Book: Buffalo NY Silo City

There is a new book out with a limited run on the 10 years photographers were allowed to photograph what is called: "Silo City" in Buffalo NY.


Spearheaded by photographer Mark Maio with permission from the property's owner, Mark ran photo workshops for 10 years before the complex was sold to developers.

The abandoned warehouses and silos are extensive. I attended a workshop in 2016 and, after an orientation and safety walkthrough, we were let loose to photograph as we wished for two days.

The book publishes many photographs from workshop participants over the 10 years it ran in really first-rate reproductions. It also gives us the history of the silos and the role they played in bringing the grain harvested in the American midwest on its journey through the Great Lakes and on to the rest of the world

The book was just published in a limited run, catering to the 40 or so photographers that have their work in it. But there is talk of another run. Interested?

I suggest you approach Mark directly at: 

mark@markmaio.com 

and ask to be put on the list for a copy from the next printing.

This is a superb book and deserves wide exposure.

This last one is from the Buffalo Water Works which was a site we were given access  to on the last day of our workshop.

Topics: Color,Black and White,Digital,Northeast

Permalink | Posted March 1, 2023

Vivian Maier

Just finished a session on "The Crit House" with Lou Jones discussing the work of Vivian Maier.

It is here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-uEPvkoKnc


Topics: Commentary

Permalink | Posted February 10, 2023

The Stream


Shot in the spring 2019, they are photographs from a stream on Martha's Vineyard. The stream would appear after it rained, running down the beach to the ocean in Aquinnah from a pond inland. It would run for a few days, dwindle to just a trickle, stop, then start again after the next rain storm. 

I just finished making the prints in February 2023. 

The photographs are now on the site:  https://nealrantoul.com/projects/the-stream

Why photograph it?

Because it was magic.

Comments welcome. 

Topics: Color,Digital,Northeast

Permalink | Posted February 6, 2023

JANUARY

Ah January. Today: cold, windy, raw, low 30s, cloudy. Inside the studio? Perfect. Got Spotify cranking out Beth Orton and Mark Kozelek. Hot coffee. Just last week printing a bunch of prints for a local gallery that looked but will not take them as it is paintings only. Free now to get back into a tabletop project using a light tent for the first time.

Longing for summer and it's only the first month of winter. (Here my daughter Maru, her daughter Skye, friends from Toronto Gail and Hall hanging out on the steps taking pictures.)

At any rate, I am here studio bound happily wiling away the hours shooting and printing, feeling blessed I don't have to be outdoors

I can only wish the same for you. Doing what you love, working on some files, a respite from chores or appointments that take forever, a deep contentment and satisfaction too. Remember the same in darkroom days, long hours making prints, no phone, no distractions, just that pervasive red light, water running, the smell of stop bath and fixer. White light turned on to look at the print, most often going  back to the enlarger to make another one, adjusting something. Requiring patience and acceptance. 

There is something to be said for the doing. Actually doing the work to make it all pull together, shooting, working the files or the negatives, making a print and maybe another and maybe even another,

I just switched Sonys from the A7R MK IV to the A7R MK V. Too soon to say anything except that it got bigger and heavier, 723 grams. No longer a lightweight. With the Sigma 24-70mm f 2.8 on it there's no way I want to walk down the street with this over my shoulder.

Update: Well it is now early February and 17 degrees F outside and going down tonight to below zero. Oh boy. 

My small show at the Acton Senior Center a success and coming down next week. I  am giving a gallery talk on Wednesday, February 8 at 2 pm if you're local.

Thoughts on the new Sony (A7R V) now that I've had some time with it. Each iteration of these cameras have been worthwhile upgrades and this is no exception. I spent some time with David at Hunt Photo going over its settings and I am very grateful for his time and expertise. I honestly don't think anyone can manage the menus on these cameras without help. Speaks to the perversity of photographing these days with present-day equipment. Yes, impressive results but what a mess setting them up.

The camera is, of course, amazing and I am getting files that are very very good. To really get its quality I fear more time will be spent with it on a tripod, claims of improved IBIS notwithstanding.

To all readers in cold climes: Spring will come. We will be outdoors. It will be good.


Topics: Commentary

Permalink | Posted February 3, 2023

Show Opening

My "Retirement Show" opens this coming Tuesday, January 10 from 4:30-6:30 at the Acton Senior Center. Landscape photographs from the years since I retired in 2012.

Too long since we've met face to face. I hope to see you then! 

Notice in the January "What Will You Remember": https://www.whatwillyouremember.com/best-photo-picks-january-2023-boston-and-new-england/

Topics: Shows Coming up

Permalink | Posted January 6, 2023