So, the end of another entertaining year and the beginning of what will hopefully be a better one. The last five or six years have been a pretty wild ride haven’t they! They certainly have been in the United States, but also all over the world. As bad as things have been here with ongoing challenges to our democracy, and more it could be much worse. How about waking up every morning in Ukraine, or in Afghanistan, especially if you’re a woman?

What will 2023 bring? Who the hell knows? So, what can we do as individuals? Continue to be aware and be ready to make a difference in any way we can … in small ways or large. Here, the beginning of the 2024 election cycle is about ready to start and already we have the former occupant of the White House running. With any luck, the creep won’t get very far, bogged down in a myriad of legal and other issues.

I’ve written in previous New Year’s entries that we live in strange and challenging times. That hasn’t changed! Along with family, my dog Sparky, and the values and beliefs I hold dear, my photographic life and all the things that are part of it – especially the friends I have made – are what matter most to me. As bad as things have been here in America, our lives are pretty damn good. Just turn on the news and see how much worse things could be! The worst is to sit around and become creatively paralyzed because of all the insanity. Better to think about all there is to be grateful for and get out there and photograph, or do something photographically! I continue to be resolved not to let the bastards get me down, to do what I can to make some kind of difference and continue to “live a photographic life”. That’s what I decided to do in 2022 and I’m rededicating myself to the same in 2023. I mean, really, what choice do I have?

What choices do any of us really have? Well actually we do have choices, but the other ones are useless copouts.  If you became a photo bozo in 2022, weighed down by the all the bad politics, the economy, the damn virus and all the other crap, don’t be one in 2023. Okay?

So there!

Best wishes for a happy, healthy new year filled with creativity, meaning and purpose.

Stay safe,

Michael

I’ve written several entries on Vivian Maier and then on another previously unknown great photographer, Jack Sharp. I’ve thought about all the other world class photographers out there making important images that will most likely never be seen by most of us, let alone get the rightful recognition they deserve … either because showing their work did not matter to them or they just weren’t recognized for the greatness they had. I’ve had the good fortune to come to know a number of world class photographers that most will never know about; they work primarily because of their passion and a rage to do what they love. My guess is that there’s a treasure trove of work out there waiting to be discovered. I hope it will be! Meanwhile though, we get bogged down by the dreck that’s out there masquerading for high art.

So how many Vivian Maiers and Jack Sharps are out there … past and present, waiting to be discovered or rediscovered?  The short answer is we will never know, but I know I will be inspired by their work and their passion for what they deeply love/loved wherever they are. Just this past week my neighbor saved an article from the NY Times he thought I would enjoy. It was all about another newly discovered/rediscovered black and white film photographer. Yet another Vivian Maier and Jack Sharp!  For all of you that know about this, yes, I’m behind the power curve on this one, but better late than never! The newest find is Zaharia Cusnir and I highly recommend you check out the December 12th NY Times story here https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/19/world/europe/photographer-moldova-soviet-cusnir.html.

Cusnir is yet another example of an individual that lived a complete photographic life out of sheer passion, and that passion drove him to do great work with the simplest of tools that most would sneer at today. He developed his film and created his prints in a small bedroom in his tiny house. One can only imagine his darkroom equipment! Born in 1912 and living in what was once the Kingdom of Romania, but was annexed and became part of the Soviet Union and is now Moldova, Cusnir photographed life around him primarily during the Fifties and Sixties. He was completely unknown, except to those who lived around him. He died in 1993, but it wasn’t until 2016 that 4,000 of his negatives were discovered by accident when a few of them fell through a hole in the ceiling of his old home and were discovered by a student researching to do a film documentary of the village he had lived in. They were hidden in the attic were Cusnir stored them prior to his death … and the rest as they say is history. Now there are shows throughout Europe, one coming up in the US and perhaps a tabletop book.

I’m grateful and frankly humbled by this important discovery, and beginning to think there will be more such discoveries/rediscoveries in the years to come as more and more people are tuned into what they are finding. Like Maier, and Diane Arbus, Cusnir used nothing more than a simple twin lens reflex camera, but in this case, it was not a mighty Rolleiflex, but rather a cheap and crude pre-World War II Soviet made Lubitel.  Maybe that is why his work is so good. One camera, one lens, always the same, and not the best quality. Because that was all Cusnir had access to or could afford, he was forced to learn how to get the very most out of it and force it to enable him to bring his wonderful vision to fruition. All of this while living in a repressive and stultifying society that was post World War II Eastern Europe.

For these reasons alone, he may be a more impressive a figure than the other new discoveries and is a lesson on what can be achieved if you deeply love what you’re doing and are completely dedicated to the fulfillment of your vision, no matter what the struggle or are.

The photographic world is a better place because of Zaharia Cusnir.

Stay well,

Michael

Thankfully I’m pretty much feeling back to my normal self. That having been said, I am aware that danger still lurks as we continue to deal with the trifecta of Covid, flu and the RSV virus. But wait, it’s that time of the year again … The Holidays. And yes, it’s another time to think long and hard about what we should be thankful for. Actually I think about that every day, but there is something about this time of the year that is different … at least for me. For one thing my business slows down. Basically, between Thanksgiving week and the first week of the new year there isn’t much going on in the consulting world. Most working people would dread that. Money stops coming in and you don’t have a lot to do … that is if you don’t have stuff to do … like photography!

So, my holiday season is a bit longer. Okay, this means less cash, but I have more time on my hands to do things that are meaningful to me. And that doesn’t include binging on Netflix or Hulu! Unfortunately, this year’s holiday season got off to a bad start with Covid and now I am spending a good chunk of time taking care of my wife post-surgery; schlepping her around, and doing a lot of things she routinely does that I’m pretty much oblivious to or take for granted.

No matter, because the holidays are a great time to make some time to get out there and photograph! There’s always something going on that could be photographically interesting. For example, the other day one of my neighbors mentioned there was going to be a public celebration of the first night of Chanukah with a ceremonial menorah lighting in downtown Doylestown where I live. Neato torpedo … this fits in well with a project I am working on! And like that on Sunday the weather cooperated, sunny and brisk; I grabbed my Leica M3 and 50mm Summicron lens and off I went. I had a lot of fun working my way in close to the little kids spinning dreidels, eating jelly donuts and just having fun. I know I looked funny to the parents holding onto their dreadnaught size DSLRs with the mega long zoom lenses, but no matter, maybe I got a keeper.

So, I hope to spend a nice portion of my holiday time living a photographic life, whether its making photographs, being in the darkroom, working with my Monalog Collective colleagues on projects and shows we have coming up, or just reading, studying and thinking about my avocation.

Look, I know everyone is busy, especially during this time of the year with all sorts of things that don’t remotely have anything to do with photography. But the holiday time comes and goes with a blink of the eye, and before you know it you are back to the grind. So, find some time, even if it’s just a little time, to spend on your photography. No pressure … make some pictures, or don’t. There is plenty else you can do. When was the last time you straightened up your darkroom (you know you’ve been meaning to do that for years!)? Then there are those pesky negatives sitting on your enlarging bench you need to develop. What about setting out some goals for the new year?

Whatever it is you do, have fun, and do live a photographic life, if only for a little while.

Happy holidays and stay well,

Michael

Yes, I finally got it! Covid-19. And here’s the thing … I’m not sure what makes me feel worse about it, that I have it and am dealing with the symptoms, or the fact that despite my best efforts for nearly three years I got it and was diagnosed the morning I was to bring my wife home from the hospital after a knee replacement. Thank goodness for my daughter and friends that cared and offered to help, as I have been in quarantine. My doctor proscribed Paxlovid for me. The good news is that it is supposed to make things go better and faster. The bad news is the side effects, including the possibility of “rebound Covid”. Oh, that’s something to look forward to! Not sure what’s been worse, the loss the of taste from the virus or non-stop metallic taste in my mouth from the medicine. I’m almost back to normal but can nod off at any time… just like I did for the last five minutes!

Ok, enough whining. Is there a silver lining here? I think there is. All this down time has allowed me to think a bit. Hey, I turned sixty-eight two months ago and it’s time to set or reset priorities … focus only on the things that really matter, that provide great meaning and purpose in life. Simplify and really drill down. Revise the gameplan, make adjustments, and change day to day SOPs if necessary. Sounds like I know what I’m talking about doesn’t it!

Look, it’s been a charming little career. I’ve been lucky to work for myself for most of the last thirty years and only work on things I view as important or entertaining. And when I worked for others, every job was created for me. No bad. While I’ll continue to work for at least a little bit longer I’ll do my best to focus on maximizing the effort in as time efficient manner as possible. Work less and have more time for family (including Sparky), friends, my photography, my serious music/audiophile hobby and discovery of other things that will enrich my life or make me a better person. Now that’s a plan! But here’s the thing. it’s great to rededicate myself. Congratulations. Now I’ve got to deliver!  That means real life goals and objectives worth striving for that are hopefully obtainable and measurable in some meaningful way. Some may be easy and take only a short time, others may take years. That’s all right, I’ll have the time if it’s used wisely. Note to self: It better be; the older I get the faster time seems go by!

Here’s some things I want to do. One thing I’ve recently reconfirmed is how much I enjoy teaching. I’ll continue to try to find opportunities to pay forward my photographic knowledge, especially to young people. Another is to build and make the most of friendships I’ve made from writing these weekly entries and through the Monalog Collective. And here’s something else! I’m going to seriously reduce receiving and sending text messages, especially where it concerns family or friends!  In other words, those I care about. Hey, I know this isn’t quite at the cosmic level, but I am convinced as I march on towards the finish line that it’s increasingly important to actually speak to the people you love and care about instead of merely communicating via disembodied snippets on your phone. Go ahead … call me a luddite. I can take it!

There, I think this is a good start. I’m going to give it my all. Is there really any other choice?

There, I feel better already!

Stay well,

Michael

As you know I don’t print large; I’ve only made one or two 11 x14 size prints in my entire photographic life! I’ve gone on and on about what seems to be more and more in vogue at galleries and even museums … large prints of mediocre subject matter. But then I recently saw and wrote about the fantastic William Klein show at the International Center for Photography in New York and Klein’s quite large prints. His oversized and grainy images didn’t seem to bother me … probably because of their incredible content!

What’s the story here … what’s going on? Nothing actually. I really haven’t changed my mind about how I feel about obnoxiously large prints of junk pictures. It continues to bother me when I come across them, except on those rare occasions when it works. Think Klein and Ansel Adams … two styles and subject focus that couldn’t be more worlds apart, yet it works well for both of them.

So, what got me on this latest rant against large size junk?  I was reading an entry from Tim Vanderweert’s outrageously stupendous Leicaphilia website and came across this:

“Just because you can make a print big doesn’t mean it gains anything in the process; in fact, more often smaller prints have a more pronounced effect. Georges Fevre, HCB’s printer, used to say “if you can’t make them good, make them big!” George rarely printed larger than 8×12. That seemed to work out alright.”

Damn, I couldn’t say it any better! Tim’s a great photographer and a wonderfully amusing writer. When you finish reading this do yourself a favor and check out Leicaphilia at www.leicaphilia.com!!! Not only are big prints of bad stuff bad, but big prints of good stuff don’t necessarily benefit from the extra real estate either … again, unless they happen to be made by someone like Klein or Adams.

All the above caused me to think again about a show I saw a number of years ago at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. Featuring the work of a number of photographers, its single most stunning feature were twenty-five black and white 4×5 contact prints by Minor White.  These little jewels were portraits of two of his close friends coupled with pictures of favorite landscapes they had visited. Seeing these beauties convinced me of the power and ability of smaller prints to draw in the viewer – if, of course the images are powerful themselves.

So, there you have it. Small prints of good subject matter. Enough said.

Stay well,

Michael

Sitting down on Thanksgiving and waiting for the family to arrive, I started to think about a day several months ago, when I visited Curt Rowell in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, about an hour or so from where I live.  Curt had signed up to attend Monalogfest earlier in the year. When we had to cancel the event due to some unforeseen circumstances Curt and I agreed that we would get together at his place. One of the reasons I wanted to go, beyond that it was nearby a county fair I wanted to photograph was that Curt told me he was converting his newly purchased home into a living and working spaced dedicated completely to fine art photography. This I had to see!  The only other residence I have ever seen like this is owned by Monalog member, fine are photographer and printer extraordinaire, David Haas, who lives in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Curt has had an interesting life to say the least. After a long career in photography, notably as a professional printer for top photographers in New York he became heavily involved in environmental issues and moved to the Easton, Pennsylvania, where he assumed management of the Easton Urban Farm. Now retired, his life is fully dedicated to his large format black and white … and yes … color dye transfer photography. No matter to me, his work is amazing!

While the house was still a work in progress when I visited, it was exciting to see and hear from Curt what his plans were. A wonderful dark room outfitted with 4 X 5 and 8 X 10 enlargers, a fully outfitted work room for mounting and matting prints, several studio areas and the pièce de resistance … an in-home gallery to show his work!!  Damn!

So, here is a person who lives a photographic life to the nth degree! So does David Haas. When David walks out of his bedroom, he just strolls into his very large and incredibly equipped darkroom! David earns his living from that darkroom, sales of his prints and his teaching of photography at Moravian College.  His avocation is his vocation … lucky man indeed! As best I can tell, Curt is pretty much “retired”. He just happens to be obsessed with his photography.

Can most people live in homes completely dedicated to their obsession and craft? Not likely. But we can look at Curt and David and be inspired by their dedication to what they love so much and apply it to our own lives and work. That’s my takeaway and it contributes to what I aspire to in my photographic life. To have such a photographic life is a special thing to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving Day!

Stay well and best wishes to you and yours,

Michael

When I founded the Monalog Collective with five other photographers we agreed that an important part of our mission would be to work with or mentor young people interested in black and white analog photography, materials and processes. We had been on the lookout for a good opportunity, and a really great one recently presented itself. At the end of January, we will be having a show at the beautiful gallery located on the Penn State Lehigh Valley campus. In my conversations with Ann Lalik, Gallery Director and Arts Coordinator we discussed her relationship with Nazareth Area High School and the strong photography program they have. Well, all right! Now you’re talking!  I was immediately put in touch with Nicole Stager, Photography and Design Teacher who runs the program. Both Ann and Nicole are highly talented dedicated artists and educators.  Their students are very lucky!

Nicki and I quickly agreed that Monalog members would provide some special classes and demonstrations for her students. So, I have now participated in two events at the high school, assisting other Monalog members and providing a little “color commentary” when appropriate. Other events will take place at the end of this month, December and into the new year, and I hope to teach an ongoing course during the spring. I can’t wait!!!

A couple of amazing things … first how dedicated Nicki is. Second how interested the students are in analog and third, how wonderful the photography space at Nazareth is!  I’m sure Nazareth is not a typical public high school; it has three darkrooms, a bunch of enlargers, camera equipment and a very good stock of supplies. How wonderful is that! More high schools need to do what Nazareth is doing. Darkroom equipment can be had for nothing, or for a song if need be.

It’s amazing just how rewarding and enjoyable an experience this has been and will most certainly continue to be.  I feel very lucky to have this chance and look for to other opportunities for Monalog and myself individually.

When I was a teenager, I didn’t have anyone to help me as I was getting started on my photographic journey. There was no high school program, no Internet. I mainly saw copies of Popular Photography and Modern Photography in the drugstore and finally subscribed to them after I realized I couldn’t retain all the information I wanted by just sneaking around and browsing them in the aisles. No wonder my skills weren’t that great for a while! Even though I had a darkroom in my parent’s basement by the time I was fifteen I didn’t get to take my first photography class until freshman year in college. These kids don’t have to wait that long. And here’s the thing … just a few pointers or constructive critiques can from someone(s) that know a thing or two can make a huge difference in a young person’s learning process and interest in analog photography.

So, what’s the point of all this? I feel privileged to be able to help, mentor and encourage students and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. I certainly wish I had someone(s) that had been there for me!

Is there an opportunity for you to be a mentor? Trust me, you will love it and the satisfaction is immense.

And think about this … the more people that take up black and white analog photography, the greater the chance the materials we all rely will continue to exist!  So how about paying what you know forward. You might just be helping a future Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson!

Stay well,

Michael

This past week I was contacted by someone that happened across this very website while doing a search regarding enlargers I had discussed.  After several email exchanges and the discovery that we live on opposite sides of the Atlantic … we decided to meet via Zoom on Sunday … and I am happy we did! As I’ve said before, I am convinced that it’s the personal relationships I make along the way that make things so special, and this experience becomes another part of my photographic life journey that keeps on growing.

Turns out we have a tremendous amount in common, from interest in photographic subjects to the choice of camera equipment and enlargers. Almost two and a half hours after we logged-on it was time to say goodbye, but honestly, I could have spent another two and a half hours talking since I was enjoying myself so much and learning a good bit too. We agreed to exchange more information by email and to get together again soon.

So, how good is that! A real high point of my week! And I see the opportunity for a new friendship, albeit a long distance one.  No matter.  Damn, purchasing the yearly Zoom membership just might be one of the best $139 I’ve spent!

Hey, an hour or so outside of London isn’t that far from Doylestown after all!

Stay safe,

Michael