How does one create a better portfolio? Following my portfolio review at the Bronx Documentary Center in February, I’ve been thinking about this question more and more. Jasmine DeFoore, who has over 20 years in the photo industry, offers her helpful advice in this incredibly practical and easy-to-follow guide courtesy of PhotoShelter Blog. Highly recommended!
Recently, in the Real Estate section of The New York Times, an article focused on the Highbridge section of the Bronx and the ongoing restoration of the crossing that gave it its name.
I, of course, was fascinated to learn about the world’s largest L.E.D. light sculpture and public art installation taking place on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The NYT also has a short, informative video titled Bridge of Light about Leo Villareal’s inspiring project.
Panoramas are fun, but I don’t do them very often. Below is simple and efficient tutorial by Hal Schmitt at Digital Photo Experience on about how to create a stitched photograph in Lightroom and Bridge. It has proven very helpful during those moments when stitching a panorama has been required.
Last week’s portfolio review at the Bronx Documentary Center was both informative and rewarding. In blocks of 15 minutes each, I met and showed samples of my work to five different photo editors from The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Getty Images. I joked with a few of them that the experience of moving from table to table after such rapid conversations reminded me of speed dating. All were very supportive of my photographic work on the Harlem River Valley. They agreed that I had a solid command of the fundamentals: composition, exposure, clarity, and use of light. A few commented that I was offering a view of the city that isn’t seen very much and that my passion for this subject was evident in the consistency and scope of my images. At the same time, they each offered instructive criticism of specific images and my portfolio as a whole. Firstly, it would be wonderful to have more images closer to the waterfront itself. I have many bridge shots in which the spans …
This past weekend I registered for a February 23rd portfolio review at the Bronx Documentary Center, which is located in the HUB section of the Bronx just east of 149th Street. I went to my first portfolio review one evening back in 2009 at the School at International Center of Photography. Reviews were being offered as part of an open house event for photographers interested in enrolling in courses there. I remember that the gentleman, who looked at my work, was impressed by its scope and content but he encouraged me to purchase a DSLR camera – so that the quality of my images would be significantly better – and then, to reshoot many of those same subjects. At the time, I was using my 6 megapixel point-and-shoot Canon PowerShot A700. His recommendation was perhaps the greatest takeaway for me. While it was some time before I was able to upgrade my gear, it marked a significant step forward in my photographic development. So, this brings me to this coming Saturday. I learned about the …
Finally! After almost seven months of working on my online photography portfolio, it’s finally alive: http://www.duanebaileycastro.com Not wanting to ruin the party, a few loose ends remain, however. For example, I need to upload a couple more images to my “Travel” section. Nevertheless, it’s a huge relief to finally make the website public after countless, tiring hours at my computer. I’ve been so fixated on creating the best possible viewing experience possible. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your responses!
So, it’s official! The High Bridge will in in fact be restored and reopened. On Friday, January 11th, Mayor Bloomberg along with city officials, such as my Congressman Jose Serrano, gathered at the Highbridge Park’s Bronx entrance to the span to announce the groundbreaking of this historic crossing. According to DNAinfo.com, the $61 million dollar project is expected to be completed in 2014. This past Saturday evening, I photographed the span from the Harlem River Speedway and it was clear that the restoration work had begun. On a very sad note, however, only a few days after the mayor’s announcement an engineer working on the bridge fell and died. The cause of his fall is still under investigation.
Here’s a fantastic new find! It’s a wonderful illustrated view of the Harlem River reportedly from Fort George, which was the site of a popular amusement park that bore its name. Beginning in the foreground is the Washington Bridge and then, continuing south is the High Bridge, followed by what I believe is the no-longer extant Putnam Bridge, and ending with the distant Macombs Dam Bridge. King’s View of New York was one of several popular guidebooks by editor and publisher, Moses King, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This image was reprinted in color and sold as postcards too!
Here’s a wonderful brief video produced by PBS’ online video series – The City Concealed – that focuses on the High Bridge, the oldest existing bridge in New York City. Restoration work was supposed to have begun by now, but from what I can see during my recent visits there no work has yet started.
Duane Bailey-Castro | Photo Blog 