Last week while at the Getty, we were inspired by the Edward Weston exhibit. BUT there is a another show there in the same space.

[photopress:delahaye_rally_x.jpg,full,centered]
© Luc Delahaye
March 12, 2006. In Minsk, Belarus, a rally for the opposition candidate Alexander Milinkevich during the presidential election campaign.

Luc Delahaye
French, negative, March 12, 2006; print, 2007
Digital chromogenic print
181.9 x 247.3 cm (71 5/8 x 97 3/8 in.)
EX.2007.6.9
Promised gift of Michael and Jane Wilson

After walking from the overwhelming number of imagery prints of Weston, there were the massive prints of Luc Delahaye, with a lot fewer prints. Interesting combo of a show.

However the smaller selection did prove a point. That size does matter.

From the site:”Initiated in 2001, this series of large-scale photographs features significant recent events ranging from political demonstrations to natural disasters and evidence of war and genocides. While these subjects are known through the media, Delahaye’s images propose a different view of them.”

And that is the link between the two exhibits. An exploration of the ordinary with a more studied look to import the weight of the situation/people or object.

No comparisons here.Different visions. But the power of these large images belied the taking of them.
Many times while looking at an exhibit, I’ll first let the visceral power of the image overtake me. or not. Then I look for the photographers perspective, imagining the situation or placement of the shooter to subject. It’s a fun exploration.

Kind of the same reason behind watching a movie twice. First time to let it wash over you and let it entertain. The second viewing lets you look at it for the craft, artistry, nuances that may have been missed.

OK, all of that said, one of the things that struck me was the fact that M. Delehaye’s photos were all done with a medium or large format camera. As we explore all of our digital tools and understand the best way to use them, these larger negative are truly a perfect starting point.

You can still work in Photoshop with a scan of the larger neg. there are plenty of pro labs that will get you what you need.

Also, last week a mid-summer cleaning began with a disposal of the outdated film sitting the fridge. All 120.(medium format) Still have the camera and lenses. TMI?
However in the midst of the clean-up, what did I find? 4 rolls of good, somewhat fresh Kodak 120 film.Expiration a year from now.Samples sent to me for a look/see.
Kismet.
So dusting off the medium format camera. OK,not dusting, the system has been in a case.
And shooting the 4 rolls .B&W and color.
Gulp.
Here comes the light meter.A little strange to be sure but jumping in.
Should be like riding a bike,right?

Where does your inspiration come from?
If you’d like to write a piece on what drives you to click the shutter, and share it with the readers here, let us know. 250-300 words and a photo would be great. Sned submission to [email protected]. You’ll get a byline,copyright, and a link to your site.

Anyway, if you are in the Los Angeles area between now and Nov. 25th, you have to make it up to the Getty for these 2 exhibits.
Heck, I’m going back and this time getting the headset with more info, too.

Cheers!
Damon Webster