onlytheLIT - OJ

mob No. 2

My second attempt at I phone off camera flash... My friend OJ was kind enough to give me 2 mins to capture this quick street portrait.  

The possibilities are endless. Apart from the obvious portability... There's the intimidation factor that often prevents us from being ourselves when a big problem looking device pointed at you. The phone is familiar and therefore non threatening. Chances are you have one in your pocket.  

The real game changer is the ability to sync with a speedlight! That's what gives the atmosphere and lighting characteristics that look that can only come from being able to use an off camera flash...  

You control the direction, distance  and brightness. Not to mention you can choose from hundreds of light shaping tools! Though, we're not using any with this. It's just a bare bulb speedlight.

To be precise it's a Yongnuo 580 iii, handheld around 60 degrees from camera left... 

This is the second in the "mobist" series which will eventually be a book, providing there is an audience for it.

The first few will be more experimental as I try to get to grips with the equipment.

 Since I'm one of the only people doing this and the i ohone wasn't designed for this kind of thing there is no precedent to draw from. 

I'll be working through challenges on my own and sharing it all with you. 

Anyway, thanks for your attention and watch this space as I progress with this project...

Sx

figmentmedia  

#mobist #creatocracy #iphoneography #theotherbondstreet 

First frame to establish a base...  

change the white balance for a cooler look and feel...

Then the crop.. 

...Add some typography... 

and viola! 

Instagram has Changed the game...

Instagram has singlehandedly remixed the way we create & consume media.  Originally we were limited to the square format.  And pictures were expected to be made on the i phone then Instagram filters were applied. That was it. Simple.  Fare. They wanted people to slow down and use their creativity. By everyone using the iPhone you couldn't make the excuse that someone had a better camera and therefore they made a better picture. 

 The I phone ecosystem is a platform onto itself.  It's extremely capable. In the right hands gallery quality work can be made undoubtedly.  Personally I think it's iconic and will be the platform that the next Mona Lisa will be made on. 

Convenience is an often overlooked advantage  of the I phone. Additionally... The inconspicuous nature of the phone enables you to not stand out. Look like everyone else.  Except you have the knowledge...

People are now learning to read images.  They are now seeing components that make up the image and are discovering what makes a great image.   The narrative within a single image as well as the power of a linear story have come to be expected.  However, we have realized that this were rubber meets the road and the buck stops.  When we choose to place our attention on a "real story" it also means we are saying "no" to the "flogs" and scams.  This will eventually bring the best content to the surface while the others fade away.  Without an audience the content may as well not exist.  Attention is energy, Energy is power.  Perhaps this is worth looking at...

theotherbondstreet  space & oppportunity  a compelling story about finding success through changing perspective.. 

 We love Story... 

Original stories cannot be manufactured or conjured by a machine.  Quality stories come form real storytellers about real things.  We resonate with authentic and likable people.  They dont have to be perfect... But they do have to bring something to the table. I'm constantly looking for stories that will change my mind.  Stories that will open my eyes to something. As I feel the story I grow and now I know.  I want to laugh, cry or understand somehting.   

This is how we will solve our problems.  By changing our minds.  Our minds need these stories to change. Once our minds are ready we take action. That's how powerful "the power to choose" is.  With the combination of choice and the story.  One story can literally change the world.    

Even if you can affect one person positively. If they change their minds and actions.  You are now "making the world better" business.  That's got to feel better than some of the "tactics" some very bright people have resorted to. I don't think you have to  compromise your integrity in order to make a buck.  

We can make money and both parties benefit. "Win Win" they call it. 

Just a thought. 

Sx 

Entry 7th June 2017- Love the Streets

Doing a pipe 

Ed is demonstrating by way of theatrical performance...what "Doing a pipe" is...

Ed performs the act of smoking  crack in alley late at night.  This is what it looks like to take a hit in the streets. 

I walked with Ed as he told me about his kids and how he would be getting off this shit soon.  He was only smoking Crack tonight without the heroine to come because he had given up "H"  as he had just got out of jail where he was put on a methadone script.  This substituted the heroine for a synthetic  version performing much of the same function... Methadone is a green liquid designed to be a substitute for street heroine.  Dosages can be reduced in a controlled way. Thereby minimizing withdrawal pains.