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