Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn

Started Oct 20, 2012 | Discussions
Misha Pedan Contributing Member • Posts: 537
Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
7

www.stereotyp.info

RaajS Veteran Member • Posts: 6,651
The Emperor is naked...
7

Hi Misha,

I viewed these images as well as the ones in your previous thread (that i had asked a ? on).  I am afraid I have to say that these look like images that my 11 year old son shoots - he points the camera randomly, does not frame anything well, has no idea of composition, has no idea where he's focusing & why and narry a clue as to how to expose an image well.  Now I am sure that these are not skill issues that you have, but the images appear that way *to me*.

In you other thread you'd told me that it could take a lifetime to understand the "style & composition" of these images and that could very well be the issue.  I wanted to offer up honest feedback - the Leica forum is often accused of lacking in that regard.  I've really tried very hard to "get" your images and have come to the tentative conclusion that there is nothing to "get".  Feel free to shed some light on this.

Respectfully,

-raaj

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pcassel Senior Member • Posts: 2,264
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
2

I find the children to be an interesting snap but it'd not have any impact unless viewed at a much larger size. However, the technical quality of that image won't stand being made to 100%. It'd completely fall apart.

I am baffled you post these two here for comment when clearly you have much  better at your Web site.

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-paul

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Carbon111
Carbon111 Contributing Member • Posts: 555
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
1

Not much contrast in the first, maybe a narrower focal length would help the composition more?

The second one is alright I guess.

The poster before me mentioned your website, so I tracked it down from your profile and I have to agree - you have some really wonderful work there that far outshines these.

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OP Misha Pedan Contributing Member • Posts: 537
Re: The Emperor is naked...
4

RaajS wrote:

Hi Misha,

I viewed these images as well as the ones in your previous thread (that i had asked a ? on).  I am afraid I have to say that these look like images that my 11 year old son shoots - he points the camera randomly, does not frame anything well, has no idea of composition, has no idea where he's focusing & why and narry a clue as to how to expose an image well.  Now I am sure that these are not skill issues that you have, but the images appear that way *to me*.

In you other thread you'd told me that it could take a lifetime to understand the "style & composition" of these images and that could very well be the issue.  I wanted to offer up honest feedback - the Leica forum is often accused of lacking in that regard.  I've really tried very hard to "get" your images and have come to the tentative conclusion that there is nothing to "get".  Feel free to shed some light on this.

Respectfully,

-raaj

or you have a very talented son, or you do not understand anything in the photo. or both.

Respectfully,

MP

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JohnCarolan Regular Member • Posts: 353
Re: The Emperor is naked...
4

RaajS, you might find a couple of books on photography and related art theory of interest re interpreting photographs.

Roland Barthes 'Camera Lucida' various books by Victor Burgin, 'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger, and Susan Sontag's 'On Photography' would all be a good place to start, all quite old texts now but still often referred to.

You have to look at the details of the photograph, implied significance, context, symbolism, metaphor and so on. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics_of_photography there may (or may not) be meanings beyond the immediate subject matter.

Apologies if you are already aware of the above.

BSweeney
BSweeney Contributing Member • Posts: 903
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
3

I like these. They are well-balanced and framed perfectly. Lines parallel with the image border, lines receding into the distance- all well balanced for a pleasing image.The images in the first thread- I found the objects in the foreground distracting. If you have to dig too far to decide whether you like something or not, chances are you just don't know what you like.

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RaajS Veteran Member • Posts: 6,651
Re: The Emperor is naked...
5

JohnCarolan wrote:

RaajS, you might find a couple of books on photography and related art theory of interest re interpreting photographs.

Roland Barthes 'Camera Lucida' various books by Victor Burgin, 'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger, and Susan Sontag's 'On Photography' would all be a good place to start, all quite old texts now but still often referred to.

You have to look at the details of the photograph, implied significance, context, symbolism, metaphor and so on. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semiotics_of_photography there may (or may not) be meanings beyond the immediate subject matter.

Apologies if you are already aware of the above.

Thanks, John.  Appreciate your pointers.  No apology called for!

Cheers,

-raaj

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nathaniel m Regular Member • Posts: 377
Re: The Emperor is naked...
2

In agreement with you, Raaj.

In fairness, I have no idea if I could have done better in the situation, not being there myself to understand it.

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JTori Senior Member • Posts: 1,034
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
5

I must respectfully disagree with all those who have critiqued your images.

The photographs you have presented here, as well as those displayed on your website, convey genius. It would not be overstating to say your compositions, use of light, rendering, sense of the moment and technical mastery are without parallel. In fact, the catalog of work you have created may very well redefine the canon of contemporary photography. I feel confident in stating that the so-called "iconic" and "masterful" images made by those many have deemed to be the photographic "greats" have now been rendered inconsequential.

Bravo!

KFoisy Regular Member • Posts: 406
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
3

JTori wrote:

I must respectfully disagree with all those who have critiqued your images.

The photographs you have presented here, as well as those displayed on your website, convey genius. It would not be overstating to say your compositions, use of light, rendering, sense of the moment and technical mastery are without parallel. In fact, the catalog of work you have created may very well redefine the canon of contemporary photography. I feel confident in stating that the so-called "iconic" and "masterful" images made by those many have deemed to be the photographic "greats" have now been rendered inconsequential.

Bravo!

JTori,

Hi, could you help me and others here to understand the genius in these images?  Surely if this genius is at work in these photos one could explain the intent and help others here to learn.  I do not mean this in a sarcastic way.  I genuinely would like to understand what I'm missing out on.  Like a visual puzzle that I'm unable to solve, I would be quite grateful if someone could open my eyes to that which I cannot see.  Surely genius is a gift best shared with others?

Thanks.

Kevin

(unknown member) Senior Member • Posts: 2,216
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
2

You photographs are interesting, and quite thought-provoking.  However, you are not conforming to the accepted norms of "Leica-ness" usually seen in photographs presented in this Forum so I predict your photography may not get a good reception...

Joe

MrLaki Senior Member • Posts: 1,094
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
3

Sorry, but I don't understand your intend as well, I fully agree with Raaj and Kevin, so why you don't give some explanation?

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Artichoke
Artichoke Forum Pro • Posts: 12,670
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Joe Pineapples wrote:

You photographs are interesting, and quite thought-provoking. However, you are not conforming to the accepted norms of "Leica-ness" usually seen in photographs presented in this Forum so I predict your photography may not get a good reception...

Joe

Misha is clearly an excellent photographer with his own style

I think this forum has folks posting with a broad range of styles:  from Hugues to Godfrey to Louis

Misha's somewhat lukewarm reception stems more from his responses than from his photographs, which a number here admire

I have to wonder if he isn't staging some of these, much as did Irakly

I learned from an exhibit of post Soviet Russian photography that this is commonly done in Russian Art photography

I enjoy seeing his work, much more so after visiting his web galleries

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OP Misha Pedan Contributing Member • Posts: 537
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
2

Joe Pineapples wrote:

You photographs are interesting, and quite thought-provoking. However, you are not conforming to the accepted norms of "Leica-ness" usually seen in photographs presented in this Forum so I predict your photography may not get a good reception...

Joe

I'm not interested of norms of "Leica-ness". Networking forums, always attract different people. From professional photographers, to incompetent windbags. It is natural.

MP

OP Misha Pedan Contributing Member • Posts: 537
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
3

MrLaki wrote:

Sorry, but I don't understand your intend as well, I fully agree with Raaj and Kevin, so why you don't give some explanation?

Sorry, I do not give lectures on the network. Read books, go to exhibitions. Your lack of understanding, that is your problem.

MP

ravinj Contributing Member • Posts: 590
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
3

Misha - Your two images in this thread are fine and much better than the various B&W photos that are posted here on a regular basis. I like the first one in particular. You do not owe any "explanation" to anyone, especially to any of the self-professed experts.

Best,

Ravin

MrLaki Senior Member • Posts: 1,094
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
5

Misha Pedan wrote:

MrLaki wrote:

Sorry, but I don't understand your intend as well, I fully agree with Raaj and Kevin, so why you don't give some explanation?

Sorry, I do not give lectures on the network. Read books, go to exhibitions. Your lack of understanding, that is your problem.

MP

Thank you very much for the insight. If you think that by reading books and going to exhibitions someone will get to understand your "photos" then you're far away from reality.

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OP Misha Pedan Contributing Member • Posts: 537
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
1

MrLaki wrote:

Misha Pedan wrote:

MrLaki wrote:

Sorry, but I don't understand your intend as well, I fully agree with Raaj and Kevin, so why you don't give some explanation?

Sorry, I do not give lectures on the network. Read books, go to exhibitions. Your lack of understanding, that is your problem.

MP

Thank you very much for the insight. If you think that by reading books and going to exhibitions someone will get to understand your "photos" then you're far away from reality.

it depends on if you want to learn. Judging by what you write, you have no chance.

MP

Edward48
Edward48 Forum Pro • Posts: 10,516
Re: Leica M-E Summicron-M 28 mm f/2 ASPH Copenhagn
1

MrLaki wrote:

Sorry, but I don't understand your intend as well, I fully agree with Raaj and Kevin, so why you don't give some explanation?--

I'm quite enjoying this thread, which on one or two forums I've been reading lately would probably have long ago descended into name calling and downright nastiness.

I don't think art photography, painting, sculpture or any other sort of creative endeavour has or needs to be explained. It will either 'speak' to me or not. Sometimes straight away, sometimes after a bit of effort on my part. If nothing happens, fine. It doesn't mean it's a c**p piece of art, it's just not for me. Personally I like the challenge.

Best wishes
Mike

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