pagespicsQuarantine, Eric Kim and more…
“If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff.” — Jim Richardson
The Cao Dai
The above images are of the Cao Dai, in Vietman. The photos were taken in 2013, a time when my interest in Street and Travel Photography was just starting to bloom. The location definitely falls under the category of ‘interesting’. The women all wear white, which is always going to provide a repetitive theme to any photograph. In addition, the worshipers are set in beautiful symmetric geometric patterns. If you are thinking of a location for travel photography, the Cao Dai can be found in Tay Ninh, which is 4-5 hours outside of Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel and Quarantine.
Thinking about travel, and re-visiting old photos is about all we can do at the moment. I am currently one of the 1.3 billion people in India under lockdown. Fortunately, people are allowed to walk around their compounds, and allowed out to shop for essential items. My photography is focused on recording everyday life at home, and it is challengeing to make anything look particularly interesting (anyone want to see a photo of the 3rd cup of tea I have made today?).
Photos from my recent travels to the kitchen. Future travel plans include the bedrooms and lounge…
Eric Kim
I love Eric Kim, and have downloaded all his free stuff and subscribe to his blog. However, I disagree with his latest advice re Covid-19. I have paraphrased his email below.
We are currently going through a very epic time in human history. The question: SHOULD I be out shooting photos right now? Some thoughts:
First of all, if you don’t want to go out and photos, don’t. Only go out and shoot photos if you want … of course, legal laws permitting. Right now is history in the making!
Right now is a decisive moment in human history. It can be your unique chance to make some truly epic photos. Your duty as a photographer — not just a snap-shooter of random stuff. No — you are a documentarian, a historian. Someone who is creating something epic for future generations of humans. Your photography is legitimate, important, and great.
Sorry Eric…
…but this may be an epic time in human history, but it is also a tragic time when people are getting sick and losing loved ones. The health advice is clear – staying inside is going to save lives. We can make the world a better place by sitting on our sofa and watching TV. Yes, the photos coming out of areas that under quarantine are awesome, but these images should be taken by people who are meant, or need to be there. Remember we are photographers, not doctors or paramedics and our photos are not going to save the world.
On a Positive Note
If you are stuck at home, then there are heaps of free courses for you to work through. Here are some of the offers that are out there for online leaning.
- Skillshare have photography courses, and are offering 2 months of free membership.
- The PPA (Proffesional Photographers Association) are offering free courses. However, these look more like business courses for photographers.
- MIT are offering a course on documentary photography and photojournalism. It looks awesome and I may have a go at this.
- If you have no one to photo but your family, you could try this family portrait course. It is free at Bluprint.
- https://photographycourse.net/ also appears to be offering free tuition courses.
If you know of any other courses worth looking at, please share them in the comment box. That’s all for today folks.
Take care and keep clicking, Chris
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