A Photo Project During A Pandemic

When Eric Francis told me about “Isolation In The 402”, it immediately made sense. Unlike the popular #thefrontstepsproject which we have all now seen, Eric's work has both depth and breadth in some very nuanced ways.

Like Paul Gero, who I interviewed a couple of weeks back about his project in Wisconsin, Francis is also on a mission to document his community.

He wants to photograph as many families and individuals as possible in his area code: 402, during this time of self-isolation and social distancing. Hence the name for his project, “Isolation In The 402.”

Eric uses only Fujifilm gear and limits himself to one or two camera bodies and lenses. Most of the lighting you see in some of his portraits (scroll down) is either a porch light or day-light. Listen to the podcast, below, to learn more about his gear.

All the photographs are intentionally in black & white. As I saw Eric post portrait after portrait on his Facebook wall, I repeatedly stopped to read his posts too. Francis displays a sense of respect and curiosity to get know how each of his subjects is feeling on the day on the photo shoot.

Chatting With Eric Francis

Eric and I chat and text each other often. I know I wouldn't have converted to a Fujifilm photographer if it hadn't been for Eric's patient instructions. And yes, we can talk shop all day. When I asked if I could interview him about his project, he wasted no time in scheduling the call. Lean in and listen to how “Isolation In The 402” took shape and where he hopes to take it:

Photographs From The Project

Other Photographers Documenting Life Now

Paul Gero and Eric Francis both mentioned Matt Mendelsohn's project, Not Forgotten: The Yorktown Seniors of 2020. Take a look. If you know Matt, please let him know I would be honored to interview him for what appears to be a series now of chats with photographers about personal photography projects during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you know of other photographers who are creating a body of work during this time, please have them contact me on Facebook.

Pete Wright, a photographer, teacher, speaker and author, is obsessed with everything George Hurrell.

Glamor Portrait Photography

If you think of glamor and Hollywood these days, you might think of Annie Leibovitz and you wouldn't be wrong. But for Pete Wright, almost all of us portrait photographers need to tip our hat to Mr. Hurrell who was a pioneer in cinematic portraits.

Yet, Pete Wright has his own spin on the genre of cinematic portraits. He essentially wrote the book on the topic.

From Goodreads:

Pete Wright teaches you how to re-create mysterious, dark, and glamorous cinematic portraits reminiscent of those taken of 1920s’ and 1930s’ stars and starlets. The book contains 60 discrete sections which contain 60 of Wright’s most impressive, nostalgic black & white portraits, along with some alternate poses and lighting diagrams. In each section, the author details the steps taken to create the final portrait.

The Interview About Cinematic Portraits

When I found out that he was going to be presenting a workshop for CTPPA members on June 22nd, we hastily made arrangements to speak about cinematic portraits, his connection to Canon and how he is now on the road for most of the year bringing photographers full circle – teaching them about capture, processing and printing their artwork.

It's quite a mission and I applaud him and Canon for it. If you are in or near Connecticut on June 22nd and June 23rd, register for the workshop and do NOT miss this opportunity to learn from a master craftsman.

Pete Wright's Portfolio

Please visit Pete Wright's website for even more examples of his cinematic portraits. Here is a small sample for your viewing pleasure!

Register For the CTPPA Workshop

On June 22nd and June 23rd, you can learn the skills to create your own version of cinematic portraits. But you must register today!

In addition to Canon's sponsorship of Pete's presentation over the two days, we have to thank Elinchrom for making their studio strobe equipment available to participants.

If you have any questions for Pete Wright about cinematic portraits, please comment below.

Ernesto Bazan eschews the title of “documentary photographer” when I try to describe him before our chat. He prefer to be known as a photographer who creates intimate, personal stories. Looking at his images (see below), you'll immediately get that about him. For the last 20 or so years, he is committed to telling those stories of the people and the island of Cuba. His work, developed over time is a response more than a reaction. The images, whether they are from Bazan Cuba, Al Campo or his latest book, Isla, all originate from his heart.

Bazan, is originally from Palermo, Sicily, but now lives in Veracruz, Mexico. From 1992 to 2006, Bazan committed himself to Cuba out of sheer curiosity. Instead of parachuting in and out of the country like a lot of photographers do, Bazan chose to live among the island's people and get to know them in a way only a native Cuban would or could.

The strength of his images are a testament to his resolve to immerse himself in whatever he chooses to photograph. Bazan is the recipient of a number of awards and grants including, The W. Eugene Smith grant; the Mother Jones Foundation for Photojournalism, the Dorothea Lang Paul Taylor prize at Duke University, N.C., the World Press Photo and two fellowships from the Alicia Patterson Foundation and the Guggenheim Foundation.

It was an honor to speak with him as he launched his Kickstarter campaign to fund his latest book, ISLA.

Isla:

Al Campo:

Bazan Cuba:

It is my hope that you will find a way to support Bazan's Kickstarter campaign and make the printing of this important book a reality. The success of this campaign will fuel future independent photography book projects by Bazan and his students and other collaborators through Bazan Photos Publishing.