Lena2's photostream

Toys, toys, toys:
Canon EOS 400D
Sigma 24-70 f2.8
Canon 60mm f2.8 Macro
Canon 50mm f1.8
Tokina 10-17mm fisheye
Yashica Mat-124 G (med format film)
Holga
Duaflex III (TtV contraption)

I’m trying to decide what to do with my little corner here on flickr… Lena2’s debut dates back a few years, before the entry of picassa, facebook, et al as user-friendly broadcasting tools of pedestrian and libidinous indulgence. It was with that intention (arguably the complete absence of one) that I first stepped into this space.

The passage of Time did its proverbial two-step as a few years (and bit of growing up) have atrophied that exhibitionist appetite considerably. Though incisive observation and fascination with texture, negative space, and mood were, I believe, always a part of my DNA, my recent incarnation has directed considerable mindshare to this arena and introduced something resembling intentionality. Who would have thought, right?

The world has not changed, my eyes have not changed, but focus has definitely been shifted.

Though I’ve shot film, spent some time in a darkroom and even produced a few images over the years that I wouldn’t be too embarrassed to share, the need for and procurement of a DSLR in 2007 recast my academic appreciation of the aesthetic/visual/granulated into something of a compulsion. I will forever continue to be uniquely moved by language, be it in the form of weighty literature or a friend’s passing admission, for its potential to be emotive without sentimentality, suggestive without obfuscation, or so poignantly resonant that I myself lose power of communication. Words carry this and so much more, but they are also precise, indefatigable and, given my limited talent, much harder to manipulate into aesthetic composition than are images. My most recent entry into photography has imbued the medium in my mind with immense potential for paralleling those organic in-between places, affected bends in tension and atmosphere that all of us experience, but few of us can put words to. I have seen this done exquisitely by denizens of this forum and wish to humbly thank them for such transparency; I am honored to view this work..

So what is to become of Lena2? Should I wipe out the breadth of vapid snapshots that have entertained and punctuated my biography and amused friends, but exhibited nothing resembling internal pulse or technical merit? Do I also exclude some moderately successful shots that document my romantic, thrill-seeking, house-music obsessed misadventures, but are much too light in content to cut the mustard on more serious photoblogs? I am laughing at myself as I write this, because the answer is an obvious no. Whatever my hypocrisy, I won't purport a persona that is in discord with the daily banalities and celebrations of my existence.

I’m continuing to learn to think with my eyes and my gear and have barely touched the tip of the iceberg in post-processing. I’m having fun experimenting with different equipment, techniques, formats and editing applications. I'm relishing the learning process, so if you have constructive criticism, resource suggestions, etc, do let me know. In the meantime, I will continue to post a mixed-bag of heartier attempts that demonstrate my curve as well as some nonsense that may not mean much to you, but is a living record of distractions and occupations unique to me.