Roger Ballen: Rock Star

With all the fluff its time to get a little meaty here on WTJ. We took in a number of the seminars yesterday. Aperture Presents: In Conversation Martin Parr and Erik Kessels was a treat with Kessels and his Dutch sense of humor stealing the show for me. Smart, funny, creative and the format allowed the boys to play out a well choreographed double act. We also saw Jan Banning who introduced his presentation of 'Bureucrats' by announcing that the subject matter was well boring and that his presentation was well boring too. Of course it wasn't boring at all. Well played sir ! Man its that dry Dutch humor again. One of Parrs big announcements was that like it or not the Dutch are coming. Expect to see a huge Dutch presence on the photo art scene. Don't forget where you read it first.

Jan Kempenears on the other hand is Belgian. The work is solid and he seems like a very cool bloke but man the presentation was actually boring. None of that extra dry Dutch humor here. Note to Jan we didn't really need to see pictures of how his exhibitions were hung in galleries. I know I know its all part of the big picture but still I had to walk out before the end.

So that leaves us with the surprise hit of the festival for me so far. And yes what as a surprise seeing it was the opening act and maybe 11.00am on a beautiful Spring morning is not when you want to be going to see a show and tell with the prince of darkness himself Roger Ballen but what the fuck I have been an avid fan and what with these media credentials I am access all areas.

I first saw Rogers work a few years ago when work from his Outland series was on display at the Gallery of Photography in Dublin. Probably 2002 or so. I was of course initially struck by the content but also by his framing; square, use of hard flash and the exquisite black and white tones.

These show and tells can be a bit painful after all we are photographers not performers per-se. Thankfully I have never had the opportunity to bore an audience to death with poor stage craft. No fear with Roger though, fuck me after a cursory round of thank you's to Kathy Ryan, the festival committee etc etc he unleashed the beast.

Ballen dropped his head, grabbed a microphone, changed the tone of his voice and started to stalk the stage as he embarked on a journey into the Shadow Chamber. Man was he good, rock star good. A monologue ala Spalding Grey. This wasn't a talk this was a fuckin performance

"Something perked up in side me and when something perks up inside me I got to do something about it" he said referring to the time he first spotted the structure in which the Shadow Chamber project takes place.

It was epic, one for the grand kids, it will be like where were you the day Roger Ballen took the stage at NYPH 08 ? Fuck man I was there. Wow what was it like fuckin magic like when I saw the Smiths back in 83 or 84. So if you missed it sorry the festival might just be all down hill after this.

Roger Ballen

And then the talks over and Roger is all back to normal; a nice middle aged man with a stripey jumper (sweater). Slightly schizo perhaps; might explain the work.

Hero worship

© Steve Pyke; Artane Boys Band, Dublin 1992

The thing for me at this festival so far hasn't been the work or the seminars but running into new and old friends. And then you meet a hero; someone who influenced you way back and actually had a hand somewhere along the line in you wanting to be a photographer.

Well last night we had such a chance encounter and hey it wasnt Martin Parr. You know kids there is a lesson in here and I am giving this one away for free. When you are out and about be sure to give your second name when introducing yourself. You know "Hi my name is Andrew" Well I could be any Andrew, right. Its a funny old thing the surname mention, it can open up some wonderful doors.

There we were out at a bar when Alison L Unterreiner from Esquire magazine introduced me to Steve from Leicester, England. No second name; can't even remember if I dropped the surname myself. A little chit chat ensued and don't ask me how it happened but it suddenly dawned on me that this was fuckin Steve Pyke. This guy was a huge influence on me starting out with one picture in particular having a lasting impression all these years. And what do you know a diamond geezer to boot.

London Calling: Part deux

So the fine folk at Blueyes Magazine have published part two of my London calling post with Chris Floyd. As I am sure you know by the now the original piece is pretty epic and its reposting has brought it to the attention of a new audience.

In the follow up we discuss the aftermath from the initial posting on the Jackanory. Yeah Chris is good damn good. Anyone who can use 'A Quantum Solace' the title of the upcoming James Bond movie in a sentence referring to the editorial trenches is genius in my book. Read it here and see for yourself.

Cheers Chris man I am lucky to have you as a friend and inspirator.

Last nights party . . . . NYPH 08 Vernissage

Jeff Mermelstein

So last night saw the kick off spectaclulare for NYPH 08 that was dubbed Vernissage aka opening at the powerHouse arena. Because of contractual obligations you will have to get yourself on over to foto 8 here (my post should be up in a bit) for a full run down on proceedings from the team.

We were on our best behaviour and didn't badger too many of the stars on hand. Perhaps we were feeling a little shy and overwhelmed but we will put ourselves in as many faces as possible over the next few days much to my therapists chagrin. Any special requests anyone ?

And in at number 10

So anyways the big PDN Photo Annual issue arrived in the mailbox last week. I didn't win anything so I wasn't in it or at least thats what I thought. I have to admit I wasn't so interested in all the upfront stuff; straight to the images to see the award winners and who made the grade. As I have mentioned before this is certainly a tough nut to crack and I have had no past success. Although I did think that this year I might have a chance and chose to submit one entry and put 'A Room With A View' up for consideration in the photo book category especially after its success over at American Photography a shoe in me thought. Alas though it was not to be for another year.

There we were at the celebratory bash the other night making the most of the free refreshments and reimbursing ourselves the cost of competition entry, damn did I pay the late fee hang on a sec get me another glass of champagne for my friend over here, better make it a double; when inspirator and award winner Eric Weeks asked had I seen the little write up I had received in the issue. No says I in embarrassment sure I only look at the pictures don't I.

So there you have it folks in an effort to make us all feel better PDN's editors and writers have compiled a list of the innovations, inspiring people, institutions and idiosyncrasies that make photography as rewarding and exciting as ever: 46 Reasons To Love Photography Now. And what do you know in at number 10: 'You Can Publish Your Own Bookstore-Quality Photo Book' we get a little mention. Nice one PDN I promise I will be more attentive to your written word in the future.

Last nights party . . . . PDN

We managed to get ourselves to last nights PDN Photo Annual Party (see winners gallery here) thanks to Anthony Georgis who brought us along as his + 1 for the evening, he was even sweet enough to have them make a name badge for me (above). Anthony was in town from Portland Oregon for the event and was a winner in the web section. It was a stellar event with an open bar and buffet; held for the second time at Bowery hotspot Capitale. As always it seemed to be over before it even got going, where does the time go ?

Anthony Georgis


We have to say the highlight of the evening was a chance last minute encounter with Chip Simons, yes the Chip Simons ! Those of you who were enraptured by his tale over on A Photo Editor will be happy to hear that he did make it to New York in one piece after all and is alive and well. Didn't get a chance to ask if he was working yet or not but no worries how about those cool fashions man, way to go Chip !

Chip Simons

There was as always an A-list crowd in attendance, spotted amongst the masses were: photo editors Laurie Kratochvil, Brenda Milis: Mens Health, Chris Ehrmann: Blender, Paul Moakley: Newsweek, Michelle Egizano: Spin, Katy Howe and Erica Beckman: Fortune Small Business, Jennifer Miller, David Carthas: The New York Times Magazine, photo reps Patrick Casey: Marge Casey, Bill Stockland: Stockland Martel, John Kenney: John Kenney &, Laura Reid & Jesi Bevi: Redux Pictures, Christina Cahill and Marcia Kebbon Orchard Represents, Megan Ziegler-Haynes: director of photography Photoshelter, Rachel Hulin: blogger Shoot! The Blog, photographers Lyndon Wade, Jonathan Torgovnik, Chris Mueller, Shannon Fagan, Benjamin Lowy, David S.Holloway, Vincent Laforet, Doug Menuez, Adam Krause, Dean Kaufman, Eric Weeks with wife and muse Stacy Renee Morrison, Shane Lavalette, Chase 'turn that frown upside down' Jarvis, Chris Buck, Russ Quakenbush, Michelle Pedone, gallerists Jen Bekman and Bill Hunt: Hasted Hunt, Darius Himes, Michael Costuros: Founder CCO Livebooks, Allegra Wilde: photo consultant and Eric Miles: director rare books and auctions Photo-eye.

Vincent Laforet

Chase Jarvis

Jonathan Torgovnik

Michelle Pedone

Chris Buck

Shannon Fagan

Eric Weeks

And in case you were wondering about the contents of the canvas tote gift bag ?


1- Photoserve :) pen

1- Nikon torch

3- AAA batteries for torch

1- PDN Photoplus Expo luggage tag

1- Copy Rare Birds by Amanda de Cadanet

1- Copy PDN May 2008 issue

Promotional literature from PDN, Photoshelter, Modernage and Livebooks

Guest blogging

I am excited to announce that I have been asked by the good folk over at Foto 8 to contribute to their daily blog coverage here of the New York Photo Festival. The promise of an access all areas press pass, free gargle and some loot was just too good to pass up.

So with that we will be on the ground in Dumbo for the 5 day duration and will partake in as much of the fun and frivolity as we can handle. Expect my daily report on all the happenings over there at Foto 8 with a little something something over here on the Jackanory. Hopefully we wont be all photod out by the end of this thing, might have to check myself into photo rehab when all is said and done. Anyways don't forget to say hello if you are out and about.

Fashion Friday

If you were as enamored as we were with the fist issue of New York Magazines fashtacular companion publication New York Look (review post here) fear not because issue 2 is here and lives up to all the promise of the inaugural issue. And what do you know those clever people at New York have kept with the winning formula and created another masterpiece with yet another masterclass in photo editing.

First time around it was Magnum photog Paolo Pellegrin who was responsible for almost the entire magazine; this time around its another Magnum alumn Christopher Anderson who gets a crack. Oh and yeah he turns in another tour de force hitting it out the park just as Pellegrin did. Anderson is all colour for this pairing and I have to say his talent really shines through. It all just looks so much better in the printed matter where it belongs not in a slideshow on the web so treat yourself if you can its breathtaking ! Makes you wonder what you could accomplish if handed the same brief and circumstance.

Whatever will become of Magnums own annual Fashion Magazine ? Which illustrious member of the cooperative do you think will get the green light for next seasons New York Look ?





Photos © Christopher Anderson

Heres to you New York Look and Christopher Anderson, nice one !

Lets get the party started

Well if you have been living under a rock you might be unaware of the photo fest happening in New York City next week. Yes the big one is finally here the inaugural New York Photo Festival: The Future of Contemporary Photography aka NYPH 08 and it kicks off in Dumbo on Wednesday the 14th and runs through Sunday the 18th.

What can we expect ? Who knows as this is the events first outing but it seems the essential ingredients are all in the pot. I won't bore you with all the details but go here for the schedule. Its not exactly free either so go here for the pricing structure and here to purchase tickets. It looks like $45 should get you into just about everything including the opening party on the 14th so that's not so bad over the 5 days although be sure to check the fine print as some of the events are limited by capacity.

The evenings are going to pretty jammed with happenings, some of which haven't made it on to the main calender. 'Various Photographs' the exhibit curated by Tim Barber of Tiny Vices is also holding an opening reception on the 14th from 7.00pm to 10.00pm at 70 Front Street. Good news is this event is free and open to the public. Expect this to be a mob scene, you have been warned.


I am pleased to say I will have one picture in the festival as part of Portraiture: An Exhibition by Getty Images one of the many satellite shows that will circumvent the main pavilions, full list here. There will be an artists reception on Thursday the 15th at 81 Front Street from 6.00pm - 8.00pm.

Also that evening there will be a giant book signing extravaganza over at the powerHouse arena from 9.00pm - 10.00pm. An hour seems like a ludicrously short amount of time considering the line up: Lili Almog, Roger Ballen, Juliana Beasley, Harry Benson, Kevin Bubriski, Julia Calfee, Vivian Cherry, Livia Corona, Valdir Cruz, Lalla Essaydi, Larry Fink, Brian Finke, Ron Galella, Stephen Gill, Arlene Gottfried, Christopher Griffith, John Gruen, Alice Harris, David Alan Harvey, Henry Horenstein, Ellen Jong, Leora Kahn, Seth Kushner & Anthony LaSala, Christopher LaMarca, Wassink Lundgren, Jeff Mermelstein, Slava Mogutin, Rachel Papo, Martin Parr, Nigel Parry, Mark Peterson, Thomas Roma, Steve Schapiro, Joachim Schmid, Jamel Shabazz, The Snorri Bros., Michael Spano, Peter Sutherland, Linda Troeller, Victor Vazquez, Veronique Vial, Nathaniel Welch, and David Yellen.

If you entered the festivals New York Photo Awards and haven't heard anything from the organizers yet you will have to try again next year. Looks like they have gone ahead and whittled down all the entrants into manageable groups. Full list of those nominees in the running here. And a ticket to the awards show on the Friday night gets you access to yet another party at the powerHouse arena right after.

Speaking of competitions/parties PDN are getting in on the weeks acivities as they will be hosting their annual Photo Annual party on Tuesday the 13th. Yeah sorry there too if you hadn't heard from them by now you didn't make the grade here either. This event is by invitation only and there is always a pretty strict door policy so if you didn't get the heads up you might want to save yourself any velvet rope embarrassment. In case you were wondering though its at the same venue as last year.


Dumbo residents VII Photo Agency have stretched their involvement and added another on site event to the offerings with a 3 day seminar 16th thru 18th including keynote speakers, show and tells with all the main players incl. Greenfield, Kratochvil, Ladefoged, Morris & Nachtwey, book signings, portfolio reviews etc etc. The price of this event is separate to the cost of admission to the main festival. Full details here.

Fuck I am worn out already just try to get my head around all the possibilities and permutations. I think my liver is just as concerned considering all the opportunities for liquid refreshment. Fingers crossed for some fine Spring weather especially with the organizers expecting 100,000 over the four days. Have a feeling most of the gatherings will be pretty chock a block so the streets might be the best bet for a little extra curricular mingling. Hopefully the event lives up to its potential and wont turn in to too much of a circle jerk. The Jackanory will be in situ throughout to keep an eye on proceedings, more to come on that Monday.

London Calling . . . . Blueeyes remix

I am delighted to announce that we have contributed a little something to the latest issue of Blueyes Magazine. The good folks there were enamored by my 'London Calling' post from a few months back. The piece a conversation on the state of the British Editorial market through the eyes of friend and inspirator Chris Floyd has been republished (with a new introduction) as part of the Document section here. Its well worth a read if you missed it first time around; not for my own mutterings but for Chris's incredibly eloquent and incisive commentary.

The post stirred up quite a bit of interest both here and in the U.K. Blueeyes will publish a companion piece next week where Chris and I discuss the reaction both positive and negative and clear up some of the misconceptions.

Will give you all the heads up when part two goes live.

Things to do tonight . . . . 8x10, Earth day & not your average Joel

Its not even Thursday and yet who would have thought we would have so many fine offerings so early in the week. Problem is choices are going to have to be made as scheduling dictates although I bet you could get in all three picks if you were so inclined.

Tuesday April 22


The camera club of New York - Lecture Series presents Richard Renaldi

7.00pm

School of Visual Arts Amphitheatre

209 East 23rd street, bet 2nd & 3rd ave

general admission $ 10.00 / $ 5.00 for students with ID

Richard Renaldi's environmental portraits and landscapes are a collection of photographs about the social makeup of our country and our world. The portraits he makes of ordinary strangers encountered at home and on the road begin a quiet documents of individual struggles and triumphs. However because of the breadth of his interests, Renaldi's pictures try to shed light on our collective reality. Carrying an 8x10 view camera, his favored tool, Renaldi travels widely, constantly scouting for the next person to 'cast' in his ever-evolving narration about the people and places in this city, across the US and around the world.

During the lecture Renaldi will present work from his various long-term projects followed by an informal book signing.



The powerHouse arena : Shifting Landscapes featuring the work of Olaf Otto Becker, Edward Burtynsky, Joshua Lutz, Christopher LaMarca, David Maisel and Simon Norfolk.

opening reception 6.00 - 9.00pm

37 Main street at Water street Dumbo





Joel Barhamand: Soft & Hard - 6 new photographs

opening reception 6.00 - 7.30pm

L'Asso

192 Mott street at Kenmare

Things to do tonight . . . heroin, childhood & a palace

Things have slowed down a little but hey its Thursday after all so here's tonight pick of the litter:


Jeff Olson: North Woods II

Opening reception

6.00 - 8.00 pm

Peter Hay Halpert Fine Art

511 West 25th Street, bet 10th & 11th ave

North Woods II is a series of large-scale photographs taken over the course of two years. Begun in the fall of 2005, the work explores life in an isolated area of New Hampshire that is representative of rural, small town America. Olson follows a select cast of young people, capturing moments of minor significance. Through his use of color and light, Olson infuses these images with a sense of emotional content that is more perceived than understood.

Olson's nostalgia and distinct connection to his past and its relationship to the multiple rural areas he was raised in are a constant presence in these pictures. He spent the substantial periods of his childhood documenting his consistently changing lifestyle as he moved around rural areas across the country. Working first with a camera he found when he was 8 years old (only to have it sold a year later), he received another camera four years later as a gift. These two cameras, one lost and the other a reclamation of the potential its predecessor suggested, enabled Olson to document what he saw on his journeys. His images reflect the solitude of his childhood experiences, as processed through a more mature eye. Courtesy Peter Ray Halpert Gallery

Robert Polidori: Versailles

Opening Reception

6.00 - 8.00pm

Edwynn Houk Gallery

745 Fifth Ave at 45th Street



Jessica Dimmock: The Ninth Floor

Opening Reception

6.00 - 8.00pm

Foley Gallery

547 West 27th Street, 5th Floor

Jessica Dimmock began photographing her series "The Ninth Floor" after being approached by a New York City drug dealer several years ago. She was in the midst of completing her degree at the International Center of Photography for Documentary Photography and Photojournalism. She became interested in photographing the dealer and his daily deliveries. One such stop was the ninth-floor of an elegant apartment building in New York's Flatiron district. For the next two and a half years Dimmock settled in as a long-term observer to candidly record the consumptive and consumed lives of nearly thirty heroin addicts in heir eroding, claustrophobic home.

"...the mood inside was muffled, slow, secretive and sick, becalmed by a septic hush," Dimmock recalls, and though her vivid portrait of that decaying place, with no light and duct-taped walls indeed silences its voyeur, it is her relentless documentation of the human lives struggling through and surviving addiction that impact upon us so profoundly.

Caught between the unaffected, objective nature of journalism and the heart-felt feelings for her subjects, Dimmock reflects how, "...the strange contradictions of this work are such that a mutual trust is built...but that very trust eventually undermines the arms-length neutrality of the documentarian."

A selection of more than forty chromogenic prints from Dimmock's series will be exhibited. The photographs lay bare the privacy and unmentionables of this three-bedroom apartment; its afflicted tenants silhouetting through smoke-clouds, wading in piles of waste, lampshades, bottles, cardboard boxes, and needles. Courtesy Foley Gallery

A Photo Editor on the APE promo

So now that the furore has died down a bit and Rob has worked out some of the initial glitches I asked an esteemed photo editor to give us her take on the APE promo slideshow.

In the interest of full disclosure the PE in this case is Brenda Milis of Mens Health magazine. I have worked with Brenda and she in turn worked with Rob during his tenure at Outside.

The Q+A took place yesterday and APE has since taken steps to improve thumbnail viewing, read here, and oh and he has now got himself a business partner so look out for some exciting developments soon at APEinc.

WTJ: What do you think about the APE promo slideshow / idea ?

BM: I think that it is a great resource for photo editors, yeah... as Rob says, it is a nice SUPPLEMENT to the other ways we PE's find photographers--nice way to find more people and remind ourselves who we've always liked.

As for slideshow itself-there's one big weakness (besides tiny thumbnails which I mention later): The photogs who are deep in the slideshow are at a definite disadvantage because those who will get the most exposure/seen the most are the ones with images towards the beginning. I'm sure it's something Rob has thought of and will rectify/fix in slideshows to come.

*I'd very much like to know how Rob decided to put these images in order because there are some very established photog's right up front-not having had time to look at all 297 images yet, I wonder if that continues throughout ?...don't recall seeing that info in his text/blog. random ? by preference ??

*I really like that Rob doesn't list the names of photogs upfront (at first I thought that would be dreadful, but I was soon won over!)---makes you actually look at the darn image without reading the name and therefore reading your own preconceived notions about the photographer into what you are seeing--good move, Mr. Haggart.

WTJ: As an editor you didn't have any Flickr shock anxiety ?

BM: Nope--Flickr does not make me anxious, though it can annoy me. Of course I don't like being annoyed but actually am much LESS annoyed than I expected to be. Those tiny thumbnails are bullshit, btw.

WTJ: What do you say to all those photographers who deemed this vehicle to be beneath them ?

BM: I understand their not wanting to be mixed up with the 'peanut gallery'---a lot of photographers HAVE spent years establishing themselves and getting work and building reputations and I understand them wanting to be more respected/feel that they are at a different level than a lot of the lesser-knowns, those newer to the game. That said, I DO like to see everyone side by side---it's refreshing especially since names aren't listed up-front.

WTJ: Did you look at the slideshow on APE or did you go to 'I Like These Photos' for the full screen version ?

BW: Absolutely--that's where you can use the manual controls and if you don't make the slideshow time to your own liking, I think you'd go mad !

WTJ: So you didn't look at all 297 photographers images ?

BM: Not yet and THAT is exactly the problem. While I PLAN to go back and look lots more, with the way a photo editor's day works---lots and lots of crises and interruptions of all sorts throughout--once you stop looking, you don't know when or even if you'll have time/focus to go back. I DO PLAN to go back.

I think I got through 35 or 40--it takes quite a bit of time, actually, because I am seeing lots of pictures I like and then I check the name and then I go to the individual website if I don't know the photog. and then I take time on their website.

So ultimately it will be a very time-consuming yet extremely valuable tool.

WTJ: Were you surprised to see some big names in the mix ?

BM: A bit, yes. But I reckon that's a tribute to APE's appeal / influence / reach in photo community

WTJ: Anyone you hadn't come across before that caught your eye with their one image ?

BM: Yes

WTJ: So you did you click on their website ?

BM: Yes

WTJ: Would/will you call in anyones book as a result ?

BM: Haven't decided yet--need time to re-visit.

WTJ: What are the chances someone (new talent especially) may get a job as a result of this exposure ?

BM: EXTREMELY HIGH.

WTJ: On a digression seeing as we have you on; the number of mailers you get on average in the post per day ?

BM: I prefer mailed promos over emailed because I'm guaranteed to LOOK at my mail whereas I might simply delete my emails if I'm overwhelmed. On average I get 5 per day.

WTJ: Percentage you huck in the bin ?

BM: I don't throw anything in the trash-I recycle, otherwise I'd die of agony over the waste of paper.

WTJ: Anything in particular you look for in a keeper ?

BM: Please always include more than one image on your promo--otherwise I will suspect you just got lucky and once took a great photo !

Also, if you have at least 2 (hopefully 3) images on your promo, it will give me a sense of your overall shooting style --so (a) I know what it is and (b) I know that YOU know what it is.

WTJ: Number of emailers you get on average in a day ?

BM: 5-15

WTJ: Do you open them if you don't recognize the address ?

BM: I try to force myself to open all of them--ends up being about 50%

WTJ: And on a closing note promotional pet hate ?

BM: I prefer for promos to not come in envelopes (waste of paper-I'm big on not wasting since we waste so much)-but it doesn't particularly annoy me. I love photos so I don't hold many grudges towards any...

Event reminder

If you are going to treat yourself to one photo event this week I strongly recommend getting along to Aperture tonight for Parsons The New School of Design Artists Lecture series featuring the great Stefan Ruiz. As an added bonus the venerable George Pitts will be in charge of proceedings.


I have been a long time fan of Ruiz and his work. The man is a massive talent that can do it all: portrait, landscape, celebrity, music, fashion, travel, advertising, editorial; and is without out a doubt one of the names atop any photo editors / art buyers wish list.


Ruiz was born in San Francisco, and studied painting and sculpture. He took up photography while in West Africa, documenting Islams influence on traditional West African art. He also taught art at San Quentin State Prison and was the Creative Director for Colors magazine from 2003-2004. You name a magazine and Stefan has shot for them. He has also brought his skill set to some memorable advertising campaigns for Caterpillar, Camper, Diesel and Air France.


I have only had the pleasure of meeting him once and his terrific book 'People' is a personal favorite. Its a mix of everything, straddling all the genres he effortlessly moves between. And I love the text in the back giving a little personal background to all the pics. What is obviously apparent in the book is that not only is Ruiz a great photographer but he is also very aware of his subjects and in particularly the fragility of the human condition.


Rumor has it he is a little nervous over tonights presentation; so come along and show your support. I am sure we are in for a real treat, a chance to see someone truly aspirational and inspirational.


Hopefully I can be as cool and talented as Ruiz when I grow up.

Last nights party

Well we treated ourselves Thursday to a little photo frenzy. First up was a late afternoon trip uptown to AIPAD. James Danziger has a post on his blog from yesterday here thats a nice summation of what you can expect this year. Theres a lot of vintage black and white on display, maybe a sign of the times but don't worry there were still plenty of color behemoths taking over some of the booths. Was nice to be able to wander unopposed, do yourself a favor if you are thinking about a visit and try and get up today before the weekend hoards descend.

Then it was back down to Chelsea for the Blind Spot benefit auction. This was certainly the place to be with a packed crowd on hand making the most of the cocktails and the odd bargain or two as some of the pieces sold for below the initial asking. Spotted in the crowd were photographers: Jeremy Liebman, Victoria Hely-Hutchinson, Eric Ogden, Eric McNatt, Rafael Fuchs, Nick Haymes, Katherine Wolkoff, Mark Tucker (who has decamped to NYC from Nashville for the month), Ber Murphy, Cara Phillips, David Rinella, Ethan Hill, Dietmar Busse, Bill Hamilton, Chris Bartlett, Robert Wright, David Walsh supremo: Primary Photographic Imaging, Lesley Martin & Kellie McLaughlin: Aperture, Nancy Jo Iacoi & Christina Cahill: Orchard Represents, Megan Ziegler-Haynes director of photography: Photoshelter, Jennifer Miller photo editor, Judith Puckett-Rinella photo editor: The New York Times T magazine, Brenda Millis photo editor: Mens Health, Michelle Egiziano photo director: Spin, Eric Miles director rare books and auctions: Photo-Eye and gallerist Jen Bekman.

For a night cap we wandered up to super club Mansion for the Brian Finke bash at the newly installed powerHouse books library. Not really what I was expecting to be honest but think Las Vegas casino hotel and waitresses in French maids costumes and you might begin to get the picture. Brian was on hand and we managed to spot a few friendly faces amongst the throbbing crowd: photographer Darin Mickey, Caroll Taveras photo editors Maisie Todd & Nancy Weisman: ESPN The Magazine & Rory Walsh: Blender.

Unfortunately you will have to use your imagination this week as we are self-portrait free. Pheeeew.

When Is a Fashion Ad Not a Fashion Ad ?

© Juergen Teller

Cathy Horyn pens a piece for todays New York Times Thursday Styles section trying to answer that very question by giving us an insight into the approach of 'the Master' himself Juergen Teller and his blurring of the line over the years on his ground breaking advertising campaigns for Marc Jacobs.

Worth a read here. Thanks Mark for the tip.

Lighting porn

Well with Spring in the air the odds of stumbling upon a photo shoot on the streets of NYC are on the rise. There I was making my way through Astor Place and lo and behold theres some heavy strobe flashing catching my eye across the way.


Wanting to be cool and non plussed one doesn't normally stop and stare but turns out in this instance it was safe to move in for a close up as the photographer du jour was friend and inspirator Eric McNatt (below).


Eric was on assignment for New York Magazine and the pics are slated to run in next weeks issue. You know you can't resist checking his lighting rig. I was tempted to draw up a quick schematic with all the vitals but instead I left the pictures nice and big, go on you know you want to click on them and take a more intimate look don't you !


Then again its not all about the 7b; had this shoot happening right outside my window yesterday.

Coming Attractions: this week / next week

Its really starting to heat up here in NYC and in an attempt to help you navigate the way and keep that calendar in order heres a heads up on some of the coming attractions. This is whats on my radar:

Thursday April 10

The AIPAD Photography Show New York

Opening today thru Sunday April 13

Park Avenue Armory
67th Street & Park Avenue

Show hours will be:
Thursday - 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday - 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The admission is $25 daily and $35 for the run-of-show, and includes a show catalogue. No advance purchase is required. Tickets will be available at the door.

More than 75 of the world's leading fine art photography galleries will present a wide range of museum quality work by contemporary, modern and 19th century masters at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The 28th edition of The AIPAD Photography Show New York will open with a Gala Preview on April 9 to benefit the John Szarkowski Fund, an endowment for photography acquisitions at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The AIPAD Photography Show New York is the longest running and foremost exhibition of fine art photography.

Gala Benefit Preview:
The AIPAD Photography Show New York will present a Gala Benefit Preview on Wednesday, April 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The evening will benefit the John Szarkowski Fund, an endowment for photography acquisitions at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The fund was established to honor John Szarkowski, one of the most influential curators in photography and a photographer in his own right. Ticket information is as follows:

Benefactor 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ($7,500, 5 tickets)
Patron 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ($1,500, 1 ticket)
Sponsor 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ($500, 1 ticket)
Friend 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ($100, 1 ticket)

To purchase tickets online, please click here. Or, for more information, please contact The Museum of Modern Art, 212/708-9680 or specialevents@moma.org.



Benefit Auction: Celebrating 15 Years of BLIND SPOT info here

Hosted by David Zwirner

533 West 19th Street NYC
bet 10th and 11th avenues

Live & Silent Auctions of Original Artwork

6.00 - 7.00pm: Exclusive Champagne Preview - $ 100.00 Donation

7.00 - 9.00pm: Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction - $ 25.00 Suggested Donation

8.00pm: Live Auction

Benefit Committee: Jen Bekman, Debra Bosniak, Stephen Frailey, Darius Himes, Rhiannon Kubicka, Molly Logan, Peter MacGill, Robert Ransick, Yancey Richardson, Anna Walker Skillman, Rick Wester

Participating Artists includes a veritable whos who: Edward Burtynsky, Roe Ethridge, Jason Fulford, Paul Graham, Katy Grannan, Todd Hido, Ari Marcopoulos, Richard Misrach, Matthew Monteith, Jack Pierson, Stephen Shore, Alec Soth, Larry Sultan, Brian Ulrich and many many more.



powerHouse Books and Mansion New York are pleased to announce the launch of:

Brian Finke - Flight Attendants

The powerHouse Library

starting at 10pm

Mansion New York
530 West 28th Street
between 10th and 11th Avenues


Monday April 14

Photo © Victoria Hely-Hutchinson

School of Visual Arts (SVA) presents 'Mentors'

6.00 - 8.00pm

Visual Arts Gallery

601 West 26th Street
15th Floor
bet 11th and 12th ave

An exhibition of works by nearly 80 photography students inspired by their year-long mentorship with key figures in the arts community. Drawn from the ranks of New York City’s best-known photographers, curators, art directors, publishers, art dealers, critics and writers, SVA’s mentors are paired with students based upon their field of expertise and the student’s area of concentration. The 2007 – 2008 program mentors include Rolling Stone director of photography Jodi Peckman, photography critic Vince Aletti, illustrator Maira Kalman, gallerist Edwynn Houk, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi, and photographers Lorna Simpson, Tina Barney, and Gregory Crewdson, among others.

The Mentors program at SVA was established in 1992 to introduce new talent to the New York City arts community and to cultivate relationships between established and emerging artists. Stephen Frailey, chair of the BFA Photography Department and curator of the exhibition, explains, “Our mentors come from the forefront of their fields and the advice they can offer our students is invaluable. It inspires them to take their work to a new level and to grow as professional artists.”

At the School of Visual Arts, undergraduate students are offered a full range of options in the study of photography: commercial, fine art, fashion and documentary. The department is equipped with state-of-the-art technical facilities; a faculty of nearly 100 members, including not only working photographers but photo editors, critics, publishers and photography dealers; and a curriculum that integrates photographic genres, identities and ambitions, removing the traditional barriers between “art photography” and “commercial photography.” SVA’s diversity in curriculum and the faculty’s wealth of professional experience offer students the freedom and support to explore different directions in photography.

School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York City is an established leader and innovator in the education of artists. >From its inception in 1947, the faculty has been comprised of professionals working in the arts and art-related fields. SVA provides an environment that nurtures creativity, inventiveness and experimentation, enabling students to develop a strong sense of identity and a clear direction of purpose.


Tuesday April 15


Parsons The New School for Design Artists Lecture: Stefan Ruiz - one of my most favorite photographers I strongly recommend attending plus George Pitts will be providing the introduction

6.30 p.m.

Aperture Gallery
547 West 27th Street, 4th floor

As part of the ongoing lecture series hosted by Aperture and presented by the department of photography, Parsons The New School for Design, Stefan Ruiz will discuss the work from his recently published monograph, People (Chris Boot, 2006), which gathers striking portraits of Mexican soap stars, Cuban mental asylum residents, Texan cowgirls, and Rwandan refugees. Ruiz’s subjects reveal themselves and their vulnerability through his raw and edgy vision. While serving as Creative Director for COLORS magazine from 2002 to 2004, Ruiz also taught art at San Quentin State Prison. His work has been exhibited at the Havana Biennale, 2003; PhotoEspaña, Madrid, 2003; and an exhibition of the Televisa Studios series is now traveling around Europe.

And the winners are . . . .

Well we finally got around to throwing all the entrants to the 'A Room with a View' competition into a hat over the weekend. All in all we had 70 entries so thank you one and all for taking the time and making the effort I very much appreciate it. In an effort to keep the odds favorable 10 names were pulled out of the hat. Here are the winning photographers views in no particular order and a little background in their own words:

Robert Phillips: Here is a view of the Royal Bank of Canada building, from room 1768 of Le Reine Elizabeth in Montreal, just along the corridor from where John and Yoko had one of their "love-ins".


Matthew Furman: in Anguilla for the week and shot my room



Stan Banos: The first one is the view thru my front window, the second thru my rear. Honest! Or is it the other way 'round ?


Jim Hand-Cukierman: These shots are of a room with a view that neither I, nor most other people living in Tokyo, ever see - that of the observation deck in the all too posh Roppongi Hills complex. I only went up there to escort a tourist friend who wanted to see it.


Martin Fuchs: This is the view out of the kitchen window of apartment 19B (19th floor) in a Co-Op City building in the Bronx. This is the first view I got, and the one that sticked to me the most, when arriving in Co-Op City for the first time in 2005. Though this image has actually been taken in 2006. To me it's been the start of a huge change in my life. A European wannabe photographer coming to New York to do a 6-months internship at Magnum, then staying in NY for another 6 months after the internship. And during this year, staying in Co-Op City, in the north eastern most part of the Bronx, all the time. Well and Co-Op City has also been the start of a project that is important to me, my first foray into medium format photography. Even though that only came in 2007...


Cormac Hanley: I like his one as out the window beyond the cleaner is the perfect view of Niagara Falls. We hadn't closed the curtains quick as we were undressed getting read for a wedding. Natural wonder surrounded by dead tack crap trap.


Jon Feinstein: Greenpoint, Brooklyn


Todd Huffman: This image is taken from the window of my studio on 39th St NYC from the 7th floor. I work as a commercial still life photographer in a mostly darkened studio, so each day I make it a point @ lunchtime to open the curtains and remind myself that there is indeed an outside world. This is one of the last parking lots in my neighborhood that hasn't become a high rise something or other. I am also a big fan of the ubiquitous airborne plastic shopping bag.


Joe Pugliese: Seattle (duh) Warwick Hotel (not recommended), shooting for Wired. March 14th 2008. Shot with either my Toyo 4x5 or iPhone. Can’t recall which.


Geoff Smith: This is a view north from a high floor ofthe Showboat hotel and casino in Atlantic City, NJ. The Showboat (a New Orleans-themed hotel, for a dose of irony), is near the top of the boardwalk/casino strip and so looking north you see some of what lies "behind the facade" in A.C. This was taken in September of 2006, we were there for a concert at the House of Blues, in the Showboat complex, and my girlfriend won almost $1200 randomly out of a slot machine, paying for the whole trip, tickets to the show, everything.

If you see your name above please drop me a line with your address. A copy of the latest and most recently updated version is in the works and will be winging its way to you in the next few weeks. Of course if you want to pick it up in person that can be arranged.

Out my window NYC

© Gail Albert Halaban

So those of you on tenter hooks today awaiting the results of my 'A Room with a View' competition will have to wait. Sorry but the day job has got in the way so no time to put all the entrants in a hat and compile a winners post. Will get to it over the weekend and all will be revealed on Monday morning first thing, I promise.

In the meantime though I would like to share a project on a similar tack by the marvelously talented Gail Albert Halaban. 'Out my window NYC' is a documentary photography project Gail is working on in collaboration with the Design Trust for Public Space about people and their views in New York City and beyond. Best of all Gail is in the midst of this epic journey and is looking for volunteers, here's the skinny in her own words:

DO YOU HAVE A VIEW INTO SOMEONE ELSE'S APARTMENT? CURIOUS TO MEET THEM?

I am a photographer working on a documentary project about New Yorkers and their views with a specific interest in connecting neighbors who would otherwise never meet. If you look into someone else's apartment, I would like to photograph you looking into their place and them looking back at you.

If you live in any of the 5 boroughs or nearby New Jersey, please contact me at newyorkviews@gmail.com with a jpg of you and your view today.

You will receive 1 FREE 8x10 photograph if your view is photographed for the project.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Gail is writing a blog as she goes here. Be sure to spread the good word.