As we await the opening of this very cool new edition to the landscape of Photography in Los Angeles on March 27th, 2009, they are few things we can show you.
However, below are 2 views the artists rendering of the interior space.
Check that lens iris ceiling.

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[photopress:MOPLA_logo_home.jpg,full,alignright] Time to book your tickets to LA for photography, again.
Between this space, the Getty Museum, LACMA, Month of Photography in LA, the numerous high quality photo galleries, some of the best light in the world, and the weather.
Yep, lots of good reasons to take a trip.

We’ll keep you updated on the Annenberg Space for Photography as the opening gets closer.

Tonight, the stars will be seen by million of people around the world, whether they are nominated for an Oscar or not.
But before they get to their seats, before the cameras zoom into their faces to catch the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat, they will run the gauntlet of the Red Carpet.
As journalists from around the globe vie for that perfect, telling shot of the famous, all done up to show off their best, everyone hopes for that unguarded moment. The gaff, the slip, or maybe just Gary Busey being inappropriate.
The facials, the wardrobe stylists, the jewelers, the make-up artists, the publicist will all contribute to the movement down the line of microphones, video cameras and photographers.
But we’re all about the photographers here. They are our stars.
One of the best in the business is Frazer Harrison, who met with us to show you what it takes to get those shots.
Remember that name, as you will most likely see it on the credit line of a number of the best photographs coming from the penultimate award show of the movie industry.

And remember, we have a ton of videos for you in a high quality format on the Video Shorts page.

Sure, the concept of paparazzi was popularized in the days of La Dolce Vita.
Yes, celebrities have always been sought after for exclusive personal photos, although never to the extent the paps go after them now. Celebrity magazines have been around since…..well, since Hollywood began.

We’re not back that far (yet) but only to the 70’s.
Brad Elterman was a teenage shooter, finding his way into every cool scene, when there were not many others covering la vida loca.
From his photos of the Ramones, to Bob Dylan, and most of the rockers of the period, he had access to them all.
There were no uploads. There were no email deliveries.
He did the work. Souped the film, made the prints, delivered the goods. And became his subjects friends. Most of the time.

(Check out that shot of Leif Garret and a very young Nicolette Sheridan on the video still frame below. BUT click on it to see the full video)

Now Brad was working in a time when he may have been considered a photojournalist more than a paparazzi.
Today the pap term has connotations for the general public that are pretty negative. Although there are some symbiotic relationships between PR folks and the shooters (how else do they know who is leaving the hairdressers or grocery stores unless a publicist tips them. I mean, really.)
Quite the contrary in Brads case. He was more often invited in and asked to photograph those seeking a little fame.

Tomorrow we’ll highlight the Red Carpet, and the photographers that work under the pressure, in about a 2 ft space, huddled with the rest of the media, getting those shots of celebrities, everyone wants.
What were they wearing, anyway?

That’s right. This week we have 2 great goodies to give away.
You have let us know how much you admire this photographer and the work she does.
And what better way to truly understand what goes into her work, than these 2 items.
Here’s what we’ve said about them in previous postings: At Work, and “Life Through A Lens”

The book Annie Leibovitz at Work
,

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“The first thing I did with my very first camera was climb Mt. Fuji. Climbing Mt. Fuji is a lesson in determination and moderation. It would be fair to ask if I took the moderation part to heart. But it certainly was a lesson in respecting your camera. If I was going to live with this thing, I was going to have to think about what that meant. There were not going to be any pictures without it.”
—Annie Leibovitz

In this book “Annie Leibovitz describes how her pictures were made, starting with Richard Nixon’s resignation, a story she covered with Hunter S. Thompson, and ending with Barack Obama’s campaign. In between are a Rolling Stones Tour, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, The Blues Brothers, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Keith Haring, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Patti Smith, George W. Bush, William S. Burroughs, Kate Moss and Queen Elizabeth. The most celebrated photographer of our time discusses portraiture, reportage, fashion photography, lighting, and digital cameras”

and the DVD Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens

[photopress:51yETWNUJRL_1._SL500_AA240_.jpg,full,alignright] “Annie Leibovitz: Life Through a Lens traces the arc of Annie’s photographic life, her aspirations to artistry and the trajectory of her career. The film depicts the various phases that shaped her life including childhood, the tumultuous sixties, her transition from Rolling Stone to Vanity Fair magazine and later her most significant personal relationships including motherhood. The documentary’s highlights center on interviews with her most famous subjects, mentors and colleagues, along with personal insight from Leibovitz herself, to reveal the evolution of inarguably one of today’s most influential visual artists.”

And we know there are a lot of newcomers (thank you) to the site and they may be wondering how they can get these cool deals for free.

Just like this:
Continue Reading »

There is an incredible French restaurant in Santa Monica called “Michaels”
Located just off the promenade, this spot has been a classic mainstay in Los Angeles, renown for outstanding culinary delights, with Michael McCarty as your host.
We were invited to an exhibit of photographs there, opening tonight.
Who knew that this excellent restaurant had an exhibit space.
Who knew that with black and white silver prints by Willa and David Mamet would tell stories, simply and elegantly.

[photopress:willa1.jpg,full,centered] © Willa Mamet

David Mamet is one of Americas greatest playwrights, and you could see the stories hinted at in his images. Stylish black and white scenes of a wintry New England, especially one titled” End of the Day”, as 2 hunters trudge through the snow, perhaps done for the day.

But it was the work of Willa that kept drawing us closer, as we checked the numbered pin next to the photo with the accompanying list of titles and artist.
Every shot that made us stop, was hers.

[photopress:willa2.jpg,full,centered]© Willa Mamet

[photopress:willa3.jpg,full,centered] © Willa Mamet

It seems the simplicity in her photographs, reflects the simplicity in her shooting style: Leica, 50mm Summicron lens, personally printed in a wet darkroom. She shoots with the same speed film, and knows it well.
Even the thought of color, seemed to make her wince a bit. As long as she can create the image from the beginning to the end, it’s a happy thing.
Just that simple.

[photopress:willa4.jpg,full,centered] © Willa Mamet

[photopress:willalast.jpg,full,centered] Willa in front of one of our favorite shots of the exhibit.

[photopress:dwx.jpg,full,centered] Willa and David Mamet

It was a full crowd tonight, and thanks to the superb restaurant on the ground floor, the appetizers were of the highest caliber. No cheese cubes at this opening.
Simply delicious.
Who knew.

Photographs of Vermont by Willa and David Mamet
February 18th – May 18th, 2009
Michael’s Restaurant
1147 Third Street
Santa Monica, California
90403