And I respectfully respond that such is not the case. I won't go into the many off-list conversations Boris and have had about photography, both his work, my work, and the work of other photographers. However, I will reiterate that Boris, at least to some extent, agrees with my assessment.
And, what's wrong with being a bit critical and "hard" on someone's work? You say that as though this is a place solely for bestowing kudos and finding the good in every photo or gallery. That, imo, is ridiculous. No one will learn anything by being hand fed only complimentary comments. Whether you, or anyone else, agrees with my assessment is unimportant. What is important is that those who post here get candid comments and critiques, and perhaps a little push urging them on to do better and more compelling work. Boris, IMO, has the potential to do better. Boris has a good eye, is concerned and considerate of his environment, wants to tell stories with his work rather than just make snapshots that are technically well executed. Based on conversations with Boris I believe he appreciates being pushed a bit - he asked that comments be honest and even brutal. I think my comments are honest and strong (not brutal). There are enough people on this list that can give Boris, and others, lots of "atta-boys." I liked the pics, but as a series, as a study of the Neve Tzedek, there's a lot more that could have been done, and I believe that Boris will try to take his work further in that regard. Shel > [Original Message] > From: Doug Brewer > Shel, I respectfully submit that you are being too hard on Boris here. > For whatever reason, you seem to be trying to get him to carry your > baggage around this town. He is a capable photographer, not a remote > control camera, so let's not go overboard directing that he shoot what > you want. > > And who cares if he is photographing in a pack? You've no doubt > photographed with others. Even if he is influenced by the others, is > that any different from your attempt to influence him here? > > I have no preconceptions about this town, so the photographs are > interesting to me as they stand. > > Doug > > > > Shel Belinkoff wrote: > > > No, they didn't. All-in-all, a disappointing series. The photo of the > > fellow in front of the book stand looks staged. What was the point of > > sticking someone wearing a camera in front of the stand? The story of the > > stand is a good one. You may have done better by spending time making a > > number of shots of the stand and a bit of the area around it - different > > angles, even different exposures. Close, detailed shots, some wider. Film > > for the istD is free, right? > > > > The other thing that concerns me is that you're out photographing with a > > group - perhaps a class or a workshop. I wonder how much the comments and > > styles of the others influenced the photos you've made. > > > > Shel
