Derrick

Wrigley Building Plaza

Chicago, IL

http://derricktatemusic.weebly.com/

IG:  @dtatemusic

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/250 71mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 6/30/22

Dissonance

52Frames - Week 26 - Pattern

So many pattern and reflection opportunities in downtown Chicago made this a tough selection.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 125

Photographed 6/30/22

String Shredders

Deer Park Art Fair - Deer Park, IL

Great live music at this local art fair.  These guys were having a good time.  Check them out.  www.stringshredders.com

"Ron"

Sony A7C @ f1.4 1/3000  85mm  ISO 100

Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4

"Edgar"

Sony A7C @ f2.8  1/250  85mm  ISO 100

Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4

All Photographed 6/26/22

Reevaluating Goals: Visual Storytelling

2022_CLondon52w26: Reevaluating Goals

From the C.London website: "We’re halfway through! Congrats on making it this far! How are you going on your initial goal from week one? Often times challenges like this one will lead you off your initial track and make you reevaluate what your goal is. On the other hand, you may have become even more dedicated to your original goal. Both are okay! The image this week should be a revisit of that original goal. If you want to do a full-on remake of the original, that’s great! If you’d prefer to start over with a whole new vision, also great!" 

Since my two measurable goals are almost completed, this week's photo(s) address the one subjective goal of becoming a better visual storyteller. I spotted this young woman dodging the bright sunshine with a large umbrella, while strolling through an art fair. I was not quick enough to catch a profile or head-on photo so I moved around the scene where I was able to capture a shot from another direction."

"Shade Me"

Sony A7C @ f2.8  1/750  85mm  ISO 100

Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 

"Hair Flip"

Sony A7C @ f2.8  1/1000  85mm  ISO 100

Rokinon AF 85mm F1.4 

All Photographed 6/26/22

Veggies

2022_CLondon52w25: Check-In

From the C.London website: "We’re coming up on the middle of the year. How has it been so far? Have you been able to keep up? If so, color me impressed! I know just how difficult this challenge can be and how easy it is to let the weeks slip by.

For you, the ones who are all caught up, your prompt this week is to go back and find your one favorite and your one least favorite images from the challenge so far. Break down what it is that you like about the favorite, and what challenges you faced with the least favorite. Try and be extra critical, and if you’re open to it, share them on our subreddit, discord, flickr discussion board, or facebook group and ask for feedback from your peers. You now have the option of recreating the least favorite with your critical eye in mind. While you may not be able to recreate it exactly, use it as an inspirational jumping off point and focus on what you’d like to improve about it."

Favorite: Does He Not See Me?

I loved the humor & spontaneity of this scene as I watched it unfold. Was perfect for Martin Parr week and represents the "slices of life" scenes I enjoy capturing.

Least Favorite: Tomahawk

While this photo responded to the prompt "Commitment", the composition & lighting do not enhance the pork chop. Actually, it's kinda gross. The two biggest challenges were available lighting while dining outside at night and a 40mm focal length.

This week's photo utilizes the same focal length, better lighting, flatlay composition and the same 40mm focal length to convey a more appetizing scene of my wife's fantastic salad creation.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/30 40mm equiv ISO 640 [Macro & on-camera flash]

Photographed 6/20/22

Enmeshed

52Frames - Week 25 - What Is It?

EC: Macro

At the suggestion of the 52Frames gurus, I'm not providing any clues although it does seem relatively discernable.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/400 40mm equiv ISO 200 [Macro Mode]

Photographed 6/21/22

Trail Ride

52Frames - Week 24 - Shoot From Above

EC: Use A Drone

Des Plaines River Trail

Vernon Hills, IL

All this week, I intended to make a photo using my drone.  An early week Covid scare (turned out as false positive) and high winds pushed me to the last day of submission to being able to fly.  Not wanting to take a chance of losing the drone (and the SD card with my submission), I did a very conservative flight at a trail bridge I ride over often.

I guess one could consider this a streak-saver 😜.

DJI Mavic Mini @ f2.8 1/160 4.49mm (24mm equiv) ISO 100

Photographed 6/19/22

Missing Big Al

2022_CLondon52w24: Empathy

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

Remembering the old times.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 5000

Photographed 6/16/22

Eric

Resorts World

Las Vegas, NV

Walking through the promenade, his beard caught my attention. I approached and asked to make a photo to which he heartily agreed.

Eric has had his beard for 7 years and said it originally took a year to grow to its current length. When I asked how difficult it is to maintain the shape and length, he replied, "I've got a guy!" 

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 12800

Photographed 6/9/22

Hiding

2022_CLondon52w23: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Frida Kahlo

From the C.London website: "Known for her self-portraits, Frida managed to create a renowned body of work using common themes, but with such a distinctness from one image to the other. Her voice was so defined that her work is some of the most recognizable. The past few segments we’ve focused on color, composition, and portraiture, and who better to bring all those elements together than Frida?"

A self-portrait this week in Frida Kahlo style was not going to be possible. Instead, I captured an image that reminded me of her backgrounds and composited a portrait made in the same location.

Resorts World Promenade

Las Vegas, NV

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 1000

Photographed 6/9/22

Trio

52Frames - Week 23 - Triangular Composition

Resorts World

Las Vegas, NV

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/80 40mm equiv ISO 320

Photographed 6/8/22

Utensils

As seen at Lazy Dog, Vernon Hills, IL

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2 1/100 6mm (78mm equiv) ISO 25

Photographed 6/5/22

Broken

What we're becoming...

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/4000 72mm ISO 1250

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 6/3/22

Station Stop

52Frames - Week 22 - Everything In Focus

Metra Station

Northbrook, IL

My grandson loves trains. Today we took him on a short train excursion traveling 5 stations each way with lunch in between. Eyes wide open the whole time, sharing his observations with excitement and asking tons of questions made for an awesome day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f16 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 800

Photographed 6/1/22

Reflections By The Sea

2022_CLondon52w22: Self-Portrait

From the C.London website: "Oh no. The dreaded self-portrait. Listen, I’m the first to hate having the lens turned on myself. That said, years back I forced myself to become comfortable with it by doing a 365 day self-portrait project. And I learnt a lot. For this week you are the subject. Be as literal or creative with this as you’d like."

While on vacation in Cancun, I took the opportunity to make a selfie in advance of the challenge week. With a backdrop of the ocean, reflections of the infinity pool and time on my hands, I played around with high key and selective color.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.2 1/1250 2.71mm (30mm equiv) ISO 32

Photographed 5/23/22

There's Gotta Be A Use!

Cancun, MX

There has to be a beneficial use for the endless deposits of seaweed that are washed ashore.

Hey scientists...whaddaya think?

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.4 1/710 1.54mm (16mm equiv) ISO 25

Photographed 5/20/22

Photograph the Photographer

52Frames - Week 21 - Inspired By A Photographer [Martin Parr]

La Isla Fashion Harbour

Cancun, MX

I watched while this scene unfolded to capture the main characters along with other actors around them.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 3200

Photographed 5/23/22

City of Naperville?

Cancun, MX

Wondering how a fire engine from the City of Naperville found its way to the hotel zone of Cancun, MX.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 1000

Photographed 5/14/22

Jackie

Cancun, MX

On our final day, I took a walk along the beach, camera in hand.  As I passed by, I noticed her painted nails and commented on how spectacular they were.  I asked if I could make a photo of them (thinking macro) when she started posing and displaying her hand.  After capturing a couple of frames, I asked her name, thanked her and wished her a good rest of the day.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1 1/500 40mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 5/25/22

Portrait Of My Friend

2022_CLondon52w21: Portrait of a Friend

From the C.London website: "Let’s do portraits! Find a willing model (yes, your dog will do just fine) and work to capture their personality in the image. Pay attention to lighting, posing, and environment, and try and showcase them in a way that is natural for them." 

 My wife and I met he and his wife in 1975 and we only lived in the same city for 4 weeks before we moved.  Yet for 47 years, we've been close friends.  Last week, they joined us for a week in Cancun.   Still hangin' out after all these years...

"Contemplation"

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2  1/3400  6mm (61mm equiv)  ISO 25

 

"Les"

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2  1/120  6mm (52mm equiv)  ISO 40

All Photographed 5/20/22

Chazzerai

La Isla Fashion Harbour

Cancun, MX

One of many souvenir shops.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 1600

Photographed 5/16/22

Blocks

Visual Notes 23 [a page out of the @aarondigruccio playbook]

Aldos Gelato

Cancun, MX

The wall sculpture in this new restaurant caught my attention for this series.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4.5 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 5000

Photographed 5/18/22

Rings and Waves

52Frames - Week 20 - Abstract

La Isla Fashion Harbour

Cancun, MX

Abstract patterns formed by a fountain flowing into a pool.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f5 1/80 40mm equiv ISO 12800

Photographed 5/19/22

Newlywed Message

La Isla Fashion Harbour

Cancun, MX

As the couple approached, I could not help seeing the words boldly written on their shirts. With he on the left and she on the right, at first the words did not make sense. It was only after reconfiguring the sequence in my mind, did I see the message. Those that know me would not be surprised that I was compelled to address them and ask to make a photo. 

 They told us their wedding was the day prior and gladly allowed me to make a photo. They also agreed to switch positions so the message was readily readable for the photo. Regrettably, I did not get their names nor email address to send them a photo of their great message.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f2.8 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 12800

Photographed 5/16/22

Hand-Crafted

2022_CLondon52w20_alternate: Scene

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

Hand-crafting pizza...his hands were moving fast. 

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f4 1/80 40mm equiv ISO 1000

Photographed 5/16/22

Come To Me

2022_CLondon52w20: Scene

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

This sunset silhouette scene unfolded while having dinner along the waterfront in Cancun.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2 1/125 6mm (240mm equiv) ISO 25

Photographed 5/14/22

Aisle 21

2022_CLondon52w19: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Wes Anderson

From the C.London website: "Some of you may already know that I studied film in college, and in a former life worked in television and film. Those who aren’t aware of that must not have joined me in any of my workshops - because attendees sure did hear my gushing of this week’s spotlight. I won’t bore you all with my analytical take on Wes Anderson’s use of color and staging (ie: mise-en-scène), because there’re endless articles, theses, and videos of people way more qualified than I discussing just that. If you’re not familiar with his films, watch at least one this week and take note of how he places his actors, props, uses color, and costuming. Then just simply search “Wes Anderson mise-en-scène” and immerse yourself in the results. This is where your inspiration will come for this week."

Perpendicular lines, symmetry, perspective and color grading are the elements of Wes Anderson's style I tried to work with this week.  Additionally, in some of the photos I shot, background subjects and reflections add context to the story. Check out the entire gallery of alternate photos at https://www.jeffmarcowitz.photography/Collections/Artist-Spotlight

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 400

Photographed 5/13/22

Ran Its Course

52Frames - Week 19 - Architecture

Sometimes architecture lasts for centuries. Other times it runs its course. In this case, the latter applies.

In a different take on the challenge, I chose to depict the dismantling of architecture. Portions of Hawthorn Mall, a 49 year old regional shopping center, are being demolished to make way for a new residential & commercial "main street" development more attuned to current trends.

Sony A7C @ f5.6 1/500 93mm ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 5/13/22

Coexistence

52Frames - Week 18 - Flat Lay

No subjects were eaten during this shoot...but afterwards? 🤷‍♂️

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f6.3 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 8000

Photographed 5/6/22

Table 8

Venteux Brasserie, Cafe & Oyster Bar

Chicago, IL

These types of candids raise so many questions.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 800

Photographed 5/5/22

Emerge

Chicago, IL

Out of the darkness into the light along the Riverwalk.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/250 40mm equiv ISO 200

Photographed 5/5/22

Mise-en-scène: The Bean

2022_CLondon52w18: Mise-en-scène

From the C.London website: "In simplest terms, mise-en-scène is everything in front of the camera. That may sound a bit glib, but it is all encompassing and takes composition, props, sets, costumes, people, literally everything visible into account. Being aware of every element in a scene, gives one incredible control of what message is being portrayed to a viewer. It’s also something that is often overlooked by photographers. Ever ask for feedback and been told “that trash on the ground is distracting from your model”? Had the photographer taken a moment to notice every visible element, they may have been able to remove the trash, as it wasn’t part of the story they were trying to tell. This easily can be all overwhelming, so I’ll just say this: for this week, notice everything in your photograph. If you can, stage the photograph and place and remove elements to further your message."

"Topless Bean"

The overcast sky + exposure compensation allowed the edge of the Bean to disappear.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1  1/160  40mm equiv  ISO 400

"Infinite Bean"

The overcast sky + exposure compensation allowed the edge of the Bean to disappear.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1  1/160  40mm equiv  ISO 800

"Bubble Bean"

The overcast sky + exposure compensation allowed the edge of the Bean to appear as floating.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f7.1  1/250  40mm equiv  ISO 200

All Photographed 5/5/22

Crossroads

52Frames - Week 17 - Leading Lines

EC: 4+ Lines

Which road to follow?

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/125 31mm ISO 320

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 4/30/22

Fill 'er Up...Or Not

2022_CLondon52w17: Compositional Guidelines

From the C.London website: "There are many compositional guidelines that photographers use to highlight different aspects of their images. Like color theory, in years passed, we dedicated multiple weeks to individual guidelines, but this year I want to give you a little more freedom. Start with this blog post about compositional guidelines and choose one which you'd like to try out for this week. Bonus points to anyone who also incorporates a specific color scheme."

Foreground framing and rule of thirds are the two guidelines I tried to incorporate into this image.

There are often interesting scenes occurring at the gas pumps, especially these days of high fuel prices. I pulled up and immediately noticed one guy on the phone not pumping gas and another guy looking angry as he watched the total climb. Using my dashboard/hood as foreground, I positioned the camera to capture these expressions in the middle third of the frame. Cropped to 16:9 to reinforce the horizontal nature of the scene. Processed in b/w as color distracted from the story.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f3.2 1/160 40mm equiv ISO 500

Photographed 4/27/22

Untitled

Milwaukee Art Museum

Milwaukee, WI

I liked the graphic nature and the people juxtaposition of this scene, yet a title escapes me.

Sony A7C @ f9.5 1/125 44mm ISO 12800

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 2/27/22

Eight

Visual Notes 22

[a page out of the @aarondigruccio playbook]

Kaanapali Beach

Maui, Hawaii

Changing your point of view can yield surprising results.

Sony A7C @ f16 1/200 28mm ISO 100

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

Photographed 4/2/22

Two Photos - One Story

This week I am submitting two photos, one each for the weekly challenges in which I participate.  The images both depict parts of the same story and address the two distinct challenge prompts. 

"Pre-Op"
52Frames - Week 16 - Lamp

EC: One Click

Staring at the ceiling in the pre-op room while waiting for a biopsy procedure, I realized this was a perfect opportunity to satisfy this week's prompt...and also tie into the story for this week's submission to the C.London 52 Weeks challenge I also participate in.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f2.4  1/120  1.54mm (14mm equiv)  ISO 50

Photographed 4/19/22

"Not A Fun Day"
2022_CLondon52w16: Saturated

From the C.London website: Open For Interpretation

The first thing I thought of for this prompt was very relevant this week..."saturation biopsy".  20 needles.  Ouch!!

Sony A7C @ f6.7 1/30  50mm ISO 800

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

Photographed 4/21/22

Who Will Answer?

Visual Notes 21

[a page out of the @aarondigruccio playbook]

Old Lahaina

Maui, HI

Lines, squares & colors were the impetus behind this image for Visual Notes.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro @ f1.6 1/120 4.2mm (50mm equiv) ISO 64

Photographed 4/8/22

Twin Falls

Maui, HI

"Cliff Roots"

At Twin Falls, off the Road to Hana, I was struck by these tree roots growing down the surface of a cliff.

Sony A7C @ f5.6 1/30 28mm ISO 50

Tamron E 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 A071

"The Boys"

Apple iPhone 12 Pro 4.2mm (26mm equiv) f1.6 1/380 ISO 32

All Photographed 4/4/22

Lots of Cents

52Frames - Week 15 - Extreme Closeup

EC: Focus Stacking

I used this week as another opportunity to try out focus stacking on the Arsenal 2 AI-driven photo device. This photo is a stack of 10 shots composited by Arsenal 2.

Sony A7C @ f11 .5" 50mm ISO 100

Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro

10 image focus stack

Photographed 4/12/22

Shoot & Chimp

Maui, HI

Out for a photowalk with my grandson. The middle shot is his first foray into candid street photography.

Ricoh GRIIIx & Kids Camera (Amazon)

Photographed 4/8/22

Does He Not See Me?

2022_CLondon52w15: ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Martin Parr 

From the C.London website: “Known for his vibrant colors, Martin Parr’s work documents the everyday in a hyper-real way. Often comical, his well placed colors heighten the scene from what may seem mundane to something with true character.”

The inspirational concept for me this week was Martin Parr's Beach Therapy series. While spending 10 days at the ocean in Hawaii, I only had a one day window at the start of this week's challenge before leaving for home. I strolled the beach on Saturday afternoon seeking scenes that Martin Parr might capture.

Ricoh GRIIIx @ f10 1/320 40mm equiv ISO 100

Photographed 4/9/22