to shoot memorable images like this one. These guys were awesome to work with and really loved this shot as much as I did. I love the excitement of building the bridal party shots.
Two: Family flare and character. Weddings are a business for photographers, but the side I love is is really getting to see all the wonderful things that make people family. Sometimes a family’s character shows bit more than others, like with Kate’s Brother and Dad (pictured in the blue vest and the red jacket in the background) putting their own twist on the YMCA. They broke out the family’s traditional “Mung Masks” during the YMCA. This version of the YMCA had the most character and participation I’ve ever seen.
Three: Point and Shoot Cameras. People are very passionate about their point and shoot cameras. These little gems come with so many bells and whistles its hard to know what to do with them sometimes. But something that has always gone hand and hand with cameras are smiles and typically you only need one camera to encourage a smile. But if you want that spectacular smile that really shows off the person on the inside, only two or more will do (demonstrated by Kate’s Maid of Honor Erin).
Alvaro’s second project was to focus his attention on one thing and produce many photos of that object in different ways. I told him it would be best to select a large object so you can shoot it from different angles. So we went out together since he was my only student for that hour. I grabbed the other point and shoot camera, and we headed outside. I was truly excited because this was my first opportunity where I was able to shoot along side someone and give them some coaching instead of sitting in my room waiting for people to return and pick out their prints. Trying to explain composition to someone after they pick a photograph of their friend is harder than showing someone composition as they are shooting.
We first walked around for about 5 minutes taking photos of various things trying to figure out what would be best to focus on as our subject. We took photos in the lavanderia where the clothes are washed and hung out to dry. Then we moved on to the fence and finally the car. Alvaro has really surprised me with how creative he already is. Most people will hold the camera horizontal and never change its orientation. But that’s not true with Alvaro. He will hold it diagonally, vertically, and horizontally, and t,his was all before my help and guidance. The reason why this is important is because it shows the person is seeing the object for its shape and contours, lines and composition and analyzing how it best fits in the frame, rather than looking through the camera and being bound by the four sides of the frame or holding the camera the way it feels best in your hand. Alvaro is first seeing and thinking creatively what he wants to shoot and then how he wants to shoot it. If you only use the view finder to tell you what something looks like, chances are you won’t break out of shooting Horizontally.
While this photo above doesn’t exactly demonstrate his abilities, it does show his creativity. Looking at things in different ways or not just standing at eye level and seeing everything from there demonstrates that they are again thinking about how to see things differently. As a photographer, you have to be willing to get down in the dirt for a photo and care about how you will get out that grass stain later.
I can remember some of my first photos were looking in the rearview mirror of a car. I remember doing portrait of my parents’ house from the mirror of my car, and then about a year later taking that photo with me in my photo portfolio to show in my admissions interview at Antonelli Institute where I attended college. The rearview mirror self portrait is another classic photographerism. Not sure if “photographerism” is a word, but any person I know who is a photographer has probably at one time or another taken this shot. I have one from Alaska which I did of myself from about 2 years ago. I remember it vividly. I’m excited to see what other things Alvaro will produce.
To the far right of the frame is Nathan Cottrell. Nathan has led both trips of Team Liberti the past two years to New Hope Children’s Home in Arequipa Peru. And for the past two years, on the day of his departure he has spoken wonderful wise words to the kids and thanked them for all the love they have shown on the trip. But I think what has become one of his trademarks is what the kids call “moto.” Basically, Nathan crouches down in a pose much like he is riding a small motorcycle and proceeds to run around and grab kids, who then hang on to his waist and extend the moto. The kids hold on for dear life while Nathan runs around and gathers more kids to ride the moto. The whole spectacle is pretty great and everyone dies laughing. I also forgot to mention, while Nathan is doing this his is making a pretty loud motorcycle sound, I would say he sounds like a Harley. It was a sad day when Nathan left, but the “Moto” is something which can bring a smile to your face when the memory stirs in your mind.
Dogs have been a big part of my life. When I was a kid, and we didn’t have a dog, I can remember having vivid dreams of owning 4 dogs and then waking up only to realize with severe disappointment that we didn’t have any. I believe I hounded my parents for years until they finally broke down and started the dog search. After we finally got our family dog, our lives changed for the better. Dogs add so much to your life: they offer you companionship, they pre-clean the dishes when the dishwasher is open, scare off unwanted door to door salesmen (too bad they can’t answer the phone), they give you exercise by making sure you walk them, and so much more.
Since I’ve been here in Peru, both Homes I have been to have dogs as pets. The kids and the dogs get along great, and as a young kid, what else could you want? I mean, when you can’t finish your meal, you have your best friend right there to help you out. When you’re bored, and you have no one to play catch with or kick the ball around, you have the best ball chaser in the world just waiting for you to send the ball flying. And if you’re feeling down, dogs are great listeners. Just the act of petting a dog is therapeutic . I mean, why wouldn’t you want a dog. They’re great, and they will love you for who you are, no questions asked. Here at the Homes I’ve visited, I believe in their own ways, the dogs are helping the kids work through their pasts. Sara (pictured above), five, is one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever met and lives with the kids at Generaciòn.
First things first. Team Liberti has arrived!!!! Second, apparently the people on the team are taking bets as to who will make the photo of the day first. So, I must say sorry for not posting anyone’s photo today. But, it’s because I don’t have photoshop installed on my computer just yet. I still have to set it up, as I just laid my hands on it for the first time late yesterday. Oh the excitement of new toys!
So, do you want to hear a great story. I just received my replacement computer!!!! What joy and excitement right!? Hold your horses mac fans. Don’t put the cart before the horse just yet. I didn’t say it was working. I am extremely grateful to those who dealt with the the seth insanity of figuring out what to do when my laptop stopped working about a month and a half ago. I’ve lived for a month and a half with out my Mac. But I must say that I did have a computer which I was able to use. Thank you Lydia for allowing me to use your computer all the time, and I mean all the time. Oh the pain and suffering I went through, you all will never know. However, my replacement is here, and the only glitch is this… there are important keys on the keyboard which are shot. But with the wonderful technology we have today, I am currently typing on a spanish keyboard plugged in to my computer with a usb port, and I’m configuring my fingers to type in new ways on that keyboard. So my solution to fix this problem is this: Today I will brave the computer tiendas/stores (there are a lot of them) in search of an external keyboard for use with my computer. Honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard. I will also call Apple and make sure to straighten out this issue with my keyboard. Moving on now from my frustration and venting, I am ready to move on to the photo of the day!
These two photos were taken shortly before Jesse Rahn left us here in Peru to return to the states. Jesse is in each photograph standing in the middle. In the right photograph between Andrew and me, and the left photograph between Julia and Lydia. The reason I’m posting these photos is not because I think I look good in this photo. If I were to be so vain I would have cropped out everyone else and let my beauty shine. That’s a joke. I have posted this photo because, this kind of photography, tourist photography is really only one of the few photo industries in Arequipa Peru. These were taken in the main plaza where most of the tourists come to visit. Photographers are dressed up like tourists, because apparently they are not allowed to charge to take someone’s picture. Each photo cost about six soles, or 2 US dollars. If this is the one of the few photo industry in Arequipa, then what hope does Axshel have to learn more about photography or even put photography to a good use if he so decides to pursue photography. I can’t say what Axshel will do when he gets older, but my hope is this: should he decide to pursue a job in photography, I want him to be prepared for any opportunity, not just be able to take a simple photograph. Which is why, when I go to Lima, I intend to find out more options for photography jobs for someone in the photography field in Peru.
The above photos are nice memories for people, and don’t get me wrong. Without the man in the square, I wouldn’t have this memory of serving in Peru with my wonderful friends. These photographs have their place, but my hope is that any person I teach photography to would be able to shoot these photographs in their sleep, and also shoot the cover for Time Magazine.
A friend Haley Smith is selling t-shirts to help raise money for her trip to Peru in January. These T-shirts are ridiculously fantastic, and they come in two different styles. I purchased one, and I’m buying more as gifts for friends and family to remind them that Philadelphia rocks! The shirts are 25.00, and if you are afraid of the state of the economy, don’t worry. These shirts can only help. They are made of organic cotton, custom designed by Haley, will help support a good cause, and will do good for the economy. So, get yours today by clicking on either picture. 
