Sociological Layer Cake

We’re Moving! (to tumblr)

wlhalsey — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:45:44 +0000

The time has come. After three years of faithful blogging on wordpress, it’s time to move on to bigger and better spaces. I.E. Tumblr. Now you can follow me on :

http://willhalsey.tumblr.com/

While a part of me loves this blog and all that I have posted, I see Tumblr as a much better way to share my thoughts and images. However before I totally leave wordpress, a look back at some of the images I have posted:

Syracuse Lacrosse Championship May 2008

Member of the Eagles protests the protesters. 2008

Taylor. London. 2008. Inspiration. Going Out.

Mayfest 2009

Syracuse 2010

Iphonography

wlhalsey — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:11:21 +0000

Snaps from all over. Detroit, MI

NYC.

Stonington, CT

Romance

wlhalsey — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:44:40 +0000

Doug and his girlfriend Sarah.

Dance Dance

Lunch Break Photography

wlhalsey — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:20:24 +0000

Taking my lunch break to make portraits of others, on their lunch break.

Lunch Break Portrait in Midtown, New York City

Midtown Wanderings

wlhalsey — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:06:58 +0000

Smoke Break

Shooting Strangers (Or How I learned to stop worrying and love street photography)

wlhalsey — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:14:18 +0000

Since being in NYC I have found a very great resource for inspiration are the people. Millions of them, all unique and just waiting for me to take their picture. Well, not exactly. “Get away from me! I don’t have time for you!”, said the women (center) below. I had made a few images before I had asked for a formal portrait.

I have been following Chicago based photographer Scott Strazzante as he makes his way through the streets, finding unique moments, great compositions and examining the primary target: people. I head out thinking, well that should be easy. Wrong O. Seeing moments happening, composing, bringing cameras towards people has proven to be quite the challenge. One might sit on a corner for a long time, waiting for a composition to be filled or a moment to occur, without making a frame. Sometimes there are those who just don’t like being photographed, or those who are worried, as the digital world has created an even larger space for people to ask, “where is this going?” Sometimes you can take a picture right next to someone and they wont even notice:

Sometimes. I guess much of the time it’s a little bit of luck, little bit of subtleness and a little assertiveness. I by no means have mastered this, or anything close. But I have had great excitement seeing what the NYC populace has to offer. For some great inspiration, check out this greatly 80′s documentary on Joel Meyerowitz. In the hustle and bustle of living in a city you can totally miss great light or a small moment. Thinking in terms of street photography also keeps you on your toes as a photographer. It asks you to constantly be aware of the world around you, what kind of light is available, and most importantly to break the bubble/barrier. You know, stepping outside your comfort zone, approaching your subject and either A) Assume the position and make the image or B) Formally ask for a street portrait (if that’s your style). For fashion street photography there is the very notable Sartorialist.

Love love love the smoke break. Not only do you find people in their element but you can find them in their work clothes, against a cool backdrop, usually having a moment to themselves.

Being polite if someone declines is always a good idea. I might make a candid image without asking but I will ask if I am going for a portrait. Conversely there is the saying, “it’s always best to ask forgiveness after, opposed to before.” Both can work. A lot of the time I get turned down, as for the reasons I mentioned above, but I always thank them anyway. Showing people that photographers can be polite and not the crazy papparazzi that pop culture is plagued/fed by, is a good idea. (In fact, being polite in general is a good idea.)

* Enter photo here that didn’t get made because subject declined.

All being said, there is always the old standby for inspiration, Mr. Henry Cartier-Bresson (Watch the feet/I hope you speak french). So pick up your cameras, head to the street and see what inspires you. Noticing life only enriches it.

Portrait of a friend

wlhalsey — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 17:16:39 +0000

Doug always finds himself in situations with cool light. I just happen to be there with a camera.

Lost Frame, second chances

wlhalsey — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:43:14 +0000

Sometimes there are images that I skip over in my edits that upon another look strike me in a different way. They’re always gems that you stumble upon, going through your last shoot or one from a year ago. I am trying to experiment more with photography, and in doing so have found frames here and there that were lost in the first edit. For instance:

St. Pattys Day Revisited

wlhalsey — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:23:38 +0000

Monolith I & II

wlhalsey — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:47:56 +0000

Monolith I

Monolith II