Pole vaulter Lawrence Johnson, Penn Relays, Philadelphia 2002
Photograph by David Burnett, Contact Press Images
Last resort of the sleep-deprived blogger: Don't write anything, don't shoot anything. Let the masters speak for themselves.
David Burnett and Eugene Richards spoke to an energized audience at the Navy Memorial last night. Here are a few paraphrased excerpts.
David Burnett in front of the big screen
Photograph by James Kegley
David Burnett:
Photography is a ticket to see things--that's part of the rush.
[Of going to Vietnam in 1970.] That's when I first swallowed the skepticism Kool-Aid, and it's influenced my dealings with officials ever since.
[On how perceptions and visual styles evolve.] Don't throw away your negatives, you never know when something will get better than it was.
[Upon hearing the photographer next to him clicking away as he's trying to focus his large-format camera.] Don't be greedy, just get one that's good.
I see some of my students walking in loaded down with equipment. But when I ask them to send me pictures, very few do. It's groovy to have all these cameras, but it doesn't mean anything unless you actually shoot pictures.
The jury's still out on whether the non-film generation will be the most visually literate in history, or whether they will have holes in their visual understanding. One thing they're missing is that stomach-wrenching doubt which was such a strong influence on us. They should just try shooting film again, see what that feels like.
After 40 years, I've found a new way to shoot. Large format has been a rejuvenation for me. Different cameras let you see things in a different way.
Make your own life your first assignment. It's easy to go somewhere exotic, but to stay here you have to reach much deeper into yourself.
A woman once introduced me as "the guy who walks into a room and disappears," which I thought was the coolest intro. There are guys who grab a story by the lapels and dance it around the room, but we're not them. [Looking at Eugene.]
David Burnett and Eugene Richards at the ASMP DC event
Photograph by James Kegley
Eugene Richards:
[On how his career came about.] It was all an accident. I was working on long-term projects when I couldn't find a job. And meanwhile we all need that wonderful person who doesn't tolerate whining. [Referring to his wife.....]
After shooting the war in Beirut, I went on to shoot in emergency rooms. People were disturbed, they thought it was so bloody, but I was euphoric. Here were people actually trying to save lives.
[Of young photographers.] I see more and more people trying to be someone else. And it's easier now to imitate with these tools we have. There's a redundancy of vision.
You have to assess yourself and know who you are. I'm not like David. I wander around, and daydream. I wouldn't be good for news assignments--the news would all be gone by the time I got there.
[Of entering a new situation on assignment.] You're the last person anybody needs. Never falsify, always be clear that you're a photographer. Don't let them think you're going to be their new best friend.
Any skill I have is to be quiet, because everybody wants to tell their story.
Near Wildrose, North Dakota, January, 2006
Photograph by Eugene Richards
Related Links:
www.eugenerichards.com
www.davidburnett.com
contactpressimages.com
The Olympics You Didn't See (video by David Burnett)
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FotoWeek at a Glance for Friday, November 21:
Lunchtime lectures to be held at the Discovery Communications headquarters during FotoWeek DC: Alison Wright
DATE: 11/21/2008
WHEN: 12:00PM - 1:00PM
WHERE: Discovery Communications Headquarters
One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
View Google Map >>
Email: pam_huling@discovery.com
corporate.discovery.com/our-company/locations
Alison Wright, travel & documentary photographer, www.alisonwright.com
COST: Space is limited to the first 100 people to respond for each event.
Click here here to RSVP to pam_huling@discovery.com. Admission is free of charge and lunch will be provided.
A slide show presentation of the work of Bob McNeely
DATE: 11/21/2008
WHEN: 5:00PM
WHERE: Zone Zero, LLC
1000 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20007
View Google Map >>
Tel: 202.333.4450
www.zonezerophoto.com
COST: Free
-------------------------Lecture: National Geographic Photographer Ed Kashi - Near and Far: A Photographer's Journey
An NGLive! Event
DATE: 11/21/2008
WHEN: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE: National Geographic Society Headquarters
Grosvenor Auditorium
1600 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
View Google Map >>
COST: Tickets required: $15-18, through National Geographic, 202.857.7700
-------------------------Lecture and Presentation "A Life in Photography" - Joyce Tenneson
DATE: 11/21/2008
WHEN: 7:00PM - 9:00PM
WHERE: Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts)
155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, MD 20850
View Google Map >>
Tel: 301.315.8200
www.visartscenter.org
COST: Free - Registration required, Tel: 301-315-8200, www.visartscenter.org
