Today’s image: Pinch Flat. Boulder, Colorado, 2013
The award winning photographer, Jay Maisal, has been around the block a few times and is still going strong. I identify with a lot of what he says (see his video interview link at end of this post) and have tremendous respect for his ability to pick out wonderful, beautiful, concise images from the chaotic daily scenes of life.
What do I like about him? I like that:
…he goes out to find images unprepared and with no agenda.
…his work, as he says, is all about “the joy of seeing.”
…he has huge feet–maybe size 14?
…he is in his eighties and still going strong.
…he doesn’t plan what he shoots…he looks for quality of LIGHT, GESTURE and COLOR. So any subject, however mundane, with these three qualities can make a beautiful photograph.
…he has an awesome 35,000-square foot mansion in Manhattan (bought in 1966 for $102,000) that covers six floors and 72 rooms. He has space for everything: exhibition galleries, post-processing, storage of prints, storage of photo props, even a room in which to shoot hoops (play basketball, that is, not photograph round things)!
…he resisted (as I did) the digital revolution until someone forced a digital camera into his hands 12 years ago. Now he fully embraces the technology–and no longer carries a literal suitcase load of film with him when he travels!
Miles Davis Album
If you are a jazz fan, you might remember this album cover. That is a Jay Maisal image.
Best Quote
“If you’re not scared that you’re gunna lose it [the image], it ain’t that great a picture.”
That is so true. How many times have you had the camera up to your eye, saying to yourself…dang, I hope that light holds out for just a couple of seconds longer…or, I hope that person holds that wonderful posture just long enough for me to get the shot…I think that’s what he means–you are scared, nervous and anxious that you’ll blow the fleeting and exceptional shot opportunity that is presenting itself.
It could also mean…if you aren’t afraid of accidentily erasing the digital file of an image you have stored then it isn’t a great shot.
Video Link
If you have 7 1/2 minutes to spare, I offer you a great video interview of Jay that is very much worth your time. You’ll hear Jay talk about his philosophy, watch him shoot hoops, and see the interior of his incredible “photography mansion.” Click here for the video and have fun!
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