You had to be there
This was originally published in my Prime Lenses Newsletter. You can sign-up for a weekly update to your inbox here.
Bil Brown said something on the podcast a couple of months back that has stayed with me. He pointed out that photography is the one art form where the person had to be there to make the art. It’s pointless sitting at home waiting for inspiration to strike, chances are that your subject isn’t there.
This week, I came down to London for a couple of days. The excuse for the trip was an evening event I was invited to which left my days open to arrange to catch up with friends and former guests, and absorb some culture. Seeing Tom Oldham in person was a particular joy, and while absorbing culture I also stopped in at a gallery called Hope93 which is showing work by Misan Harriman in glorious, large black and white prints. If you can, I highly recommend it, this is quality photography in volume, lovingly prepared for presentation. I had it on my list from an earlier trip; my previous attempt had been foiled by the fact that the gallery isn’t open on a Monday. This time, I was there on a Tuesday and on a whim, knowing that I’d be passing twice during the day, I decided to go in the morning instead of the afternoon.
This fluke meant I walked in just as Misan himself was starting to present the work to a group of students. A super helpful member of the gallery team said I was welcome to tag along so I did.
I spoke with Misan and some other folks who’d timed it well, we made pictures and I gave some Instax mini prints to them as keepsakes. It was lovely and I’ve been assured by the folks I photographed that they’ll buy me lunch next time I’m in town.
Making the podcast remotely is a gift. It’s great for guests as they can fit me into their day easily and it’s convenient for me as someone who insists on living in a woodland paradise north of The Wall, but it’s these kinds of interactions with people that come about because I have a camera in my hand that fire me up and keep me making things. I have always enjoyed variety, and as long as what I’m making is of a good quality and it’s fun then hopefully it’ll be fun to listen to.
How a Rangefinder works
I have been meaning to share this since I watched it, David Imel has made a rather great video about the new Leica M EV1. In his video he breaks down how the rangefinder in traditional cameras works. It’s really cool to see and I didn’t realise just how complex it was! In 2025, it turns out it’s A LOT easier to just have an EVF in there and be done with it. I’m not getting rid of my old fashioned M11 any time soon though.