Quick Take: Shodekeh
(Nikon D2X, Nikon 85mm f/1.8, 1/8th sec. @ f/2.8, ISO 640, Nikon SB-800 Speedlight off camera)
The club was small, cramped and dark. It had been a long Saturday, and I had to spend some time photographing Shodekeh, a professional beatboxer. He performed with guitarist, saxaphonist and two deejays; the entire time with a microphone attached to his mouth (not unusual for a beat boxer) and standing near the staircase.
To light the room I used a Nikon SB-800 Speedlight clamped to a light rail and fired it with a PocketWizard remote unit. It was pointed toward the wall, bouncing the light throughout the room to look more natural.
Most of the time I photographed from the front, but as I neared the end of the shoot I moved behind the deejay, maneuvering Shodekeh in front of the light. Who knew what effect may happen, or if it would even work, but I tried it anyway. Doing this, I knew the Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 has some problems with direct light. My theory is it reflects off the sensor back onto the lens' back element and returns to the sensor. This makes a reflected image of the light. It can create some real problems, but also neat effects.
This image, in my mind, captures and represents more of Shodekeh than any of the more "straight" photographs. It also expresses more of my vision. The dual microphones, the reflected one embedded in his silhouetted profile, personifies how attached he is to the music for which he has given up everything to follow. His quiet demeanor disappears as he melds with his music.
Opening the paper Sunday, to the Arts & Living Today section, I soon learned this photograph did not get published.
Comments
Yeah, well it's still a nifty photograph.
Posted by: stephen connor | October 9, 2007 12:07 AM
I wish more photo editors would take a chance (that and for copy editors to learn that they are not photo editors, I don’t know who teaches them that they are). This is an artistic photo with lots of energy. A photo that would beckon people pick up the paper and find out what’s going on, and isn’t that why there are pictures to grab peoples attention. Not every photo needs to be sharp as a tack, properly exposed and have the subject be immediately recognizable. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Steve Thurow | October 9, 2007 10:28 AM
Whoa! Quite spectacular!
I think the microphone in the silhouetted is upside down. There is some serious refraction taking place there.
Very, very nice photo illustration!
Posted by: Doug Hansen | October 9, 2007 11:48 AM
I like the picture, and the upside down reflection. My guess is they saw this picture, and considered it as a "mistake" or something and disregarded it. A lot of people overlook personal art, unless it is related to something they are comfortable with and enjoy. Or, if you explain it to them! :)
Posted by: Will Foster | October 9, 2007 4:19 PM
I cannot disagree with any of these comments. But it is not copy editors. A lot of the issue has to do with page editors and designers. Sometimes it is even the reporters that red flag a photograph.
It is so true that people are not comfortable with something they do not readily recognize, especially when they are expecting something else.
Thanks for the compliments. I do really like this photo and feel strongly about it.
Posted by: Christopher Assaf | October 9, 2007 6:01 PM
WOOOOWWW!!!! This picture is sooooo inspiring. Boy do I want to work with you in the future. I'm speechless. You really captured something with this shot. This photograph really makes me NOT want to give up on this music. Thanks again so much for coming out that night and your comments and of course this picture. Hope to be able to collaborate with you in the future.
Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shodekeh
Posted by: Shodekeh | October 12, 2007 10:14 PM