ChatGPT

[RezaLoghme]

YOu are right.

I am using it mostly for masterplans, not for microplans. It is very good at getting the "big picture" right.

 

[koraks]

I can see how that would work; bouncing ideas off of it, in a way. I know my wife uses it for correspondence sometimes. She prompts what needs to be in the letter, ChatGPT writes it, she redacts it and the whole process saves her time. It has its uses, for sure. And we'll see those increase every day. It's a brave new world we live in.

 

[snusmumriken]

Yeah, maybe. HTML and PHP may also be feasible at this point.
Mind you, I'm sure things will improve rapidly. The fact that it's capable of producing halfway readable code to begin with is nothing short of a miracle, if you think about it.

Yeah but then you’ve got to spend hours and hours trying to figure out how much of its offering is guff. So you need to know how to write the code in the first place. I see the point of getting inspiration online from other code, but an AI thing cobbling chunks together and parsing it is going to result in verbose code that probably won’t work without changes.

 

[RezaLoghme]

"I want to take pics of a protest in (insert capital city in Caucaus or Central Asia). I am somewhat experienced in taking street pics but need to have a holistic vademecum about the whole idea. Help me structuring my plan, from there we will go into a dialogue to work on details".

 

[RezaLoghme]

Answer:


Taking photos of a protest in a capital city in the Caucasus or Central Asia involves several layers of planning, from understanding the local context to ensuring your personal safety. Here’s a structured plan to guide you:

1. Research and Preparation​

1. Understand the Local Context:
   • Research the political climate and the reason behind the protest.
   • Familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and legal considerations of the country.
2. Legal and Ethical Considerations:
   • Check if photography of protests is allowed in that country.
   • Understand your rights as a photographer and the rights of the protesters.
   • Plan to respect the privacy and anonymity of protesters when necessary.
3. Gear and Technical Preparation:
   • Select appropriate camera equipment (e.g., camera body, lenses, memory cards, batteries).
   • Consider carrying backup gear in case of malfunction.
   • Prepare for varying light conditions and fast-paced environments.

2. Logistics and Safety​

1. Personal Safety:
   • Identify and carry essential safety gear (e.g., helmet, gas mask, first aid kit).
   • Plan escape routes and safe areas in case the situation becomes dangerous.
   • Avoid wearing clothing that could draw unnecessary attention.
2. Communication:
   • Inform a trusted person about your plans and check-in times.
   • Keep emergency contact numbers handy.
   • Consider having a local SIM card for better connectivity.

3. On-Site Strategy​

1. Arrival and Initial Assessment:
   • Arrive early to scout the area and find good vantage points.
   • Observe the crowd dynamics and police presence.
   • Plan how you will move through the protest area.
2. Shooting Strategy:
   • Focus on capturing the emotion and energy of the protest.
   • Balance wide shots to show the scale with close-ups for personal stories.
   • Be mindful of composition, lighting, and timing.
3. Interaction with Protesters:
   • Approach subjects respectfully and ask for permission when appropriate.
   • Be discreet and non-intrusive to avoid provoking hostility.
   • Build rapport to gain trust and more candid shots.

4. Post-Shoot Workflow​

1. Data Management:
   • Backup your photos immediately after the shoot.
   • Use multiple storage solutions (e.g., cloud, external drives).
2. Editing and Ethical Considerations:
   • Edit photos to enhance quality while maintaining authenticity.
   • Consider blurring faces if the protest could lead to repercussions for individuals.
3. Publishing and Sharing:
   • Decide on the platforms for sharing your work (e.g., social media, news outlets).
   • Be cautious about the implications of your photos on the individuals and the movement.
   • Add context to your photos with captions and descriptions.

Dialogue and Detailing​

Now, let’s go into the details:

1. Which specific city are you planning to photograph in?
2. Do you have any prior contacts or networks in that location?
3. What type of shots are you most interested in capturing (e.g., portraits, crowd scenes, interactions)?
4. Do you have any specific concerns or areas where you need more detailed advice?

Feel free to provide more details so we can tailor this plan to your needs.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Let’s delve into the specifics for photographing a protest in CITY with a focus on capturing crowd scenes and emotions, while also addressing the challenges of shooting in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Detailed Plan for CITY Protest Photography​

1. Research and Preparation​

1. Understand the Local Context:
   • CITY, the capital of COUNTRY, has a vibrant political scene. Research recent and historical protests to understand the current sentiment.
   • Follow local news and social media to gauge the mood and potential scale of the protest.
2. Legal and Ethical Considerations:
   • Verify local laws regarding photography at protests. COUNTRY generally allows photography, but it's wise to confirm specifics about public demonstrations.
   • Consider ethical implications, particularly in protecting the identities of vulnerable protesters.
3. Gear and Technical Preparation:
   • Camera Body: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with good low-light performance.
   • Lenses: A fast prime lens (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) for portraits and low-light, and a zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm) for versatility.
   • Accessories: Spare batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit.
   • Other Gear: Lightweight bag, water bottle, snacks, and personal ID.

2. Logistics and Safety​

1. Personal Safety:
   • Clothing: Wear comfortable, neutral-colored clothing to blend in. Avoid anything too flashy or brand-specific.
   • Safety Gear: Helmet and gas mask if the protest is likely to escalate. A small first aid kit is also advisable.
   • Escape Routes: Familiarize yourself with the area and identify potential safe zones.
2. Communication:
   • Inform a trusted contact of your plans, including your route and estimated check-in times.
   • Have emergency contact numbers (both local and international) easily accessible.
   • Use a local SIM card for reliable communication.

3. On-Site Strategy​

1. Arrival and Initial Assessment:
   • Scout the Area: Arrive early to find strategic vantage points. Look for elevated positions and areas with good natural light.
   • Crowd Dynamics: Observe how the crowd moves and where key moments are likely to happen (e.g., speeches, confrontations).
2. Shooting Strategy:
   • Emotion and Energy: Capture expressions, gestures, and interactions. Look for moments of solidarity and tension.
   • Composition: Use the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create compelling images.
   • Lighting: Take advantage of natural light. Adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to avoid blurry shots.
   • Camera Settings: Use a fast shutter speed (1/250 or higher) to freeze action. Set a wide aperture (f/2.8 to f/4) to create depth of field and isolate subjects.
3. Interaction with Protesters:
   • Respect and Discretion: Approach respectfully, especially when taking close-up shots.
   • Build Rapport: Engage in brief conversations if possible to build trust.
   • Candid Shots: Capture genuine moments without intruding. Use a telephoto lens for distance shots.

4. Post-Shoot Workflow​

1. Data Management:
   • Backup: Immediately backup photos to multiple locations (e.g., external drive, cloud storage).
   • Organize: Sort photos by date, location, and subject for easy access.
2. Editing and Ethical Considerations:
   • Editing: Adjust exposure, contrast, and sharpness. Crop and straighten as needed.
   • Privacy: Blur faces or remove identifiable features if the images could endanger individuals.
3. Publishing and Sharing:
   • Context: Add detailed captions to provide context to your photos.
   • Platforms: Choose appropriate platforms (e.g., personal website, social media, news outlets).
   • Consider Impact: Think about the potential impact of your images on the individuals and the broader movement.

Tips for Agility and Avoiding Blurry Shots​

1. Camera Settings:
   • Shutter Speed: Use a minimum of 1/250 sec for moving subjects. Increase as needed.
   • Aperture: Use a wide aperture (low f-number) for better light and depth of field.
   • ISO: Increase ISO to maintain fast shutter speeds in low light.
2. Stabilization:
   • Posture: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and elbows close to your body.
   • Breathing: Hold your breath while taking a shot to minimize camera shake.
   • Support: Use walls, poles, or other stable objects for added support.
3. Movement:
   • Plan Your Shots: Anticipate moments and position yourself accordingly.
   • Stay Light: Carry minimal gear to move quickly and easily.
   • Shoot in Bursts: Use continuous shooting mode to capture multiple frames and increase your chances of getting a sharp image.
4. Practice:
   • Simulate Conditions: Practice shooting in busy environments to get comfortable with quick adjustments.
   • Review and Adapt: Regularly review your shots to understand what works and adjust settings as needed.

By following this structured plan and focusing on these specific strategies, you'll be better prepared to capture powerful, evocative images of the protest in CITY. Let me know if there are any other details you need or specific concerns you'd like to address!

 

[RezaLoghme]

"Be more specific about 1. shooting while facing police/riot control and 2. options how to use the material later (e.g. blog, photobook, what else?)"


Certainly! Here are more detailed strategies for shooting while facing police or riot control and options for using your material afterward:

1. Shooting While Facing Police/Riot Control​

Preparation:​

1. Know the Protocols:
   • Understand the typical behavior and tactics of riot control in CITY. Research previous protests to see how police might respond.
   • Identify any legal restrictions on photographing police and prepare to comply.
2. Gear:
   • Use a telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm) to maintain distance while capturing detailed shots.
   • Carry a small, discreet camera bag to avoid drawing attention.
   • Have protective gear like a helmet and gas mask readily accessible but not overly visible.

During the Protest:​

1. Positioning:
   • Stay on the periphery of the crowd to keep a clear escape route.
   • Position yourself near obstacles (e.g., walls, barriers) for cover if needed.
   • Avoid standing directly between police and protesters to reduce risk.
2. Shooting Techniques:
   • Shutter Speed: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) to freeze motion and capture clear images of both police and protester actions.
   • Continuous Mode: Use burst mode to capture rapid sequences, increasing the chances of getting the perfect shot.
   • Manual Focus: Consider using manual focus to avoid autofocus hunting in chaotic scenes.
3. Interaction and Discretion:
   • Avoid Confrontation: Do not engage with police or interfere with their actions.
   • Body Language: Keep your movements calm and non-threatening.
   • Capture the Scene: Focus on wide shots to show the scale and close-ups to capture emotions and interactions.
4. Safety Tips:
   • Stay Alert: Continuously scan your surroundings for potential hazards or changes in the situation.
   • Have an Exit Plan: Know your escape routes and move quickly if the situation escalates.
   • Buddy System: If possible, work with a colleague to watch each other's backs and provide support.

2. Options for Using the Material Later​

Publishing Platforms:​

1. Blog:
   • Personal Narrative: Share your experience and insights alongside your photos to provide context.
   • Regular Updates: Keep your audience engaged with regular posts covering different aspects of the protest.
   • SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords and tags to increase visibility.
2. Photobook:
   • Curated Collection: Select the most powerful images to create a compelling narrative.
   • High-Quality Printing: Choose a reputable printer to ensure your images are presented at their best.
   • Distribution: Sell through online platforms like Blurb or local bookstores and galleries.
3. Social Media:
   • Instagram/Facebook: Share select images with thoughtful captions to reach a broad audience.
   • Stories/Reels: Use short videos or behind-the-scenes clips to provide additional context.
   • Engagement: Interact with followers through comments and messages to build a community around your work.
4. News Outlets:
   • Pitch to Editors: Contact editors of local and international news organizations with a brief about your work.
   • Freelance Opportunities: Offer your images to media outlets looking for coverage of the event.
   • Press Credentials: Obtain press credentials to enhance your credibility and access.
5. Exhibitions and Galleries:
   • Local Galleries: Collaborate with local galleries in CITY or your home country to exhibit your work.
   • Pop-Up Exhibitions: Organize temporary exhibitions in public spaces to reach a wider audience.
   • Virtual Galleries: Create an online exhibition using platforms like Artsteps or Kunstmatrix.
6. Documentary Project:
   • Short Film: Use your photos as a basis for a short documentary film, adding voiceover narration or interviews.
   • Collaborations: Partner with filmmakers or journalists to create a more comprehensive documentary.
7. Advocacy and NGOs:
   • Human Rights Organizations: Share your work with NGOs focused on human rights and social justice.
   • Campaigns: Support advocacy campaigns by providing powerful visual content.
8. Academic and Historical Archives:
   • University Projects: Collaborate with academic institutions for research and educational purposes.
   • Historical Societies: Contribute to archives that document social and political movements.

Final Thoughts​

Shooting a protest, especially when facing police or riot control, requires careful planning and awareness. By preparing thoroughly and maintaining a focus on both safety and ethics, you can capture compelling images that tell a powerful story. Exploring diverse platforms to share your work ensures that your efforts reach and impact a broad audience. Let me know if you need further details on any specific aspect!

 

[RezaLoghme]

This is a real-life example. Certainly, if I want to go deeper, I will google and bulk-feed articles about special topics into it, and then ask it to include them in its revised action plan or summary.

 

[MattKing]

I can see how that would work; bouncing ideas off of it, in a way. I know my wife uses it for correspondence sometimes. She prompts what needs to be in the letter, ChatGPT writes it, she redacts it and the whole process saves her time. It has its uses, for sure. And we'll see those increase every day. It's a brave new world we live in.

I used to do that with my staff in my law office .
Give them some dictated instructions to draft a document or letter including A, B and C, which I would subsequently edit and finalize.
Good staff are incredibly valuable, as well as being a joy to work with!
I'm not sure how much I would have liked to work with the Artificial Intelligence alternative!

 

[koraks]

Hey, if it works for you...(responding to the GPT outputs above)
Personally, I find that output a tad tedious. It's one part pointing out the bleeding obvious, one part repetitive/redundant, one part false/tendentious/poorly formulated, and the remaining relevant bits are snowed under this amalgam of, well, dribble. Can you ask it to sum up the relevant bits in 200 words? This might yield a decent checklist that covers the basics. I think it's fairly clear that any of the more meaningful questions still require human intelligence and of course decision-making. Which is actually a good thing!

 

[RezaLoghme]

Yeah you take that and then finetune it. Remove what is obvious to you, and zoom into special topics. It is a tool, but a nice one. And it always comes up with one aspect I had not thought of.

I asked which camera I should use:

"Your gear choices are excellent for capturing the unique atmosphere of a protest. Each has its strengths, and both can contribute significantly to your project. Here's a breakdown of how you can effectively use your Hasselblad 553ELX and Leica X (Typ 113) in relation to your plan:"

And then some trueisms come up, nothing life-changing. But maybe sometimes it is a bit too much, expecting a AI tool to uncover some super new wisdom in a fairly simple setting?!

 

[RezaLoghme]

"Now sum up my Central Asia Protest Shooting Trip in less than 200 words"

Central Asia Protest Shooting Trip Plan

Objective: Capture powerful, emotional images of a protest in CITY using the Hasselblad 553ELX and Leica X (Typ 113).

Preparation:

• Hasselblad 553ELX: Load with Ilford 400 ISO film, bring multiple pre-loaded film backs, and use the waist-level finder for unique perspectives.
• Leica X (Typ 113): Set for high ISO, shoot in black and white, and use for spontaneous, fast-moving scenes.
• Gear: Wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing, and carry lightweight, essential equipment. No tripod due to mobility concerns.

Shooting Techniques:

• Hasselblad: Focus on composed, significant shots; use faster shutter speeds and wide apertures. Stabilize using body positioning and nearby structures.
• Leica: Capture quick, dynamic moments with high flexibility.

Safety and Strategy:

• Stay on the periphery for better maneuverability and safety. Pre-focus when possible, stay aware of surroundings, and have an exit plan.
• Engage briefly with participants to build rapport and blend in.

Post-Shoot:

• Develop and digitize film for high-quality output.
• Use images for blogs, social media, photobooks, news outlets, and exhibitions to share the powerful story of the protest.

Enjoy the blend of medium format and digital photography to create a compelling, diverse portfolio.

 

[BrianShaw]

The ChatGPT response really is drivel, considering that it never even hints at which emulsion to make for the described application.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Any technical advice that even a very experienced photog might find new and useful?
make it les than 200words for easier consumption for Forum member "Koraks"

Certainly! Here's a concise version:

Advanced Technical Tips for Protest Photography​

1. Intentional Blur: Experiment with slower shutter speeds (1/15s to 1/60s) to convey movement and dynamism in protest scenes.
2. High Dynamic Range (HDR): Use exposure bracketing and natural lighting to capture a wide dynamic range of protests, preserving details in both highlights and shadows.
3. Creative Composition: Employ layering, depth, and framing within the frame techniques to enhance your protest images' narrative and impact.
4. Reflections: Utilize reflective surfaces like puddles and glass to add visual interest and complexity to protest photography.
5. Infrared (IR) Photography: Explore IR photography for a surreal and alternative perspective on protests, revealing unique textures and details.
6. Lens Techniques: Use telephoto lenses for compression and wide-angle lenses for dramatic perspectives in protest photography.
7. Creative Lighting: Experiment with light painting, gelled flashes, and natural light manipulation to enhance mood and focus in protest images.
8. Drone Photography: Incorporate drones for aerial perspectives of protests, ensuring compliance with local regulations and ethical guidelines.

Implement these techniques selectively to capture protests with creativity, depth, and visual impact.

 

[RezaLoghme]

Are there any well known protest photographers you know, and their "magic tricks"?

Certainly! Here are a few well-known protest photographers and some insights into their techniques or approaches that have become somewhat like their "magic tricks":

Well-Known Protest Photographers and Their Techniques​

1. Eddie Adams​

• Claim to Fame: Famous for his photograph of the execution of a Viet Cong prisoner during the Vietnam War, which had a significant impact on public opinion.
• Magic Trick: Known for his ability to capture intense and emotionally charged moments that resonate deeply with viewers, often through intimate and powerful compositions.

2. Don McCullin​

• Claim to Fame: Renowned for his coverage of conflicts and humanitarian issues, including the Vietnam War and conflicts in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.
• Magic Trick: Masterful use of black and white photography to convey raw human emotions and the harsh realities of war and protest. His images often focus on the human cost and suffering.

3. Mary Ellen Mark​

• Claim to Fame: Noted for her empathetic and intimate portraits of marginalized communities and social issues around the world.
• Magic Trick: Skillful at building trust and rapport with her subjects, allowing her to capture candid and deeply personal moments during protests and social movements.

4. James Nachtwey​

• Claim to Fame: Known as a war photographer and for his documentation of social and political issues globally.
• Magic Trick: Expert in using dramatic lighting and composition to create visually arresting images that convey the urgency and gravity of protest movements and their consequences.

5. Gilles Peress​

• Claim to Fame: Documented conflicts in Northern Ireland, the Balkans, and Rwanda, as well as protests and social movements worldwide.
• Magic Trick: Known for his long-term commitment to projects, which allows him to capture the evolution and complexities of protests and conflicts over time.

6. Susan Meiselas​

• Claim to Fame: Notable for her work documenting human rights issues, including her coverage of the Nicaraguan Revolution.
• Magic Trick: Skillful at blending photojournalism with community engagement and advocacy, using multimedia approaches to amplify the voices of protest participants.

Insights and Inspiration​

These photographers have left indelible marks on the world of protest photography through their unique approaches and techniques. Whether it's capturing decisive moments, building trust with subjects, using powerful composition and lighting, or engaging deeply with the communities they photograph, their "magic tricks" inspire and inform photographers seeking to document protests with impact and empathy.

(....)

I guess it does not go much deeper. So, as said, a perfect brainstorming tool.

 

[koraks]

Any technical advice that even a very experienced photog might find new and useful?
make it les than 200words for easier consumption for Forum member "Koraks"

OK, nice touch, that last bit. To be frank, this results in what I had feared. What remains is the obvious stuff that's not necessarily very useful, but this is also because you prompted for technical advice specifically. But it's also the result of AI not being able to discern the relevant from the mundane. This is the Achilles heel of AI at present, so my suggestion was perhaps disadvantageous from its perspective.

 

[RezaLoghme]

"Any photogs known for their work in COUNTRY1 or COUNTRY2 protests?"

And then CGPT came up with 5 people I had not heard of before, whom I will now look up. So, job jobbed, dear LLM.

 

[RezaLoghme]

I guess you know all these from your everyday work in practice:

To impress someone as experienced as Koraks with unique and advanced protest photography advice, I'll delve deeper into less commonly discussed techniques and strategies:

Advanced Protest Photography Advice for Koraks​

1. Multi-Perspective Storytelling:​

• Technique: Use multiple cameras simultaneously, each set at different focal lengths or angles. This allows you to capture diverse perspectives of the same moment, offering a comprehensive view of the protest's dynamics.
• Impact: Enables you to create compelling photo sequences or montages that illustrate the protest's progression and complexity from various angles.

2. Composite Imagery:​

• Technique: Experiment with composite photography by blending multiple exposures of the same scene taken over time. This method can visually represent the evolving nature of protests and the passage of time during significant moments.
• Impact: Provides a layered and dynamic representation of the protest's narrative, conveying its intensity and fluidity in a single image.

3. Mobile Editing and Sharing:​

• Strategy: Utilize advanced mobile editing apps and techniques to quickly process and share images directly from the protest scene. Apps like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed offer powerful editing tools on-the-go.
• Impact: Allows for immediate dissemination of powerful protest images, enhancing real-time engagement and impact on social media platforms and news outlets.

4. Interactive Documentary Approaches:​

• Approach: Combine still photography with interactive elements such as audio recordings, video snippets, or written testimonies from protest participants. Platforms like Adobe Spark or Klynt facilitate multimedia storytelling.
• Impact: Creates an immersive and engaging documentary experience that goes beyond static images, fostering deeper audience connection and understanding of the protest's context and emotions.

5. Drone Light Painting:​

• Technique: Use drones equipped with LED lights to create light paintings over protest scenes. By controlling the drone's flight path and light intensity, you can paint intricate patterns or messages in the sky.
• Impact: Offers a visually striking and symbolic representation of protest messages, visible from a distance and enhancing the protest's visibility and impact.

6. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration:​

• Innovation: Explore AR technology to overlay digital content, such as protest slogans or historical context, onto real-world protest scenes through smartphone apps like Layar or AR.js.
• Impact: Enhances viewer engagement by providing contextual information and interactive elements directly within protest photographs, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.

Implementing Advanced Techniques​

• Adaptation: Tailor these advanced techniques to fit the specific context and goals of each protest you document.
• Experimentation: Embrace experimentation and continuous learning to refine your skills and push the boundaries of protest photography.
• Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize ethical guidelines in your documentation, respecting the privacy and dignity of protest participants while amplifying their voices and messages.

By integrating these innovative approaches into your protest photography repertoire, you can not only impress with technical prowess but also elevate the storytelling and impact of your images in unprecedented ways.

 

[koraks]

To impress someone as experienced as Koraks with unique and advanced protest photography advice

Yeah yeah. Attaboy.

 

[RezaLoghme]

CGPT being nice to you.

 

[koraks]

Tell it I said thanks.

 

[mshchem]

Memorex could break a wine glass just like Ella Fitzgerald!!

 

[rmazzullo]

If AI existed on the level of TARS and CASE, then I might be a bit more curious / intrigued / concerned. Right now, it just seems like a search engine on steroids. (Nothing to see here, folks....move along....)

We now return to your regularly scheduled program...brought to you by Alka-Seltzer....

 

[RezaLoghme]

If AI existed on the level of TARS and CASE, then I might be a bit more curious / intrigued / concerned. Right now, it just seems like a search engine on steroids.

LLMs are Not a search engine.