Wired.com (Click here) posted a large set of wonderful pictures from Magnum photographer Moises Saman. Moises is one of the leading conflict photographers of our time and recently shot stories in Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Libya and Syria.
If you scroll down there is an Interview with the photographer. Obviously the most interesting part is when he tells about his work on field and the effects of that work on the people around him. That said it’s nice to see once again that REAL photographer don’t care about Full Frame vs MFT sensor size discussions, pixel peeping, high ISO noise characteristics and whatsoever. What matters is if the camera fulfills your very personal need. If it makes it easier for you to create a story that you want to tell. When asked about Color vs B/W photography he answers:
“Some specific stories I see in black and white. It can depend my mood, or the mood of the work. There’s no formula. I mostly work with an [shoplink 29074]Olympus OM-D E-M5[/shoplink] camera and almost always with just one 35mm F/2 lens (Editor’s note: I guess he means the [shoplink 34914]17mm f/1.8[/shoplink]). Technically speaking, I find black and white easier — you have more freedom. The picture doesn’t need to be perfect. With color, if the colors themselves are not strong then the image does not work. Black and white, on the other hand, gives you more leverage; you have more space to focus on the content, instead of composition or lighting.”
Nice to hear a Magnum photographer using the E-M5 (P.S.: Also the GX7 is now being used by M.Photogrpahers). The E-M5 definitely has a successful history which I do hope will continue with the E-M1 and the future E-M7 (E-M5 successor).
E-M5 store links: [shopcountry 29074].
128 Responses
Nice work, it really show how the photographers worked and blend easily , with a small unobstrusive gear, the portability and AF response is really help the photographer to capture the moment, .. I doubt , If you can capture that kind of moment with Fuji XF system
Yes, it is possible with a Fuji or any system (or even phones) that is available now. 😉
” I doubt , If you can capture that kind of moment with Fuji XF system”
My gosh, THIS is one of the reasons why there is such a split between Panasonic owners and Olympus owners.. the RABID brand-humping of the Olympus fanboy! My gosh, with the Fuji X system, you would capture BETTER!
Stop, please STOP.
wow really i would love to see your work Fuji Xf, system,. for I have 3 system,.in my possession right now,.i own Nikon[DSLR] , M43 and Fuji System,.,.i just bought the Fuji X-E1 six month ago,. i made a lots of real shooting comparison side by side, and how both camera response,.even with the NEW UPDATE firmware of my X-E1 ,.COULD NOT HANDLE ,.THE SPEED AND ACCURACY of my 3 years GF1,.forget about to compare with blazing fast OM-D,.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF HAVING GREAT SENSOR,.IF YOUR AF CAMERA RESPOND SO POOR,.AND EVERYTIME YOU SHOT IT ,ALWAYS MISSED IT,.AND BLURR ,.i had a lots of missed shot with X-E1,.but with OM-D, E-PL5 & E-P5, it work flawlessly ,.or even my old GF 1 can do much better focus than X-E1
dont talk bullshit if you never experienced both system
“.i had a lots of missed shot with X-E1,.but with OM-D, E-PL5 & E-P5, it work flawlessly ,.”
You mean he could have used the E-P5 and had half his street photos ruined with blur, (including critical and unrepeatable ones) as reported by dpreview in their test of the E-P5???
i dont mean to be rude when i talked about ,.X-E1 ,.for i also have it with five lenses,.1.4/35mm, 2/18mm, 2.8/14mm, 2.4/60 macro, and 18-55mm,.untill fuji can fixed their AF performance,.is just useless for a street photography,.which need a lots quick respond,.perhaps do LANDSCAPE ,.better,.btw,.
guys ,.check it out this comparison between G6 and X-E1
http://soundimageplus.blogspot.it/2013/09/ok-so-i-can-shoot-in-low-light-with-m43.html
I think he’s pointing out that your comment is moronic – please engage your brain before typing.
If Sound Image Plus had used an Oly camera with /Axis IBIS….He could have shot all thos images at ISO 200 and achieved even better results.
🙂
Some of these were shot with an X100.
Oh, yes, really nice and cool. The blood looks so realistic and the injured and tortured people have beautiful skin tones.
Hey, wake up people! It´s not about AF and noise, it´s about war and suffering!
Actually, no. This is a 43 rumors site. Not a war discussion site. It really IS about the autofocus and color rendition here. If I wanted to discuss the horrors of war, I’d find a different forum.
Oh dear! Great shots taken by a PRO photographer who is not into pixel peeping or sensor size or DOF or AOV or ISO.
That must be a big big disappointment for some who visit here.
Its a pity that such shots cover such a terrible subject. Depicting so graphically how humans can treat each other.
+1
Maybe he means a four thirds 12-35 f2.0?
(Although you can get an exif for at least some of the pictures. I see a E-M5 with an 20mm f1.7 on one of them. One was shot with a canon, and one with a fuji..)
You can see the importance of weathersealing too. These environements looks really hostile. Great, solid little camera, no fancy and useless tiltable evf…
Wow was that jab at GX7 necessary? You guys are hopeless.
I guess that the OMD-M1 will really be a favorite of photojournalists! 🙂
+1!
Definitely a winner.
A great, powerful, non -intimidated camera build like a tank and with awesome primes or the best standard zoom in m4/3 : the 12-40 ED PRO. Now with the new olympus support program Olympus can do well with photojournalist.
They’re not deliberately hopeless, they’re just typical closed minded internet fanboys.
Just wait… theyll be more.. And some wonder why this blog is a joke..
They have some sort of psychiatric disorder that means they have to willy measure by what camera they have
Why is Panny fanboys so insecure?
In the article, he says he’s using E-M5 with a prime, which means his setup is probably not weathersealed. And by the way, those shots are great.
Besides, I’m sure that shooting in that kind of environment, you would not care much about brand prestige, quality of IBIS, noise at ISO 6400, getting dust in a lens, or some other mundane calamity we discuss here with such passion.
As for me, number one priority would be not getting killed.
Then whatever awesome feature I have in my Nex/Fuji/Olympus/Panasonic/Canon/Nikon/Pentax/Ricoh camera relative to its competition would certainly not make or break the experience.
I do think, Smaller is better though.. I mean even wartime photogs used Leica RF’s, correct?
they did, and back then the standard issue camera by the military was a large format one with glass plates! they actually expected people to take photos with those on the front lines. it came in a suitcase.
we’ve come a long way for documentary photographers and photojournalists.
I agree with franklin.
I don’t trust that EVF. Looks like a weakness and he’s right it’s pretty useless too. The weathersealing is a important feature for “real” pro photographer like this one. You’re not in the field to be gentle with your gear. The EM1 will be awesome for reporter too.
+100….the OMD E-M1 is built to stay dry and last a long time.
LOL!
Did you see one post above that? Weather sealing and portability? The best demo for that are tap water/kitchen sink photography. 🙂
@ ADMIN : Great soccer shots here with the EM-1 : http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3553001
And Superb portraits here : http://buchangrant.com/blog/?p=1679
wow ,i love that line;
The camera is performing impeccably, nailing focus with precision and speed and producing files that continue to astound me.
,.i guess i have to sell my Fuji X-E1 with all their lenses, to buy E-m1 &12-40 + 40-150
SHILL ALERT!
How cool. I was just at a Magnum exhibit today her in Austin, TX and saw at least one of Moises’ photos there. If any of you are in the area, it’s a great exhibit with free tours.
Why can’t he mean a 35mm f/2? I use a 35mm f/2 all the time… I don’t have to lie and say that it’s from a 17mm f/1.8 :-/
Because the photos are obviously not taken with a 70mm equivalent lens. Try looking at the photos.
”guess what camera he uses for his work :)”
…THE ONE OLYMPUS PAID HIM TO USE
Any basis to your bullshit assertion?
No, I thought so.
This argument/defense will never go away. It makes me laugh. It’s the reason I just stopped reading these sites for nearly a year, especially after buying the E-M5. The latest developments have caught my attention, and have brought me back to the discussions. However, in spite of the fact that m43 is finally a viable format, the exact same arguments from two/three years ago still persist! Astounding! If I had to bet money, I would bet that the vast majority of the people complaining about all these things barely get out and snap photos.
That said it’s nice to see once again that REAL photographer don’t care about Full Frame vs MFT sensor size discussions, pixel peeping, high ISO noise characteristics and whatsoever.
IF YOU BELIEVE THAT THEN YOU SHOULD ONLY USE YOUR CELLPHONE TO TAKE PICTURES WITH LOL
your anti-psychotic is in your medicine cabinet for a reason, please take it
Is it just me or has the anger/ fighting significantly ramped up these past few weeks?! I think everyone needs to take a deep breath, step back and realise we’re discussing cameras here, not the middle east peace/war!
Certainly gear must guarantee in the middle of a photoshoot in harsh conditions (dust more than rain in the ME). But past that my response is that you must get as close as possible to where it’s at. And so a simple 35mm eq. is still the best – no fuss, no questions asked. I civil strife one has at all costs to be mistaken for one of the other side, or worse police undercover.
Remember that in these conflicts along the islamic revolution fault line there have been a lot of dead reporters. So getting advance information about the ‘set’ is essential to survive as Saman mentions soberly.
Every time one leaves the world of Marketing for the real world, gear fades in respect to the photographic questions: colour or B&W? Curiously I find that his colour stuff is even more interesting. Yes it introduces further variables that can go wrong, but it also allows to decode faster what is happening.
I wonder why Saman mentions the E-M5, is exifs show different cameras, perhaps is favourite one? And what is this mysterious 35/2. A 4/3 Zuiko?
Just a note on the E-M5. Clearly the ergos and the button placement can’t be so bad if the camera has to be used in such time critical circumstances. So another legend is debunked.
Great, great images trying to make human sense out of caos.
PS 35mm or 35mm eq.? Did some of you actually read the EXIF?
BTW I checked the exif of the recent ones, those shot with the E-M5. Those that are readable are all made with the 20/1.7.
Peta Pokka measured the Panny 20/1.7 as neing closer to 18mm than 20mm focal length. Which is 36-37mm EFL. Near enough not to bother about, except for many forum measurebators.
On the photos I checked the Exif data shows Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Olympus cameras. Lenses range from 50mm down to 24mm (35mm equiv). Some photos don’t show camera info or shot details, but the 20mm 1.7 is the only m43 lens mentioned in those that do.
I’d like to think this will inspire some of the fan boys to get over themselves, and inspire others to stop complaining about their equipment, and inspire me to stop lusting after new glass, but it probably won’t stop any of these things 🙂
But, it is inspiring nonetheless.
It’s compactness. It’s THE lens to own if you have a compact, M43 camera.
I mostly shoot with the 25mmPL, but I can’t part with my 20mm, and I know I’m going to end up with the metal one as well!
I even have the 40mm Pancake for my Canon 6D.. I just love the focal length..
He could just mean the Zuiko 35mm/F2 lens for the analog OM System…
The pictures look too wide for that to be the case I think.
Open letter to admin,
I have been a reader of your site for around two years now and have definitely gotten a lot out of it. When I first started reading 43 Rumors I was not only able to get upcoming information but also participate in a great community that had built up through discussion topics.
Unfortunately things have changed and the comments are full of childish comments by people who view sensor size as some sort of phallic measurement or just want to play “mine is better than yours” with regards to their chosen brand.
Sure you will get a few people who are like this in any forum but in other forums people have to create an account and take some sort of ownership of an identity. On your site one can assume the identity of any user by merely entering that users name when they post the comment.
Unfortunately this level of anonymity has brought out the worst part of human nature and evidently a few people who quite frankly need the attention of a clinical psychiatrist.
You only get so much time in life and I would prefer not to be exposed to the relentless negativity in the forums here…so I am making the choice to stop being a regular here. I know I am just one reader and it wouldn’t matter to you but I just thought you deserve to have some unvarnished feedback form a long time reader.
So there you go “Full Frame” and “ALL CAPS”, your poisonous comments are truly able to destroy communities – sadly you will view this as some sort of triumph whereas the only thing it proves is that you have a truly sour character, you contribute nothing positive and bring down those who try to find joy in life.
Admin I hope at some stage you decide to fix up your forums so that users are accountable for the comments they post. There are many easy to use solution to do this such as Disqus.
Regards,
Alberto
You’re Blind to the fact that it’s okay to praise one MFT company and Trash the other Every. Single. Time.???
Here’s Franklin’s PATHETIC comment that “Once Again”, was un-warranted:
“You can see the importance of weathersealing too. These environements looks really hostile. Great, solid little camera, no fancy and useless tiltable evf…”
-Of course, for no reason, he calls out the GX7 and Bashes it. But that’s Cool, Right?? After all, It’s not a Olympus Camera he’s bashing!
You make me Sick. How dare you? If you’re going to call someone out, I suggest you look elsewhere.
You have the nerve to call someone “Poisonous”? Are you kidding me?? SERIOUSLY??
I’ll tell you what, When the Childish attacks stop, Then I won’t have to respond. Until then, I hope you get SICK of ME.
And that’s “MR” ALL CAPS.
You and all your “alter egos” are just useless. Leave us alone.
Sorry you feel that way. I’m sure there are those that do that here, but I’m not one of them. There’s no need for me to do so. accept no imitations, there’s only one Mr ALL CAPS.
@admin
I’m willing to pay/donate this http://codecanyon.net/item/wasp-antispam/5681034
@ you didnt did you
I am pretty sure you posted a while back that you wouldn’t be posting till things got sorted out , change of plan ? 🙂
Go get some help for that silly paranoia of yours.
I agree with Alberto about the “low level” of comments. Users can flame me for judging it low. But you know what I mean. I receive notification by email, when you post a rumor, and I read it from there. Sometimes, because I’d like to write something helpful or at least about my experience, I leave a comment and reply.
I’m too lazy to split the useful/polite comments from the useless/offensive/ranting ones, but the latter are much more, and often it stopped me from entering the discussion of the rumor.
Websites are all like this and bla bla bla. No, I don’t think so. It can be better.
+1
@ Admin,
I fully agree with some of the other comments made here Admin. I have been a follower of this site for more than 4 years and have quietly witnessed it go downhill over the past year with the style and tone of some comments and posters.
I also would gladly donate some funds towards implementing some system that will prevent such rubbish. I understand the difficulties of running a website that permits comments, but the negative comments are driving those away that contribute to the site positively.
To observe Panny reps, Oly reps and independent reviewers make the effort to post in response to their article that you post being continually shot down by childish crap, does nothing but drive them away. I can recall many of these people that used to post here regularly and they are never seen here again. They are still active elsewhere, so the responses and treatment they receive here is obviously the issue.
There is far too much negative and insulting behavior being spammed across every article and for the longevity and reputation of the site that you have worked so hard to achieve, it is doing untold damage. I had read many comments on other sites referring to this and quoting reasons for why they will not return until it is rectified.
Surely there must be a plugin or addition that can automate the filtering of such behavior. If full time log-ins are required, then that is the way it must go. To continue with the current level, will only lead to driving further people away.
Another suggestion may be to engage a number of part time moderators. MU43 has about 8 mods and at least one seems to be online as most times of day. I am sure there are enough regulars here that would help out. Mods can be given certain rights under the level of “admin” and enough authority to police things to a much higher level than currently exists.
I for one would be glad to assist in anyway I can. I am certain there are many others here and on Mu43 that would quickly return to assist in a similar way. Something needs to be done in the immediate term.
I am working on a solution that I will show you in 2-3 weeks. It will work as bet on MirrorlessRumors first. If you will like it than I will implement it on 43rumors too. Basically only members will be allowed to comment. And the comment quality can be voted by the comunity. If member start to be destructive and even worse…vulgar they will get warned or eventually banned.
Thanks for this info admin, I appreciate the work that you put into this site and like you want to see it’s continued success. If there is anything we your loyal readers can do to assist, just ask, I and many others would be willing to contribute our time to help out.
Admin, this is a great news!!
I think that a windows saying “before comment you have to login or register” is now necessary! And also the possibility to like or not like a comment will be very appreciated,
Keep it up with the good work!
The truth will finally come out!
Olympus Fanboys will praise anything from Olympus, any positive comment will be voted upward, while anything positive from Panasonic will be voted down. The truth will come out. Good move Admin.
May I suggest you prepare a Panasonic only news site, because I’m sure you’re going to need one soon afterwards.
Maybe at the beginning, but i hope after some selection of the users this will not happen again.. I think there are many users here (myself of course) that even if they are Olympus buyers, they will never put a dislike on a comment only because it’s from a panasonic buyer. This will happen only to improductive comments.
“Any price above $700 for Panny’s junk…”
That’s from a comment in the post before this one.. And there’s more…
Mr, you’re taking this thing too seriously. Not even football ultras are at this level of fanatism. I bet president of Panasonic could care less about Oly fanboys, so what’s your problem? Chill out, relax, go take pictures, drink less coffee, go out and stop screaming around. The only result here is that nobody cares about what your capital letters try to say.
Peace.
Most sensible readers/posters have enough sense to understand what a “system” is, and buy components that suit them. Idiots like you stifle real discussion while jerking off in excitement at the flames your trolling bring forth. It is really amusing that trolls with no friends latch onto a site like this in order to alienate yet more people. Something must have gone very wrong in your childhood. Do you show your Mummy the posts that cause you such excitement? She needs to know you’ve achieved something in your life, “MR WET PANTS”.
Thanks for the info-
I m a longtime visiter of this site too Starting in 2009, but lately got only agressive by reading the comment section of your side. Especially in the last year the comments went mad. Not only by those Sensor size “diskussion” but also by those realy stupid “fanboy” arguements, and some kids yelling there hate into the world.
Therefore I stopped reading the comments, but looking forward to a solution and rating system- i really liked the information and ideas in the comments a few years ago 😉
That sounds good & I would be happy to sign in as a member if it is secure enough. I got a bit put off when once my contact details were auto filling in on others comments detail boxes.
I look forward to a log in section too for commenters. I’m sure some trolls will join up and comment still, but it would be nice to weed things down a bit. Micro-4/3 has always been a bit controversial in the photography gear websites (of which this is one), not helped by the fact Canon and Nikon don’t really do exciting and new these days and the fact the micro-4/3 format is moving steadily into the professional market (as much demonstrated by this post than any other).
A quick way to get through comments of value is to just read the ones with photos next to them. People willing to log in and put their face and website next to their comments are not going to be so derogatory so readily.
Going back on subject though – great shots. It’s an obvious link to send someone who bitches that micro-4/3 cameras are not for pro’s. Clearly it is, and in one of the most demanding of environments and subjects – war. I’m sure Moises Saman will upgrade to the EM1 too, it would be a reasonable upgrade for him.
Some of the GX7 shots were done from a Magnum photographer too, although they weren’t all impressive from memory.
ot helped by the fact Canon and Nikon don’t really do exciting and new these days and the fact the micro-4/3 format is moving steadily into the professional market (as much demonstrated by this post than any
The movement in to the pro sector is a bit comical, the fact that fanboys { admin included :-)} scour the internet to hunt down even the slimest pickings about pro users rather confirms this.I wouls wager that 99%+ pro users will not be using mFT. As for Nikon not doing anything exciting that is a matter of opinion , they have the best APS sensor in the D5100/D7100 , the best FF senor in the D800/D800e and the best high ISO shooter in the D4. Despite the small senor the V1 delivered speed of performance and better video in any mirrorless till the new E-M1,it was way overpriced at launch and dropped hugely much the same as most mFT cameras.
Well many I think get fed up when other people say no professional photographers use the system which is simple not true. So evidence is posted that shows professionals do use Olympus or Panasonic. Then the same people who said pros don’t use them either say it is made up, not true or they were paid by Olympus or Panasonic to use the camera for a couple of shots and then on top of that are rude about the professional photographer.
There is a very significant downside to that kind of “mob rule” moderation. Any voice that does not sing the same hymn as the regular fanboy posters can very quickly find himself banned .Not because of rudeness or aggression but simply for disagreeing with the dominant agenda. Just such tactics have been used on other forums also dominated by Olympus users
Admin, please remove the ugly, intrusive floating at banner that is now appearing on this site. It is tremendously distracting and advertises all sorts of bizarre search terms like “Aaliyah Picture Gallery” and ” Uterine Prolapse Picture.” I know ad income is nice, but don’t ruin this site any more than all of the childish commenters already have.
Otherwise, keep up the good work. I can’t even count how many times a day I visit to see if there’s an interesting new rumor or post like this.
Use an ad blocker.
The reality is the power of the message, the capture of the light, and th composition is what grabs the viewer to the photos. Any reasonable camera will do the job. Well done. When things get tough you don’t worry about camera. Two of my best photos, one taken with my iPhone, one taken with my E-5. The E5 tells the story of children suffering Starvation, lack of medicine and lack of shelter.. The iPhone is of a 1974 Datsun Sunny, and the expression of pride of the driver. It’s illegal to take photos in South Sudan without governmental permission, and have had people try to grab it from my hands before. I get more positive comments from the iPhone photo than the E-5, not because of the quality of the photo, but because of the message.
We need to keep reminding ourselves to get back to the basis.
I can find myself in his opinion about b&w photography.
Moises Saman – just another ignorant photographer pushing the Western media’s bulls**t agenda on Syria.
“REAL photographer don’t care about Full Frame vs MFT sensor size discussions, pixel peeping, high ISO noise characteristics and whatsoever”
STUPID ARGUMENT.
AS YOU SHOULD THEN JUST USE YOUR IPHONE INSTEAD OF GARBAGE FOUR THIRDS, LOL!
I am quite disappointed in the images of the em5/1 mainly because of the noise characteristics. Noise levels are not too bad though not great, but the noise doesn’t look at all like film grain, more like reticulation which was an unwanted effect that could happen during film development, causing the emulsion to ‘ripple’. 100% views off raw looks like shit even at low iso. This is the problem with m43. Pro’s never be spending near 1500 euro for this camera based on these images.
Reticulation… the noise does not look a bit like reticulation. How much film processing experience do you have? Any photographer that has done a lot will tell you that it does not look like reticulation. Pro photographers don’t tend to pixel peep and even those that do will know from experience that the noise will not show on prints or when you are viewing the photos correctly. So far testing a E-M1 out on saturday at 3200 and 6400 the noise levels looked good plus the Raw files were very robust when being adjusted in Lightroom 5.2. Withstood a lot of highlight recovery and shadow adjustment at the same time which is a very good sign. And that is coming from someone who shoots theatre production photography for a living. I will admit I have not decided to buy a E-M1 yet as I later discovered I had front focus issues with a 14-54mm. I need to try another camera and make adjustments for the lens. Using a 55mm f1.2 at f2 with the magnifier and the detail at 3200 iso was very good.
Like it or not there are pro photographers out there using these cameras. They are earning a living using them cameras. It is not the camera that determines if it is suitable for pro use but the photographer behind the viewfinder pressing the shutter release.
I belive the EM1 has the most comprehencive PDAF focus adjestment for any camera! – I think it stores any adjustment for each lens as a custom setting… you can I think define +- adjestment on all 30+ AF points… if you adjust it for a specific lens it should remeber the setting automaticly when you attach that lens!
I think…
Are you just blind or a liar, or maybe you never compared m43 with apsc or ff. Stop defending so hard and get real. M43 is nice but to expensive for what you get.
Who is this directed at?
Are Shenkie, there you are, using a different name on different forums, this is a direct C&P from Steve Huff’s blog.
I can say the same of any camera, sometimes I look at my Olympus photos and think what horrible noise even at low ISO. Then when I look at magazines like NG and think the same of the photos in them. By shear percentage these are Canikon.
Not sure what the big deal is about?
Years ago, Helmut Newton created a great polaroid portfolio. He used small cameras when he got tired of the medium format used in his regular work.
http://www.helmut-newton.com/previous_exhibitions/Polaroids/
The issue is not whether M43 can get great photos. Even phone cameras can.
The point is that M43 remains limited compared to DSLR strengths and DSLR ecosystems.
Since you mentioned Newton and (m)43 being limited, he said once his opinion about the E-1 ‘s output: the tonal rendering is great, and thats what counts in photography. And limitations are mostly caused by our own lack of flexibility. Newton might dislike the big formats to work with, but without doubt he could make his shots with it, he just decided for another format for practical reasons. If one or another system is better or worse, is more a daily phenomenon for the magazine editors and image stock selectors.
Newton (and most photographers) do experiment to get their creative juices going. The key issue is what do the editors want?
Newton won’t sell very much if his primary tool was the polaroid. Same for most professional photographers. Amateurs can do what they like.
Salman obviously does good work. Enough to be recognised by Magnum agency. However, most photographers won’t limit themselves to one camera and one lens.
So, what is the relevant of this thread except to highlight one singular individual?
About Polaroid being an appropriate tool: http://www.mauriziogalimberti.it I’m not a big fan of his composite portraits/landscapes (I suffer from some kind of “flat view”, lack of 3D, this helps me in composition but sometimes some lines make me feel sick) , but I like his creativity. And he lives with it, therefore he’s a pro (if Pro is someone who makes his/her living with photography).
Once again, I question the relevance of this thread.
There are photog who specialize in unusual or rare cameras. Some still shoot b&w. But, these photog may be statistically insignificant in the commercial world.
Anyway, it is unclear to me what kind of a living they make. Compare that to the many thousands made by paparazzi for a photo of a kiss. Or, the regular work in fashion and advertisement industries.
It depends. I was reading an interview to a master photographer, Silvia Lelli. I’ll meet her next month, she’s a friend of my gf. She wrote that everyone can be a photographer, since tools are available to everyone, but there’s no profession as photographer anymore. You won’t be rich only working as photographer, you will hardly live with it. Now you spend what you gain for your equipment.
Her advise is to gather, to team up, because customers now want/need a finished product, so it’s important to be a good photographer as well as knowing to use post production tools (Photoshop, Lightroom and so on), and offer the finished printed (if asked) photos.
I know photojournalists who work with an old 2Megapixels mobile phone.
I have a friend, a paparazzo, as you call them, who gained 20.000 Euros with a single blurred shot taken at Brad Pitt twins.
There’s no rule about “making it”, but nowadays we need what Mr. Bresson said was the most important thing in photography (and I agree with him, even though I’m not his fan): it’s almost all about Luck.
You should congratulate your paparazzi friend on his ‘hard work’.
Those who have talent will shine, like Newton and his aesthetics.
I have a tool chest with all sorts of tools, inclusing special tools for my car. I maintain and I fix everything on my car. I do it well, and I often do a better job than a professional mechanic, because I know the ins and out s of my car. This does not make me a professional car mechanic. I don’t know every little detail about other cars, in fact, I don’t know as much about fixing other cars as a professional mechanic knows. See where I’m going? Specialized tools don’t make the prpfessional.
A professional delivers or produces, in whatever field it may be, quality work on schedule and reliably under even adverse conditions. That’s what makes a professional.
That a photographer has to be more than just someone who merely takes pictures, but also someone who produces a finished product, essentially meaning the photographer has to be an art director, that was already taught when I was studying photography in the ’90s. That said, for the bulk of photography, we live sadly in the age of “good enough.” However , outstanding work is not diminished at all by this trend.
Tiny little nitpick, while there exist 35mm backs for instant film, pretty much every classic Polaroid camera is medium format.
Interesting comment. The SX-70 used by Newton was a rather chunky beast, like medium format using negative film. The SX-70 integral film had an image area of 3×3, much larger than 35mm. However, the polaroid film does not enlarge like negative film does.
So, I wouldn’t describe it as medium format. Currently, the Polaroid 300 produces tiny prints and is marketed to teens.
“Interesting comment. The SX-70 used by Newton was a rather chunky beast, like medium format using negative film.”
I own one, I also own various ‘negative film’ medium format cameras. The SX-70 is a lot more practical then almost all of those.
“The SX-70 integral film had an image area of 3×3, much larger than 35mm. However, the polaroid film does not enlarge like negative film does. ”
Well, printing from m4/3 involves enlargement, like it does for 135 format generally. Making contact prints from medium format without enlargement isn’t very unusual really, so I don’t really see your point.
The format is determined by the light-sensitive medium used for taking the picture, not about whatever enlargement (or none at all) you may happen to perform after having taken the picture, and in that sense the SX-70, and actually pretty much all classic Polaroid instant cameras are medium format cameras.
Actually, I take a different view. For an advanced amateur or commercial photog, it’s the output that counts.
A contact print can be made of any film for review purposes. But, what counts is the display. What you show to the world!
In the past, we used medium format because it enlarged well. Today, we use D800 for the same reason. I really don’t think that polaroid is the best tool for posters and billboards.
Well, obviously it is the end product that counts, but it is not the end product that determines what format something uses.
“In the past, we used medium format because it enlarged well. Today, we use D800 for the same reason.”
Well, put more simply, those are used because they do provide the required quality, but that was exactly the point of my original post, format determines a number of things that contribute to quality, but that doesn’t mean larger format always results in more usable quality in practice.
“I really don’t think that polaroid is the best tool for posters and billboards.”
Posters and billboards are totally different targets, the first is looked at from relatively nearby and requires a much higher resolution then the later which is generally only seen from far away.
Besides, sorry to put it like this, but it really seems to me you are missing the point. Format is a factor, but merely ONE factor in what determines output quality, and hence it is totally silly to be stuck with a specific format, being it ‘medium format’, 135 format or whatever else. Polaroid not being the best choice for posters while being medium format is just another case that demonstrates this.
It is interesting how on one side you make the argument that its all about quality, and since a D800 can provide the kind of quality needed for certain things, many medium format photographers started using one (hence, format is not the same as quality), but on the other side refuse to regard a much larger then 135 format film format as ‘medium format’ because it does not offer that kind of quality (which is saying that format is the same as quality). Which of the 2 is it? You can’t argue both and stay consistent in your argument.
LOL – you Little People of the Forests and the Caves, when will you ever learn?
There is a little magic word in Saman’s interview: CONTENT.
PHOTOGRAPHY, at least in PJ, is grabbing good CONTENT.
Features of the camera must be GOOD ENOUGH (and the E-M5 is excellent).
But 99% is about being the right man at the right place, and risk your balls, to get what is there to grab, instead of a bullet.
And so do it in a split second. The E-M5 allows it. But BRAIN, A QUICK ONE, is needed first.
Capish? FESHTEN? Comprendido, queridos brainless trolls?
Now go book your tickets one way to ALEPPO, so that we can do some Spring cleaning here 🙂
Really , CONTENT ? The article here juste fantasily state another time about this boring m43 vs FF blablah just because a magnum Photographer is saying he’s using an OM-D … Even his relation to hardware seems blurry, AKA the unknown 35 f2 lens.
But that’s true, the link is full of content, ands that’s not what interest the crowd (and the admin) down here, so enjoy your comment full of crap, this kind of article deserve it.
He means the panasonic 20mm 1.7.
I find the comments both here and there sad to say the least.
His work is great though, thoroughly enjoyed going through the pics even if the subject is what it is.
You all missed the whole point of the article and will therefore take nothing away from it! The point is it has absolutely nothing to do with the camera used it’s about the photographer I think you all need to go get a $10 holga and learn how to take photographs instead of talking about complete crap
You seem to have missed many of the comments. You looked at the off ones, there are others..
here is a suggestion to those who keep comparing mft to ff: don’t. it makes no sense since they are a different format of photography. I don’t see anyone arguing over full frame vs medium format, or which large format is the better format. it surprises me to see that the world of photography is being looked at with such a narrow mind, digital photography is only a part of it, and within it you have sensors of various sizes.
no one seems to bash the d800 for it’s “crap depth of field” compared to medium format. similarly, DSLRs are ultra compact compared to large format cameras, they don’t even have built in tripods!
don’t forget photography is an art form and not a trend that follows technology. don’t forget about the art part…
Victor, believe me, it’s a waste of time.
Medium Format us above a lot of us here, because of the price. The real argument is because M43 Cameras almost reaching the price of Full Frame cameras.
I use both, FF and M43, depending on the sutuation. They compliment one another.
Would I pay for a M43 camera over $1000.00, I dont think I should have to, MFT is too expensive for what it is.
And dont get it twisted, it’s not just FF, you have DIRECT competition from Sony and Fuji. Each day, I can see them taking more marketshare in the mirrorless category.
If you feel you shouldn’t be spending $1000+ on a m4/3 camera, that is totally fine, there are lots of below $1000 options around.
Your argument is stupid, as usual.
There are two SUPERIORITY factors in m4/3. For the same or better pixel sharpness, m4/3 has blazing but PRECISE AF: no frontfocus, backfocus like PDAF systems.
Strong IBIS allows to shoot in freeform conditions, that in low light no other cameras would allow.
Both these features, together with small size make Street Shooting a breeze, make advanced m4/3 cameras a joy for PJ. Weatherseals are the cherry on the cake.
As for resolutions compared just check S. Huff’s ‘Strange Comparisons’ with Leica Ms. There are reasons why even in his sites, owners give up Leicas for OM-Ds.
Compared to the G1 and E-P1 beginnings m4/3 has been going through an internal revolution, that has made it appealing to Pros. Small size of course is the Siren’s song, but there is a lot more, once you USE the stuff.
There could be other reasons why Leica owners switch there- lot easier to take self portraits complete with shiny foreheads with the m43 (AF) than a Leica M (manual focus) camera!* 🙂
*Do not forget the snaps of cats and other cherished pets!
That’s below you. It is clear that photographers appreciate the high reactiveness of m4/3, especially Leica owners who relied on their eagle yes.
CDAF has eagle eyes of its own, because it can measure sharpness on the focus plane at the speed of light, or faster than the eye-brain-hand combo.
Thus CDAF and now CDAF-PDAF gives new meaning to the ‘decisive moment’-
Just kidding. 🙂
amalric, do you ever take pictures of your wife (husband/partner), kids and pets with your E-M1?
The lens he says he is using doesn’t exist. Why would I believe anything else in the article? He was likely paid by Olympus to take the camera to the field for a couple of haphazard snaps, as a marketing tool to make the “pro” status of the E-M5 seem legitimate. This man has as much knowledge of how to take advantage of m43 as the pimple on my bottom.
The photos in m43 format show someone who is struggling with the equipment. Poor focus, blown subjects, high ISO where it isn’t needed. Now that their photographers suck, its a real shame Magnum has stooped so low as to shill mirrorless as a means of revenue.
You said it bro! 🙂
“As a photographer he is regarded as one of the leading conflict photographers of our time.”
A one among the few hundred or so conflict photogs there now. This is a high risk job and worrying about a camera/lens is the last thing one would need.
But, understand that using him to promote/sell a few surplus EM5 units is far from a noble thing.
It is just a basic interview. He has done the same thing earlier in the year for an arts charity. Is no pro photographer whilst being interviewed allowed to mention the brand of camera they use ever again?
If you had bothered to check him out it appears he has been using the camera for over a year. When he says he uses one 35mm f2 lens that could simple mean he is using a lens designed for a 35mm camera that is an f2. Or he is using a 17mm lens. A lot of pro photographers are not that specific about their equipment. They are not gear heads. As a photographer he is regarded as one of the leading conflict photographers of our time.
“A lot of pro photographers are not that specific about their equipment.”
That’s true, or, the writer could have transcribed the wrong lens, hardly criminal, except that it is ‘wired’, a technology hardware magazine, and he is a magnum photographer who should know people hang on his word.
My guess, paid advertisement for Olympus, in conjunction with ‘wired’ magazine and Magnum.
No he actually quoted the same lens in an interview in August with Ideas Tap, a charity for jobs in the Arts. Also said he was using the camera then.
http://www.ideastap.com/ideasmag/the-knowledge/moises-saman-Magnum-war-photography-interview
Thanks for the link- I think this is the real interview, and the wired one is just a rewritten copy of the answers. Sadly this is not uncommon in modern media, as long as as you stay close to the real answers nobody cares.
“He was likely paid by Olympus to take the camera to the field for a couple of haphazard snaps”
I’m sure Olympus would not have given him the 20/1.7 lens.
My dick is bigger than your dick. Shoot what you got and don’t worry about my gear.
amalric, do you ever take pictures of your wife (husband/partner, kids and pets with your E-M1?
LOL. I don’t have an E-M1 and even if I did who I shoot would be my own business. What I shoot instead can be seen by everybody, who now run into the hundreds or the thousands everyday, You are free to dislike of course.
A little historical perspective (I like to imagine him thinking “I’m so glad I died before my life had an f’ng “comments” section!”, and maybe “When’s that check from Olympus coming? I need a new brick of Tri-X”).
http://fotophilosophy.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/olmpuspenf-ad1.jpg
I can’t possibly look at these photos and think about cameras. However I can acknowledge the photographer’s choice of camera as suited for such a task.