Street view

A day in the life

A couple of randomly selected street photography samples this time. All were shot with the X-E1 during our brief trip to Granada.

For this kind of pictures, I most always gravitate to a classic black-and-white rendering. With that comes that special ambiance, and reminiscences of great masters from the past. The images here have gone first through Lightroom (for a minimal exposure and crop adjustment) and then moved on to Nik’s Silver Efex Pro 2, to apply my favorite custom ‘magic sauce’ preset.

Yes, we can!

Let me tell ya, …

Olives & Co

The four images above were shot with the 18-55mm zoom, a very pleasing and convenient tool for casual walk-around photography. All but one were at focal lengths between 18 and 23mm. I could easily have made these with either the 18mm or the long-awaited 23mm prime. I am so curious how that latter lens will perform: 35mm (equivalent) is my most favored focal length for street shooting.

Late at night, there's no better pick than the XF 35mm… Wide open and at ISO 1600, it perfectly captured the mood of a freezing evening walk in the old Albaicín quarter.

Frozen time

Gear notes: Fujifilm X-E1, Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 & XF 35mm f/1.4

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Living the dream

During a recent spring summer cleaning stint, this picture from my olde days gone came out of a dusty storage box.

The funny thing is: I can exactly remember when it was taken, and I have vivid and detailed memories of that day!

The date was December 15, 1960, a Thursday. That makes me just over 7 years young. It was the day of the marriage of Baudouin I, then King of Belgium, with Doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragón. A public event that was extensively covered by the media, and one of the first major live events on Belgian TV.

We did not have a TV set at home yet (our first one appeared in 1962) so I followed the proceedings via radio. Already fascinated by technology, I had ‘invented’ and constructed this TV camera using my would-be meccano system (made out of wooden parts and plastic screws and bolts, manufactured by a Dutch company named Sio – I still have some pieces!). The contraption was complete with antenna, rotating lens turret and a shaky tripod.

And there I was, glued to the radio commentary for hours, playing my little role in capturing the wedding ceremony for posterity. A dream that – for me – had become reality, and that today is still engrained in my memory.

Gear notes: no idea

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A long and beautiful day

‘t Was a mighty cold day on the streets, but a heartwarming one in our Help-Portrait studios in Herentals!

Great hosts from the CAW Kempen, a wonderful MUA team, and a lot of hard-working, inspired and at times crazy photographers were ‘open for business’ for a whole Saturday, taking pictures of people that for once got to take their rightful place under our spotlights. All pictures shot remain solely for the eyes of the models-for-a-day, so I cannot share these many images of joy, excitement and gratitude.

Heavy snowfall and icy winds made it hard at times for our guests to make it to our shooting are. The resulting less busy moments of the day were quickly turned into opportunities to serve as each other’s models, demonstrate lighting setups, discuss composition or share post-processing tips. So here comes a small selection of portraits I shot from fellow H-P photographers:

Robbie came all the way from Apeldoorn, in the Netherlands 

Lander discovered new ways to use gaffer tape 

Michel posed for a Dutch school painting…

…but then accidently looked into the book! 

And, to end in beauty, one of the hosting CAW’s staff members:

All in all a fun-filled and most rewarding day, more than worth our effort (and the slow and slippery trek back home). I can’t wait to spend more good times with this bunch of fantastic friends!

Gear notes: D700, 24-70/2.8G, 85/1.8D

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Summertime

Last Thursday brought me into the heart of Brussels, for an fun teambuilding afternoon and a nice evening with a great team. The Grand Place looked already invaded with the usual flow of visiting tourists, partying youngsters and other typical summer species.

Brussels is truly Europe’s capital, and enjoys many visitors from beyond as well. But I could hardly miss this clear and bold statement of Belgian enthusiasm!

Not to dismiss Brussels’ thriving cosmopolitan atmosphere, we ended our day with a plentiful (over)dose of Basque pinxtos.

For me, it doesn’t need to get better than that… Thanks Anja, Jo and the whole wild bunch!

Gear notes: D300, 18-70DX

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Generations IV

With this episode of my ‘family saga’, we have arrived at a period that I have witnessed personally.

Being a son of a professional photographer means, among other things, that you discover the wonders of processing and printing well before you learn to read and write. That’s me below, about 20 months old, sitting next to the developer tray in my father’s darkroom (see previous post).


I have spent countless sitting around there, or some place nearby, fascinated by the images that appeared magically as the prints were developing… It took many more years before I was allowed to step in and perform the magic tricks all by myself! 

But I have fond memories of all the times (mostly in the evenings or nights) that I worked side by side with my father, helping out with big or urgent orders, learning not only the ‘how to’ but also the ‘why to’ step by step.


Fast forward nine years, bringing us to 1965. Still no Photoshop then, so post-processing was done purely by hand. Not only negatives were retouched (at least when these were 4.5x6cm or larger) but also the final prints underwent close scrutiny. That’s another way how I remember my father patiently at work, in a well-lit corner of the living room (we had a glass ceiling bringing in nicely shaded daylight). See the loupe, the pencils and the brush? Our basic tools have not changed that much since!


Large format black&white prints became a big trend in industrial photography in those days, like the areal picture above. If I remember well, this one in reality was shot from the top of a fire engine ladder. Retouching the big ones just meant rearranging the living room for a few days.

As time went on and my skills improved, I was allowed to serve as an on-location assistant, and finally to go out and shoot events and weddings on my own.


How tough can the life of a commercial photographer get? I shot this picture from my father in the mid seventies. If you are hired to cover the local carnival festivities (here the official reception at City Hall of the reigning Prince and Princess) what else can you do but join in and play the part? 

Gear notes: long forgotten; Nikkormat FT for the last one

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Chess on the square

Amsterdam, on a rainy Saturday afternoon. I had some time to kill before an appointment, near the famous Leidseplein. I wandered around, camera at hand, but found the atmosphere spoiled by the steady traffic of weekend shoppers.

I went through a short passage and arrived at a quiet square, lined with shops and pubs. And so I arrived at a ‘scene’…

 

It’s not that unusual – at least in some countries – to discover a large chess set outdoors on the pavement, surrounded by a flock of players and spectators. But you don’t expect it just around the corner from one of Amsterdam’s busiest meeting areas.

The square is named after Max Euwe, the famous Dutch chess grandmaster, mathematician, and author, whose (small) statue overlooks the chessboard. He was the fifth player to become World Chess Champion, from 1935 to 1937.

My wait took me just long enough to enjoy the game, witness the finale (white won), and grab these couple of shots. In black and white, of course. What else would fit the noble game?

Gear notes: D300, 18-70DX

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Generations III

The family saga continues, time to start telling you about the second generation: my father. In May of 1945, at the age of 17, he left his hometown to start as an apprentice with my mother’s father (see earlier posts). For the next five busy years, he learned the tricks of the trade, passed the necessary exams, and along the way fell madly in love with the boss’ daughter…

July 1952: my father, with his precious Exakta camera

As early as 1949, he started a portrait photography activity  during the weekends he spent back home. Gradually, he built up what it took to run a ‘real’ business: a studio and a darkroom.

The darkroom, July 1951. On the very left: an enlarger and a heat press to apply gloss to photos. Against the wall just left of center: a contact printing frame for glass plates and sheet films

Hard to believe from today’s perspective, but there was no tap water available in that neighborhood until 1952. You just had to be ingenious to set up a makeshift negative rinsing installation!

By the early 1950’s, graduated and fully licensed, my father started to work full-time as independent ‘master photographer’. The family house became a photo store, and a new business was born! (And soon thereafter, so would I…)

Studio Ray’s storefront, April 1953

 Queuing for a passport shot, September 1954

During 1952-53, all Belgian citizens were obliged to renew their identity cards. As my hometown lies exactly on the virtual border between the Flemish and French speaking halves of the country, politics took its time, and it wasn’t until late 1954 that the action finally spread to that area. Meaning: all 30,000+ inhabitants were to be processed in just a couple of weeks! The sudden demand for passport pictures (shot on 6x9cm sheet film, each one hand retouched!) turned out to be a big boost for the young business.

To be continued…

Gear notes: long forgotten

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Generations II

I have blogged before about my grandfather, who worked as a professional photographer from the mid 1920’s until his retirement in the 1960’s. Digging into the family archives has revealed some more pictures from these early days.

This is my grandfather, proudly posing in front of his shop, in 1926. As you can see in the background, formal portraits made at all kinds of (family) occasions were big then.

A typical showcase of ‘portfolio’ portraits and various products for sale, from around 1936.

And this is how the shop looked from the inside, in the same period. This was the realm of my grandmother (at right), here assisting some customers that perhaps walked into the impromptu shooting session…

Just a few years later, my father would start his apprenticeship there. But that’s a story for another blog… (to be continued)

Gear notes: long forgotten

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In concert

My father-in-law, Ton de Leeuw, was one of the leading Dutch composers of the 20th century. Since he sadly passed away in 1996 his music publisher, Muziekcentrum Nederland, and the family have continued their efforts to keep his rich legacy alive.

Earlier this year, all attention went to his Complete Piano Solo Works, a total of 21 compositions. A new critical edition of the music score and a superb 2-CD recording were presented during a full-day of concerts at De Doelen in Rotterdam. I had the opportunity to attend and document the whole event.

Setting up for the concert and video registration

Pianist René Eckhardt in full concentration during warm-up

Looking at a problem with the page turner…

… apparently with success!

A warm applause, after a job well done!

Gear notes: D700, 17-35/2.8, 70-200VR, 24-70/2.8

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Generations I

My grandfather (my mother’s father, to be precise) worked as a commercial photographer in an era where this occupation was not only unusual but also well respected. From what I learned, his professional training was thoroughly artistic (including learning to draw and paint), but left him with enough technical knowledge to experiment with chemistry. Later he would work closely with Gevaert – a major manufacturer of photographic products – for field trials of new plates, films and papers. A true beta tester!

And here’s a view of his first photo studio, same period. On the top floor of the house of course: no way around using natural light in those days! Hence the big skylight overhead, with (look closely at the full-size picture) strips of black curtain to model the flow of light. Behind the curtain at left, a large and bright side window. Notice the intricate backdrop which, I heard, was just one of the available scenes, painted by himself. Add chairs and various props. And last but not least: the large view camera on its wooden pedestal. Ah, those were the days!

The picture above was taken in his basement darkroom, around 1926. He had just set up his shop and studio in Sint-Amandsberg (near Gent), his home base for many years to come. Quite a stylish portrait, most likely made by one of his study friends.

Many years later, my father would arrive there as a young boy, start an apprenticeship and eventually become a professional photographer as well. He first learned all there was to learn, and then fell in love with the daughter.

The rest is (my) history…

Gear notes: long forgotten

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Life along the streets: Brussels

You don't have to travel far to observe the daily life going on around you. Just grab your camera and take a walk along the streets. Or whenever you are on the go on another shooting occasion: keep an eye to what's happening left, right and behind you.

Some people will be very busy and hardly notice you, others are taking a break and enjoy a moment of peaceful rest. Spot them, and don't miss placing them in context when taking the shot. Respect their privacy: make eye contact, get a silent approval to take the picture, and if in doubt walk up to them and ask for permission. You will be rarely disappointed.

It always amazes me how simple street scenes take on that special character when shot in black and white. For one part it might be that this treatment helps reducing the picture to its very essence. But I am also convinced that some of it comes from our 'visual education' through classical photojournalism.

Anyhow, take advantage of these photo opportunities that are free and ready for you to grab. I for one love the creative boost that comes with them.

Gear notes: D700, 28-200G, 24-70/2.8

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Life along the street: India

I discovered India on another one of my extended business trips. I must admit that it was a deep and lasting experience. I have become very fond of this complex, disturbing and nevertheless fascinating country - if that notion really applies to such a large subcontinent with so many rich cultures and traditions! The first thing any Western visitor will notice is how people from different beliefs live with and amongst each other, at least seemingly with mutual respect and without aggression. That certainly adds to the colorful and spiritual diversity of the nation.

What no one of us can grasp in just a few visits - if ever at all - is how a society with such a wide range from absolute poverty to relative wealth can stick together and get along reasonably well... Look at the above picture: one would guess that the man reading his newspaper, briefcase on the table before him, and the guys having a friendly conversation on the platform behind him belong to completely different worlds. And yet, they share the same spot in the shade, under an overpass...

Life for most is tough in India, with long working days for those lucky enough to have a job. This bike-cab driver takes a quick nap in between rides at the side of the busy main street, not far from the Red Fort in Delhi.

And yet, this India is so full of hope! The people are friendly, positive, eager to build towards a better life. I shot the picture on a coach ride along the coastline near Chennai. This scene of mothers and children, looking out into the sea, for me summarized that longing for a better future. What were they really dreaming of? I wish they might live to see it!

Gear notes: D300, 18-200VR

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Summer in the city

September 1st marks the traditional end of the summer. School is on again, and most people are back from holidays. Antwerp celebrated the last days of August with plenty of sun and fun. And everyone ventured out for the last bits of summer laziness...

Scattered throughout the city, there were some festivities to close the vacation and tourist season. On that Sunday, a crane took up a platform some 50 meters above the streets for an unusual view on the Town Hall, the Schelde river and (out of frame) on the Cathedral. Too bad you were not allowed to get closer to the railings or even to move up or around...

This last image summarizes it all: time to grab that final moment of rest before the 'normal' madness resumes!

Gear notes: D700, 85/1.8D, 28-200G, 50/1.8

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