Foto Azzaro

Try pod.

2011-10-20T19:11:00.001-04:00

If you don't already have one, go buy a tripod. In the days of film, long exposures were for the brave few, the ones that had the knowledge and the time. They knew the math that went into it. They used their light meters. They knew what film yielded what result.

Today, there is absolutely, 100% no risk of wasting time or money. Click. Wait. Check the result. If it's good, continue. If not, adjust. The below shot was taken at a five second exposure. Without recording the motion of the spinning record, this shot wouldn't be nearly as dynamic.

This picture of downtown Chicago at night, probably wouldn't exist.

I know I gripe about digital photography a lot, but for many reasons I'm in love with it. The ability to learn from trial and error is one of them.

If you want to try something fun without a tripod, set your camera to a thirty second exposure or greater and find an area with a lot of lit up signs and lights (at night, of course). With the camera in your hands, begin exposing and moving the camera in different ways while pointing it at the lights. You should get something like this.

Be Constructiv-ism.

2011-10-19T22:00:00.003-04:00

Many have said, "If I only knew then what I know now". I say it daily. Fortunately some things can be done at any point in life. Studying the history of art falls into that category.

Constructivism has been a point of intrigue for many years. This is one of the many art movements that reshaped the way art is made and viewed, as well as the tools that create it. It was born in 1919, Russia, with the intent of making functional art as opposed to art for social purposes. Russia was at a political turning point and would continue to generate world renowned architecture, graphic and industrial design and propaganda. If you have time, check out the link above. Many of my ideas and works often stem from images that I've seen from this era, like the sketch below.

Art? You there?

2011-10-17T19:05:00.002-04:00

Let me ask you, is this art?

Over the span of several years I've learned a ton, and can pronounce Zywiec (jiv - eee - itz, my favorite Polish beer). One thing that I go back and forth on is art. I think, er, thought I knew what art was... is. Is art something that speaks to somebody and really means something to them? Or is art something that is one of a kind and costs a lot of money? At times I felt as though I've peeked behind the curtain only to realize that art means one person schmoozing with people who have money, making them feel special and selling them something that they'll later brag about owning. At that rate, the jokes on... well... I don't know anymore. I guess it's a win-win. Although, it tends to hurt those with real merit or authenticity. Exit Through the Gift Shop: A Banksy Film examines this. It's an amazing film, but I'm still uncertain if it's an actual documentary or art piece itself.

So, yeah. Is the above image art?

Fine.

2011-10-13T21:47:00.000-04:00

Fine art or the fine arts encompass art forms developed primarily for aesthetics and/or concept rather than practical application. That being said, when one calls them self a "fine artist" is it because of the above definition? Or is it because somebody else calls them an artist? Yet still, is it simply to legitimize what they've created? When something is labeled "fine art" does this mean a panel of qualified authorities came together and determined this result? Will everyone see it as "fine art"? If a piece of "fine art" falls in the woods and nobody is around to determine if it is "fine art", does that disqualify the effort and talent that went into it?

Does fine art photography have to have a nude subject? Or must it be black and white?

From Fairfield to Toledo...

2011-10-11T14:17:00.001-04:00

I love me some farms and abandoned buildings.

The Shape of Fall

2011-10-09T20:22:00.001-04:00

The unseasonably warm weather over the past few days has provided a string of optimal photo capturing opportunities. Some like to get out this time of year to capture colors, while others are just taking advantage of the milder air. There are definite categories, as any stock photo website will tell you, for photographers to classify themselves. And within these categories lie even more categories called sub-categories. Much like breaking down a complex chemical compound, there's no excuse for not knowing what kind of photographer one is.

My passion has always been for lines and shapes. I've never been able to put into words why I like to shoot what I shoot.

Scrub, rinse, repeat.

2011-10-05T21:17:00.003-04:00

Over the course of time, repeats are bound to occur. Sayings, actions, photographs, etc. There's absolutely no way to avoid this. The solution is to do your research or hope for a crowd that hasn't.

Three famous fashion photographers, each from different time periods, are guilty of this. What is it?

Photographer-Martin Munkàcsi

Photographer-Stan Malinowski

Photographer-Annie Leibovitz

Devo

2011-10-04T19:15:00.001-04:00

In 1973, an American band was formed based on the concept of the de-evolution of mankind. Their style was described as punk, art rock, post rock and new wave. The idea behind the band Devo comes from "the idea that instead of continuing to evolve, mankind has actually begun to regress, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society."

The first photograph made using a camera was created in 1826 by the French inventor, Nicéphore Niépce. It's known as La cour du domaine du Gras (View from the Window at Le Gras) and is the result of a camera obscura, a sheet of oil treated bitumen and an eight hour exposure to sunlight. This was the culmination of centuries of studies put forth by philosophers, mathematicians and chemists.

Photography immediately went on to become many things: something reserved for the affluent, a controversial art form and platform for growth and improvement.

In 1884, George Eastman replaced the photographic plates with film. In 1935, Kodak introduced Kodachrome, which wasn't the first color film, but would go on to become one of the most popular films of all time. In 1947, Edwin H. Land introduced the instant camera, which was known as the Land Camera. Edwin's company was called Polaroid Corporation. For decades, photography went through many changes, each change bringing it closer to the mainstream public.

Today, photography is something that we have all grown up with and have perfected our "snapshot smile" as a result. It now floods social media, sells smart phones and at the push of a button allows any novice to appear as a seasoned pro.

Same Same, but Different

2011-05-02T12:25:00.003-04:00

I don't have too much to say, as it is already said in this New York Times article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/21/technology/personaltech/21pogue.html?WT.mc_id=TE-D-I-NYT-MOD-MOD-M199-ROS-0511-PH&WT.mc_ev=click

In conclusion, Fuji has gone too far. They want the consumer to pay for their product AND think for themselves!?

The New Project, While I Work on the Other New Project

2011-04-14T20:34:00.003-04:00

This is the first of many images from a series called Damn Yens Rich. The idea is to photograph the subject (Yen) wearing a different pair of Warby Parker glasses (http://www.warbyparker.com/) in different scenes as different characters. It's kind of like playing dress up.

As I said, this is amidst the other new project in which principal photography is already well underway. For those keeping score, Damn Yens Rich is an anagram. Think about it.

For those at home keeping score...

2011-03-14T15:21:00.003-04:00

This is a tad late, but anybody interested should check out a group show that I am involved in which runs until March 25. It is called Regard/Resist/React and it is showing at Governor State University just south of Chicago.

Here are several links with more info:

http://www.russell-publications.com/articles/1922/art-exhibit-at-gsu

http://homewood-flossmoor.patch.com/articles/regard-resist-react-viewfinder#photo-5190311

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Visual-Arts-Gallery-Governors-State-University/164905230206611

Recording Still Movies

2011-01-16T18:42:00.007-05:00

There is something to be said about simplifying things. Usually, simpler is better. That is what I love about these photos taken at night on the freeway. I was not driving. The shutter is open for an extended period and what happens happens.

Artprize

2010-08-03T22:09:00.005-04:00

One of biggest art competitions in the world will open September 22, 2010 in Grand Rapids Michigan. I will be presenting my most recent work, Paradise Valley. Here is a link for all of the Artprize information:

http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/51119

As the picture shows, I am working hard on this project.

IT'S ALIVE!!!

2010-06-03T23:12:00.003-04:00

My proposal for a public art installation went live on the website Kickstarter.com Kickstarter is a place where people can go to pitch an idea and be connected with possible investors.

My link is:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fotoazzaro/the-chicago-blue-line-animation-project

Father Foto Azzaro

2010-05-10T21:48:00.003-04:00

Although I get my artistic drive from both of my parents, my father introduced me to photography. Growing up, he would set up a darkroom in our basement to develop the photos he took with his Canon TLb (this was before digital). At the time I didn't know what the hell a darkroom was, I just knew that I needed to never open the door while he was in there.

My introduction and involvement was on the other end of the lens however. I became comfortable being photographed, which is something that translates well when trying to make others comfortable when in front of my camera.

Being photographed and participating was only half of it. The framed results coat almost every inch of the walls of the house I grew up in. Believe me, saying that the walls are coated with pictures does no justice to how many pictures are on those walls. Being able to see the results taught me about lighting and space and composition.

It was very much like growing up in an art installation.

The following pictures are recent photos that my father and I took. We both play with lines and space. The only difference is the landscape (I live in the city).

Blogging about the Blog

2010-05-06T20:00:00.002-04:00

I was recently questioned to be in a photography blog. The link is http://photography.wix.com/2010/05/photographer-zoom.html

The blog is maintained by a great artist whose work can be seen here, http://www.ronronart.com/

Writer's Block

2010-05-04T23:15:00.001-04:00

Thoughts?

Fast, Free and Weekly

2010-04-22T22:57:00.003-04:00

I spend a lot of time seeking out and submitting to calls for artists where ever I can find them. I never thought that I would see a call for entries on the bus though. Sure enough, the Chicago Red Eye has a weekly photo contest. It costs nothing to enter and first prize is a lifetime supply of Red Eye's, plus free recognition throughout Chicago. Check it out.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/redeye/oh-snap/

Lines, Angles and Shapes

2010-04-15T21:49:00.006-04:00

My next project, which is already underway, will make use of lines, angles and shapes that are created by things we see everyday. This project will also include heroes, villains and a story, but for now I will only share some foundation images.

"Two weeks to go, buddy"

2010-04-08T21:18:00.004-04:00

As much as I would love to say something intelligent and well thought out each and every time I type, it's just not going to happen tonight. I will, however, push my top three favorite films of all time. These films have always instigated ideas and mental stimulation via their amazing cinematography and involved stories. They are:

1. Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of Others)

2. Moon

3. The Visitor

Fashion is Fashion is Fashion

2010-04-06T21:03:00.008-04:00

I get it now, or at least I am starting to. For a while I thought I was interested in fashion photography. Why not? It's only on every cover of every magazine anywhere you go in public. I was interested in it, but didn't understand why. I made attempts at shooting what I thought would be fashion, or tried planning out fashion shoots, only to be stunted somewhere in the beginning of the production because I didn't know what the hell I was doing. The show I had with Stan Malinowski taught me a lot too. Not about fashion, but about myself. I do like shooting (photographing) people and I do love shooting environment, but not for the sake of fashion. I suppose that fashion could be a by-product of my work though. Below are some examples of what I am talking about. I am fascinated by playing with light, space and action.

The Difference a Day Makes

2010-04-05T21:30:00.003-04:00

Chicago is a lot of things. Beautiful is one of them. These three shots are AM, noon and PM shots of the city in one day.

La Jetée

2010-04-01T20:18:00.008-04:00

La Jetée is a 28 minute black and white science fiction film by artist and photographer, Chris Marker. It is delivered almost entirely in still photographs and tells a story of the survivors living underground after a nuclear third world war. Their goal is to perfect time travel in order to repair their present world. The film follows one character through his time travel experiments.

La Jetée was made in 1962. The imagery is with out a doubt stand-alone. The movement from one picture to the next truly feels as if you are watching a film. This movie has always amazed me. In a way, I have always sought to re-invent it. It has definitely been a source of inspiration for much of my work, including a new photo story I am currently working on.

ISOlation

2010-03-31T23:02:00.011-04:00

I love pushing the ISO with digital cameras. I do not do it because I don't have access to enough light, but because I love the grain and texture. Different cameras give different looks, but as the technology improves, we see less and less grain. It is almost like the ISO grain could be an art form, but will not be around long enough to make an impact. This is great in the world of professional photography though. Lighting and time are often disregarded by those in charge, so being able to shoot on the fly without the need for setting uplights is key. Making a product that makes the whole operation more efficient is by no means a bad thing, but let's not overlook a beautiful art form. Now, where did I set my film?

I produced these images at 3200ISO and I quite like them.

Vampire or Werewolf?

2010-03-30T22:48:00.004-04:00

For those that missed it, last night was the full moon. Pretty.

Free SHOTS

2010-03-30T22:14:00.006-04:00

SHOTS Magazine is a quarterly fine art photography journal. It is based out of Minneapolis and edited and published by a man named Russell Joslin. Joslin has worked in photography since the early 90's, exhibiting his work in solo and group shows since then as well.

I have been fortunate enough to meet him in person at a portfolio review. There he informed me of the open call for work for SHOTS Magazine. And that is why I am posting this. SHOTS has another open call. There is no theme and the deadline for submission is not until May 3, 2010.

More information can be found on the SHOTS website at http://shotsmag.com/menu.htm

Russell Joslin's work can be seen at http://russelljoslin.com/

Public Art Genius

2010-03-29T11:58:00.004-04:00

Creating art for gallery walls will always be around. It is a business and there is nothing wrong with that. However, creating art in the public for the public is even better. The trick is not to force people into viewing and/or interacting with it.

This is exactly what the Urban Video Project is about (http://www.urbanvideoproject.com/).

"The Urban Video Project, or UVP for short, is an initiative of Syracuse University with technology provided by Time Warner Cable. UVP has developed into one of the first permanent series of urban projection installations in the United States."

They already have three locations and a fourth is in the works. These massive installations can be viewed daily from dusk to 11p.m. year round. I strongly recommend reading more at their website, again at http://www.urbanvideoproject.com/

Stan Malinowski

2010-03-24T16:20:00.010-04:00

Stan Malinowski is a Chicago photographer. He began his long amazing career with Playboy in the 1960's. Malinowski got into photography because it "made it easier to talk to girls", so Playboy was a natural fit. He enjoyed some success there, and then moved on to work for Bob Guccione at Penthouse. There he could photograph more location and lifestyle pictorials and truly deliver a story for each girl he photographed. His eye for capturing these stories would serve him well. His next move would be into the world of fashion for which he is better known. Two art directors at Vogue, Rochelle Udell and Alexander Liberman, saw one of his spreads in Penthouse and booked him for a shoot. He would photograph world renowned models all over the world for the next decade. His work can be seen at http://www.modelpix.com/

I have not only had the pleasure of meeting Stan, but in late 2008 we had a collaborative exhibit together.

Stan told me many great stories that I will not soon forget regarding his travels and experiences. One such story is how he had left belongings at various hotels around the world because he would visit them so regularly. For example, he had left a ten speed road bike in storage at a New York hotel so that when he returned to New York, he could ride to the shoot while his assistant handled the gear.

"La Città" Public Art Project

2010-03-21T15:04:00.008-04:00

"La Città" is a project that I have been working on for a few months now. When the funding goal is reached, it will be a series of sequential images placed in the inbound Blue Line subway tunnel between the Clark and Lake stop and the Washington and Dearborn stop that light up as the train passes, giving the commuters an illuminated animation. The still images mounted to the subway wall and the movement of the train create a flip book effect.

My animation involves a silhouette of the city of Chicago as viewed from the west, gradually transitioning through different colors. The foreground will be like my project "Visuosensory" (2008) where a photographed individual interacted with hand drawn illustrations. Without giving away too much, this story may also involve evil robots...

The biggest challenge I have with this project is finding funding. To date I have written several grant proposals and continue to do so. At this point it is only a matter of time. If you are interested in learning more about any aspect of this project, feel free to ask.

Inspiration001

2010-03-20T15:53:00.004-04:00

Inspiration can definitely come from anywhere. These three movies have played a role in my current work as well as my future plans.

The Disorient

2010-03-19T13:08:00.004-04:00

I am and have always been fascinated with odd shapes and angles. I feel the series "The Disorient" sums up how I feel. I challenge myself to create interesting images using otherwise ordinary and uninteresting settings.

The Rape of Wicker Park

2010-03-19T12:19:00.000-04:00

My most recent project, "The Rape of Wicker Park", deals with toys from my childhood and how they are the closest thing to real war that I know. My question is, were these toys introduced to me and other children to make war an acceptable part of life?

Foto Azzaro

2009-05-07T11:21:00.000-04:00