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FRAMES Artist-in-Residence May 2023: W. Scott Olsen

INTRODUCTIONPART 1PART 2PART 3PART 4

INTRODUCTION – APRIL 30, 2023

Tomasz Trzebiatowski in conversation with W. Scott Olsen, introducing our next Artist-in-Residence, talking about his multigenre photographic work and his plans with this FRAMES AiR series.

Leave your questions to Scott in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.


PART 1 – MAY 6, 2023

In this part of his Artist-in-Residence series, W. Scott Olsen is taking us on the streets of Fargo, North Dakota (USA) and – later on – into his photo editing software.

Leave your questions to Scott in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.


PART 2 – MAY 13, 2023

In this part of his Artist-in-Residence series, Scott is taking us on the streets of Fargo yet once again – this time exploring them at night.

Leave your questions to Scott in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.


PART 3 – MAY 21, 2023

In this installment, W. Scott Olsen drives a rural road from the Canadian border back to his home, nearly 200 miles away, encountering with his camera whatever the road may present.

Leave your questions to Scott in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.


PART 4 – MAY 29, 2023

In this last instalment of his Artist-in-Residence series, W. Scott Olsen introduces us to his 6|7 Project.

Leave your questions to Scott in the comment section below and he will do his best to answer them all.

Comments (163):

  1. David Kyle

    April 29, 2023 at 22:59

    Scott. Interesting . I share your views on black and white photography. I recently made a photograph in my garden , in early morning light , that just has to be in colour! Much against my best intentions. You’ve already decided your program but your portrait was so good that I’m sorry you’ve not chosen to do a portrait session. Its my passion because of the transient unique moments of oneness with the sitter. Look forward to you next video.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 14:52

      Thanks, David, Black and white has always called to me. But you are right, sometimes color is the way to go. And I envy your work with portraits. I find myself completely inept with that genre, Despite the occasional accidental success.

      Reply
  2. Mark Segal

    April 29, 2023 at 23:23

    This will be interesting – looking forward to the series. Scott is full of enthusiasm and talent.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 01:30

      Thanks, Mark!

      Reply
  3. Sharon Loudon

    April 29, 2023 at 23:31

    Yes! I’m really looking forward to this, Scott. I have distant relatives in Minnesota; including a great aunt who lived in Fergus Falls. I really have enjoyed your recent posts on Instagram.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 01:32

      Thanks, Sharon! I tend to be in Fergus Falls a lot. It’s a great town.

      Reply
  4. robert a colameco

    April 29, 2023 at 23:42

    Scott, I am really looking forward to this series. All four segments sound fantastic. I am especially interested in the road trip session. I am going to do the same thing, hopefully, some day.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 14:53

      Thanks, Bob!
      You know I am a great fan of your work, and road trip should be fine. We’ll see!

      Reply
  5. Joyce P. Lopez

    April 30, 2023 at 02:49

    Scott, you have such a great eye and technical expertise, I am looking forward to seeing what catches your eye and how a series develops.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 14:56

      Thanks, Joyce!
      As you will see from the upcoming videos, I have a really pedestrian knowledge of postprocessing. But I do have a curious side. I’m glad you’re along for th

      Reply
  6. David Brown

    April 30, 2023 at 03:27

    I can’t wait. I lived in Winnipeg in 1980’s, have fond memories of Fargo and to see it through your lens will be wonderful.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 14:59

      Thanks, David,
      Winnipeg is a cool town and I always enjoy my time there. You will see that Fargo has changed a lot!

      Reply
  7. Boudewijn Swanenburg

    April 30, 2023 at 10:10

    Great conversation between the two giants of FRAMES. So different from my own humble attempts. Can’t wait for next episode.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 15:02

      Thanks, Boudewijn! Giants, eh? 🤓 I’m glad you’re watching.

      Reply
  8. Fran Forman

    April 30, 2023 at 16:52

    Looking forward to the road trip, Scott!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      April 30, 2023 at 19:50

      Thanks, Fran! So am I!

      Reply
  9. Kevin

    April 30, 2023 at 17:54

    Having followed the majority of the past artist in residence series with you as the interviewer it will be great to see you behind the camera this time. From what I have seen and heard to date I know it will be absolutely fascinating. Look forward to it.

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 18:09

      Thanks, Kevin! I certainly have a strong tradition to follow. Let’s hope I come up with something of value. Thanks for watching.

      Reply
      • Kevin

        May 7, 2023 at 14:19

        Plenty of value from the first session, can’t wait for the night time one. Thank you.

        Reply
        • W. Scott Olsen

          May 7, 2023 at 15:38

          Thanks again, Kevin! I’m glad you found something worthwhile in the first outing.

          Reply
  10. Elizabeth G Brooke

    April 30, 2023 at 18:55

    Hello Scott, I have just joined Frames as I am interested in watching your Artist-in-Residence series. B&W, square format- that is how I began taking pictures along with a Rolleiflex in the late ’60s. I miss the camera, but I do not miss being limited to 12 exposures or inhaling the darkroom chemicals. Although watching a print appear in the developing tray always was magic. I continue to gravitate to B&W especially when people are the subject. Animals seem to like color. Square makes me happy. Do you shoot in 2 ¼ format or are you cropping images? This answer will help my practice. Thank you! Elizabeth

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      April 30, 2023 at 19:53

      Hi Elizabeth, and welcome aboard! Square makes me happy, too. And my practice is as low-tech as you can get. My Nikon has a camera setting that is 1:1, so that’s all I do. Sometimes I crop in from that if I want the subject to be a bit larger or present, but that’s about it.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth G Brooke

        April 30, 2023 at 21:31

        Thank you! I have set my camera to monochrome and 1:1 aspect ratio. Now, off to play!

        Reply
        • Scott

          April 30, 2023 at 23:57

          Have fun!

          Reply
  11. Paula Tremba

    April 30, 2023 at 21:30

    Looking forward to this! All your sessions sound amazing. I’m especially interested in your early morning photography between 6 & 7. I’ve had the same idea in the back of my busy brain for several months. This is going to be so much fun!

    Reply
    • Scott

      April 30, 2023 at 23:59

      Thanks, Paula! I am really looking forward to the early morning photography as well. I think it’s a solid idea. However, it might be one of those projects where it takes three months to get a half dozen. Good images. We will see! I look forward to your impressions.

      Reply
  12. Francisca da Silva

    April 30, 2023 at 22:25

    Looking forward to the 4 sessions to see what photographs you will present us. Hopefully I will get some ideas for my own photography.
    As for b&w and colour I’m about the same. I love b&w but sometimes the photo screems colour.
    I hope you will enjoy your preparations for the sessions and that we will see some beautiful photos.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 1, 2023 at 00:01

      Thanks, Francisca! You will have to let me know what you think as the series goes along.

      Reply
  13. Monica Riveiro

    April 30, 2023 at 23:52

    Oh great! This is gonna be fun and deadly interesting!! I am really looking forward to it! As many people are commenting here, I also find much more interesting (although that is not the word) to photograph in black and white rather than in color. B&W brings me out of reality … and brings me in an atmosphere close to dreams or imagination or whatever. And that is because we see in color our everyday life and we are so used to it that when I turn to black and white it seems another “reality”, my reality or a dreamt reality. That is where the richness of what b&w offers us resides. However there are images that are screaming to be in color and not to be turned to grey scale. That is what happened to me in my last trip: I was photographing thing in black and white and besides my camera viewer was fin black and white but when I returned home and started to edit the images I could’t help keeping them in color. It never happened to me before, just got an exact idea of what I wanted and I ended up doing the opposite.
    Like I said before… I am looking forward to seeing the whole Scot’s sessions. I am sure we are gonna learn and enjoy quite a lot! Thanks!

    Reply
  14. Scott

    May 1, 2023 at 00:03

    Thanks, Monica! Deadly interesting??? 😇 I love that phrase! And isn’t it strange how somehow we get to the computer and discover stuff in our work we didn’t see in the field? That can be color as well as content. I look forward to your impressions as the series goes along.

    Reply
    • Monica Riveiro

      May 1, 2023 at 00:53

      “deadly interesting” – – – oh shit! I thought this expression was a synonymous of “really really interesting” 😀 Sorry!!!!
      And yes… sometimes I discover things in my photograph I didn’t see in the field. That is why I am working on a series called “The image inside the image”.

      Reply
      • Scott

        May 1, 2023 at 00:57

        Don’t be sorry! I love that phrase and plan on stealing it ! 😎😎😎

        Reply
          • W. Scott Olsen

            May 10, 2023 at 15:50

            Watch the “preview” Tomasz just put on line….

  15. Lowell Wolff

    May 1, 2023 at 14:51

    Got the email announcing the first session while shooting waterfalls in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Yes, my viewfinder was in b&w. Postings in FRAMES to follow. I waited until I got home to savor it with a morning cup of coffee and loved it! Having spent my working years in the Fargo-Moorhead area will bring another layer of meaning to the process. Loved the sense of spontaneity and adventure in your plan. Look forward to following and learning from the series.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 1, 2023 at 14:58

      Hi Lowell! Thanks. I’m looking forward to your waterfall shots. Let me know what you think as the series goes along?

      Reply
  16. Pascal Clément

    May 2, 2023 at 02:49

    Bonjour Scott, I love your conversation with Tomasz and My guess is that the series 6-7 in the morning will be very interesting. Have fun , enjoy the process and this adventure. À très bientôt. !

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 2, 2023 at 16:42

      Thanks Pascal! I have great hopes for The 6-7 Project, too. If I get some promising work from the first couple outings, I think it will become a year-long endeavor. We’ll have to see! I look forward to your impressions as this all goes along.

      Reply
      • Pascal Clément

        May 2, 2023 at 17:30

        It will be my pleasure to share my thought with you. BTW. please look in to your account in FPC I send you another message for other issues. Thanks

        Reply
  17. Jerry Francis Coupe

    May 2, 2023 at 06:04

    Very good first session. I am interested in the use of 1:1 or square format images and will find your work a good introduction. I will then go back and attempt to format some images in a square format. Thanks in advance for a good series.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 2, 2023 at 14:12

      Thanks Jerry! One thing to keep in mind is there is a different aesthetic for placing an object in a square format. While landscape and portrait orientations suggest the rule of thirds for placement (lots of exceptions, of course), a square format asks for centering in the frame. Instead of left/right or bottom/top, it seems we read squares from the center out.
      Have fun!
      Scott

      Reply
      • Jerry Coupe

        May 5, 2023 at 18:58

        A wonderfully helpful tip on formatting 1:1 images. Thank you.

        Reply
  18. Lowell Wolff

    May 2, 2023 at 18:24

    Delighted to see aspect ratio as an aesthetic tool generating interest.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 6, 2023 at 14:29

      Hi Lowell! Me, too. I look forward to hearing your impressions as the series goes along.

      Reply
  19. Cory Ingram

    May 3, 2023 at 22:47

    Love AIR and so looking forward to learning from Scott. Excited about square images. Also willing to road trip if you want a driver.

    Reply
  20. W. Scott Olsen

    May 3, 2023 at 22:56

    Thanks, Cory!

    Reply
  21. Kate Barclay

    May 5, 2023 at 14:43

    This sounds fun and really interesting Scott, looking forward to the series and seeing your environment through your eyes.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 6, 2023 at 14:28

      Thanks Kate! I’m glad you’re watching! Do let me know what you think as it all goes along.

      Reply
  22. Bill martin

    May 6, 2023 at 00:44

    Hey Scott just back from a long work period and tuned into your first AIR episode. I have been using the same mono technique to make my captures and then reviewing the RAW in colour and so I’m interested in what is the first step you use to convert to mono. Have you developed your own profile.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 6, 2023 at 14:27

      Hi Bill! No, I have not developed my own profile. I think about that every now and then, and I look at both the presets in LrC and elsewhere from time to time, but–at least for me–every image demands its own unique approach. And, frankly, even though I use a very light touch, I enjoy the process of post-production. You’ll have to let me know what you think about workflow after the next couple episodes come out.

      Reply
  23. Bruce

    May 6, 2023 at 01:01

    Hi Scott. First time I heard of Fargo, ND was in boot camp 1960. My first boot camp buddy, Al Watne was from Fargo. I look forward to seeing your B&W images of Fargo.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 6, 2023 at 01:06

      Thanks! I look forward to hearing what you think.

      Reply
  24. Baddoo, Michele

    May 7, 2023 at 00:46

    What model of Nikon allows the square format

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 7, 2023 at 15:45

      Hi Michele,
      I use a Nikon Z50, which is Nikon’s entry-level mirrorless camera. However, I believe all the new Nikon’s will allow you to set a square format while shooting. Still, I have a particular love for the Z50. If you look up reviews of camera on Youtube or elsewhere you’ll see everyone is very surprised Nikon put so many pro features into their entry level model. It is, for a lot of reasons, the perfect camera for me. Emphasis on: for me. It’s small and light. (Even with the 28mm prime, a filter lens hood, it fits into the front pocket of the jacket I’m wearing in that video.) It has an aps-c sensor that’s only 20mpx, which when I crop to square becomes only 18mpx. And while all the talk about pixel count versus pixel density is lost on me, I can say that I’ve printed to 24×24 for gallery shows and been very happy with the results. Yes, I’m a big fan of this camera.
      Scott

      Reply
  25. Bill martin

    May 7, 2023 at 02:01

    Hi Scott,
    I very much enjoyed your episode 1 and my Sunday bacon, eggs and coffee. Having recently obtained a 50mm prime for my d750 specifically for serendipitous off the hip shooting I see similarities in your approach to the wonders of discovery. Also your workflow in LR is giving me a boost of confidence that I’m on a good path as I love playing in post the way you do. I have settled on a LR mono preset that is my starting point for b&w conversion. Would be interested to know you camera model as the d750 doesn’t have a squared aspect setting and it is starting to get a bit weighty after a couple of hours hand held?
    Can’t wait for your night shoot.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 7, 2023 at 15:51

      Hi Bill,
      I use the Nikon Z50. It is, for me, the perfect camera. It’s small and light. Even with the 28mm prime, a filter and the lens hood you see in the video, the whole package will fit in the front pocket of the coat you see me wearing in that video. If you look up reviews of the camera on Youtube or elsewhere you’ll see everyone is surprised Nikon put so many pro features in their entry level mirrorless. If you get the adaptor, all your F mount lenses will work just fine on the Z series as well. While it is a crop sensor camera and only 20mpxls, which becomes 18mpx when cropped to a 1:1 format, I have never–not even once–had any issue with image quality. I’ve printed to 24×24 for gallery shows and been impressed. It has a very fast fps and the ergonomics of the controls are inspired. (see my note below about shooting with coffee in one hand) Thanks! I’ve a big fan of this camera.
      Scott

      Reply
  26. Richard Hutson

    May 7, 2023 at 02:07

    Scott, I’ve just watched the introduction and part one video and look forward to the following chapters. I love black & white photographs, and, like you, I have recognized that some photos demand color. It’s also refreshing to see that others refuse to be limited by a specific genre. My post-processing and selection routine is much like yours, but I noticed that you did not use the “Transform” tool to correct camera tilt. Is there a reason for that?

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 7, 2023 at 15:56

      Hi Richard,
      I’m glad you’re watching! I use Transform when I have to correct something like nonparallel building lines created by a super-wide angle lens. (Then again, more often than not, I don’t correct those because I like the effect.) There is no correct or better approach to something like this. It’s all a matter of habit and practice. I could just as easily turn on the little graphic in my viewfinder that shows me level, but I don’t want to be thinking about that when doing street work. (I might turn that on if I’m doing landscape, using a tripod, etc.) I use the cropping tool to correct camera tilt only because I’m often already using that tool and it’s simple. Simple (which is different from simplistic) is always good.
      Thanks,
      Scott

      Reply
  27. Eamonn Lawless

    May 7, 2023 at 13:41

    Hi, Scott
    Question: I am currently doing a personal project on street art/graffiti in my city, Dublin, Ireland. Do I need to worry about copyright issues in using the images for a photobook. Some of the artwork, and therefore the images would include the artist’s name or logo but some do not.
    Great video. Looking forward to more!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 7, 2023 at 15:59

      Hi Eamonn,
      Well, you’ve just made me sad. It dawns on my that I have not been in Ireland since 1981. I’ve been to England and Scotland quite a lot over the years, but not back to Ireland. And I’ve never, not even once, been to Wales. Ok, I’m thinking, time for a trip! (smile) As far as copyright laws over there, I have no idea. I would imagine they are the same as in England, though, where I am pretty sure the standard is the same as in the US. If you’re in a public space, any picture is fair game. I’m thinking of all the images people take in London’s Brick Lane. This should be easy enough to look up, though. Let me know what you discover. It sounds like a good project.
      Thanks,
      Scott

      Reply
      • Matt Ragen

        May 18, 2023 at 18:47

        Hi Eamonn and Scott. I’m not a lawyer and I have never played one on TV. And, I do not live in Ireland. That said, I don’t want to rain on the parade here but my understanding is that graffiti seems to inhabit a certain spot that can be problematic and that what is fair game in public when it comes to people may not apply to graffiti. I just read an article from the NYU law school at https://jipel.law.nyu.edu/vol-2-no-2-2-lerman/ that seems to be pretty comprehensive survey of the current state of affairs.

        Reply
        • W. Scott Olsen

          May 18, 2023 at 22:36

          Very cool. I look forward to reading this tonight.

          Reply
  28. Monica Riveiro

    May 7, 2023 at 13:45

    For me it is very interesting see how other street photographers work, so thanks for sharing your experience. I love streets and cities to take pictures. They are a wonderful source surprising things. I have never in my life taken street photographs with a cup of coffee in one hand 😀 😀 And I am a coffee addict. I have to try that 😀
    It’s also very interesting when you say you go back days later to the images you edited. I do that too. Even when I go out shooting or come back from a trip where I’ve done street photography, I dump the images into the computer but just glance over them a bit. I wait a few days for the emotions to settle in because I know they can influence me in deciding whether some images are good or not. And days later is when I start editing. I always say that I let pictures breathe.
    Thanks Scott. It has been “deadly interesting” 😉 watching working in the streets and showing us what calls your attention and how you behave with in this type of photography.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 7, 2023 at 16:11

      Hi Monica!
      I, too, love coffee! I am rarely without a cup in my hand, no matter what the situation. Once of the nice things about my street setup (which is pretty much how I have my camera set up every day) is that the Nikon Z50 is an inspired design. With the 28mm f2.8 prime, a 1/8 promist filter, and the square lens hood you see, the whole rig is still very small and light. Because the lens is a prime, there is no need for my other hand to zoom. The autofocus is fast and accurate. If you listen when I’m talking to the prom couple (the woman in the red dress) you’ll hear me say “Hang on while I change a setting.” There is a control wheel for my thumb and another one for my forefinger. I can change exposure and speed and iso intuitively with just my right hand. With practice, the adjustments become fast and easy. As I have my EVF set to square and black and white, it’s pretty much what you see is what you get. And while sometimes I wind up with really weird settings because I’m paying more attention to the image than the numbers, on the whole it works very well.
      And the coffee, which is very good coffee, is my preparation and then reward for every shot. (grin)
      And yes, there is a great merit to letting pictures have some time away from our consideration before we look at them again as artifacts.
      A final note: the night street photography episode for next week is already done and in Tomasz’s hands. But I’m taking the road trip for Episode Three this week, and I am going to find some way to use the use the phrase “deadly interesting.” Listen for that. 🙂
      Thanks,
      Scott

      Reply
      • Monica Riveiro

        May 8, 2023 at 00:40

        Oh God! You have made me laugh out loud! 😀 😀 I will be looking forward to the sentence.
        Yes, you are right. One MUST know very well one’s camera controls to make changes as fast as the light speed when street photography is concerned. I know what you are talking about.
        Looking forward to watching the next episodes!!

        Reply
        • W. Scott Olsen

          May 8, 2023 at 15:12

          Read Russ’s comment below… grin

          Reply
          • Mònica Riveiro

            May 18, 2023 at 23:54

            I knew it!! I knew it!!! 😂😂😂😂

  29. Anne Oehlen

    May 7, 2023 at 16:50

    Hi Scott,
    Love this AIR series so far. It’s like being there and taking a walk in the streets of Fargo with you. Very nice to see how you find your subjects in the street and I almost feel a bit jealous about the ease with which you talk to people and ask there permission just with a thumbs up and a nod of the head. It looks so natural. I’m a shy person, so there’s lots to learn for me there. Your image with the “flying” plastic speaks to me. It has something quirky to it. I like that in images. I’m already curious about what’s coming next. Thank you so much for sharing all this with us.

    Reply
  30. W. Scott Olsen

    May 7, 2023 at 17:03

    Hi Anne!
    I have only taught a couple in-person street workshops, but in both there was a shy person who was uncomfortable approaching strangers to ask permission. My advice is simple– First, you don’t actually need permission. It’s just a polite thing to do. Second, did you notice the first guy who turned me down? No issues at all. He said no, I said okay. (Note: sometimes I’ve taken an image then shown it to the subject afterwards to get their permission. Most often they say yes. Sometimes they say no, and I delete the picture in front of them.) Third, with a little practice you’ll find it becomes very easy to talk to people when you have a camera in your hand. You are, in effect, paying them a compliment. You might have noticed that I do compliment everyone I take a picture of. It can be as simple as “You have a great look.”
    And keep in mind there is an unusual element in that video–everyone I took a picture of saw Justin taking video of me. There was this type of odd “this must be official” type of vibe goin on, versus just some random old guy wanting to take pictures.
    Nonetheless, as you’ll see in the night episode, it really is very easy to talk to strangers when you have a camera. Just go out and do it. After three or four times, you’ll be a natural. And when they say no, it’s no big deal.
    I like the flying plastic shot, too. Thanks!
    Scott

    Reply
  31. Daniel Zeldes

    May 7, 2023 at 21:11

    Hi Scott,
    I learned a lot from your AIR session: the way you use the camera, the ease to get near people with such a natural way (and the natural way you spoke to me in the video. I think you have a sole of a true teacher), and the easy effortless way you wander arround to look for something to capture (I now understand how heavy my attitude is. You have certainly changed it and I am thankfull for that). Can you tell me what camera you use, or if its an old one, can you specify its modern relatives? (If you intend to speek about it in the next session then ofcourse I will wait for the next lesson). Thank you again for this lovely and lively session.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 15:34

      Hi Daniel!
      Keep in mind there are a great many street photographers who do not interact with their photographic subjects. They prefer long lenses and invisibility. That’s not my way, but it is one way. And there are several camera brands that advertise the stealth-like design of their cameras. And also keep in mind, if I have effortless way of walking around, it’s because I’m walking around in a town where I’ve lived since 1987. There are very few bricks here I’ve not turned over. And there are lots of people here who are quite accustomed to seeing me walk around with a camera.
      As far as gear (boy, a lot of people in these comments want to know what camera I’m using!), I’m using a Nikon Z50. The Z50 is a mirrorless, aps-c, 20mpxl camera. Nikon lists it as their “entry-level” camera. However, if you watch Youtube reviews, you’ll be amazed by how amazed the reviewers are about the quality of this rig. It’s design is brilliant. And while I have gear-lust for the X100V and the Leica Q2M, neither of those cameras can do, for me, what the Z50 does. The setup you see me use in the Street Photography episodes is the Z50 plus a 28mm f2.8 prime with a 1/8 promist filter (plus a square lens hood, plus a Peak Design wrist strap, plus come really good dark roast coffee). One more gear note: the Z50 is only 20mpxls, and when I shoot square that reduces it to only 18mpxls. In the age of 40+mpxl full frame sensors, it would seem like my little Nikon is a toy. Nothing is farther from the truth. I’ve printed to 24×24 for gallery shows without any question about image quality. Watch the videos about the camera if you’re in the market.
      Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  32. Russ

    May 8, 2023 at 08:54

    Thanks for this, Scott. I don’t do much street/people photography and I’m a little amazed by your single-handed and spontaneous shooting and the speed at which you work – obviously essential to get these kind of candid images. I’ve never really learned to trust the scene autofocus and still faff around with single point autofocus – ridiculous, really, because clearly modern cameras are way smarter, quicker and more accurate than I am.
    Incidentally, ‘deadly’ is a very Australian adjective – a great piece of Aboriginal vernacular with the opposite of its literal meaning.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 15:17

      Hi Russ. Re: “deadly.” Good to know! And re: the rest– The size and layout of the Nikon Z50 is remarkable (clearly I’m a fan of this camera) with all the controls well placed for single handed shooting. And since I’m using a prime, I don’t need my other hand to adjust zoom. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with single point focus. I used it all the time. Especially since I’m shooting square and tend to center my subjects, a centered single point focus can be a real benefit. However, my usual setting for street work is wide area *because* that turns on face and eye detection, which is like a super fast single point selection. It’s the same desire, only much faster than I can work. And I have a button on the front of the camera that will change the focus setting instantly to subject tracking, which is essential if someone is walking, etc.
      Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  33. Susan Gans

    May 8, 2023 at 19:49

    Hi Scott,
    Enjoyed the walk around Fargo with you and your take on Street Photography., Also learned some things about the latest version of Lightroom. Thanks for sharing. Am a fan of your work so glad to hear about your process.
    A question … Have set my camera to B x W rather than color for years. Shot in combo of raw/jpg. Am I missing detail or just flexibility by shooting that way? Also need to replace a stolen camera. Have been using Olympus cameras for a long time. But open to new ideas so long as the camera is small, pocketable because of my location. My running days are over !

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 20:01

      Hi Susan!
      I don’t think you’re missing a thing! If you are shooting in raw, and you’re not using a dedicated monochrome camera, then you’re getting every bit of information possible. And I am a great fan of the camera I use–the Nikon Z50. With the 28mm prime, a filter and lens hood, it still fits in the front pocket of the jacket you see me wearing in that video. The ergonomics of the control wheels and buttons fits my hand perfectly. Watch a handful of Youtube video reviews of the camera and you’ll get a good sense of the thing. I think you and I have talked before about my desire to make a type of zen move with my gear and get rid of nearly everything. That’s why I’m attracted to the Fuji X100V and the Leica Q2M. Both are fixed lens cameras and fairly small. But, for me, I would be adding accessories to the Fuji to make it, well, just like my Nikon. And beyond the fact that I cannot afford the Leica, it’s not a real-world choice for me. Just yesterday I did an assignment for our local newspaper and had to a) shoot in color, b) not shoot square, and c) use a very long lens. The Nikon Z50 lets me shoot how I prefer (and does that very well!) and also allows me to switch if I need. There are other good Nikon Z camera, of course. And those are all full-frame while the Z50 is aps-c. But…. Let’s just say I can write product endorsements for the Z50 for a long time.
      I’m glad you’re watching!
      Scott

      Reply
    • Russ

      May 10, 2023 at 03:20

      Hi Susan, I’ve been an Olympus user for 10 years because I loved the small form factor and I’m not keen on a full frame size and weight. . I just switched to a Fujifilm XT5 and after 3 months I have to say I love it. It’s no heavier or bulkier than my Em1iii and the image quality is considerably better — the bigger APSC sensor allows me to crop images without much concern. Russ

      Reply
      • Lowell Wolff

        May 13, 2023 at 22:30

        I would echo Russ’ comments. I also have Fuji XT5 and love it – another worthy of consideration.

        Reply
  34. Susan Gans

    May 8, 2023 at 20:03

    Hi Scott,
    Enjoyed the walk around Fargo with you and your take on Street Photography., Also learned some things about the latest version of Lightroom. Thanks for sharing. Am a fan of your work so glad to hear about your process.
    A question … Have set my cameras to B x W rather than color for years. Shot in combo of raw/jpg. Am I missing detail or just flexibility by shooting

    Reply
  35. Joyce P. Lopez

    May 8, 2023 at 20:18

    Scott, I have enjoyed your walks around Fargo since I have never been there. Your casualness in shooting and encountering people on your walks is enviable! I too have been in love with the square format for years. In my eyes it makes every photo better, however, I never shoot in that format. By shooting in the typical rectangular, 22mm. format, I can then crop my square as I want it. Maybe this is cheating but for me, I can zero in on exactly what I want to include giving me greater flexibility. Your thoughts?

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 20:24

      Hi Joyce!
      Your approach certainly affords more flexibility–you can crop left or right within the rectangular image. There’s nothing wrong with that at all. Simply as a matter of personal style, though, I prefer to see the square in my viewfinder. It really does guide my field composition. I know a lot of people with zoom lenses who shooter wider than they know they are going to use because they want the same flexibility you have.
      So full speed ahead! Just as an exercise you might try shooting square and see how if feels. But no worries if you have a process that gives you the final images you imagine.
      Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  36. jim

    May 8, 2023 at 20:26

    Scott, Nice work. In our family journeys the only state missed is North Dakota. Not sure I can talk my wife into another long road trip, but your photos inspire.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 10, 2023 at 15:53

      Hi Jim,
      North Dakota can be a visually wonderful place. I hope you make it here someday. Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  37. robert a colameco

    May 8, 2023 at 21:06

    Wow, a one handed photographer and a cup of coffee in the other. I am impressed Scott. I share so many of your thoughts and comments about street photography. The prom shots were interesting because I just shot my own school’s prom this past weekend. I am really looking forward to the street photos at night, especially if you do those with one hand as well.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 21:10

      Thanks, Bob! I’m really surprised so many people are mentioning my one handed style, which I hadn’t even noticed was a habit until now. When I do the road-trip recording (tomorrow, in fact) I’ll have a larger lens on the camera, so I’ll have to put my coffee down–just for a second. How did your prom shoot go?
      Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  38. robert a colameco

    May 8, 2023 at 21:50

    Scott, I’ll send you the link to the flickr site on which I post my much of my school photos. Shooting the prom was a lot more fun when I was on the faculty and I knew most of the kids but I have now been out of the classroom for almost three years and all the kids I taught are gone. It’s a lot like shooting a wedding without the pressure.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mpspix/albums

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 8, 2023 at 21:56

      Thanks!

      Reply
  39. Frank Hoogeboom

    May 9, 2023 at 09:49

    Really interesting, Scott. I never bothered doing street photography but you made it very attractive with your inspiring explanation.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 10, 2023 at 15:54

      Hi Frank,
      Thanks for watching! You’ll find, I think, that even if you’re not all that into street photography its a great skill to develop. The tools of street photography can become unexpectedly very useful in other approaches.
      Scott

      Reply
  40. Jerzy Durczak

    May 12, 2023 at 17:28

    Instructive and entertaining. Thank you!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 13, 2023 at 16:11

      Thanks, Jerzy! I’m glad you’re watching. I look forward to your impressions of the episode at night…

      Reply
  41. Jerzy Durczak

    May 13, 2023 at 19:20

    Next week I’m gonna shoot with a coffee cup in my hand. Hope this helps! Nice show, Scott!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 13, 2023 at 19:23

      Thanks Jerzy! Spoiler alert–guess what I left in the car when I filmed the opening of Episode three? 🙁 I hope you found something worthwhile in the night show.

      Reply
  42. Mark Segal

    May 13, 2023 at 19:38

    I just finished watching Part 2 and found it moat interesting, in particular your choice of subject matter during the shoot, and then how you selected and edited the selects in post capture processing. For all those who tend to under-estimate the importance of exercising good judgment and skilled craftsmanship in post, this will be a reminder that it is an intimate accompaniment of quality photography using digital technology.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 13, 2023 at 19:44

      Thanks, Mark! I’m glad you found the episode interesting. And you’re right about post production. Keep in mind, this is also nothing new. All those hours making decisions with a loupe and negatives on a light table, all those hours dodging and burning and playing with the enlarger have simply moved to the screen. We can do more now, yes. But judgement is essential, even if it’s ineffable. On another note, did you see me pass by subjects you would have photographed? (Other than the one great image I simply didn’t see!)

      Reply
  43. Mark Segal

    May 13, 2023 at 19:58

    Oh, my goodness yes, the street art stuff touched a heart-string. In fact, as we converse I am sitting in front of LR and PS working on another one of my “signature” panoramas of a new large-scale mural just completed in downtown Toronto, a main challenge of which was to remove a telephone poll from obstructing a slice of a large painted raccoon face. Of course one needs to pre-conceptualize at the capture stage the differing image content required in separate photos so that the offending pole can be excised while retaining all the information needed to replace it. I’m just about there between LR and PS. One needs to know what to do where because of limitations in LR – won’t burden this forum with the details. I think I’ll be putting together a short course on all this stuff if an arrangement now in the works here pans-out. Of course it raises another philosophical issue about post in the digital era – whether one is “justified” in what some would call “tinkering” with “reality”, which digging a bit deeper of course raises the question of “what is art?” I think both of us know that abstracting from “reality” to make a valid and pleasing photographic statement is perfectly legit – and has been done since the invention of the medium, just in different ways. We happen to be really blessed at the relative each with which we can do it these days.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 14, 2023 at 05:05

      This sounds fantastic!

      Reply
  44. Richard Hutson

    May 14, 2023 at 01:36

    Hi Scott, thank you for another exciting street shoot that shows how different night shots can be. I like your selections, and it was very generous of you to share your thought process. I like how you title your photographs and hope I can adapt it to the ones I print without shrinking the image size. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 14, 2023 at 05:04

      Hi Richard!
      With Lightroom and Photoshop, you can set the image and then canvas size to whatever you want. Tell me what you are using to print your images?

      Reply
      • Richard Hutson

        May 14, 2023 at 07:09

        Scott, I think I have figured it out after reviewing your video once again. I print on an Epson SC P700 with Hot Press Natural paper and adjust for a white border in the print setup. So, I tried adding the border in PS with the title instead of in the print setup module … and it worked. Thank you for opening a new window for me.

        Reply
  45. Lowell Wolff

    May 14, 2023 at 03:17

    Hi Scott, Enjoyed this episode as well. The first scene with the guitar: I watched the older guy approach the scene and found him to be distracting until he gave the guitars player the side glance. I also knew that was “the” shot – crap! Would have to had to have been set up waiting for the glance, but would have been great. Like fisherman talking about the “one that got away.”

    Loved the portrait – his smile, physique and connection between the two of you. Think I would have spent more time with the bicycle shape interacting with some of the light sources. Loved the Mezzaluna shot!

    Question: When you were shooting the neon you mentioned stopping down to f/14 to keep from blowing out highlights. Does that mean you typically stay with a shutter speed fast enough to freeze most motion, aperture near wide open, and set the ISO on auto – letting it to go where it needs to accomplish the exposure? I have a small Sony RX100 III set that way, but some images got very noisy. Maybe the new Lightroom Denoise tool can manage that now.

    Bring on the round-trip!

    Reply
  46. Scott

    May 14, 2023 at 05:02

    Thanks, Lowell!
    I should have mentioned that I have tried to take a good picture of the Roberts Alley neon sign several times before. What I have discovered is at the shot from street level really isn’t very good. A drone would be good. Getting up on the roof of the adjacent building would be good, etc. When I focused on that sign in the video, I was really just being more curious than actually trying to set up a shot. However, to your question, in daytime, I will typically set of fast shutter speed, at least 1/250. At night time, I generally shoot wide-open. With those beginning points, and the good placement of the control wheels, I can adjust the other two settings at light speed as the situation demands. At night, I will often set a maximum ISO of 4000, but then break that if I need to. Does that help?

    Thanks for watching!

    Scott.

    Reply
  47. Lowell Wolff

    May 14, 2023 at 13:48

    Excellent point about control wheels. A camera requiring you to mine layers of menus to change a basic setting would not be well suited. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 16, 2023 at 01:40

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  48. robert a colameco

    May 15, 2023 at 23:17

    I love shooting at night, actually for me it is early morning since I am a morning person. Sadly, however, the situation in Philly with the gun violence is so out of control that it really gives me pause. I am not a paranoid person but things are bad here. Fargo seems a much safer place. I do think you should go back to your images and take a second look at the picture of the people moving furniture. I think it was the first one that caught my eye. The light coming from behind and the shadows just really popped. And I still cannot believe you shoot one handed, even in the dark! Great work Scott as always. Really enjoyed watching it and rreally looking forward to the travel show.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 16, 2023 at 01:40

      Thanks, Bob! I think you’re right, the shadows in that image are pretty interesting. But the last time I looked at it, the shadows were really the only thing. With your recommendation, though, I’m going to go back and look at them tomorrow. Who knows? Thanks for the advice. And thanks for watching.

      Reply
  49. Russ

    May 16, 2023 at 00:43

    Thanks for this episode, Scott. I must admit when you were taking the restaurant shots I wondered what on earth you could make out of such an unpromising and messy scene. More fool me – it really is a very fine image.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 16, 2023 at 01:38

      Thanks, Russ! I was watching the video myself and may have discovered another interpretation. Stay tuned. And thanks for watching!

      Reply
  50. Monica Riveiro

    May 18, 2023 at 01:41

    I love this part 2. It encourages me to do night street photography in my next travel to the city of Newcastle (UK) next Friday during a week. Hope to enjoy it as much as you did in Fargo.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 21, 2023 at 20:22

      Hi Monica,
      Did you take images in Newcastle? Will you share? I’ve love to see what you came up with.
      Scott

      Reply
      • Mònica

        May 21, 2023 at 21:58

        I am still in Newcastle. But I haven’t taken any night photos yet! I will take photos tomorrow night. I will share them!

        Reply
        • Scott

          May 21, 2023 at 22:09

          Wonderful!

          Reply
  51. Kate Barclay

    May 21, 2023 at 10:32

    Hi Scott
    Thoroughly enjoyed both sessions, I’m now inspired to get out there and try a bit more street stuff as it’s a genre I really love. I’m impressed how well the mirrorless Nikon handled the night work hand held. I now know what I am doing wrong with my street stuff, I need to carry a cup of coffee and I definitely need to invest in a wrist strap 😃.
    It’s interesting seeing what you see, your selections (which I love, particularly the night images) and how you process them.
    Thank you Scott and your videographer great series so far.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 21, 2023 at 20:21

      Hi Kate!
      Yes, the coffee is everything! And, as I’ve said above, I’m a great fan of the Nikon Z50 for this work. Peak Design has just started a kickstarter campaign for a new, smaller wrist strap, too.
      Will you share the images you come up with? I’d love to see your street eye.
      Scott

      Reply
  52. Dave kyle

    May 21, 2023 at 20:10

    Scott,
    Your road trip was really interesting because it is the complete opposite to the way I work. You set of with no idea what you will come across and no control over the lighting of the scene in front if you and then produce a beautiful set of images via lightroom. My congratulations. It’s divergent and open minded thinking and makes me realise that I need to loosen up a bit! I never take the camera out of its case until I know pretty much exactly what I will photograph and how it will look. It’s refreshing to see an alternative approach.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 21, 2023 at 20:15

      Hi David,
      There’s certainly nothing wrong with planning! I do enjoy and discovery and surprise, though–both in the field and in post-processing. It’s pretty much the same approach as street photography. If you have a process that works for you, then go for it. But always stretch your comfort zone.
      Thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  53. Mark Segal

    May 21, 2023 at 22:42

    Pardon my ignorance, but how do we/can we post photos to this forum?

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 22, 2023 at 00:07

      Mark,
      Looks like we can’t. Sorry!
      Scott

      Reply
  54. Mark Segal

    May 22, 2023 at 00:47

    OK, thsnks for finding out Scott. Perhaps an idea to suggest to Tomasz? A member space for posting smallish JPEGs?

    Reply
  55. Robert Colameco

    May 22, 2023 at 22:59

    Scott, the final images were fantastic. I really liked that little shack with the tree in front. But my favorite part of the video was when you talked about your love of driving. Me too!! I drove cross country in July of 2004 to attend an AP History workshop and just had a great time. I went alone but unfortunately I had not gotten back into photography yet but I did bring a video camera. I really want to do it again. I am not, however, a big fan of the prairie, I need trees. Well, great work and looking forward to your next show. Have you decided which lens to use?

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 23, 2023 at 15:36

      Hi Bob!
      To use a technical term, the American Road-Trip is uber-cool. (grin) You’ll find the prairie grows on you–especially the vistas and the storms.
      As far as the next installment, for now I’m still thinking the Holga. The AiR video is already in Tomasz’s hands, and tomorrow (or Thursday) is my second voyage in what I hope will be a year long project. If I don’t like it after this week, it’s not too late to change. I realize I may still be in the stage of new-toy infatuation, but there is a mood to the Holga that (right now) I think fits the idea of the project. You’ll have to let me know what you think.
      Thanks!
      Scott

      Reply
  56. Richard Hutson

    May 23, 2023 at 03:21

    Scott, getting in my car and going on a photo road trip is on my bucket list, and now you have inspired me to get on with it. You may have already answered this question, but since I have not read all of the preceding comments, I will ask it anyway. Did you capture all of these images in video and cull out the ones you want to use as stills? I’m thinking about the wind turbine blades on the train. I’m also wondering about what version of Lightroom you are using because it’s a bit different from what I use, which is the Creative Cloud version of LRC.

    I am looking forward to seeing what you select to wrap up your residency. Thank you for doing this for us.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 23, 2023 at 03:59

      Hi Richard!

      My stills do not come from the video, even though my camera will do that. The wind turbine picture is just a bit farther down the train. For whatever reason, my attention to the frame is more precise with still photography than it is with video.

      As far as Lightroom, I believe I am using the subscription version. The college where I teach has an Adobe license and I have both Lightroom and Lightroom classic as well as Photoshop from that.

      I hope you go on your road trip soon! Road trip photography is a profound source of surprise and joy.

      Thanks,

      Scott.

      Reply
  57. Kate Barclay

    May 23, 2023 at 09:31

    Hi Scott
    I enjoyed your road trip, I have always fancied doing route 66 the old parts if they still exist although it would probably take me forever as I would be stopping at every photo opportunity. A great final selection the dog is my favourite he looked so forlorn and lost.

    Reply
  58. Colin Monteith

    May 23, 2023 at 23:18

    Loved every moment Scott. While I really don’t do street in the same way there are so many similarities in the way you go about discovering photo opportunities to myself. I go for walks or drives with no specific target as my joy comes from discovery. Cheers!

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 24, 2023 at 01:11

      Hi Colin!
      I’m glad you’re watching. Tell me how you approach street work?
      Yes, discovery is a joy!
      Scott

      Reply
      • Colin Monteith

        May 24, 2023 at 03:02

        Scott by almost all definitions street involves people as probably equal in importance to the environment they’re in. If anything the people are of minimal importance in my shots if anything as I’m after the environment. I would probably need a shrink to unlock the reason lol. But my general approach is very similar including talking to people all the time. I have an insatiable desire to engage in conversation with strangers which makes it even more puzzling I don’t do portraits.
        Cheers

        Reply
  59. Monica Riveiro

    May 26, 2023 at 22:42

    I’ve really enjoyed your travel. No, there are no mountains, beautiful valleys or long rivers. Instead, you have in front of you a real challenge with those incredible “empty” landscapes. But I think they are fascinating places. I love those endless and lonely roads. The pictures that came out of this travel tell many stories. So many thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 27, 2023 at 02:35

      Thank you!

      Reply
  60. Joyce P. Lopez

    May 28, 2023 at 23:59

    I enjoyed your way of seeing and how easily you converse with strangers. Really good photos! Thanks for sharing your images
    and style!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 29, 2023 at 17:28

      Thanks, Joyce! I’m glad you’re watching!

      Reply
  61. Mark Segal

    May 29, 2023 at 16:16

    Hi Scott – you seem to be drawing a distinction between “documentary” and “art” photography. My question is where one draws the line, and even whether there is a line. To address this, we need to know precisely what we mean by “art” in photography. “Art” to me requires some form of creativity which leads to expression of, in this case, a visual experience. If that’s good enough to qualify, then let us look at what “documentary” photography involves. Unless one is mindlessly pushing a button, one documents a scene by making all manner of photographic decisions that influence what this “document” will look like. It’s first and foremost selection of subject matter, moving on to composition, lighting, focusing etc. This is all creative stuff – conscious decision-making by the mind behind the camera – regardless that the intent may be to “document” a scene. Maybe it becomes more artistic the more creative the decisions made in documenting the scene, but still and well, when is it never art in some respects?

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 29, 2023 at 17:22

      Hi Mark!
      You are absolutely right, of course. The moment I frame a shot (actually, probably the moment I decide a shot is worth framing), I have made an art decision that is idiosyncratic to my vision and values. I did not mean to create an opposition. It’s a bit like the volume control on a radio. Unless the thing is off, the music is there. It’s just a matter of how loud. For The 6|7 Project, I’m just turning up the art volume a bit more than is usual for me. In truth, from a philosophic point of view, using the Holga lens is no different than playing with any of the sliders in LrC. But it’s a volume that is both new for me and one I intend.
      Does that make sense?
      Thanks for watching and for your thoughts!
      Scott

      Reply
  62. Mark Segal

    May 29, 2023 at 16:26

    Hi again Scott – as in the post above referring to the current 4th segment, DeNoise in Lightroom doesn’t NECESSARILY ” take forever”. I think it depends mainly on the computing speed of one’s computer. I am using a MacStudio M1 Ultra with 64GB RAM and I recently processed a shoot taken at ISO 8000, using DeNoise set to about 40-60% depending. The time lapse was no more than 20-25 seconds per photo. The more important issues are (1) it creates a very large complementary DNG file and (2) I’m not convinced it added much value over just using Lightroom’s conventional noise correction sliders. I suppose it depends on the tonal range of the photos, the sensor and the ISO values being targeted, so it must have some value-added in some situations for Adobe to have included it in the application, but I’m still looking out for it.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 29, 2023 at 17:26

      Hi again, Mark!
      My “take forever” comment wasn’t meant in absolute terms. It’s actually pretty fast on my computer, too. But a 30 second wait in my office is very different than a 30 second wait on a video. And so far my experience with the new Denoise feature in LrC is varied. On a handful of shots it’s helped a lot. On some, it seems to go backwards. And the old style works, too. It’s a nice option to play with, however, and I’m glad it’s there.
      Again, thanks for watching!
      Scott

      Reply
  63. David Loble

    May 29, 2023 at 17:50

    Scott, you are a wonderful resource for the Frames community and I am saying “thank you” for all you provide. I know you have a big fan base here. You talked about including individual photos to flesh out your 6/7 project. A photography teacher I studied with called those photos “commas”. She insisted on her students doing projects and those commas helped set the stage for slight changes of direction in the project. I think of them as a chance to take a breath before we continue viewing. All the best, David

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      May 29, 2023 at 17:53

      Hi David!
      Thanks! I had not heard of those photos being called commas before and, as a writer, I love it! It’s exactly right! Now, of course, I’m going to use that term all the time. (grin). Again, thanks. I’m glad you’re watching and enjoying the series.
      Scott

      Reply
  64. Deryck Hope

    May 30, 2023 at 00:46

    It’s interesting to see that in your edits of a couple of images in the 6/7 project you didn’t crop out things that some might say are distracting to the overall image – the back end of the car in the image of the guy sitting on the bench reading and the corner of the rubbish skip in the image of the girl with the dogs. Initially I thought they were a bit distracting but they actually lend a bit more context of the environment to the images.
    A good example of when so-called ‘rules’ are there to be broken.
    Great stuff and very inspiring for me as someone who is only recently becoming interested in street photography.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 1, 2023 at 14:39

      Hi Deryck!
      You’re absolutely right about elements creating a context and setting. That being said, I also often crop out distractions or wasted space. It’s a case by case decision in post-processing. In the field, while you can get good with instant composition, there is often not enough time for the fine points. Have fun with the street work!
      Scott

      Reply
  65. Richard Hutson

    May 30, 2023 at 01:56

    Scott, I admire your willingness to get out into the world at this early hour, and the alarm-setting routine is familiar to me. If I have to be somewhere on time, I set two or three alarms for insurance. Another thing that struck me is that you are having fun in the photo-making process … I am looking forward to seeing how you wrap up this project.

    Reply
    • Scott

      May 30, 2023 at 04:48

      Hi Richard!
      If you watched me toodle around in the morning that you have seen the whole series!
      And yes, I am having a great deal of fun. Thank you for watching.

      Scott.

      Reply
  66. Simon Willies

    May 30, 2023 at 16:20

    Hi Scott, I have really enjoyed watching the series. I agree with Deryck Hope’s comment about things that we would generally find a ‘distraction’ in an image can add context. Something for me to consider in future. Also, I’m glad it’s not just me that sits sifting through images for a ‘keeper’, gives me hope!! P.S though, it took me a few minutes to figure out how to cancel Alexa’s alarm for 5am! 🙂

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 1, 2023 at 14:43

      Hi Simon,
      Did my intro set your Alexa??? I’ve heard of that happening!
      The context bit is really very interesting as a decision process during post-production. I actually like sitting at my computer playing with images, so I don’t mind that work at all. And it’s amazing, at least to me, how often I see something in my images when I’m in my office that I did not consciously see in the field. Perhaps subconsciously I recognized something, but who knows. Sifting for keepers is its own voyage of discovery, eh?
      Thanks,
      Scott

      Reply
  67. Robert Sahakian

    May 30, 2023 at 23:59

    Thanks for the videos, I am enjoying them. But I do have one question: why is it you always denoise (either manually or with the AI) when the shots are often taken with low ISO? I canb’t see that being needed unless, maybe, you are super zoomed in. Thanks.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 1, 2023 at 14:48

      Hi Robert,
      A lot of what I do is based on the philosophy of “I wonder what happens if I do this?” Because I shoot in RAW, almost by definition every image needs a bit of sharpening, and then a bit of playing with the luminance slider. The new Denoise feature in LrC is just that–new. So I’m playing with it. I use it sometimes, and sometimes I don’t. I’ll figure out a more consistent work flow with time.
      Does that make sense?
      Thanks,
      Scott

      Reply
  68. Daniel Zeldes

    June 1, 2023 at 12:42

    Thank you Scott. I enjoyed and learned from your AIR tremendously. The easy way you do things and the way you explain or teach about them. I also took a great tip: when going street photography always carry a cup of coffee so that you are less intimidating for strangers. After all how bad it can be to be photographed by someone with a small camera in his palm, a cup of coffee in the other hand and a smile? I will try the coffee, and hopefully also the smile, althouth I tend to be tense as I try to photograph complete strangers. Thank you again and again and again…. and again

    Reply
  69. W. Scott Olsen

    June 1, 2023 at 15:11

    Hi Daniel,
    Boy, the number of times people have mentioned that coffee! I think you’re right, though, it does casual-ize me when I approach people. And remember the first guy I approached in the daytime street episode? I asked if I could take his picture and he said no. People will say no. It means nothing except you keep looking. Just be respectful and people will warm to the idea quickly.
    Have fun!
    Thanks for watching,
    Scott

    Reply
  70. Monica Riveiro

    June 2, 2023 at 13:49

    Just enjoyed your last video! It is a good idea to photograph your city from 6 to 7 and watch how it wakes up every single day. I have no idea what happens when my city wakes up every day. It is hard for me to get up at 5 to get ready to go off. :-D. Anyway, one thing that you mention and I do agree with you is that it is not the same when you watch a single image out of contest and watching that same image taking part of a whole project or series. What it might not be a great image on its own, could be an essential element of the whole body of work. Thanks Scott… I really enjoyed the whole series of videos. It ended up deadly, deadly interesting for me 😉 and made me think or consider some questions I had never asked my self before all these years involved in photography.

    Reply
  71. Deryck Hope

    June 6, 2023 at 01:01

    Hi Scott

    I like how your images are enhanced by adding a border to the final version so perhaps you can answer a query I have about adding a border to an image in Lightroom. I’ve just found this option in LR on my iPad – seems to a relatively new feature. But when I add a border to an image which is around 30MP (raw file), the resultant image with border is only around 500-700KB. The same jpg of the image without a border can be anything from 5-10MB. This seems like a big loss in resolution. Is there a way to get round this – or am I missing something here?
    Cheers

    Deryck

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 6, 2023 at 16:47

      Hi Deryck! The short answer is: I have no idea. (grin). I add the border to my images in photoshop simply by creating a canvas size larger than the image size. I then add text (sometimes) and export as a high quality jpg. I’ve been told there is a new way to do this in LR, but I’ve not checked it out yet. So you’re way in front of me. If you have PS, it’s really easy.
      Scott

      Reply
  72. Paula Tremba

    June 8, 2023 at 23:04

    Thank you Scott for a delightful series! I love your advice when wondering if a scene would make a good photo to just go ahead and take the shot and decide later at home if it works or not. I tend to over think and then decide to not take the shot. Something new for me to retrain my brain and stop second guessing! Looking forward to your completed (hopefully) 6/7 Project!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 10, 2023 at 15:46

      Thanks, Paula! I’m glad you watched the series and look forward to your work!

      Reply
  73. Kate Barclay

    June 10, 2023 at 11:47

    Hi Scott
    6-7 a great idea for a project. What were your thoughts on the lens, I wondering if the reason you weren’t seeing much vignetting was because you had cropped the sensor to a square format rather than the full sensor size? Loved the girl with the two dogs going in opposite directions reminds me of when I used to take my twin boys and a dog for a walk when they were very little all on leads going in opposite directions.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 10, 2023 at 15:48

      Thanks, Kate! And you’re right about sensor size. Not only have I cropped to square, the lens is a full frame lens and I use an asp-c camera. So for all I know it’s vignetting like mad and it’s all just outside what I can see. Still, that’s not only merit of the lens so, for now at least, it’s full speed ahead. I just got a copy of Michael Kenna’s book of Holga images (from the library–the book is out of print) and feel good about what I’m doing.
      Scott

      Reply
      • Kate Barclay

        June 10, 2023 at 18:48

        I’ve just looked for Michael Kennas book of Holga images there is one left on Amazon uk for £146.00 😂🫣

        Reply
        • W. Scott Olsen

          June 10, 2023 at 18:51

          God love the public library!

          Reply
  74. Cynthia Gladis

    June 22, 2023 at 16:46

    Scott, I thoroughly enjoy your work, and I really enjoyed this, as I think we have a similar “what we see” sensibility and it looks like you get a lot of joy out of your walkabouts. I can relate to the things you decided to photograph — I’ve just been avoiding photographing people (but I think that needs to stop!). I really enjoyed seeing how you interact with people when you are doing street photography. You also reminded me that I used to love looking for ghost signs, and they are all over New York. And your processing is fabulous! I learned a few tricks from you, so thank you. You’ve inspired me to do more of my solo New York shoots, something I did a lot of before the pandemic, so thanks for that!

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      June 22, 2023 at 16:52

      Thanks! I admit I do get a lot of joy from the walks. I feel like I should also admit I take a lot of images of people I do not talk to. (smile) Then again, I do always have coffee. Ghost signs (great FB group, btw) are a wonderful thing to keep looking for, no matter where we travel. And I’m especially glad you like the post processing. That’s all ad hoc for me, so I’m grateful when it works and if others see a new way too. And yes, go for the NY solo work. Your images are always inspiring!

      Reply
      • Cynthia Gladis

        June 22, 2023 at 17:42

        Thanks much, Scott. I think I belong to the ghost signs group, LOL. Frames sort of spoiled me for other FB groups.

        Reply
  75. Michael Tull

    July 24, 2023 at 01:48

    I wasn’t sure how I felt about the square format at the beginning, but your last session made me a believer. As a test, I went back to a few landscape formatted images, which I liked and converted them to square formats. I really liked the results; think they are generally more dynamic. I added them to the new Frames app but don’t see them so expect I did something wrong. Thanks for giving me this new area to explore.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      July 24, 2023 at 15:45

      Hi Michael. Thanks! I just checked the app and I see your roadway pic, but that’s all. I’ll keep checking. And if you’re into landscape, then you likely have a wide angle lens. You’ll discover that a wide angle in a square format can produce some really intriguing looks. Have fun! All best, Scott

      Reply
  76. Michael Tull

    July 24, 2023 at 16:04

    Hi Scott, Really just wanted to let you know that I appreciated your work. Especially the 6-7 project. I use the Fuji x100v now set to 1:1. Look forward to exploring. Thanks.

    Reply
    • W. Scott Olsen

      July 24, 2023 at 16:06

      Thanks again!

      Reply

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