D64: In the Presence of Greatness

Humbled. Captivated. Every ounce of pride and self stripped away. That was my experience as I walked through A Gallery on Chartres St. in New Orleans tonight.

I saw images that steal your breath and capture your imagination. I was a kid in a candy store, Charlie in Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, absolutely awe-struck by the intentional thought and delivery of images that leave you speechless. I could have stared for hours at a single image and there were so many that I could stay for a week and still not be able to soak it all in.

I definitely want to make a habit of visiting photography galleries like this one again. Perhaps in every town I visit. It was eye-opening. I felt like I was given a small glimpse into the history of photography that many “old school” photographers talk about preserving. I also understood at a minute level, the intensity and fervor behind preserving that history and the frustration (dare I say outrage) that young photographers would take on this profession with complete disregard for who and what has gone before.

I will definitely explore these ideas further starting with beginning to study the work of the masters I was introduced to tonight.

The following four images are mine from the alleyways to the gallery. Contrast was the theme of the night for sure. Each one holds a story. What I’d like to know is which story do you want to know the most? Which image speaks to you and why? I’d love to learn from you what strikes you, sparks a thought or emotion, so that I can learn in some small way to connect with my audience. Will you share your thoughts?

Manual: Page 17—Focus and Shoot. I reread this page because I was informed by Scott Bourne last night about the correct way to press the shutter button. It’s not a click, click, click action as I’ve been led to believe and have been doing. It’s a subtle roll to press the shutter. This prevents camera shake and motion. Now I must retrain myself to press the shutter. Such a basic skill, but you really don’t know what you don’t know. Did you know?

Images: Some of the highlights from the night were from the following artists—Elliott Erwitt, Yousuf Karsh, Edward Sheriff Curtis, Richard Sexton, Fonville Winans. Absolute favorite—Melvin Sokolsky. Along the way I also met Will Jax and Chris Williams whose images were displayed in the gallery as well. What a night!

Filed under Month 3: Nov '09, tasra365 challenge · Tagged with , , , , , , , Posted by Tasra Dawson on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 · View Comments 

  • Neither. They were actually a couple that were dressed to the nines. Their outfits were fantastic, but in the end I had to choose to keep the focus on the story I was trying to tell. Hard decision though.
  • Thanks for stopping by! Would love to have you join. The more people embarking on their own journey, the easier it becomes for everyone as the group goes stronger!
  • That is fantastic. Isn't it every photographers dream to hold their viewer captive, if even for just a moment?
  • I love that you got the feel of the 30s or 40s, that is definitely what I wanted as I was processing it. The truth is that the street itself is neither dangerous or safe, it's who is on that street at any given moment. It was definitely eye-opening!
  • You got the story I was thinking regarding the gate and the door. Who lived there? Where are they now? Has their life forever been altered? Questions that will remain unanswered and a door that may remain closed.
  • Wow. Thanks Shawn. I really appreciate that coming from you.
  • shawnreeder
    I Love this shot of Laura Beth Tasra. You are quite the shooter. Loving your work.
  • I imagine he is not showing his entire soul, which in this situation was okay with me. He actually asked me to take his photo and then posed for the camera. After 3 quick shots he came over and held us captive for a few moments as we feared what he would do if we tried to leave. From yelling at passers-by to getting in our faces, he was clearly hiding and fighting with each breath and movement. The experience made me want to put my camera away for the rest of the night and reminded me why I sometimes shy away from street photography.
  • Laura Beth! I'm grinning ear to ear. What a great story! I love that I captured your moment...an entirely different moment than what others may have guessed. Great legs! ;-)
  • Laura Beth Lott
    Hi Tasra! Feel free to delete this comment if you'd like to keep the mystery going but I'm the girl in the black and white photo. I work for Will Jacks and he showed me your blog. I have to say I'm very impressed by your talent and flattered that I was captured by your camera! I had a lot of fun reading the other comments. So to give a little back-story, Will and I (with the help of many of the other exhibiting photographers) had just hung the Contrast show in A Gallery that afternoon and went to dinner before the show. I arrived immediately after dinner and was completely overwhelmed by the turn out that I had to go outside and call a friend. So your shot was of me having my "Oh wow!" moment...I am, in fact, not a prostitute haha.
  • dslanius
    Though I am drawn to the black & white (one of my favorites to shoot myself) and also find the mystery in various aspects of it, I am also drawn to the last photo and am inspired to ask many questions about this one such as, who lives here? does anyone live here? what kind of life do they lead? why is there a gate & chains? I want to know more about what is behind the gate and the door of 213.......... Great Shots!
  • donlawler
    Hi Tasra. I love the legs photo. I can't make out the distant figures which makes me wonder who they are and what they're doing on that street. The legs and high heels make me wonder if the woman is a prostitute or a well dressed woman outside a nice establishment. The black and white gives the photo a feel of the 1930's or 40's. I can't tell if this is a "safe" street....or a dangerous place. My first impression was that the men in the dark were sailors on shore leave.
  • Love the b&w.; I find myself being drawn in and held there.
  • The first photo intrigues me the most, though the man looks like he is not showing his whole soul. He looks guarded. So I want to know why. I read a great quote yesterday from Steve McCurry. He said, "If you wait people will forget your camera and the soul will drift up into view."
  • dquatta
    Hello Tasra, I absolutely love your 365 project and hope to embark upon such a journey for myself. You're an inspiration to those of us who don't feel the as confident as we should. Thank you.


    Now as for the above photo that intrigues me. Like the post before me, the black/white photo harbors mystery and wonder about the happenings that go on in that alley. But I'm also curious about the caged door. What untold stories lay behind that door? Who has passed through that door as a character in the stories?



    Keep up the good work and continue inspiring us.



    Donna
  • kvoth
    I like the black and white photo. I've always like B&W;, and in this photo it makes me want to know, who's the woman sitting on the steps and why is she there? Also, who are the people on the sidewalk. Are they friend or foe? :)
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