Due to the Thanksgiving holiday and my usual hectic schedule, I'm repeating episode 86 from last year's end-of-November show called "Creative Oasis." I'll work on having some fresh content for mid-December but until then, if you haven't already heard this episode, I hope you'll enjoy it. It was a great discussion about creativity and what we can do to spark it in ourselves. Here are the notes from that show: 
When the world around us is too overwhelming, where do we go to find respite? A "creative oasis" perhaps? The definition of an oasis is "something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast." How can we find these oases? Join me and my buddy Mark Reierson in an intimate discussion of exploration as we try to figure out together where these oases exist and what we can do when we find them. This show comes from an idea I had after being on the ShutterTime podcast with Mac and we explored a subject together while recording the show. It's a slightly new format which I'd like to try again. I hope you find the chat with Mark as fascinating as I did. 
Links:
The Unusual Collective Home Page
Mark Reierson's Website and Instagram feed
Patreon Page
Shuttertime Podcast
Adventures in Creativity Podcast
We the Creators Podcast

Creative Oasis Redux

Join photographers Antonio M. Rosario and Ward Rosin for tips and insights that will take your photography to the next level. Topics range from candid street photography to nature and landscapes as Antonio and Ward reflect on lessons learned, providing practical tips you can immediately apply to your own photography. Also, you'll hear great interviews from working photographers.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

"When I use the camera, I often feel like I know something of the people or places I come in contact with."- Christophe Agou
"No place is boring, if you've had a good night's sleep and have a pocket full of unexposed film."- Robert Adams
 
 
In this episode, Antonio and Ward discuss Gerald Undone’s recent YouTube video, which critiques how camera reviewers should approach their work. They talk about the importance of transparency, thoroughness, and the impact these reviews have on the photography community. They share their perspectives on how more detailed and honest reviews can benefit both photographers and manufacturers.
In the second part of the episode, Antonio and Ward explore the concept of psychogeography. They talk about how geographical environments influence emotions and behaviors in street photography. They share personal experiences and insights on how wandering through urban landscapes can ignite creativity, leading to unique and unexpected photographic opportunities. Their conversation encourages listeners to see their surroundings in new ways and to find inspiration in the everyday places they might otherwise overlook.
 
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Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
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Show Links:
Café Royal Books
Camera Reviews Need to Change... Gerald Undone
Martin Parr Sofa Sessions
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page.
Ornis Photo Website 
The Unusual Collective
Street Shots Facebook Page
Street Shots Instagram
 
 
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Spotify
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iHeart Radio

Spatial Awareness

"The grain in film is something I crave. It adds a layer of truth and rawness." 
- Wim Wenders
 
“It's like a fingerprint on every image." 
- Anton Corbijn
 
In this episode, Antonio and Ward dive into some new photography gear and fascinating image-making techniques. Antonio kicks things off by sharing info about the new Fotodiox GFX stitching adapter for 4x5 cameras. He discusses the possibilities of pairing it with his Fujifilm GFX camera for panoramic shots and how he could use this setup for his tree photography at Green-Wood Cemetery. Ward also shares his recent experience photographing the aurora. They go over the technical aspects and challenges of aurora photography, with Ward's images showcasing the spectacular natural light show.
The conversation shifts to grain and noise in photography. Antonio and Ward reminisce about their experiences with film grain, comparing it to the digital noise of today's cameras. They discuss how their preferences and techniques have evolved over the years, especially with advancements in digital photography. Antonio explains his fascination with grain as a creative element, while Ward shares his journey of trying to minimize it for cleaner images. 
 
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Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
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Show Links:
Antonio's Free Classes at the Brooklyn Public Library:
Street Photography - Friday, May 17 2024
Lens & Pen: An Adventure in Photo Journaling - Wednesday, May 22 2024
From Lens to Layout: Creating Your First Photo Zine - Saturday, Jun 22 2024
Street Photography - Saturday, Jun 8 2024
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page.
Ornis Photo Website 
The Unusual Collective
Street Shots Facebook Page
Street Shots Instagram
 
 
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Ward's Photos:



 
Antonio's Photos:




 
Antonio's AI-generated Images:

Against the Grain

"The wonderful thing about photography is that it's a solo act. It's just me and the camera."  - Jessica Lange
"The common denominator is that we all want to make something beautiful, something relatable, something we can look at and say, 'Shit! Yeah, man. That turned out better than I thought."  - Jeff Bridges
  
In this episode, Antonio and Ward discuss a quirky event Ward attended where a record number of people dressed in inflatable dinosaur costumes. This lighthearted gathering is contrasted with Antonio's experience at the AIPAD photography show, where he explored an extensive exhibition featuring a rich array of photographs from both historic and modern photographers. He was particularly moved by the historical depth and artistic expression evident in the displayed photographs.
The conversation shifts to celebrity photographers, highlighting the surprising photographic talents of well-known figures such as Jeff Bridges and Dennis Hopper. Antonio and Ward discuss how these celebrities utilize their unique positions to capture images that offer a rare glimpse into the world of Hollywood and beyond.
The final portion of the show is dedicated to discussing Jessica Lange's work as a photographer. Antonio shares his surprise discovery of Lange's photography, expressing admiration for her ability to capture compelling black and white images that reflect her travels along Highway 61, from Minnesota to Louisiana. Her work, which includes several published photo books, is praised for its emotional depth and artistic quality, drawing parallels to the iconic work of Robert Frank and other photographers.
 
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Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
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Show Links:
Jessica Lange - Shooting Star
Jessica Lange Book Signing
Lange's Highway 61 Exhibit
Jeff Bridges Photography
Gary Oldman Photographs
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page.
Ornis Photo Website 
The Unusual Collective
Street Shots Facebook Page
Street Shots Instagram
 
 
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Google Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
iHeart Radio

Limelight

"What is a photograph? For me, a fragment of quick-silver, a lucid dream, a scribbled note from the subconscious to be deciphered, perhaps, over years. It is a monologue trying to become a conversation, an offering, an alibi, a salute."-- Eva Rubinstein
 
In this episode, Antonio vividly shares his recent experience of photographing the recent eclipse. He details the use of a new filter and the excitement of capturing the celestial event, discussing both the technical aspects and the personal thrill of the experience.
Ward introduces a German photographer he recently discovered, Holger Nitschke. He describes Nitschke's unique approach to fashion photography, emphasizing his use of film and the distinct aesthetic of his black and white works. Ward appreciates the modern yet timeless quality of Nitschke’s photos, which he feels blend traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly.
Antonio then shifts the conversation to discuss Eva Rubinstein, a photographer he only recently came across. He is particularly drawn to her treatment of spaces in her photographs, which convey a profound sense of absence and presence. Antonio reflects on how Rubinstein’s work resonates with his own aesthetic sensibilities and emotional experiences, especially her ability to capture the essence of empty rooms and the stories they tell. Antonio draws parallels between Rubinstein's artistic endeavors and Scandinavian artist Vilhelm Hammershøi's work. The discussion narrates the humanistic elements permeating Rubinstein and Hammershøi’s work, introducing listeners to the sentiments of love, nostalgia, solitude, and the thunderous silence that their images evoke.
 
Show Links:
Holger Nitschke
Nitschke Video on YouTube
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page.
Ornis Photo Website 
The Unusual Collective
Street Shots Facebook Page
Street Shots Instagram
 
Subscribe to our Substack Newsletter
Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
Send us a voice message, comment or question.
 
Subscribe to us on:
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
iHeart Radio
 
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Antonio's Eclipse Images:


 
Eva Rubinstein:






 
Vilhelm Hammershøi:

Dynamic Duo

"If you look carefully at life, you see blur. Shake your hand. Blur is part of life."-- William Klein
"Do not mistake sharpness for truth."-- Peter Henry Emerson
 
In this episode, Antonio and Ward embark on an enlightening discussion about starting a photography collective. Drawing from their experience in building their own photography group, they provide invaluable tips and advice on the importance of having a common gathering place, patience, and evolving organically.
Antonio pays tribute to recently departed friend and fellow photographer, Mel DiGiacomo, whose approach to capturing the essence of life has deeply impacted his own work. Through personal reflections, Antonio shares how Mel’s distinct and authentic style, characterized by its raw and candid nature, challenged and reshaped his perspective on photography. This tribute to Mel is both intimate and enlightening, offering listeners a glimpse into the lasting legacy of a photographer who truly understood the power of the medium to tell compelling stories.
The conversation shifts to explore the artistic use of intentional blur in photography. Antonio and Ward discuss how embracing blur can add a layer of emotion and movement to images, encouraging photographers to experiment with focus to convey the fleeting nature of moments and memories. This part of the discussion is not just about technical advice; it’s a philosophical exploration of how imperfection and abstraction can enhance the narrative quality of a photograph. By inviting listeners to reconsider the conventional pursuit of sharpness, the Street Shots guys champion a more introspective and expressive approach to photography, underscoring the medium's capacity to capture the intangible and evoke deep, personal connections.
Photo Gallery Below.
Show Links:
Mel DiGiacomo on YouTube
Bill Armstrong, photographs from the infinity series
Alexey Titarenko, City of Shadows
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Instagram and Facebook page.
Ornis Photo Website 
The Unusual Collective
Street Shots Facebook Page
Street Shots Instagram
Subscribe to our Substack Newsletter
Help out the show by buying us a coffee!
Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.
Send us a voice message, comment or question.
 
Subscribe to us on:
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
iHeart Radio
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Ward's Images:

 

 

 

 
Antonio's Images:


 
Mel DiGiacomo's Shots of Antonio's First Wedding:










 
Mel's Image of Chairs:

Creative Oasis Redux

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