I
always wonder how far photography will allow me to go. At times it seems foolish to think that taking photos will get anyone anywhere now-a-days. But then I realize I am forgeting to get inspired by current photographers. Rather, always looking at the “fathers” of photography thinking that those days are gone. Working on GlassClops has allowed me to refresh my inspiration through (pg3)Abraham Menor with images of the streets in the philippines, (pg17) Stephen Brown who brings us photos with amazing texture of graves and man-made but abandoned structures, (pg39) Aaron Cho photos of young South Korea living, (pg75)Paul Glover whose photos brings us a taste of Virginia’s landscape,(pg91)Vladimir Tikay whose photographs his everyday life in a beautiful spread, and (pg51)Last Shot© that highlights Kasha Guilfoyle Jackson’s monumental photo of a high school student. I’m always amazed by the power of photography, it has opened doors that would otherwise be shut, reminded me of memories that I quickly forgot, and in a way has given meaning to my art life.
-TIBURON!!F!B!
Abraham Menor is a community organizer/worker and photographer based in San Jose, California. Menor graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology from California State University at Hayward. When he is not working as a “at-risk” youth case manager, he is armed with his camera, ready to capture the next fleeting moment. His love for the camera began in the late 90’s. His subject matter was initially graffiti. Menor sought to document the culture surrounding such an art form. Shortly thereafter, he developed a passion to document his daily interactions with people, places, and things. Menor’s goal is to tell stories using his camera. With a background in sociology and a love for photography, Menor realized that he can combine the two together. The result is photography that analyzes and examines human social behavior and society. In the past, he has documented various social and political movements such as the anti-war movement, the Filipino World War II Veterans Equity Movement, the Silence the Violence Day, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Train March. Menor also documents Hip Hop culture and the different sub-culture of the streets. These two cultures have greatly influenced the manner in which Menor captures and documents an image. As a participant and observer, Menor is able to capture moments that are fresh and raw yet honest and real.
all images copy right to Abraham Menor
Choppin’ it up with
Abraham Menor
1) Why film? Film is original and i was introduced to photography through film. I also love the fact that you do not know what is going to come out until you actually develop the film. Also, hardly anyone does it anymore. Original. 2. Favorite lens to shoot photos with A 50mm 1.8 for my Nikon FM2 and my 16mm 2.8 for my D80 and N80. Or no lens with my trust and most favorite Yashica T4. 3. Describe your photography “zone” My photography zone works like this: a. Have an objective/goal for the day. b. Remind self to allow room for success and improvement. c. Remind self not to worry too much about anything and just shoot. d. Finally be in the moment and let lifes soundtrack guide the way. Shoot like there’s no tomorrow no room to go back. 4. How do you get to that “zone” I get into zone by allowing myself a moment of clarity and breath. 5. If you could spend a day taking photographs with someone, who would it be and why? My mom. She is one of my biggest inspirations. She also, along with my dad, introduced me to photography. She has a huge collection of her travels. She always reminds me to capture the moments and things that will remind me of my experiences. 6. Why are you so cool? I’m only cool if people think I’m cool. 7. Where does photography fit into your life’s matrix? I’m going to leave a huge collection behind when I leave this world for the future generations to get a kick out of the wierdness of the han kind. 8. If someone wanted to get into photography, what’s 3 pieces of advice you’d give him/her? If someone wanted to try out photography I would advise him/her to; ask themselves why they want to do it and then run with the answer; if possible find a mentor or ask someone their opinion about your work; don’t be afraid to experiment and learn anything and everything about photography even if it’s not your forte; and of course have fun. 10. When people see your photographs, what reaction do you look for? Nothing. I want people to appreciate or not appreciate it from their own interpretation or view. If a viewer sees a story great, if they see happiness or sadness great, if they do not feel anything or it doesn’t do anything for them great. At least they saw the image. At the end of the day they are my memories and I’m just trying to share them with people. 11. How do you know when you’ve taken a good photo? I saw everything and nothing to produce a story from the shot. You might see an awesome photo when you do not have the camera to your eye and then when you take a shot you might not even get the shot you saw. Or you get an amazing shot that you did not see at first when you thought you had something and you see more to what you originally saw after when you get the negatives back. To give a simpler answer..I see everything and nothing. 12. “Good” is relative....So what makes something a good photo? Not being perfect. That’s street photography to me. What does the photographer feel is good. 13. What’s your favorite part of the photographic process? Shoot, develop, print, and see. 14. Predict the future of film Alive. 15. A photo you took that you remember the most? I will always love the riot cop standing on top of a park table at bboy summit 1999 pointing a shotgun at a bunch of young hip hoppers ready to unload at any moment. 16. How do you know what needs to be photographed I don’t. I just see something and at the split second hope to catch it. If it’s something I’m working on then I will see if it’s going to add to the project or story I’m trying to tell. 17. If your camera(s) could talk, what would it (they) say about you? He crazy. 18. Why “brainsoiled”? Keep your brain/mind planted. Stay rooted stay soiled. It’s about learning, growing, and staying grounded in life no matter the smiles and cries.
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All images copyright to Stephen Brown
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all images copy right to Aaron Choe
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all images copy right to Paul Glover
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all images copy right to Vladimir Tikay
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Kasha is an up and coming photographer fresh out of high school. This last shot is of her now old school. This is especially captivating because high school is your whole life while in it, but later just becomes a memory, a shadow mentally but physically as well. Middle school and high school no longer looks like what they were while we attended. Kasha’s photo is of a major redevelopment of her school, as she is now a high school graduate. As with all place in our lives, it will become a memory, a picture in her mind.