Happy Birthday, Corey!
I can't do original work yet (because of my hands), but I
can do a little postwork on my photos. This is one of my favorite spots in Chicago, and I postworked it to imitate an 'etched postcard' for Corey. (Gallery
here.)
Allow me a diversion, I never shared this before:
When I had the joy of joining the "Chicago Ninjas" a ways back, I---not yet a photographer---watched the bunch take pictures. I'd never hung out with photographers before & it was stunning: Tara ducked every 2 minutes (she literally disappeared under bushes, rocks, you name it), Marilyn wound up miles ahead, shooting constantly, Chip was all intense concentration & Cheri equally so---but Corey shot as unobtrusively as a bird, smiling & chatting with everyone all the while. Me? I was the tag-along, watching them bob all over hell, spreading out in so many directions I began to get an inferiority complex (was it me???) & not having a clue what they could ever see in 'that' thing, why they
stopped so damned much or how their pics ever wound-up looking like what you see in their galleries. It was terrifying. I concluded that photographers came from other planets & were paid to gather Intelligence for a Foreign Force.
Then they'd pile into the hotel room and---without a word---dash to their laptops &
postwork photos. Not a joke, not a "would you like a drink?"
Just postwork! I thought,
these people are insane. Then 30 minutes later, a beachzz upload materialized! 10 minutes later? A
Tara upload materialized! I couldn't believe it. I thought, "I'm witnessing a
scoop---like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel!" (So to speak.) I wanted to jump on RR & shout: "Stop the presses! I saw how they do it! I was there!"
Now, in a corner, Corey was looking at his photos (on his camera, mind you), muttering: "Nope. Nope. Oh that's
awful! Yes! Oh
definitely! Nope. Nope..." (etc). I said: "Corey? Can you throw-out your work
that fast?" He smiled: "I've been photographing for years: You learn to distinguish, believe me..."
So Re Corey:
In addition to being one of the kindest, most enjoyable people I've met in a long time, I love his work! I love it. And damned if he doesn't photograph like he's seeing everything the first time: It's like he sits down with the whole City, has coffee with it, tells jokes & talks over old times & then takes it outside and
photographs it. His work is natural to the core, without a trace of artifice (note I said artifice & not 'art'), it's always spontaneous & delightful & it always feels true. And I love his writing as much.
Some of you tell me my dedis 'speak for others', then let me say for everyone: You've come through a ton, Corey, you're a wonderful soul, you're
very funny & equally talented, and I'm one of a group of diehards who just love your gallery. You make me see the world as if for the first time. Happy Birthday and many more in continued great health & inspiration, from your friends at Rosity, including me! Have a great day!
* * * * * *
(I'll be doing just dedis for the next few months...can't do original art yet, but I'll definitely do some dedis. I'm writing these uploads over a few days, so as to save my hands. But I'm getting there!)
Comments (22)
whaleman
Your work is not to be put down. You saw this and captured it very well, and your postwork says 'artist' to me! Nice to read your dedication, and I think many people besides myself would like to hang with the 'Chicago Crew' as they do come with unusual vision and talent. And happy birthday to Corey too!
blinkings
What a great spot.
dragonmuse
Lovely place. Interesting effect. It goes well with the subject. Thank you for pointing us towards Corey's gallery. It truely is a delight!
durleybeachbum
A wonderful account of being with the ninjas! This image is terrific. It looks very Frank LLoyd Wright!!
helanker
OHH MY ! Once again you make me envy you all, that day you were together as ninja photographers in Chicago. The way you describe it all is simply hilarious and very touching at the same time. Your own feelings that you describe here, are just affirmative to what I saw in some of the shots, Mark. This is also one of the most lovely shots for a dedication to Corey. A true beauty. Happy Birthday Corey :-D
blankfrancine
Great to see you back here, Mark. Your treatment of the photo turns it into a wonderful abstract piece.
bmac62
The photograph, the subject, the postwork...right up Corey's alley, but additionally, your words are delightful. They are delightful because you've captured Corey's heart and soul for all of us to enjoy. Your description of everybody's differing style and technique testifies to your powers of observation and description. As for your reaction as a 'non-photographer'...wow, you've sure leaped out ahead of the pack with your newly acquired skills in that field over the last year and a half:) This is a wonderful piece superbly done by you my friend...way to go!
romanceworks
What a lovely photo. A beautiful layering of colors and textures. Really enjoyed your day with the ninjas. And it is so true. Once one has caught the photo bug you cannot go out without it, as you keep seeing things and saying "oh I wish I had my camera". As if the Universe has conspired to put even more amazing things in front of you when you are lens-less. And then those thrilling moments when you and Photoshop make it even more incredible. So glad you caught the bug and are sharing your visions with us. Your words are always a treat. And a wonderful B-Day dedi to Corey. CC
flavia49
stupendous image
beachzz
How well I remember that visit to your city! But what's really awesome is what YOU'VE ended up doing with photography--you took to it like a duck to water. The fotos of your lake blow me outta the water (hmm, is that a pun....lol) and those intimate neighborhood images are just wonderful! But, I digress--I didn't know it was Corey's birthday (time for a calendar of special events, i think!!) and this foto is the perfect gift for him. It's a beautiful scene, and you captured all of it so very well. Corey is all that you say and I wish for him the best of days. If only I could just move you all out here!!! Happy Birthday, Corey!!
MrsRatbag
Perfect birthday wish for Corey, who I wish I'd met and still hope to someday...and a truly wonderful bit of postworking you've done on this already gorgeous image! Take it easy on those hands, we want them back 100% soon...
marybelgium
fantastique !
alida
interesting shot
NefariousDrO
Very nice dedication. Your description of spending time with a group of photographers rings so very true to me, too. I get looks from friends and family when I'm "taking my camera for a walk" with them. What's great fun is if you've gone someplace with a talented photographer like Corey, the photos make you think "Did I take the same walk as you?" and make you see the world in a truly different way. Happy B-Day Corey, Hope it's been a great day for you, and that there are many more to come!
goodoleboy
Stellar abstact effects bring out the cold, striking tiered angles and edges, plus contrasts and reflections, of this beautiful capture, Mark! As for your personal narrative, very inspiring and revealing in this description of the ninja photo hawks, hopping around the Windy City and after, plying their beloved hobby. And take it easy on those valuable hands, my friend.
LovelyPoetess
Lovely dedication, hope your hands are better soon. Happy B-day Corey! I had to giggle over your discriptions of the meet up (having made the second one and seen some of the antics as well as indulging in my own) Hope we can do another soon : )
auntietk
I love the quality this shot has. Wow. It's a master class in composition and postwork. I see this place (now dear to my heart through your photographs) and realize anew that we have to come back. There will never be enough time to see everything I want to see in Chicago. If your weather wasn't so freakin' awful, I'd just move back there and take pictures every day! Honestly. Can't you do something about the hot, humid summers and the bitter cold winters? Please! There are ... like ... two weeks a year I can stand to be there, and it isn't enough! You know, it's such a joy to hear you describe that first Ninja gathering. I was hoping all the time we weren't boring you to death, and it turns out the whole time you thought we were aliens. That kicks serious butt! Well, now you've absolutely become one of those OSI (Outer Space Intel) folks, and I love it! :) It's good to see your work, dear one. I won't warn you about over-doing ... I know you're taking your time with your hands, and I'm glad of it. This is a wonderful birthday dedi for Corey. Simply splendid. Happy Birthday, Corey!
Chipka
This is absolutely stunning! It's so natural. I happen to be of the mind that artists are simply artists, no matter what, and it's easier to switch media than we're told...only because the "genre people" get paid to keep people believing that writers can't be painters or that painters can't be photographers, or that flower-sniffers can't be sculptors, or that garbage men can't be poets, etc. What I've learned it's it's all the same in that it's all about perceiving something and cherishing it enough to want to share it, capture its immortal essence, and hopefully allow others to experience the thing as you've experienced it...not because your own vision is so great, but because the thing itself (a car, a woodlouse, a garden, a baby's dimpled chin, an old lady eating soup, a statues rather surprising testicles, Beethoven's hair or a Russian guy's disturbingly prehensile toes, [or anything "cryptic"] etc.) is just so darn pure and delightful that you want to share that feeling of pure delight with as many people as possible: especially if they're willing to experience that! The Renderosity meetings always seem to illustrate that. We see so much, and FEEL so much and it just comes bursting out...and I like that. This image is the perfect example. I am not entirely sure where this is, but I suspect it's Chicago's only Zen garden. Either that or it's something totally different. I love what you've done with it and you've captured the essence of a feeling here. There's comfort and tranquility and a sense of contentment. I love that sense! The colors in this are so incredibly warm and tranquil, and the overall image is simply poetic. Of course, as a dedication to Corey, it works perfectly! The subject matter is totally different, but there is so much commonality between this and something he'd look at or see...only he'd probably sneak and get it. I probably shouldn't say this, but a good 70% of his shots have a higher sneak-factor than anyone would think! I love the horizontals in this, the colors, and the tranquil water as well. This looks like the kind of place where Corey and I would spend hours! I love the mood of this and the postwork gives this such a delicious hand-made, hand-worked quality. That's the best part, I think: that sort of intimacy often not attributed to digital work. This is simply brilliant and absolutely perfect.
fallen21
Amazing picture, nice shot!
magnus073
First of all Mark , let me say what a marvelous dedication this is. The photography work is superb and it was a pleasure to read your thoughts about your friends. You did such a great job with your descriptions of them, and in the way they perform while on patrol for photos that it made me feel like I was almost there with you. This warm dedi is one that your friend will always treasure.
sandra46
MARVELOUS SNOW-AND RUST-SCAPE
CoreyBlack
WOW! This is really nice, Mark! The photo is absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't ask for a nicer birthday dedication.You always say the nicest things about me! I really appreciate your kind, knowledgeable and supportive comments. They really make my day! I think you're a wonderful artist as well and it was fun meeting you that day. Perhaps when you're up to it, you, Chip and myself could go photo-navigate together? Thanks again for the post and birthday dedi. I wish you plenty of rest and good healing and send a lot of good energy your way. All the best to you my friend.