I feel as though these discussions are getting too far away from the basic overall point. Before we can get into semantics over terms like, 'easier' and 'cheaper' the major differences in how we are coming at this must be pointed out.

I do not believe that the act of shooting digitally and the act of shooting with a chemical (film) process can be easily interchanged at will.

Because of this, I inherently do not believe one can make an assumption about any one photographer who has gained fame (or not...we should all be so lucky) using one process to simply switch over and continue while using the alternative process. Some have made suggestions that famous photographers would been shooting digitally if it were available to them in their day. I can see the reasoning for this, as one would reasonably think that a photographer such as Ansel Adams, who had to lug pounds upon pounds of heavy equipment through forests and up mountains to get his shots, just to return home and fiddle around endlessly trying to get his perfectionist images to turn out just right in a darkroom, would very much enjoy the prospect of getting to his spots and making his photographs quicker and easier. But this reasoning and assuming would be neglecting the fact that Ansel Adams might have actually enjoyed the hardships presented to him by his overweight equipment and imperfect chemicals. This neglectful assuming is being used as a broad stroke across all photographers by individuals that have changed over to another means of production without seeing a difference. They assume that if they have switched and seen no difference in their image making, then others should be able to do the same. I have no issue with these people switching over, but I do have an issue with them supposing that one = everyone. Supposing that the way they personally look at taking photographs is the way we all look at taking photographs. When one is making these assumptions they are missing the bigger point. It is the act of making that has just as much value to some as the finished piece, and this act of making might be altered beyond an acceptable point by some who look at switching to a different means of photography.

Just as anything in life, there are many intangibles that are sometimes hard to pick out. There is no solid and easy answer as to why I personally enjoy the extra time and effort it takes to photograph with film, for example, but there are many little intangibles that can help to make up a better understanding of my views on photography. Some of the intangibles include: Not knowing if I have gotten the shot. Not knowing if I have already taken a similar shot half a dozen frames ago. The idea of a physical, framed piece of imagery that can be seen either in a solitary setting or in conjunction with its neighboring frames. Even the simple acts of loading/unloading film, winding film, and rewinding film after exposing half a roll just to load a different type of film for the next shot. To me these are all valid and valuable items that I correlate with film photography. They help me enjoy the act of making as well as the created photograph.

Is Cinema like Photography?

This NYT article mimics the discussion we are having with photography and the proliferation of digital devices. Very interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/magazine/23wwln-lede-t.html?_r=1&ref=movies


The more I read the more it becomes so obvious that all of the arts are connected, and can be easily compared to one another in their struggles and resistance to change.

Looking at Photographs

I visited my friend Tetsugo's studio last night and was amazed again by his work. His attention to detail makes you want to get as close as possible to the large prints and examine every little facet and texture. Then you back up and look at the larger image and are amazed at how well all the tiny details end up forming a wonderfully coherent composition.

The fun(ny) part of all this looking I was doing is that not once did I look at his work prints that were pinned to the wall as objects. So, as much as I may love the idea of creating objects out of my images, it never prohibits me from enjoying images for just what they visually represent. There may be the differences between object photographs and digital reproductions, but there are also differences between amazing works of art that are reproductions that you want to linger over, and digital reproductions that are meant to be glanced at.

I want to linger over photos more often than I get to these days...objects or not.

Object Photography & Digital Captures

What is so inherently wrong with looking at photography and creating photography as a physical object?

Why must the image and idea be sacrificed when the photographer explicitly spent time to emphasize the "object" of the piece?

I believe that one can view an object photograph for both its represented imagery and the beauty of its constructed form. I feel that it is more valuable to view an object photograph for its construction and for what it is showing in its imagery. By its fortune of being explicitly crafted and possibly selectively produced, the image helps to underwrite the idea that a photograph can (should?) be a timeless capture representing one specific moment in time that is never to be repeated. Does this not help photography in that it creates that specific moment that viewers cannot see elsewhere, over and over again, at any time of their choosing, with as much repetition as one desires? The viewer must recognize that this one representation they are viewing is possibly the only visual representation of that moment, and therefor must truly pause, look, analyze and enjoy.

The idea of digital photography indeed can help more people see more images faster and easier, without even the need to produce or own a print if not so desired, but it also helps to move the viewer along to the next image, and then the next image, and then the next image, in the process slowly removing the time spent viewing each image (think of all those internet slideshows that allow you the option of looking at each picture for 1, 3, or 5 full seconds before jumping to the next image). The whole point of creating still images is to produce something worth looking at and analyzing. The removal of photographs as objects in conjunction with the overabundance of digital images in fact acts against the inherent nature of photography (the capture of a specific moment). It becomes more about capturing anything and everything and less about looking at any one thing in particular.


I have been thinking about this...

What are your views?

New Photo Blog

Some friends and I have started a new photo blog...

http://photomedium.blogspot.com

The Photographic Medium

"The Photographic Medium is a forum designed to promote the production and discussion of photography. The contributors to this dialogue will propose their own topics and contemplate others. This is a composite of its members talents and a venue for creative output and artistic theory."

Each week there will be an assignment handed out by one of the members. All members will create a photograph for the assignment, post it to the blog, and contribute to the public critique of all the photos. I encourage anyone with an interest to add their input to the critiques and help us push forward with this sort of 'group motivation.'

Work is alread up, check it out...Photo Medium

Update

Yes, I know, it has been a while. Things have been progressing slowly. Sorry to the people I have not been in contact with concerning the Photo House 144, but it looks as though it will be too difficult to continue with any shows because of my schedule and the fact that I am moving out of the city at the end of May. I have had to make a decision to either throw together a show with only limited participation/interest, or get my own stuff together and start actually creating the projects that keep flowing through my head. Getting the pen on the paper, if you will. So here I go getting the pen on the paper...

One Night Art Show in NJ

Hey, last minute notice...


Please join me and other artists for one night of art on display at the Exposure Gallery in Colingswood, NJ this Saturday from 4-9pm.

Exposure Gallery
559 Haddon Avenue
Collingswood, NJ 08108
Phone: 856-854-7557


Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

The Photo House 144 Submission Guidelines

The Photo House 144 submission guidelines:

• E-mail files at 72 dpi resolution with a reasonable height and width for on-screen viewing (8 to 10" for example).
  



• No limit on number of images that can be submitted



• A separate title list with size of actual image, finished framed size, price and title for each piece



• That is it...seriously. I don't any money to look at work, and I don't want a bunch of overbearing requirements for artists to send in their work. I just want to look at a bunch of photographs and see which ones fit best within the space.

I am taking submissions now for the next two shows, with the cut off for sending in work as follows...

The Salon show in February : Submissions must be received by December 21, 2007

The Photographs as Objects show in May: Submissions must be received by March 28, 2008

Please don't hesitate to leave comments or e-mail me directly ( derek@dwillm.com ) with any questions...

Thanks.

Derek

Getting the work out there...

New work on display...



http://www.photo.net/photos/dwillm

Power Lines : Horizontal Combo #01

Submissions

The Photo House 144 is now accepting submissions for the following exhibitions:

A Salon of Photographic Artists - February 2008
A traditional approach to the medium, involving any chemically-involved process.


Small & Delicate: Photographs as Objects - May 2008
A focus on smaller photographs that can be seen as desired keepsakes.


For more information, or to submit work, e-mail me at:
derek@dwillm.com

Opening Night

The Photo House 144 is having its opening night exhibition this Friday, October 5, 2007 from 5-9pm. Join us for a celebration of new work by three outstanding local photographic artists:

Nicolas Gannon
Athena Petra Tasiopoulos
Drew Henry Tolbert



The Photo House 144

144 Sigel Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

derek@dwillm.com

The Photo House 144

Greetings...

So, it appears as though the opening gallery exhibition for The Photo House 144 will be delayed until Friday, October 5, 2007. I know the original date was for this Friday, Sept 7th, but my being away in Vermont for the summer on a photo job prevented the September show from occurring. Please accept my apologies for the late news, but I was fighting the deadline and trying to have the show remain on this coming weekend.

Mark your calender (this time in ink) for FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2007

The Photo House 144 presents the photographic work of:

Noemi Armstrong
Nicolas Gannon
Athena Petra Tasiopoulos
Drew Henry Tolbert

In a special, one-night-only display of artwork, accompanied by a limited number of handmade Photo House 144: Gallery Books, which include reproductions of the artists' displayed work as well as commentaries and writings by contemporary artists.

Please join us for this special event of art...

Derek William McGregor & The Photo House 144

Delays, Neglect, Worries, and a Gallery back on track!

OK, so, apologies for the weeks of neglect to the blog and gallery, but rest assured that it was never far out of mind and it has always been my intention to carry on with the opening of my house as a gallery space. The pressure was mounting for a June opening until I dreadfully realized that the optimism I had was not shared by the realistic nature of setting up a gallery. So I put it off. Here now is the actual-probably never going to be changed-dates for The Photo House 144...


Friday, September 7, 2007 - Grand Opening Reception
"Young Photographers I Know"

Friday, February 1, 2008 - "A Salon of Photographic Artists"

Friday, May 2, 2008 - "Small & Delicate: Photographs as Objects"


Unfortunately these three shows will probably round out The Photo House 144's existence. I will most likely be moving next June and will have to close up shop on 144, but not to fear dear friends, as plans are underway for a lifetime of staring at photographs with the hopefully not-far-off opening of The Photo House : Gallery & Cafe. With the location TBA, it has already been decided that this indeed must be the course I follow (much more info on The Gallery & Cafe in the future). So these three photo exhibitions at 144 will be the major focus for the next 11 months, and I would be eternally grateful for any and all submissions and assistance in setting them up.

The Photo House 144 specifics:

- All shows run for one night only on the dates announced from 6-9pm
- Light refreshments will be served (I will not be serving alcohol, feel free to byo)
- A 10% commission on all artwork sold (A low fee because I too am an artist and although commissions are not fun, it is being run as a real gallery and must be seen as such)
- There will be limited copies of The Photo House 144 Gallery Book available for sale on the night of the opening (If demand is there, I might be persuaded to have a second run of books made immediately following the exhibition)
- There will be a "Casual Corner" wall space for any fun or unique photographs brought by visitors ( 144's version of a guest book)



The Photo House 144

To be seen as representing those artists utilizing photography who's images showcase strong individual sentiments. Whether in process, craft, or storytelling, the artists represented by 144 put forth their own photographic vision.

"For the improvements of ages have had little influence on the essential laws of man's existence; as our skeletons, probably, are not to be distinguished from those of our ancestors."

-H.D. Thoreau excerpt From Walden

Soon

Good news from the Photo House 144 front...the selected artists for display at the inaugural show will be announced soon!

*We are still in a real need for artists to represent and showcase in future exhibitions, so please continue to send work samples to:

144@dwillm.com

D. William McGregor
The Photo House 144
144 Sigel Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Also still looking for writings and opinion articles on the photographic arts for the Gallery Book to be published in conjunction with the Photo House opening night. Musings on contemporary photography(positive or negative) strongly encouraged.

Stay tuned for the exhibiting artists list and the opening show title and theme...

Gallery Opening Moving Along

Today I have published the Call For Entries in the Philadelphia Craigslist's Artist Community in hopes of drawing more responses. Please don't hesitate to help get the word out, or submit work yourself at...

144@dwillm.com

D.William McGregor
The Photo House 144
144 Sigel Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19148

Get in at the beginning. The Photo House 144 does not want or pretend to be the next great fad of gallery openings, instead it wants to remain secured in the wide world of the photographic arts. Insisting on highly talented and visually astute artists who believe in utilizing the camera to profess their own sense of individuality, 144 wants not just great photographs, but great minds behind the photographs. The Gallery is designed to help construct a community of individuals intrigued not in the commercial world of art, but in how the arts fit into our society, and the important philosophical implications of what we make and how we make it. 144 is not about selling art and over-promoting the, "Next Big Thing," it is about the creators of art, the relationship they have to their own work, and how everything attempts to fit into this world and make it (at least visually) more appealing.

Call For Entries

The Photo House 144 is now officially looking for interested artists with interesting work. With the opening show for 144 being held in early June (hopefully), we are looking for entries to review ASAP. You may submit any photographic work done in any format with any theme or focus. As the gallery develops more specific requirements will probably be addressed, but for now, entries can be sent as digital files (of reasonable size for viewing on screen) or through the mail as slides or even small work prints. The only necessary accompaniment to the images is specific details about the final prints (dimensions, technique, etc.) and some sort of art statement regarding the project and your process for creating the images. The more writing the better.

Also calling for entries for The Photo House 144 Gallery Book. This will be the quarterly-published handmade book accompanying each gallery opening. The Gallery Book will have reproductions of the images on display as well as essays and statements about photography and the arts, and will be available for purchase at the gallery. ***There is not a pressing need for writers interested in submitting to the Gallery Book to be photographers. Anyone with a strong interest in the photographic arts is encouraged to submit essays of varying length to be included alongside the images.

Further details about specific requirements and 144's opening night will be announced later. Feel free to contact me with any questions regarding the submission process or with volunteer help for the space and/or book. Additionally, any ideas and thoughts on small scale book production would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...

Derek William McGregor

The Photo House 144
144 Sigel Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148

144@dwillm.com

The Photo House 144

"The Photo House 144 is a small space dedicated to the representation and discussion of photography's place in the art world. Focusing on not only the shown images, but also the process of creation, 144 showcases a wide range of photographic imagery that has the immediate feel of an individual artist. With strong sentiments given towards process, craftsmanship, and a unique and individual vision, 144 looks to represent photographers who are in love with the medium as a creative personal outlet.

In the same way a painter's body of work defines that artist, a photographer's collection of images should not only be visually appealing for the subjects and their meanings, but also should together create and define an artist."

Two Points

O.K., with the last couple of posts, beneath the jargon and free-thinking writing style (which seems to make sense to myself alone) there were two main points that I have been trying to iron out:

1. Photography can and should be looked at for its individual handmade craftsmanship. Meaning, the photograph should be viewed as a physical object created by an artist, in the same way one regards a painter’s canvas.

2. When one looks at a photograph they should be intrigued by the creation process as well as the subject matter.


The point of trying to figure out these two aspects of photography is, I guess, to try and push the medium more into the art world. When I look at these two ideas I can’t help but see them as part of a process to create an artist out of a photographer. If someone utilizes both of these thoughts, his images must be looked at not only for their represented intrigue, but also for the representation of an artist. A sense of an individual, a specific hand, and hopefully, originality, will come through for the photographer, and he can then concern himself with the taking and making of wonderful images. Maybe this will mean the term artist can be applied more comfortably.