Informative and Introspective

Hmmm, lets see. I don't have just one topic to cover tonight, but rather an amalgam of informative and introspective tidbits to share.

Now that Chris (Univers d'Artistes) is back, I have suddenly become keenly aware that in his absence, I've neglected to title my images on my blog. In an earlier post, I commented that I felt his observation of photogs who don't title images should be spanked, was valid. Well, not in so many words, but he strongly advocated that we should. Chris is more of a writer than some of us photogs are. Conversely, I've heard from some photogs mention that they are not writers, but rather image creators. I've had difficulty trying to name ALL of my work especially when I shoot a series of images. Naming all is quite the challenge especially with respect to time. I've recently had a lot of post-processing work and got away from creating titles. It was just interesting that I suddenly become aware of that fact, now that he's back, which is the same feeling you get when your parents come home after you've lost track of time. You suddenly become aware of all the chores you've yet to do. I know I want to be a better photographer and I'd like to take mentorship from those I respect. I have writing in my blood, so why not add value to my work by being both a writer and an image creator. So at some point, I've got to go back and title my work. Not because Chris said so, but rather because I want to stay true to my own sense of dedication for what I've made personal commitments to.

More Links...for the models this time:

I came across Isobella Jade not long ago who runs a host of modeling advice blogs and has her own book, entitled "Almost 5'4" ". Two of her blogs of interest that you should definitely check out are Petite Modeling Tips and Isobella's Dream Lounge. I highly recommend you become familiar with her words. I am an advocate for anyone who dedicates themselves to helping others. She could have simply busted her butt to get ahead and worry about herself, but she chooses to reach out to other would-be models in a variety of media means. She also has podcasts available at Isobella's Model Talk, on BlogTalkRadio.com. I think if you can follow her lead, you can certainly learn from her experiences. So, Isobella Jade... highly recommend her if you want to model.

And then we come to Mr. Peter J. Crowley. I was honored when he contacted me for my address so he could send me his latest book, "All the Usual Subjects". Now that was cool. He had already helped me find the Edward Weston/Charis Wilson DVD I had been searching for, "Eloquent Nude...", by giving me the personal number of the person actually in charge of handling the DVD sales. So I was further esteemed to receive his limited edition book. To quote directly from his site:

"While living in Willimantic, Connecticut, Peter documented daily life in this old mill town through a series of black and white photographs of memorable scenes and portraits of local characters and friends. The resulting book, titled All the Usual Subjects: Seven Years of Willimantic Photographs, is now available."

I particularly related to this book because I come from the small town of Terrell, Texas. (No, I was not named after the place...I just coincidentally grew up there). There were several other small towns nearby, as well. Contrastingly to the great city of Las Vegas, no one is very polite in this city. You don't really know your own neighbors or the people down the block. I miss the small town, close-knit communities. Thanks Peter. Well done, my friend.

Eloquent Nude DVD - Got it!

There are several things I could cover tonight, but I need to limit it. "Shave or Not to Shave" will have to wait one more entry as I plan to cover some different things here tonight. I have also elected to bring back some of my landscape artwork for the next few posts as well.

Today was my first meeting of the Las Vegas Art Model's Group. I didn't have the turnout that was signed up, which was disappointing, but in a way, I was also relieved. The venue I selected could not have accommodated the seating arrangements had everyone who RSVP'd showed up. At the time I selected the venue, I only had 6 or 7 people in the entire group. Well, it ballooned to over 30 within the next week. This was more of a discussion meeting than a group session. So nobody brought easels, cameras, or paint. This was for brainstorming purposes in which case I utilized the opportunity to introduce myself, cover some basics about the group, and solicit suggestions and input from the members.

I plan to grow this group not only in size but also in influence. When you think of the art community in Vegas, you'll think of the Las Vegas Art Model's Group first. I want this to be the "IT" group if you move here and want to make an impact in the local art world. Several group members made outstanding suggestions and we have some valuable contacts to help us get started. I am thinking I may have to run a second blog as well. If this thing goes as I hope, it will not be serving to my current readers (especially overseas) to discuss the non-relevant happenings of the Art Model's Group when they have nothing to do with Vegas. By the first of the year, I will consider publishing a new blog for the LVAMG.

On another note, I just received in the mail the DVD of which I have been searching. Again, I want to give a special thanks to Peter J. Crowley for putting me in contact with Julie Gliniany of NW Documentary, the company which produced the DVD. I have not viewed it yet, but I plan to watch it tomorrow or the next day and then begin my review of it there after. For any new readers who may not have read these specific posts, this DVD is titled, "Eloquent Nude: The Love and Legacy of Edward Weston and Charis Wilson". I am particularly enthralled about this DVD for two reasons. First, I have been a big time fan of Edward Weston. I have not searched out why I identify with his style of photography, but I just know I relate to it. For some reason, I have a sincere appreciation for his methods and techniques. Maybe sometime I will do some self-imposed psychoanalytic inner reflection on why I like it, but its kind of like asking why I like cheesecake? Because it tastes like cheesecake, I guess.

The second reason I was thrilled to find out about this DVD is for the relationship between he and his muse, Charis Wilson. I have had the most affinity for the work of photographers who photograph their own wives. Edward traveled the country side shooting Charis everywhere and anywhere. I recently posted an entry on The Artist's Wife which outlined a NY Times article titled "The Artist's Wife: The Muse Who Never Said No", referencing Eleanor Callahan, the wife of the late photographer Harry Callahan. One thing that made this article so rich to me was the focal point on Eleanor who is 91 at the point of this interview. She was married to Harry for 63 years.

Three Things

Now this is an omission on my part. Somehow, I've not added the accomplished photographer Dave Levingston to my list of photogs and blogists (is that a word?). You have heard me speak on the incomparable Dave Rudin before, several times I might add, so it would stand to reason that I would also add in someone whom he lauds, Dave Levingston. I mentioned in post sometime in September that I got to have breakfast with Dave R and how he frequently referenced his friend Dave L. I have Dave Levingston in my AOL favorites folder and I visit his blog, Exposed for the Shadows, quite often. I just didn't realize that it wasn't on my own blog til just yesterday while revisiting Univers d'Artistes blog, who properly recognized this photo icon, while I missed it. When I started this blog I was constantly referencing Dave R, Dave L, Michael Barnes and Iris Dassault. So with this paragraph, let me give the man, nay, THE LEGEND, his proper dues and advise you now that he has been included on my blog list.

ALSO, let me extend a special appreciation to Peter J. Crowley for giving me some contact information on how I might obtain the DVD I was seeking aid to obtain, "Eloquent Nude: The Love and Legacy of Edward Weston and Charis Wilson". I have already made it know about my reasons for wanting this DVD so if need be check out the post with the same title done just a few weeks ago at most. If you have not heard of Peter J. Crowley, then this is also a good opportunity to reference his blog and website. I invite you to stop by pay him a visit and and send him a comment to two about how much you enjoyed his art. His contact info is readily available. Please note, he is and already has been on my blog list. His was one of the sites I added originally when I started this only a few months ago.

ALSO 2, you have read some of my posts about select photo books, specifically Kodak Galley mini books. I have been checking out some others as well, and I am about to start doing more of these and offering them for purchase in addition to my prints. "Elizabeth in Series" is a black and white studio session I did a few months back before I came to Vegas, you have already seen some of the work posted on this blog and on my website. In fact I just added several of them to a new gallery on my site TLNeasley.com. I initially had about 20 primary images that I used to affect some darkroom manipulations which I made prints for. However, I shot approximately 15 rolls of this young woman and have spent the better part of a month editing about 100 of those images. This will be the first set I start making full size books of. I will subsequently begin work on a Trisha series. So stay tuned...