Part two; Vanishing Cultures & Tradition - rare photos of ceremonial & tribal Aboriginals from Arnhem Land, Australia.
The story behind the photos… Tribal Aboriginals from their sacred land in Arnhem Land to rare ancient rock art & burial ceremonies. (Part two)
Dreamtime… tribal elder, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Seldom seen images that date back some 30 years, shot on Kodachrome and Ektachrome film, way before the digital age.
Going back in time…Dreamtime “forgotten” cultures and tradition of the Australian Aborigines,
Part two. Arnhem Land Northern Territory.
Please remember that I can't show all the photos I have in my archives, and I also had to keep the text brief, otherwise I end up with a Book.
There were many more images I saw, but could NOT record them in respect for the Aboriginals and their believes, recorded only with my eyes, but the memory still lives very deep inside of me.
“At times I am very contend to take home the memory, instead of pursuing the image, this in turn will gain you respect.”-GD-
Tribal elder in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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During the mid 80th I visited Arnhem Land and Kakadu National Park many times, and during the cause of my visits became friends with some Aboriginal tribal elders. I am grateful for their spiritual guidance that I got to know some places seldom visited by others.
But even more important, I learned how to take care of our environment and only take from the land what is needed to survive.
I like to thank my dear old friend “Nipper” for his friendship and trust for allowing me into areas normally not visited by any outsiders.
Hunting in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Australia's Aboriginal culture probably represents the oldest surviving culture in the world, with the use of stone tool technology and painting with red ochre pigment dating back over 60,000 years.
Arnhem Land is strictly an Aboriginal Reserve located next to Kakadu National Park in the tropical north of Australia. Travel to outside persons is restricted and visitors must obtain an entry permit.
Mysterious Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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There are no paved roads and getting around is difficult most of the time but in particular during the wet season when rivers swell and flood the swampy marches. The rivers, swamps and billabongs are also abundant with the large Australian Salt Water Crocodiles and care should be taken when camping near waterways.
An alternative to Arnhem Land is to visit Kakadu National park, which is more accessible, and the Aboriginals left their mark here too, in particular at Obirri Rock, a fantastic gallery of detailed ancient rock art. Or a visit to the spectacular Jim Jim and Twin Waterfalls along the Arnhem Land Escarpment is just breathtaking.
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The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is a tall long-necked wading bird in the stork family. It is a resident species across south and southeast Asia with a large population in Australia and is very common at “Yellow Waters” in Kakadu National Park.
A visit to Yellow Waters in Kakadu National Park is a must once in the area, a swamp (flood plains) with its amazing variety and abundant of wildlife, huge congregation of water fowls, white breasted sea eagles on trees, monitor lizards and saltwater crocodiles that make this area a haven for wildlife photographers.
The Aboriginal people of the Northern Territory have left a great legacy of their culture in the form of art that can be found in caves and rock overhangs where it is protected from the elements. One of the richest of these areas is in Kakadu National Park, the traditional lands of the Gagudju people, in the Top End, west Arnhem Land. There are superb examples of Rock Art in the galleries of Nourlangie Rock and Ubirr, where you can view them easily.
Selection of not so common rock-art in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Compared to the arid region in Central Australia, it comes as no surprise with such an abundance of wildlife in the area that in ancient times the aboriginal artist had a lot of motives for their rock art. The area is not only a source of food but played an important role in their spiritual life “The Dreamtime”.
Ubirr, or Obiri Rock for example in the north east of Kakadu, has some of the finest examples of "X-ray art" in the world. The artist not only painted the outside but also the bones and internal organs of the animals, mostly fish like barramundi, but also turtles, birds and reptiles.
A rare detailed painting of an unusual "Hand stencil", more of a
painting then the commonly found Hand stencils.
Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Hand Stencils are also common all over Australia and some can be dated to 50,000 years old. Aboriginal rock art was still being retouched during my visits in the 80th as seen in the photos from Arnhem Land, thus making it the world’s longest lasting artistic tradition at that time.
Aboriginal art in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Detailed Bark painting from Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Aboriginal rock art being retouched in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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A not so common rock-art in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Dreamtime… Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Rock-art in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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The “Ruined City” near the Roper River Aboriginal settlement in Arnhem Land is called also “ruined city of the Moon.” The Aboriginals call this place “Burrangie” the legendary home of giant people who live in the realm of dreamtime.
The “Ruined City” is considered and ultra-sacred Aboriginal site and is strictly off-limits to outsiders.
The "Ruined City" before sunrise in Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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In the early 80th I was extremely lucky to gain permission from the tribal elders in visiting and exploring the area on foot for a couple of days. This is an amazing and eerie place and no wonder it is considered very sacred to the local Aboriginal tribe.
Burial Cave in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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After my visit to the “Ruined City” a burial ceremony took place a few days later at the Roper River aboriginal settlement and after some discussions with the Elders I was permitted to take part in this ceremony…well at least for the first part of the burial, an experience that I never forget.
As for the second part of the ceremony, the elders denied permission and no outsiders were allowed to take part, it is known as the most sacred part of the burial ceremony.
Burial ceremony Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Burial ceremony Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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This is another important time for ceremonies on the death of a person, when people paint themselves white as seen in my photos, cut their own bodies to show their remorse for the loss of their loved one, and conduct a series of rituals, songs and dances to ensure the person’s spirit leaves the area and returns to its birth place, from where it can later be reborn.
Burial ceremony Arnhem Land,
Northern Territory, Australia
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Burial ceremony Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
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Bathurst Island, home of the Tiwi people, just of the coast of Darwin the capital of the Northern Territory. The facial and body painting of the people here have been described as the most colorful and elaborate of any Australian group.
Bathurst Island - The decorations essentially relate to the Tiwi people occasions for major ceremonies, for example the pukumani (mortuary or burial) by painting their bodies with white clay and pulling out their beards.
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A deep red ochre is obtained from the oval polished red stones found on the beach, which are ground then mixed with water; yellow is obtained from a soft yellow ochre stone, also ground to a powder. (The Tiwi sometimes burn the yellow to produce red.) White is generally taken from a clay found all over the island, and black is obtained from charcoal.
Traditional food sources... Northern Territory, Australia
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Aboriginal women collecting fresh water turtles and File snakes in the vast swamps of the Northern Territory. (Freshwater streams and billabongs of the Northern Territory are home to the non-venomous file snakes; the Arafura file snake gets its name from its rough, baggy skin, which feels like a file. A nocturnal reptile, the Arafura file snake keeps in the shadows of overhanging trees during the day and forages for food during the night.)
Dingo running across the dry flood plains in
northern Australia, Northern Territory,
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The Australian Dingo plays an important role in Aboriginal society but they did not arrive in Australia with the first aboriginals some 60,000 years ago as previously thought.
They arrived some 6000 years ago in Australia and were then adopted by the native aboriginals. Dingo bones first appear in faunal deposits between about 3500 and 4000 BP.
Please Note: The following LINKS provided me with some information on the Australian Aboriginals; they are also a good source for further and more detailed reading. Thank You!
GD
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corroboree
http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-necked_Stork
http://ozoutback.com.au/Australia/rockartkakadu/index.html
http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aboriginal_mythology/index1.htm
http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/religion.shtml
http://ozoutback.com.au/Australia/rockartkakadu/index.html
Vanishing Cultures & Tradition - part one; rare & historical photos of tribal Aboriginals from Central Australia
The story behind the photos… rare photos of tribal Aboriginals in their sacred
land from Central Australia (part one) & Arnhem Land, (part two) Australia
Corroboree - Central Australia,
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A journey through Australia’s past, “forgotten” cultures and tradition of the Australian Aborigines, a two-part series on this Blog.
Rare and seldom seen images that date back more than 30 years, taken on Kodachrome and Ektachrome film, way before the digital age, manipulation and Computers as we know it today.
Images that can never be repeated again, but still represent an important part of Australia’s Culture and Heritage for many years to come.
Part one and two will introduce you to some of these unique images with some explanation on the culture, history and some sacred sites. Please remember that I can't show all the photos I have in my archives and I had to keep the text brief, otherwise I end up with a Book.
Aboriginal Ceremony near Katherine south of Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
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I was fortunately enough to experience some of this amazing culture first hand during the late 70th and mid 80th taken part in tribal ceremonies, visited remote areas in Central Australia, took part of a Burial Ceremony and traveled to sacred parts in Arnhem Land, northern Australia.
I also witnessed how Aboriginals would take care of our environment, taken only what they needed from the land, an important lesson that I treasure to this day.
Corroboree - At corroboree's Aborigines interact with the Dreamtime through dance, music and costume. Many ceremonies act out events from the Dreamtime. Many of the ceremonies are sacred and people from outside a community are not permitted to participate or watch. "Their bodies painted in different ways, and they wore various adornments, which were not used every day."
Traditional song and dance is very much a part of any Corroboree, using clap sticks or bilma
and of course the famous Australian Didgeridoo - Central Australia.
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Recent scientific evidence shows, Aborigines arrived in Australia more than 50,000 years ago and some traditions and beliefs are followed to this present day in remote parts of Arnhem Land.
Some color images (slides) had to be turned into black and white due their color fading over the years, however they still represent this unique culture through Australia’s past.
Central Australia, Corroboree
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Central Australia, Corroboree
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Women preparing themselves as part of a rare
Central Australian Corroboree by applying
elaborate body paint
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Indigenous Australians' oral tradition and spiritual values are based upon reverence for the land and a belief in the Dreamtime, The Dreaming is considered to be both the ancient time of creation and the present day reality of Dreaming. There are many different groups, each with their own individual culture, belief structure and language.
Aerial view of ULURU
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Tribal Elder at ULURU (Ayers Rock) Central Australia
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So lets start with part one and the most sacred site in Australia…Ayers Rock or know to the Aborigines as “ULURU”
Located in Central Australia in the outback is a massive slab of rock know to local Aboriginal tribes as Uluru. Year’s later western explorers named it Ayers Rock after an explorer and the name stuck. Aboriginal people believe Uluru is the origin of life and the center of the universe.
The word Uluru means, “the all-knowing and everlasting” this giant freestanding rock is indeed the most sacred site in Australia to the Aboriginal people and an awesome site for any visitor.
Aerial view of the OLGAS showing Ayers Rock in the distance,
Central Australia
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But there are so many other mystical places in the Center that played an important role for the Aboriginal Dreamtime, places like the Olgas some 30 miles west of Ayers Rock, remote and spectacular Kings Canyon, Palm Valley an Oasis in the desert, Chambers Pillar or Rainbow Valley just south of Alice Springs.
A rainbow over Rainbow Valley, a very rare event in the desert region of Central Australia.
This rock formation is actually called Rainbow Valley due to its coloring at the rock face.
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The remote but beautiful Palm Valley in the Alice Springs region of Central Australia
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The method of applying colored earth to the body varies depending on purpose. In most areas, before hunting, The men roughly smeared their bodies with ochre. In southern areas, white settlers' journals often mention the practice of smearing the whole body with earth, colored charcoal and animal fat, ostensibly to camouflage smell, but probably also to maintain body temperature.
Corroboree's can last over many days pending on the type of ceremony.
Central Australia
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Once a serious Corroboree has started it can go on all night,
Central Australia
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Very rare and historical image from 1974 during a Corroboree near Tennant Creek,
Central Australia. Located 500 km north of Alice Springs and 1000 km south of Darwin.
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Very rare and historical image from 1974 during a Corroboree near Tennant Creek,
Central Australia. Located 500 km north of Alice Springs and 1000 km south of Darwin.
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Very rare and historical image from 1974 during a Corroboree near Tennant Creek,
Central Australia. Located 500 km north of Alice Springs and 1000 km south of Darwin.
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In tropical areas, coating the skin with earth and fat kept sand flies and mosquitoes at a distance. Much has been said about the decorative and ritual functions of body painting. However, paint on the body has other uses less concerned with painted designs. Paint, specifically ochre, is applied to the body as a coating for protection in fighting.
Once a serious Corroboree has started it can go on all night
and can last over several days.Central Australia.
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Aborigine carrying a Bark painting as part of this particular dance ceremony - Corroboree.
Central Australia.
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Once a serious Corroboree has started it can go on all night,
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Stay tuned for part two, Vanishing Cultures and Tradition from the remote and sacred parts in Arnhem Land…the Ruined City and a special burial ceremony.
GD
Please Note: The following LINKS provided me with some of my research on the Australian Aboriginals, they are also a good source for further and more detailed information. Thank You!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corroboree
http://www.aboriginalculture.com.au/index.shtml
http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aboriginal_bodylivingart/index1.htm
http://www.janesoceania.com/australia_aboriginal_sites1/index1.htm
http://www.janesoceania.com/australian_aboriginal_music/index1.htm
Discover & Explore ASIA with GD Photo Workshops: Updated Calendar & site for 2012 & 2013
Updated Calendar & GD Photo Workshop Site for
2012 and 2013.
We are pleased to announce a complete update and revised Calendar for 2012 & 2013 on our GD Photo Workshop Site. Added new destinations and exciting places like Indonesia-Australia plus additional special Myanmar tours.
All 2012 dates are confirmed, our itineraries and full details are available upon request or by our agent's Exotissimo website. We're traveling to some places rarely visited by others, hence making our workshops more unique and flexible that makes a lifetime experience for you to remember.
Take for example our new and next Myanmar Journey in 2012 - this Special Trip was designed by Photographers for Photographers.
June 29 - July 09, 2012 - 11 special days of pure adventure and amazing photography.
Max. of 10 Participants only
On this journey we will explore the remote parts of the country but also some of the known places. We promise that this will be a very exciting and special trip.
For more info and details please CLICK this LINK.
GD
Photography: RIP Photoshop in 2012, the cruel story behind the photo...
The cruel story behind the photo... a real concern.
But first let me take this opportunity and wishing you all a fantastic & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In a few days we’re moving into 2012 and this is my last post for 2011 with the conclusion that there is NO room for Photoshop in photographing Documentary, Nature, Journalism, Culture, Travel and in true story telling. RIP Photoshop in 2012!
I have written many articles on this subject and I am not going into details anymore but rather get to the point right away. We all know the pros and cons about Photoshop and how it has changed at least for some of us the way we look at photography today.
PS has its place in the commercial world or in graphic design, but there should be no use of any manipulation if we photographing the subjects mention above.
However if we do alter the image then it should be stated with the published work that it has been digitally altered.
Now to my concern and the story behind the photo:
The Olgas in Central Australia
More images from the Book Journey Through Color & Time
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The image in question above, the Olgas with a Rainbow taken in Central Australia was part of my exhibition during the Launch of my Book “Journey Through Color & Time in 2006.
It was during this exhibition that I overheard a group of people saying how wonderful and great this image was, with the exception of some comments that this could only have been done in Photoshop.
Now that is cruel if you ask me… I contained my disappointment and anger, even if I had to explain it to them they would have not believed me, as the saying goes, good photos do not need an explanation.
So here we are…or where are we? These where educated people believing great images are created partially in Photoshop and this is where the real problem lies.
The said photo was created way before Photoshop existed, even Computers where in the infant stage, a blow below the belt to the artist/photographer.
Taken on Kodachrome 25 ASA, at the right time and a little bit of luck with the weather.
Mustering Cattle Central Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
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Yes, of course times have changed and we do use digital cameras, but we should refrain from any manipulation. If it can’t be avoided then we should state this loud and clear and stop fooling the public, because soon or later nobody believes anything anymore.
But how much is allowed? In the digital age we have to apply a certain amount of post processing e.g. sensor dust removal, some sharpening, minor contrast increase, of course cropping and straightening.
Some adjustment of the color temperature for images taken under difficult lighting conditions plus a few minor tweaks all amounting to less then 10%, good Photographers shoot right in the first place and do not rely on PS, we done it on film so why not now.
Wild Horses Top End Australia
Kodachrome 25ASA
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You might think that I am old fashioned or outdated, well its rather the opposite I embrace technical advances but I don’t agree with distorting nature or telling stories with manipulated images.
Software like Aperture, Lightroom or some others allow us to make basic adjustment and more, plenty good enough for our images.
If you have only PS then use it only for the basic RAW conversion and minor adjustments as mention above.
If your creative juices start flowing and you have to manipulate beyond the norm then state so below the image, this will gain you respect and is truthful to you and the public.
Provided by nature our Eyes are the best cameras since birth, we need to learn how to see, the rest will follow.
All the above is only my Opinion, but I know I share this with many others.
As for me in 2012, I continue to create images without the use of PS like I have done for the past 30 years, so RIP Photoshop for 2012 and beyond.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
GD
Just one more without Photoshop…
Varanasi India 2011 - Digital Image
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Dejavou…its happen again? Australia’s Great Dry… Australia is experiencing similar drought condition they had in 1983. You might remember the Cover Photo of Time Magazine in March 1983…is it Global warming or Environmental collapse…
“Big Dry” turns farms into deserts…Australia is experiencing it’s worst drought in 100 years. But for how much longer?
For me It was not 100 years ago, but only in 1983, don’t know if we Humans forget to quick I certainly remember it only to well.
Is it Dejavou? Cover of Time Magazine, March 28, 1983, Gunther Deichmann
In 1983 I experienced first hand the slaughter of thousands of cattle and sheep, destroyed due to lack of food and water.
Native animals like the Emus got killed when crossing fence lines in search for food and water. (see the image below)
“Are we now on the very brink of environmental collapse."
Excerpts from the BBC...
"You see the lack of birds and the lack of life. You smell it. You can smell the water. If you walk out into the lake bed you can burn your feet because of the acid sulphates."
"It's very real and it's happening right in front of us."
"It's been a disaster," according to the global warming activist and best-selling author, Professor Tim Flannery.
© Gunther Deichmann - Photo taken in 1983 during
“Australia’s Great Dry” near Port Augusta,in South Australia
- The remains of an Emu -
See below some excerpts from a recent story on the TIme.com website; for more and the complete article please go to:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,923411,00.html
The entire eastern half of Australia is thirsting through a wasting drought that is in many regions the worst in the history of the world's most arid continent. Already, the "Great Dry" has devastated 90% of New South Wales, which is now in its 45th month of drought, and 95% of the state of South Australia, Dubbo, a typical rural town, averages 25.5 in. of annual rainfall. Last year it had 2.3 in. In many areas seeds cannot germinate; in others the regal Murrumbidgee River is nothing but a stagnant puddle. Dust storms have enveloped Melbourne and, five weeks ago, bushfires raged over the arid ground of southeastern Australia, claiming a record 72 lives.
© Gunther Deichmann - Composite image (2 images) to demonstrate
Global Warming and the effects it is having on us and our planet.
Continues feedback...Is this a real image? Film & Digital images, years apart from AUSTRALIA to GREECE ...more real images & comments from some readers...
© Gunther Deichmann - Sydney Harbor Bridge & Opera House
Australia 1995 F4 Nikon, Kodachrome 25, Film
© Gunther Deichmann - The cliffs of Santorini,
Greece 2005, Nikon D70
Please note: These are very low res. images & original color might vary between different computer screens.
For more images on AUSTRALIA and GREECE click on the images or this link: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/greece9.html
Luis Martin Harder wrote...
Hi GD
BTW, your thought and the exchange of ideas about "real images" in your blog is really interesting and educational. I think the distinction between a photographer and a digital artist should really be defined. I believe you'll be a lot of help in this area GD, a lot of newbies in photography will be guided and many pros will be delighted.
Thanks again GD and hope to hear from you again.
Keep in touch.
Best regards,
Luis Harder
WINGS TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE INC.
My reply...
Hi Luis,
thanks for your thoughts and input, have a look at the latest blog.... some real images no manipulation shot the way I saw them, been at the right place at the right time.
Observing the weather before going out...work out a strategy where you need to be at a certain time of the day...and of course a bit of luck will help.
Remember my favorite saying... "Photography is Light... Light is Photography."
Thanks for your input and emails,
GD
Interesting feedback...Is this a real Image? Compare the images... Are we facing a dilemma in PHOTOGRAPHY today…the story continues...
The real image? The story continues...
http://www.deichmann-photo.com/australia.html
© Gunther Deichmann - double rainbow over the Olgas N.T.
Central Australia, image taken on Kodachrome 25, 1981
Feedback and good dialogue is always a good thing…learning something everyday even if you think you old and wise…exchange of knowledge can only open our eyes and broaden our Horizon…
Read below some of the un-edited emails I have received, different opinions from different Countries…in the end it is up to you which way you create your images but as mention before I am very firm when it comes to Photo Journalism, Geographic, Culture and Travel Photography.
If you like to go crazy then go for it…YOUR Choice, it is after all a very creative field with many different interpretations on any given image.
However in Documentary Photography we should be truthful to our selfs and the public.
Henry Bateman an Australian Photographer/Artist living
in the Philippine wrote…
(thanks Henry for letting me use the images you send me)
Check out Henry’s work, you might find it very interesting@ http://www.pissedpoetpics.com/
Friday, May 16, 2008
Is This a Real Image?
Is this a real Image? Well yes, I guess it must be, it's there in front of you. (Ok, I am begging the question, but then it is a poorly phrased question) Is it a literal representation of what was in front of the lens? Well no, I guess not, it is my interpretation of the scene. Although, except for a few lines I added to highlight some edges, nothing has been added that didn't exist in the original photograph.
It was taken at the opening of Luis Martin Harder's exhibition, Unscripted.
© Henry Bateman- thanks Henry
My interest lies in exploring the why of things rather than displaying their literal representations. My images relate to a broader discourse and use the medium (captured light) to tell the story rather than just relying on the here is narrative.
I use Photoshop to make the image, but because it is made from only one negative/raw file it requires a particular approach to using the camera to get a file that can accept the manipulation. In fact it requires a different way of looking to find the scenes that will work.
Does this make it less real? Different yes, but only in so much that I am looking at from a different point of view.
My reply to Henry…
Hi Henry,
great I just read your blog, no problem I think a very nice and cool forum... what i am saying and what i am worried is that in Journalistic terms like real events this real verses manipulated becomes an issue.
I also have been using Photoshop almost since day one and do some crazy stuff but in covering events and real life encounters? We have to be careful, anyway thanks for your thoughts and I really like your stuff…
Cheers Gunther
Henry’s reply…
Hi Gunther
Thanks for the kind words mate and yes I am in agreement about keeping in touch.
I take on board your concern re doco pics but lets face it it aint nothing new. Granted PS makes it easier but it has always been buyer beware. As per the 2 attached pics circa 1854/5 by Roger Fenton titled "The Shadow of the Valley of Death".
Courtesy of Henry Bateman - R-Fenton-circa-1854-(1)
Courtesy of Henry Bateman - R-Fenton-circa-1854-(2)
There was a lovely debate some 12 months ago in the NY Times about which photo came first and which had been altered, albeit not by PS but physically by hand. The question that wasn't asked was "Which of the 2 pics best told the story?"
No 2 photographers will shoot a scene the same way, "Which of the 2 best tells the story/truth?". I can shoot the same scene in several ways with each telling a different story.
It is in part why I have chosen to do what I do. The camera doesn't lie is up there with "of course I will love you in the morning". As Picasso said the job of an artist is to convince people of the truth of their lies.
regards
Henry
From Picture Group Photo News Agency in India…
GD
You tell us how ?
Chandu
My reply…
Hi Chandu,
Great to hear from you.
Now to your ?
Very difficult indeed to tell, I am an advocate for real things when it comes to Photo Journalistic images, we should not mess around with these, of course Photoshop and all the other stuff out there has is place and I use it too, but in real life and events we should be careful and not manipulate the images or distort a given event. In advertising and creative we can of course do what we like... go crazy if we choose so.
But how to tell is very difficult these days I guess ethics play a big role here, from the Photographer to the editors.
Thanks for reading the blog, remember it is only my opinion.
Have a fantastic day,
Cheers Gunther
Chandu’s reply…
Hi GD
I may be now editor but I am photographer 1st - I am out with the camera to shoot, I do not crop nor make any major changes in the "raw" image expect for transmission or printing.
that is all I have to say - i do not know what other photo editors do. Even agency like Magnum, I know quite a photographer attached to them, I have heard what happened at the board meeting, the older ones has quite taken back with the portfolio's they are getting for approval which do get approved. I will not give names but that is life...one has to change with it...if do not you get left behind....what do you have to say this....
Cheers
Chandu
My reply…
Hi Chandu,
thanks for this dialogue... very interesting indeed, hmmmm let me think, the image in the end will win you and I know that, I guess it boils down to only one thing your conscious and been able to feel good about it and say... yes this is real, I know that, even if they dont believe me, that alone is a good feeling and worth a lot. A nice gut feeling if nothing else!
It is an interesting subject which ever way you look at it and we all know times have changed when Digital arrived, I am just a little concern, since I admire the likes of Capola, Ansel Adams and many more, a craft which is now seldom taught even in schools, sad but true, can we change it? I guess not.
We have arrived at this Digital age and I am no exception, all of this just crossed my mind the other day when i run into this young photographer and having this conversation. I have no doubts that this subject will be around for quiet some time, being old or young.
You are right we have to move forward otherwise we will be left behind... sad but so true.
Thanks for your words and exchange I do appreciate this very much, at-least we can talk about it, and that is just so nice,
have a great day and we stay in touch,
Cheers Gunther
From Luis Martin Harder, Manila Philippines
Hi Gunther,
Thanks so much for putting my exhibit on your blog. You're super cool,
man. Just as I was thinking about learning about true "photography" and
then you came out with an article about "are we getting real" photos or
images. You know GD I really want to learn more about PHOTOGRAPHY in its
purest sense. I believe you're the right person who can impart the
knowledge since I can see that you are one of the few remaining true
blue "PHOTOGRAPHER".
Can you help me with this? I'll surely appreciate your interest.
Thanks again GD. Hope to see you soon.
Cheers!
Luis Harder
WINGS TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISE INC.
My closing words…thank you all for your thoughts and input very interesting indeed and I do appricitae all your comments…
" If we lose our human values by having everything mechanized, then machines will dictate our lives."
Dalai Lama
GD
