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Site & Board Matters => About This Site => Topic started by: Kevin Raber on November 29, 2017, 05:40:57 pm

Title: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Kevin Raber on November 29, 2017, 05:40:57 pm
I just published the first four videos of at least 16 of the NEW Shooting With The Masters with Charles Cramer.  Join us for an adventure in photography and printing.  It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to spend a week with Charlie. I also want to thank Chris Sanderson for the great video work and editing on this series.  Hope you enjoy. Click Here To Check It Out (https://luminous-landscape.com/shooting-masters-charles-cramer-part-1/)
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: adias on November 29, 2017, 06:27:57 pm
The article's subtitle says 'A Fun Adventure In Southern California With Charles Cramer'. It's actually Northern California, at least, Pigeon Point, Pebble Beach and Big Basin are all in NorCal. Maybe Pebble Beach (in Carmel) is the northern end of the Central Coast, but not the Pebble Beach in the series which is another beach on the San Mateo coast.

These series with Neil and Cramer are the justification for the paid subscription.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on November 29, 2017, 06:35:34 pm
Got it!
Thanks for the heads up ))
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on November 29, 2017, 07:04:42 pm
BTW I will be placing the series in the Video section of the website once we publish a few more of the videos.

These will be grouped into four sections:

Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Kevin Raber on November 29, 2017, 07:57:12 pm
Sorry, I was a bit directionally challenged.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Tinderbox on November 30, 2017, 06:52:08 am
Thanks for this.  It looked like a lot of fun!  I'll have to try that card technique for isolating a scene during previz.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: geezerman on November 30, 2017, 10:03:34 am
It was great to see Charlie at work. In 2000, I spent three days with Charlie and Bill Atkinson at the Ansel Adams Studio in Yosemite. We spent most of the time talking about color theory, and Bill's stories about the pioneer days at Apple. Charlie was always very kind and patient, working with all of us to bring out the best print we could make. Although it was quite a surprise to see Charlie with a digital camera! I look forward to hopefully taking another class with him.

Congratulations on a great series of videos. They are very informative!

Jeff
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: pearlstreet on November 30, 2017, 11:37:36 am
These were great! Thanks so much. I can't wait for the printing videos.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: DougDolde on November 30, 2017, 06:37:00 pm
Loved those videos.  Charlie Cramer is my absolute favorite photographer
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: geezerman on December 01, 2017, 08:08:17 am
In the videos, Kevin referred to Charlie's love of shooting trees. Unlike other landscape photographers that go for the wide-angle, I tend to think of Charlie's landscapes as "intimate landscapes". While they may not be as jaw-dropping as some I've seen, I find the intimacy much more appealing.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: photodan19 on December 01, 2017, 08:28:28 pm
I enjoyed these four videos and am very much looking forward to seeing the others when they are ready.  I find it pleasurable and informative  seeing excellent photographers out in the field - what equipment they use and how they use it, how they approach selecting and framing a subject, etc.

I got a kick out of seeing the framing card used by Charlie.  When I shot large format I often used a commercially made card that had a printed scale on a cloth measuring-type tape that showed the lens focal length (frame the subject and then note where the thumb fell on the measuring cloth tape, with thumb up near the eye, and you'd have your approx focal length for the shot; different scales for 4x5, 8x10, and even 5x7 with a different card due to the aspect ratio difference). It did help and save time and effort dealing with the cumbersome view camera set up.  I don't need it now, as I'm doing small format digital with just a couple of different focal length lenses, but there are times when it could come it handy.

As a bonus it would be cool to see (or just hear) Charlie play some piano pieces, being a music lover myself. Maybe as background music to part of a forthcoming video. Music to photograph and post-process by  :-)

Dan
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Kevin Raber on December 01, 2017, 09:01:40 pm
Dan, You'll hear Charlie in an upcoming video.  We had a blast together.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: zomg on December 01, 2017, 10:22:05 pm
These videos are great, thank you guys for doing them! That's the kind of content this site was missing after the original LLVJs' production stopped. Really looking forward to seeing more of these.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Kevin Raber on December 01, 2017, 10:26:11 pm
Glad you like them,  more like this coming.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: farbschlurf on December 02, 2017, 05:13:02 am
more like this coming.
Great to hear this! Good work, and one can see how you guys enjoyed doing these. That's fun. Thanks!
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: tsjanik on December 02, 2017, 08:12:34 am
Really enjoyed the video and I'm looking forward to the next installments.  Charlie should consider adding the 120mm macro for his Pentax.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: churly on December 02, 2017, 08:16:39 am
These are really enjoyable!  Good job.  Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Chuck
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: ned on December 02, 2017, 09:12:42 am
Renewed my subscription


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: ErikKaffehr on December 02, 2017, 09:13:11 am
Another vote for Charlie Cramer!

Thanks for the videos!

BR
Erik


Loved those videos.  Charlie Cramer is my absolute favorite photographer
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: HSakols on December 02, 2017, 09:17:58 am
I gasped when I saw the location of the first film. Photography has always been this quiet meditative exercise that I usually do alone.  However, in the next few monthes I will take 21 screaming 9-12 year olds to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse for two nights to learn about the ocean!  It is the most wonderful aspect of my profession as a teacher to see my kids eye's light up coming from the mountains.  By the way Kevin and Chris you did an excellent job.  This photo from the same beach I took years ago using a Mamiya c220 and Velvia. 
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: pearlstreet on December 02, 2017, 12:39:28 pm
Hugh, that's a wonderful photo of those kids!

Kevin, what is the viewfinder magnifier that Charles uses in the video?
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Charles Cramer on December 02, 2017, 02:14:12 pm
Sharon,  the loupe I use in no longer made....  It was originally designed for film viewing on a lightbox. It's made by Peak, and is a 4x magnifier.  Several years ago I bought 4-5 of these, as I saw it was being discontinued.  The next best thing is the Hoodman 3x magnifying loupe.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Charles Cramer on December 02, 2017, 02:18:13 pm
Loved those videos.  Charlie Cramer is my absolute favorite photographer

Doug, and also Erik, thanks for the nice words!   May I also say that you both have exquisite taste! :-)
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: jng on December 02, 2017, 02:58:25 pm
Sharon,  the loupe I use in no longer made....  It was originally designed for film viewing on a lightbox. It's made by Peak, and is a 4x magnifier.  Several years ago I bought 4-5 of these, as I saw it was being discontinued.  The next best thing is the Hoodman 3x magnifying loupe.

I'd like to add my positive thoughts on this series. It was great to hear Charlie discussing his vision and approach in such a relaxing and inviting style. In this series Kevin seems to step back a bit and let his subject carry the narrative. Kudos to you both and to Chris for his usual marvelous production. I shall be renewing my subscription when it expires in the next few days.

Sharon: you can still find the Peak 4X Loupe (PEAK TS2038) on Amazon or eBay, but it's a bit pricey at around $138 new. I saw them for much less a while back from some seller on eBay and I imagine it's possible to find a much better deal if you're patient.

John
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: pearlstreet on December 02, 2017, 03:13:56 pm
Thank you, Charles and John!
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: DaveCurtis on December 02, 2017, 05:06:26 pm
Wonderful video. I really enjoy listening to Charles.

I'm off to the shop to buy a book cover to make a cut out card
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on December 03, 2017, 11:26:00 am
I'm off to the shop to buy a book cover to make a cut out card
When I cut the Pebble Beach piece, I too went out and cut myself a viewing card from on outdated ColourChecker card. It works perfectly.

The card makes framing natural subjects that Michael used to refer to as "Messy! Too messy!" far less problematic and you truly do know if there is a shot there or not.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Dave (Isle of Skye) on December 03, 2017, 01:01:55 pm
Excellent and very much enjoyed watching these videos with Charles Cramer, and I can't wait for more of the same  :)

For all those wanting a cheap, easy to carry and very durable viewing card, that is adjustable for all size formats including Pano's, then why not treat yourself to one of these View Catchers (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Color-Wheel-Artists-View-Catcher/dp/B001DKMZNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512323577&sr=8-1&keywords=view+catcher) (https://cdn.dick-blick.com/items/049/95/04995-1000-3ww-l.jpg).

I have carried one of these in my bag for around the last ten years now and even though I find I can now visualise most scenes without using it, it is still worth having one in your bag for all those who want to experiment with using compositional aids like these.

Dave
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: ramd41@gmail.com on December 03, 2017, 09:32:28 pm
These videos are absolutely terrific.  Can't imagine a better subject than Charlie Cramer.  You've well captured him and his philosophy on photography.  This alone is worth the price of admission.  Would love to see more of these.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Rajan Parrikar on December 04, 2017, 01:46:00 am
Enjoyed the videos. Kevin's yearning for a cup of coffee added a nice touch.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Rand47 on December 04, 2017, 02:13:13 pm
I too, have really enjoyed the videos of Kevin’s time with Charles.  Wonderful stuff.  And I’m very much looking forward to the print making videos.  This stuff is first class.

Rand
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Les Sparks on December 04, 2017, 05:20:00 pm
Excellent and very much enjoyed watching these videos with Charles Cramer, and I can't wait for more of the same  :)

For all those wanting a cheap, easy to carry and very durable viewing card, that is adjustable for all size formats including Pano's, then why not treat yourself to one of these View Catchers (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Color-Wheel-Artists-View-Catcher/dp/B001DKMZNG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512323577&sr=8-1&keywords=view+catcher) (https://cdn.dick-blick.com/items/049/95/04995-1000-3ww-l.jpg).

I have carried one of these in my bag for around the last ten years now and even though I find I can now visualise most scenes without using it, it is still worth having one in your bag for all those who want to experiment with using compositional aids like these.

Dave
Amazon US has it Here (https://smile.amazon.com/Color-Wheel-Artists-View-Catcher/dp/B001DKMZNG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1512425773&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Color+Wheel+Artist%27s+View+Catcher)
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: vartkes on December 04, 2017, 06:54:28 pm
An excellent start to the series. Mr Cramer is one of my favourite artists. I print my own (Epson 4900) and thus i am pleased that some of these videos will focus onto the print-making.
Thanks for the opportunity to spend some time and listen to Mr Cramer.
Vartkes
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: adias on December 04, 2017, 08:15:56 pm
An excellent series indeed. Now for a non-PC position - let's hope that the caliber of the selected Masters remains high. There are several professional photographers contributing often to this site who do not qualify for the Master Series IMHO.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on December 05, 2017, 10:21:49 am
... let's hope that the caliber of the selected Masters remains high. There are several professional photographers contributing often to this site who do not qualify for the Master Series IMHO.

I am certain that applies to most of us
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: DaveCurtis on December 08, 2017, 10:09:38 pm
When I cut the Pebble Beach piece, I too went out and cut myself a viewing card from on outdated ColourChecker card. It works perfectly.

The card makes framing natural subjects that Michael used to refer to as "Messy! Too messy!" far less problematic and you truly do know if there is a shot there or not.

I remember Michael talking about "Messy" on a number of occasions. I think when he was down in the Amazon, was one occasion.  I often think of him when Im in the rain forest down here in NZ trying to make sense of the mess. 
Title: Thanks!
Post by: ErikKaffehr on December 10, 2017, 08:18:50 am
Hi,

I was greatly impressed by Micahel Reichmann's interview with Charles Cramer a few years ago. I have some ambition to join one of Charlie's workshop, perhaps not in 2018 but may be in 2018.

Thanks for these videos!

Best regards
Erik
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Photog-x on December 11, 2017, 05:58:52 am
I enjoy these videos :-)    However...one comment.  If I had my preference, I'd like to see more video of the in the field shooting like you did with William Neil in Yosemite.  It was nice to see the shooting process and hear the thoughts of how/why something is being shot.  The story is nice to hear (the photographer's story just sitting on the bench), but I like the in the field portion best and maybe that's what might be most helpful to people.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: prairiewing on December 15, 2017, 12:58:10 pm
Add me to the list of those who thoroughly enjoyed the Charles Cramer videos.  I especially liked hearing his thoughts on things like sharpness and pre-visualizing or discovery.  He seems like a very nice guy as well--a trait not always found in successful people.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: DougDolde on December 19, 2017, 08:38:47 pm
Man, the third set is DEEP.   I will have to watch it again.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: algrove on January 13, 2018, 06:54:42 pm
Finally got around to start viewing this series.  The 3rd video in the forest for some reason it just stops as you approach this huge but different looking tree . I would say its around 7 minutes out of 11+ minutes. Thus I cannot view the last 4-5 minutes of this video. I tried reloading it several times, but the same thing happens at excatly the same point.

Great work.
Title: Re: New Article - Shooting With The Masters - Charles Cramer - Part 1
Post by: Christopher Sanderson on January 14, 2018, 10:41:16 am
If you have difficulty streaming, just download the video file using the link bottom right (rectangle with curly arrow)