Silverheads from Sari Goodfriend

Many photographers have personal projects they work on, whether to counter the work they do for pay, or to continue something that is close to their heart but might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It doesn’t seem to be hard to find things to photograph, but often there seems to be little thought given to subject matter.

Anyone can photograph a dog, but can you offer us a new way of looking at the dog? Coming up with a unique idea that can set you apart as a photographer is a culmination of several key things: personal curiosity, intense observation, creative inspiration, and purposeful thought.



What I love about Sari Goodfriends’ “Silverheads” project is both its delightful premise and it’s respect for her subjects. While most of society and most of the media ignore woman after they’re in their mid-thirties, Goodfriend not only delights in older women, but also elevates them in a classic way that makes me so pleased.

By focusing on the beauty of not only their hair, but also the women themselves, you cannot help but be drawn to them. I love the way Goodfriend has created diptychs and triptychs, showing the women full on and from the back. It is like looking into a three-way mirror to see a person from all angles.

Too often the work I see is very familiar—-young women in bored or stunned poses that focus on either their beauty or their sexuality. Sari has chosen what seems to be a simple conceit, and yet it is as fresh as any portraiture I have seen recently, and certainly some of the only portraiture I have seen that celebrates women without prejudice, without judgment, and certainly without hair dye.

See more of Sari's work here.

Update: Flight 1549 Photos have Been Set Free!

Just in from photographer Stephen Mallon, his is free to post the salvage photos of Flight 1549 to his website and anywhere else. "I have to retouch out the logo if its visible but they are back on line!" he said to me in an email.



It seems the people have spoken. If not for the pressure put on AIG and USAirways these amazing photos would still be held in purgatory, away from public eyes for no apparent reason. It's great to see justice take place, and it's great when people rally to an important cause.



"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Mallon. "They realized how powerful the photos are, and I appreciate all the people who requested to see them. They've also granted rights to the crane company which is what I wanted in the first place. I'm thankful that it worked out perfectly fine."

So go and look at all the photos at Mallon's site

Jason Florio Makasutu Portraits

I’m really late with this since the show has been up since Feb.5, but I urge you to see the amazing Makasutu portraits taken by photographer Jason Florio, on exhibit at Messineo Art Projects/Wyman Contemporary Gallery, 227 W. 29th St. in New York City until April 25 (http://www.messineowyman.com/).

There is a timeless quality to Jason’s portraits, almost as if they were taken in the 19th century. In their direct gaze, the people of Makasutu (in The Gambia, Africa) unflinchingly challenge us to look back and connect with them. Jason photographed many of the subjects against a black cloth and got a variety of effects depending upon the lighting.

I’m a big fan of Jason’s work because he finds a way to reinvent things that have been done millions of times before. His unmatched curiosity and the deep connection he makes with his subjects shows us a fresh world. In his portraits the people are relaxed and open to us without guile. We are transported into their world.

Flight 1549 Update

I received this from US Airways Media Relations in response to my email:

US Airways has been fully cooperating with the investigation of Flight 1549 since the event occurred. The aircraft hull which operated as Flight 1549 is under the control of our insurance company and the NTSB. We are aware that a photographer would like to publish or sell photographs of the aircraft hull that may include our trademarks, service marks, etc., and we are currently seeking information from the photographer to determine if the photographs' release or sale would violate the intellectual property rights of US Airways or otherwise interfere with the NTSB investigation of this accident.

I will continue to follow this story and update as I find out new information.