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Nice job, Jack! I really like the way that the S2 renders desert light.
Thanks Pete. The great thing about getting out and shooting everyday is that it provides me with a convenient excuse to ignore the notion of self-editing … for better or worse.
Gorgeous, Pete. Lovely detail.
Nice job, Jack! Look at those grey skies … they are so appropriate for the time of year. I'm very glad it's been a manageable winter for the upper midwest this year … it figures that it'd be an easy winter the year that I'm away.
You are becoming the master of triptychs. I really like how they force the viewer to consider the sum as well as the parts of a scene.
Have fun in sunny Arizona. I'll be waiting to see some Joshua Tree triptychs.
Wonderful shots. The third and fourth shots are fantastic … there is so much there that delivers on the depth of the human condition.
Kurt
Gorgeous, Pete. What do you think of the 30mm?
Kurt
Thanks for the update, David. I'll be watching my calendar also.
Thanks for taking the time to comment Pete, David, David and Jack.
The Philippines is a wonderful place to photograph. Beyond the wonderful climate and scenery (which I haven't had time to yet explore) the people are extraordinary. They are open, friendly and make the best of everything that is thrown at them … good or bad. In my short time here, it's helped this over-stressed, cynical westerner find a more peaceful emotional balance.
I live in a nice high-rise, but on a daily basis I find myself wandering into the local neighborhoods. I've met and had long conversations with a wide variety of new friends. Despite the poverty, smog, poor sanitation and compressed living conditions filipinos are quick with a smile and are born performers.
I find myself in the middle of an exiting story to attempt to document.
Many of these barrios won't be around in 5, 10 or 15 years and are certain to become parking lots or high rises as the neighborhoods give-in to the inexorable march of progress. The strength of the local communities, Barangays, are a throw-back to a time in the west when everyone in a neighborhood or city knew each other and took on the full responsibility of all that that means. Life can be hard, but it shouldn't be so divisive.
David, I have changed up my post processing a bit. Thank god for Silver Efex Pro … it does all of my heavy lifting. In addition, the light is definitely different here near the equator, so I find myself shooting at stopped down levels I would have never dreamed about in the dark north. 😉 That's OK though, as it means that I can try to show off what these detail-rich S-lenses do best. I also have a few Mamiya 80/1.9 shots that are among those I've shown. It changes the look up a little also. The best way to describe shooting with the 8/1.9 is that it is predictably unpredictable. Somehow it feels like an appropriate lens to take with me on daily expeditions as I wander in no apparent direction with no apparent goals.
Jack, funny you should mention that photo … because it's the bokeh from the 80/1.9. 😀 It should be a great game this weekend. I'll be watching it live Monday morning. It is too bad you can't bring the 180mm lens with you because it is such a great lens. Hopefully, Leica introduces the 350mm lens before Rodgers' career wanes.
Here are two more photos from yesterday with the 35 … a lens that I'm finding that I'm really liking more and more.
Kurt
Here's a shot from New Year's Eve last evening in Manila … and New Year's Day this morning as 2012 rises from the fiery and smokey remnants of 2011.
Cheers!
Kurt
Al, you are such a gentleman.
I was very excited about the possibility of a 30-90 zoom especially after having also spent some time Hasselblad's 35-90 zoom. It's a great lens, but the size and weight soon weighed in on my decision to keep it long-term. Although a zoom the size that has been described would be nice, I'm not so certain anymore whether a variable f3.5-5.6 zoom is something I would use often enough to justify it's price … unless Leica has a few S2 ISO tricks up its sleeve.
fotografz;1189 wrote: How exciting for you. An exotic new location … nothing like a new place to get the juices flowing. I envy you. Best of shooting to you.
-Marc
Hi Marc,
Small towns in Michigan and Wisconsin aren't exotic locations? 😉 My relatives were quick to point out that it snowed already this week. Meanwhile, it's 88 and sunny here today, tomorrow … and …
My biggest decision each morning is deciding whether I should wear my green or khaki shorts with my sandals. Mornings and evening are for doing my day job and connecting with clients. The rest of the day is now a fabulous opportunity to get out and shoot.
As a bonus, the people here in the Philippines seem to have the friendliest dispositions and greatest smiles of any people I've had the pleasure of meeting. Most are more than willing to invite you to take a photo. As an example, here's a shot from yesterday …
Kurt
Jack MacD;1179 wrote: Kurt, your info says you are still in WI, I thought asia by now?
Forgot to change that, Jack. Just moved in this week.
David K;1175 wrote: Looks like I'll be taking a trip to So. Florida soon…
David, Mr. Farkas always has the best interests of your wallet at heart. 😉
Stephen,
Also check out the Mamiya 80/1.9 lens via adapter. I don't know if it will be too short for your purposes, but it does have a very pleasing bokeh. Plus, the price is right … $300-$500.
Kurt
