Men at work through the year - Page 3

*Wombat* · 02-07-2009, 06:23 AM

Lovely b&w conversions, Rense. You're really getting into this. One thing occurs to me - a lot of these shots (not all) are quite static. I'd like to see a wider interpretation of the way people move when at work. So, for example, you might try shots where people are striding out, cycling (surely easy shots to get in Holland!) throwing bricks or other building materials high in the air and so on. Perhaps experiment with motion blur or zooming with the shutter open - you know the kind of thing. You already have plenty of variety of subjects, I just think you could do a little more with them.

Onwards, mate, onwards! You inspire us all.

BTW, what's the difference between saying "Holland" and saying "The Netherlands" and are you a Dutchman, a Hollander or a Nederlander (or all three?). It's all very confusing...

*Rense* · 02-07-2009, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by Wombat

Lovely b&w conversions, Rense. You're really getting into this. One thing occurs to me - a lot of these shots (not all) are quite static. I'd like to see a wider interpretation of the way people move when at work. So, for example, you might try shots where people are striding out, cycling (surely easy shots to get in Holland!) throwing bricks or other building materials high in the air and so on. Perhaps experiment with motion blur or zooming with the shutter open - you know the kind of thing. You already have plenty of variety of subjects, I just think you could do a little more with them.

Onwards, mate, onwards! You inspire us all.

Thanks Wombat, for the compliments (again), and for the suggestions. The lack of motion is one of the things I noticed too, and what I was a little worried about. So, I'll bear your advises in mind, and will work on it. I am very happy with your comments, because one of the reasons I started this project was that it would give me the opportunity to improve my skills. And that is where I need you all!! So please, don't stop giving comments and critique.....

Originally Posted by Wombat

BTW, what's the difference between saying "Holland" and saying "The Netherlands" and are you a Dutchman, a Hollander or a Nederlander (or all three?). It's all very confusing...

Well, yes, I think it has partly to do with the peculiarities of the English (language) and partly with the names in our country. Officially, I live in "Nederland", so the Netherlands. It has the same meaning as "Pays Bas" in French: Low Country. Foreigners tend to say "Holland", which is historically understandable, but not right, because it is the name of a part of our country only. There are 2 provinces, Noord- and Zuid-Holland, so northern and southern Holland, but more widely the name is used for the western part of the country. Somehow strange: the name "Holland" originates probably from "Holt-land", meaning Land with woods. In the western part of the country there are hardly any woodlands.... And besides, it is the most low lying land, so, Nederland is most appropriate for this part. Confusing, I admit. Historically, Holland is the richer part, leading the wars with Britain etc. So, Holland is known in the world.

And Dutch.... I don't know, it's an English term.... quite resembling the German and Dutch woord Deutsch or Duits, which means German. This is the part I quit, I just don't understand it anymore... What I know: I am a Nederlander in Dutch, a Dutchman in English and no Hollander whatsoever, because I come originally from the Northern part of the country, where the Saxons come from.

Hope this was a help to you

*Rense* · 02-09-2009, 01:14 PM

OK, still quite static, I admit! Not made today, but last week, but since I had no opportunity to make pictures of working people today, I thought to post one from earlier

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

Jupiter-9 85mm @5.6, ISO200, 1/90

*Rense* · 02-09-2009, 01:18 PM

And one from even earlier, from the ferry (#5), but by night. I think this one is quite funny, with the biker looking what I am doing....

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

Don't know which lens I used, but it was a 50mm one, most probably the Auto Chinon 1.4

*gawan* · 02-09-2009, 03:05 PM

Getting better and better, thanks for sharing!

*Rense* · 02-09-2009, 03:26 PM

Thanks Georg! I like this project, but it's hard to progress at my own... So it's nice when every now and then someone responds! If there are critiques, I would like to hear them too!

*daacon* · 02-09-2009, 03:39 PM

Wonderful series - such a diverse array of workers.

*Rense* · 02-09-2009, 11:00 PM

Hi Dave, Thank you!

*Rense* · 02-10-2009, 10:27 AM

Click on the image to view it in a larger size

Pentax-M 75-150 f/4 @150, f/4, ISO1600, 1/20

*Wombat* · 02-10-2009, 07:57 PM

Yes, Rense, that's what I was getting at. The worker on the bridge, though a bit OOF, has some dynamic movement which gives it a lift. Try more of that.

BTW, have you come across the catalogue to the Family of Man exhibition from the 1950s? You might find this and some of Magnum's publications inspiring for your project. You might be able to get hold of them through your library or a rare/fine bookshop. Well worth a look for picking up ideas on photographing ordinary people in ordinary settings. Also, check out Magnum's website: http://www.magnumphotos.com/.