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maxxsmart's photostream
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A lifelong resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, I grew up along the rolling hills of the eastern side of the bay. My interest in photography came when I first viewed the glowing night lights of San Francisco through my bedroom window high above the flat lands of the east. Far off in the distance the San Francisco skyline lit the bay waters, and at that moment I felt something change within me. Years past and I continued to watch the sun set behind the city, and the storms roll over the bay. It wasn't until later in life, 30 years to be exact, that I decided to explore my interests in photographic expression. With no real knowledge of photography, I took every opportunity to learn from my mistakes, and the success of many master photographic artists. Constantly experimenting with techniques, and styles, I found my true passion within seascapes, architecture, long exposure, and black & white photography. Though these elements are where I have formed my base, I find it impossible to hold myself true to one form. With the ever changing elements of the world around me, I follow the inspiration that the moment creates.
The digital age... Where the tangible meets virtual. A space in time where analog has been overthrown by ones and zeros. A reality of instant information, and gratification.
I am part of a generation that has a anamnesis of the analog world as we once knew it. A world of audio experiences through the crackle of black vinyl discs, or the warm hum of thermionic valve amplification. A world visualized through Cathode Ray Tubes, and latent images. A world of communication where pen meets paper, and voices were transported through the coils of a copper wire. Today these experiences have been displanted by the far more convenient mp3 file, transistor, email, or digital image.
Because of my existence in this space of time, I have found myself blissfully conflicted by these ever evolving technological regressions. With only just a memory of the comforting simplicity that the analog world offered, my ambivalence to the digital world weakens. Day after day I find myself embracing more of this digitized universe, most of which can be found within the images viewed on these pages.
The digital imaging process of today offers convenience, and instant gratification, both I am sure Edwin Land was seeking in the invention of the Polaroid. The digital darkroom of this age empowers us with the ability to alter reality in way that the ones of the past could never have imagined, but I am sure would embrace today. We have the power to add, subtract, move, and manipulate what we see fit in our images. I appreciate the art of digital manipulation in images, and I do find it necessary to use some of these techniques within my workflow, but I do so with the spirit of tradition in mind. Each of my images contains the information that was recorded on site in a single frame, nothing more. Like the artists that have inspired me, I have chosen to manipulate these images to fit my own interpretation of a subject. Where manipulation is needed, I do so with the digital equivalent of that found in the analog process.
To claim that I have been self taught would be a misrepresentation of the knowledge I have gained over time. I truly believe that we are taught by those around us, directly and indirectly. My knowledge may not have come from formal instruction in a class room or from a book, but I have obtained this knowledge from those that have inspired me. Through trial and error, emulating, and recreating, I have been taught by many and myself.
Photos of maxxsmart (2)
maxxsmart's favorite photos from other Flickr members (543)
Contacts (389)
Groups (33)
- Pinhole 54,609 photos, 4,481 members
- pinhole perspective 20,370 photos, 1,109 members
- Zero Image 16,384 photos, 1,202 members
- Picturing Place: Northeast San Francisco 578 photos, 181 members
- Epson V700 15,237 photos, 999 members
- Rocks, Rocks, Rocks 3,296 photos, 237 members
- Medium Format 547,145 photos, 20,918 members
- HASSELBLAD SQUARE B&W FILM *!ONLY!* 19,794 photos, 2,924 members
- Hasselblad Users Group 92,469 photos, 4,144 members
- Hasselblad 500 Series 24,703 photos, 1,850 members
- Do It Yourself Black & White 220,640 photos, 8,488 members
- Mamiya TLR 24,629 photos, 2,038 members
- Lomography Sprocket Rocket 4,433 photos, 661 members
- Marin Magazine 1,336 photos, 155 members
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy 1,687 photos, 425 members
- B&W / Monochromatic Minimalism 7,259 photos, 949 members
- Monochromatic Visions 19,974 photos, 1,838 members
- Chasing Shadows 30,941 photos, 1,234 members
- CHARITY PRINT AUCTIONS - JAPAN 1 photo, 1,489 members
- Images with Filters 9,749 photos, 746 members
- Black and White Seascapes 7,869 photos, 944 members
- Long Exposure 422,366 photos, 44,715 members
- Davenport, California 758 photos, 140 members
- Luminous Landscapes 9,482 photos, 1,386 members
- Natural Landscapes 16,712 photos, 2,944 members
- Canon EOS 5D Series 322,433 photos, 15,591 members
- Canon DSLR User Group 1,964,767 photos, 108,932 members
- The Golden Gate Bridge 13,402 photos, 2,717 members
- San Francisco at Night 19,084 photos, 2,652 members
- Adobe Lightroom 20,097 photos, 20,379 members
- SF Bay Area Shooters (sfbas) 105,338 photos, 3,929 members
- Bay Bridge 2,954 photos, 460 members
- San Francisco Bay Bridges 9,751 photos, 1,670 members
Testimonials (9)
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louie imaging says:
"In Steve's work I see his desire to capture what is before us not easily recognized at moment, a yearning to see what is deeper a conscious of what can be unveiled. A strive for perfection. A refreshing breath and hope to something more profound. In his work I see harmony. I hope you will enjoy his work as I have through the years.
~John Louie"1st March, 2012
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bjolly927 says:
"This is my first testimonial on flickr. Maxxsmart's photostream has been a huge inspiration for me, and I always learn from his extremely thoughtful photos. His attention to lighting and composition is especially advanced, making his photos the most interesting I've seen on flickr."
23rd April, 2011
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D Breezy - now on Google + too says:
"This is my first testimonial that I have done on flickr, and I couldn't have picked a better person to do it on. maxxsmart stream is crazy insane. His work definitely stands out from all the rest. His style, and how he composes his images is pure beauty at its finest. When I visit his stream, I am in complete awe. At times I can't even use words to describe his work. maxxsmart is by far one of my favorite photographers on flickr, and his work is truly inspirational.
David"21st October, 2010
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fraser_west says:
"A really lovely photostream. One that I come back to again and again."
26th February, 2010
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Life in a Moment says:
"A most inspiring photographer who has a true gift of seeing the every day things and turning it up a notch......beautiful long exposure work and his simple minimal images bring about a sense of calm and serenity. Thank you for showing me around the Bay area through your lens..... truly amazing work! I love always seeing what you come up with next.........:)"
31st March, 2010
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J G Robinson says:
"I enjoyed looking at all your work, the compositions are strong and lighting fantastic, I look forward to viewing more of work. Very interesting and artistic portfolio!
John"23rd November, 2009
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Conceptual-eyes says:
"ok, he is a recent find for me on Flickr and I must say not only is his work amazing, but the lengths he goes to , to obtain these photos is a true testimony to his work.....
He is helpful and willing to explain his techniques with others and I personally think he is one to keep an eye on.....
I am totally inspired!!!!!"25th November, 2008
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mauntainmaus says:
"What a wonderful Flickr friend and photographer! I met Steve through our Canon 40D group.He has helped me through setting up my new camera to applying links to my photostream! He has always taken the time to answer all my questions and give me advice.I am always amazed at his photographs! Thank you so much Steve,I'm glad you're my friend! Tammy"
11th August, 2008
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Adam Hardy says:
"this guy sure does blow my hair back with his images! his shots really have great clarity,composition and are always clean and graphic with beautiful lines. i like the way he sees and projects his photos!
bottom line i am huge fan of his work! his panoramic shots also amaze me and are something to behold!
thank you for keeping it interesting and inspiring my friend!"1st August, 2008
- Joined:
- January 2008
- Currently:
- oakland
- I am:
- Male and Taken