Which photographer would you choose?

Great thread! I'd pick Michael and Paula.

I'd actually disagree about Michael & Paula. They're not for people who are still experimenting and exploring. They're the go-to folks for someone who has a very specific vision of where they want to go, and needs someone to help get them on the way to it. They represent a version of "The One True Way", and as such have the ability to turn off as many people as they inspire.

TheFlyingCamera said:

I'd actually disagree about Michael & Paula. They're not for people who are still experimenting and exploring. They're the go-to folks for someone who has a very specific vision of where they want to go, and needs someone to help get them on the way to it. They represent a version of "The One True Way", and as such have the ability to turn off as many people as they inspire.

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While I think that perhaps some have interpreted what they say as the above, I never heard either one of them say that they had "the one true way" or anything even close to that at the Apug conference. As a matter of fact, I remember quite the opposite being said many times. Whenever questions about materials or working methods came up each was always very careful to say that what they were talking about was their method that they discovered to be the best for their type of work. Now, if your type of work is quite different than what they do it might not be especially helpful, but there were subjects talked about that would be helpful to any photographer I think. Michael does seem very critical of camera clubs and the way art school forces students to pick a "gimmick" that they can call their own to mark their style at too early a point in their creative and personal development, but I just see that as critical of some of the aspects of photographic society and not limiting to personal development.


Best,

Will

Ralph Gibson. I think he is a great example (and there are many others) of someone with great vision and conceptual approach to photography.

But on a more selfish note I suppose I would also like to listen to and see work by either Gordon Hutchings or Howard Bond from a LF point of view.

TheFlyingCamera said:

I'd actually disagree about Michael & Paula. They're not for people who are still experimenting and exploring. They're the go-to folks for someone who has a very specific vision of where they want to go, and needs someone to help get them on the way to it. They represent a version of "The One True Way", and as such have the ability to turn off as many people as they inspire.

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I've spent enough time with them, Scott, both in and out of workshops, to state that your characterization of them is 100% Dead Wrong.

I'd nominate English portraitist Jane Bown. Stunning portraits the minimalist way.

Have to agree with Caponigro or Tice.

A husband-wife team...

Kate and Geir Jordahl. Both combine to provide the energy, knowledge and understanding to get the most out of any workshop or classroom experience.

They began PhotoCentral in Hayward, CA -- a community darkroom, classes and workshop provider for the SF Bay Area. Both are extremely well-versed in silver printing, and in the use of IR film. Kate knows how to handle a LF camera as well as being on top of the curve of digital photography.

Two of the nicest people one would ever meet. Photography is their passion -- and it infuses any situation they are in.

Hmmm....I'd have to say John Blakemore- a great photographer and printer, an inspiring teacher and ARGG. He even made the fisherman's smock into an essential fashion accessory for any aspiring BW photographer LOL.