Capturing two couples on a fall day. The couple to the right was generous enough to take a picture of the couple on the left in front of a beautiful view of a river passing through mountains.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
David Bacher
David Bacher is an international photographer. He has a professional background in commercial photography and is now working in the field of Photojournalism. Only recently have I become familiar with his photography and unique style of producing images. I am very pleased to have been introduced to his work and find his creativity to be very inspiring and compelling. Below is the link to his website.
A Friday night in Northampton
Friday night I spent a few hours in Northampton with two of my friends. One being a self proclaimed "hobbyist/armature" photographer and the other a very good friend whom I frequently photograph and use as a model. It was a very cold night. At one point I had gloves on while I held a frappaccino in one had my camera mounted on a tripod in the other hand. My two friends were draped in winter jackets. Some people found it odd that people would be dressed for cold weather on a night that the temperature hit nearly 30 degrees.
I am currently working on a project titled: The Northampton Project. For nearly two years I have been making photographs frequently and regularly in Northampton. Friday night I had a number of chances to explain my ideas and reasons for creating this project to people who were seemingly interested in us shooting. We were approached quite often. We were happy to talk to anyone who was interested in what we were doing. At one point we even met a photography student who was working on her second assignment for class. Eagerly people listened as we both explained our own reasons for why we were shooting. We received so much positive feed back from the people we met. These are a few of the reasons why my project took an exciting and positive leap forward. I have reached a high point in this project and look forward to expanding it even further. Thank you to everyone we met, photographed, and spoke with.
(Later in the week I will be posting some of the photographs my "hobbyist" friend shot)
Now here are some photographs from Friday night.
I am currently working on a project titled: The Northampton Project. For nearly two years I have been making photographs frequently and regularly in Northampton. Friday night I had a number of chances to explain my ideas and reasons for creating this project to people who were seemingly interested in us shooting. We were approached quite often. We were happy to talk to anyone who was interested in what we were doing. At one point we even met a photography student who was working on her second assignment for class. Eagerly people listened as we both explained our own reasons for why we were shooting. We received so much positive feed back from the people we met. These are a few of the reasons why my project took an exciting and positive leap forward. I have reached a high point in this project and look forward to expanding it even further. Thank you to everyone we met, photographed, and spoke with.
(Later in the week I will be posting some of the photographs my "hobbyist" friend shot)
Now here are some photographs from Friday night.
This is the only photograph I am going to comment on. If you passed the intersection of Main St
between 10pm-1230 am then chances are you stopped and let us photograph you while you were waiting at a red light. Here is a photo of the "hobbyist" initiating a photo opp with driver of a stopped car.
between 10pm-1230 am then chances are you stopped and let us photograph you while you were waiting at a red light. Here is a photo of the "hobbyist" initiating a photo opp with driver of a stopped car.
Mercy Hospital Part II
Friday evening I passed through the Mercy Hospital parking lot again for a very brief time to make a couple more photographs. Initially I went down there both days to photograph human emotion and the belief in faith. Here are a few photographs from my short time there.
Friday when I arrived there were more security guards and the presence of more police officers. They were keeping the crowd at a distance letting only a handful of people move forward to take pictures.
I found it interesting that she was standing there with her Iphone taking pictures of the crowd. So I made a photograph of her photographing the crowd.
Proudly singing her faith for everyone to hear.
I turned quickly and happened to see this woman saying a prayer. I found this to be a very beautiful moment of human faith. That is why I had photographed her.
This photograph shows a strong display of faith.
This is my last image of the series. A close up of a woman praying.
Friday when I arrived there were more security guards and the presence of more police officers. They were keeping the crowd at a distance letting only a handful of people move forward to take pictures.
I found it interesting that she was standing there with her Iphone taking pictures of the crowd. So I made a photograph of her photographing the crowd.
Proudly singing her faith for everyone to hear.
I turned quickly and happened to see this woman saying a prayer. I found this to be a very beautiful moment of human faith. That is why I had photographed her.
This photograph shows a strong display of faith.
This is my last image of the series. A close up of a woman praying.
One more thing...
It may appear that I am in active over the weekends. This is not true. I am usually out shooting. While I try and make 2-3 posts a day, this past weekend I left the page alone in order for people to view the Mercy Hospital photographs with out searching the entire blog.
Thank you for all the views and the positive feed back.
Jeffrey Byrnes
Thank you for all the views and the positive feed back.
Jeffrey Byrnes
Long Weekend
Its been a long weekend. I have been shooting non-stop since Friday evening. I will be posting photos from my Northampton Project all this week. As well as a few fashion shots I did today. I even have a few more photos from the Mercy Hospital Miracle. So make sure you check back in the next few hours.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Virgin Mary, Mercy Hospital
October 2, 2008 I made my way down the street towards Mercy Medical Center. The street was lined with cars. A police officer stood in the road directing traffic. I stopped briefly pulling my camera out to prepare myself for what I was about to see.
Every local News Station was present when I arrived at the parking lot that the Virgin Mary is visible from.
I saw a great number of people using their cell phones to record what they were seeing. Video cameras, film cameras, digital cameras and binoculars were also some of the tools people used to view the miracle.
Faith is what brought these people together to view the Virgin Mary. As I made my way through the crowd, people made small talk with me. I was questioned numerous times if it was real, can you see it?, should I believe this is real?, do you think it is real?, are just some of the questions people asked me. Most people that I spoke with wanted to believe in what they were seeing. Believing what they were seeing is a miracle that will offer them some sort of salvation from the stresses that they are coping with. One man asked if I could show him a close up photo of the window that the Virgin Mary can be seen in. Upon seeing this picture he immediately took belief in it. He pulled his shirt sleeve up past his elbow saying, I will never again do this. I looked down and saw his arm was riddled with self inflicted wounds. For some people this image of The Virgin Mary is a sign. For some it is a skeptical belief in an elaborate hoax.
As I stood in different places amongst the crowd, I could hear the ancient prayers of the Catholic religion being chanted.
I have a few photographs of this womans hands. She stood there with another woman reading a prayer out of her book.
A father giving his son a better view.
This man was using a pair of binoculars as a lens for his cell phone so he could record a video of the widow. He also used the binoculars as a way of making a photograph of the window.
This man was saying a prayer and happened to look over at me while I was focusing in on him. I am very happy that he looked over.
And here we have the window in which the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen. This is the best of many photographs I have of this window.
I have plenty more photographs that will be going up on October 3rd. Until then, I hope you remain faithful in your beliefs.
Every local News Station was present when I arrived at the parking lot that the Virgin Mary is visible from.
I saw a great number of people using their cell phones to record what they were seeing. Video cameras, film cameras, digital cameras and binoculars were also some of the tools people used to view the miracle.
Faith is what brought these people together to view the Virgin Mary. As I made my way through the crowd, people made small talk with me. I was questioned numerous times if it was real, can you see it?, should I believe this is real?, do you think it is real?, are just some of the questions people asked me. Most people that I spoke with wanted to believe in what they were seeing. Believing what they were seeing is a miracle that will offer them some sort of salvation from the stresses that they are coping with. One man asked if I could show him a close up photo of the window that the Virgin Mary can be seen in. Upon seeing this picture he immediately took belief in it. He pulled his shirt sleeve up past his elbow saying, I will never again do this. I looked down and saw his arm was riddled with self inflicted wounds. For some people this image of The Virgin Mary is a sign. For some it is a skeptical belief in an elaborate hoax.
As I stood in different places amongst the crowd, I could hear the ancient prayers of the Catholic religion being chanted.
I have a few photographs of this womans hands. She stood there with another woman reading a prayer out of her book.
A father giving his son a better view.
This man was using a pair of binoculars as a lens for his cell phone so he could record a video of the widow. He also used the binoculars as a way of making a photograph of the window.
This man was saying a prayer and happened to look over at me while I was focusing in on him. I am very happy that he looked over.
And here we have the window in which the Blessed Virgin Mary can be seen. This is the best of many photographs I have of this window.
I have plenty more photographs that will be going up on October 3rd. Until then, I hope you remain faithful in your beliefs.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Recently I have been asked by a few people what I would recommend for a a good digital camera. One conversation in particular at the beginning of the week as had led me to make this post and offer my opinion.
I am going to start by offering a few different options. First and for-most the type of camera you're going to purchase will be based on your needs. If you're looking for a simple camera that you wont be using all that often, but still have a need for a decent digital camera than I would suggest one of the following. These cameras are great for family parties, holiday gatherings, and a good camera to have for small subject matters. But, don't get me wrong, being a Nikon they will still produce a great picture not matter what you're shooting.
Nikon CoolPix Series starts with the S52 priced at a reasonable $249.oo This camera is anything but small. Home to 9 mega pixels and a 3x zoom lens (approx 38-114mm distance) this camera can be quite the little toy to have at a party.
This is Nikon's entry level point and shoot camera. I wont be covering every camera they have only the entry, mid-level, and top of the line model for each series.
Next up is the CoolPix S60. I mentioned this camera the other day, however it fits into what I am discussing here. The main feature of this camera is the new touch screen. Thats right you heard me a touch screen. This camera bosts 10 Mega pixels and has a 5x zoom lens. This little baby will set you back $349.00 which is a pretty good price for the type of technology this camera houses. This camera is so new I still cant find a picture of it to post. But, you can visit Nikonusa.com to see the camera and even purchase it.
And alas we get to the mac daddy of the Point and Shoot cameras by Nikon.
The CoolPix S710 is the top of the line model they have. Price at only a mere $379.00 this camera has 14.5 Mega pixels. A very high mega pixel rating for a point and shoot camera. It has a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom Nikkor Glass Lens. I am unable to find a picture of this camera also because it is new to the market.
Up next is the P series. These cameras are for the more creative. You have full control over exposure modes. From program to full manual you're in control of this camera. Ill start with the Nikon P50. The price is set at only $179.00 relatively low for a Nikon, but like I say dont let the price fool you. This camera has 8.1 mega pixels and a 3.6x optical wide-angel zoom Nikkor Glass
Lens. Up till now every camera I have discussed has a fixed lens. This is what separates the CoolPix S and P series from the D-SLR series I will soon discuss.
Here is the mid-range Nikon P80. Priced at $399.00This camera is awesome. 10 Mega pixels and a huge 18x optical wide-angel zoom Nikkor Lens makes this camera a great tool for anyone looking to get into photography and not worry about purchasing lenses. This camera has full and complete control of its settings. From Manual all the way down to shutter and aperture priority you have the ability to control this camera you're self. The Nikonusa.com site has a full list of options this baby comes with.
And finally we come to the grand daddy of the P series. The Nikon P6000. Priced at a generous $499.00 I gave this a small review a few days back, but like I said this camera falls into my post tonight. This camera is equipped with 13.5 mega pixels. A 4x Wide angle optical zoom Nikkor ED Glass Lens. This camera has a whole list of amazing features. Check the Nikonusa.com site for details.
Now we enter the D series. The D-SLR series is an impressive collection of cameras. This year Nikon introduced us to four amazing cameras. The D90, the D300, the D700 and the Top Pro Model the D3 which replaced the D2x.
The D series begins with the D40. It only has a mere 6.1 mega pixels. ($499.00) Any recommendation I would make for someone looking to enter into the D series I would suggest the D60.
Priced at $699.00 this camera is a great price for what it has to offer. The low price is great for people looking to begin shooting digital photography on a very serious level. It has all the settings needed to have complete control over the camera and offers you all the creativity you need when starting out. Home to 10.2 Mega pixels and an 18-55 mm f/3.5 VR Vibrant Reduction Lens. This camera is great for first time D-SLR users.
Next is the Mid-Level D80. This is my personal favorite. It is what I have been shooting with for the past year and a half. I love every minute of this camera. It has 10.2 mega pixels and when I bought it, they hadn't released the Vibrant Reduction Lens yet. The D80 when I purchased it ran me the the same price as the D90 with the vibrant reduction lens now.
The NEW D90 is an improvement and a step above the D80. Priced at $995.oo This camera has 12.3 mega pixels and comes packaged with an 18-114mm vibrant reduction lens. This camera has D movie mode. 24 fps HD with sound. Check Nikonusa.com for the complete list of details and features.
Next up are the D200, D300 (new) and the D700 (new) After that comes the Pro Model the D3. This is where I will end. I wrote this post to give people a feel for a few products that I stongly recommend beginning with. Or to have as an alternative to carrying around a much bigger D-SLR.
The holidays are quickly approaching, yes that is correct I made reference to the holidays coming up. I know a few people are shopping around for cameras as gifts. Unless the photographer you're shopping for has a need for anything above the D90, I would assume they would know what they are looking for. Plus anything above the D90 is valued at more than what the average consumer would pay for a gift. My hope is that this post gives you a little bit less stress when shopping for a camera. Enjoy and happy shooting.
I am going to start by offering a few different options. First and for-most the type of camera you're going to purchase will be based on your needs. If you're looking for a simple camera that you wont be using all that often, but still have a need for a decent digital camera than I would suggest one of the following. These cameras are great for family parties, holiday gatherings, and a good camera to have for small subject matters. But, don't get me wrong, being a Nikon they will still produce a great picture not matter what you're shooting.
Nikon CoolPix Series starts with the S52 priced at a reasonable $249.oo This camera is anything but small. Home to 9 mega pixels and a 3x zoom lens (approx 38-114mm distance) this camera can be quite the little toy to have at a party.
This is Nikon's entry level point and shoot camera. I wont be covering every camera they have only the entry, mid-level, and top of the line model for each series.Next up is the CoolPix S60. I mentioned this camera the other day, however it fits into what I am discussing here. The main feature of this camera is the new touch screen. Thats right you heard me a touch screen. This camera bosts 10 Mega pixels and has a 5x zoom lens. This little baby will set you back $349.00 which is a pretty good price for the type of technology this camera houses. This camera is so new I still cant find a picture of it to post. But, you can visit Nikonusa.com to see the camera and even purchase it.
And alas we get to the mac daddy of the Point and Shoot cameras by Nikon.
The CoolPix S710 is the top of the line model they have. Price at only a mere $379.00 this camera has 14.5 Mega pixels. A very high mega pixel rating for a point and shoot camera. It has a 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom Nikkor Glass Lens. I am unable to find a picture of this camera also because it is new to the market.
Up next is the P series. These cameras are for the more creative. You have full control over exposure modes. From program to full manual you're in control of this camera. Ill start with the Nikon P50. The price is set at only $179.00 relatively low for a Nikon, but like I say dont let the price fool you. This camera has 8.1 mega pixels and a 3.6x optical wide-angel zoom Nikkor Glass
Lens. Up till now every camera I have discussed has a fixed lens. This is what separates the CoolPix S and P series from the D-SLR series I will soon discuss.Here is the mid-range Nikon P80. Priced at $399.00This camera is awesome. 10 Mega pixels and a huge 18x optical wide-angel zoom Nikkor Lens makes this camera a great tool for anyone looking to get into photography and not worry about purchasing lenses. This camera has full and complete control of its settings. From Manual all the way down to shutter and aperture priority you have the ability to control this camera you're self. The Nikonusa.com site has a full list of options this baby comes with.
And finally we come to the grand daddy of the P series. The Nikon P6000. Priced at a generous $499.00 I gave this a small review a few days back, but like I said this camera falls into my post tonight. This camera is equipped with 13.5 mega pixels. A 4x Wide angle optical zoom Nikkor ED Glass Lens. This camera has a whole list of amazing features. Check the Nikonusa.com site for details.
Now we enter the D series. The D-SLR series is an impressive collection of cameras. This year Nikon introduced us to four amazing cameras. The D90, the D300, the D700 and the Top Pro Model the D3 which replaced the D2x.
The D series begins with the D40. It only has a mere 6.1 mega pixels. ($499.00) Any recommendation I would make for someone looking to enter into the D series I would suggest the D60.
Priced at $699.00 this camera is a great price for what it has to offer. The low price is great for people looking to begin shooting digital photography on a very serious level. It has all the settings needed to have complete control over the camera and offers you all the creativity you need when starting out. Home to 10.2 Mega pixels and an 18-55 mm f/3.5 VR Vibrant Reduction Lens. This camera is great for first time D-SLR users.
Next is the Mid-Level D80. This is my personal favorite. It is what I have been shooting with for the past year and a half. I love every minute of this camera. It has 10.2 mega pixels and when I bought it, they hadn't released the Vibrant Reduction Lens yet. The D80 when I purchased it ran me the the same price as the D90 with the vibrant reduction lens now.
The NEW D90 is an improvement and a step above the D80. Priced at $995.oo This camera has 12.3 mega pixels and comes packaged with an 18-114mm vibrant reduction lens. This camera has D movie mode. 24 fps HD with sound. Check Nikonusa.com for the complete list of details and features.
Next up are the D200, D300 (new) and the D700 (new) After that comes the Pro Model the D3. This is where I will end. I wrote this post to give people a feel for a few products that I stongly recommend beginning with. Or to have as an alternative to carrying around a much bigger D-SLR.
The holidays are quickly approaching, yes that is correct I made reference to the holidays coming up. I know a few people are shopping around for cameras as gifts. Unless the photographer you're shopping for has a need for anything above the D90, I would assume they would know what they are looking for. Plus anything above the D90 is valued at more than what the average consumer would pay for a gift. My hope is that this post gives you a little bit less stress when shopping for a camera. Enjoy and happy shooting.
On Exhibit
Amy Johnquest, Director of the Taber Art Gallery located in the Holyoke Community College library has put together yet another great exhibit. Rags To Riches an exhibit featuring the photographs of Sandy Noyes is on display till October 16th. Sandy's body of work is a tribute to the Parsons Paper Mill of Holyoke Ma. Parsons Paper Mill is a piece of Holyoke's rich history as the Paper City. His body of work was created using an 8x10 view camera and some seriously long exposures. His work is a beautiful display of the once thriving paper mill. Each photograph is a contact print from the massive 8x10 negative. Taking a close look at his photographs, you can see that there is great detail in each piece. Not a spot of grain in any of his photographs. Each one is a compositional masterpiece. The show is hung a themed appearance. A close inspection would show you that there is a pattern to the way Amy hung his work on the wall, making this one outstanding show. Not only did Sandy present his body of work, he also has guest speakers discuss the history of the mill and the major roll the Parson family had in the paper mill industry of Holyoke.
Pictured here from left to right is: Amy Johnquest, Penni Martorell, and Sandy Noyes
Sandy noted that with out the help of both Amy and Penni his outstanding show wouldn't have been possible. Penni is the curator of Holyoke Public Library's Holyoke History Room & Archive. Penni contributed some historical artifacts to Sandy's show. These can be viewed in the hall way next to the gallery as well as inside the gallery space.
Pictured here is Sandy Noyes (left) and Professor/Photographer Frank Ward (right). As Henri Carte Bresson would say, the decisive moment. Both photographers are looking at each other in an intense conversation about Sandy's work.
The Taber Art Gallery is located in the HCC Library on the second floor of the Donahue Building.
303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke MA
Pictured here from left to right is: Amy Johnquest, Penni Martorell, and Sandy Noyes
Sandy noted that with out the help of both Amy and Penni his outstanding show wouldn't have been possible. Penni is the curator of Holyoke Public Library's Holyoke History Room & Archive. Penni contributed some historical artifacts to Sandy's show. These can be viewed in the hall way next to the gallery as well as inside the gallery space.
Pictured here is Sandy Noyes (left) and Professor/Photographer Frank Ward (right). As Henri Carte Bresson would say, the decisive moment. Both photographers are looking at each other in an intense conversation about Sandy's work.
The Taber Art Gallery is located in the HCC Library on the second floor of the Donahue Building.
303 Homestead Ave, Holyoke MA
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