Lost in Transit - John Slaytor
I came across a body of work called "Lost in Transit" by Australian photographer John Slaytor. The images really blew me away.
Why?
Because he succeeded in creating something different. This is really my passion as a photographer. Because of time constraints, I don't focus on this concept all that often. But I can tell you, that is what I would like to be doing. Images like yesterday's, the abstract, these are compelling to me because everyone isn't doing them, and each one is unique, never to be recreated (even by me).
John's images though are at a much higher level, and they are getting deserved recognition.
Lost in Transit - John Slaytor
John came up with a completely unique idea - shooting through the windows of moving trains, with a super fast shutter, not knowing what he would get. That's because the train was moving and he couldn't see the subject. He made thousands of shots, over many months, and these beautiful, haunting, portraits were among them.
Due to a variety of factors, the high iso, moving subject, dirty windows, etc., the images have a dreamlike quality to them, that really adds to the story.
This is the kind of creativity and results I would like to achieve one day. I contacted John and he agreed to participate in my Friends on Friday. One of the things he told me really resonated... he said that he hoped these images would free other photographers from trying to achieve technical perfection with their gear. Specifically he said he "loathes images that are so perfect they are impenetrable."
I'll take these images, that make you "feel," any day. See the other images in this series at John's website: http://www.johnslaytor.com/commuters.html. Bravo John!
As I was finishing up this post, my mind flashed to a shot I took in June, in Glasgow. Click on the continue link if you'd like to see it. Also, please leave comments for John right here, on the continue link as well.
Engrossed
Talking about John's work reminded me of this image, which I took before ever seeing his. I was on this train in Glasgow, and I was intrigued with how focused this girl was, she seemed to not notice a single other thing. I was tempted to take down the darks in this image, and just leave her, but after some thinking I decided to leave it. Why is this image out of focus? Take a look at photographer Bob, over on the right, how he's shooting this one.
What do you think John, is that a worthy project for me? Interesting commuters, but I'm reflected in every shot somehow?
