Intel has a famous copy exact policy. Once a process has been developed in one fab, usually a R&D site, this process, including all the tools, material, software, will be copied exactly to all the subsequent fabs. This policy might slow them down on the development of new technologies, but gives them advantage in traceability and predictability of production, as well as best possible quality control.
Now, imagine a art process adopting this copy exact policy. That could be a interesting nightmare to any artist. With art, finding something new is usually more important and interesting than repeating something right.
Indeed, I always find myself excited by things that I first encounter, things that are fresh and unfamiliar. They make me observing harder, and wanting to pick up my camera. First time in BurningMan was overwhelming. Everything was fresh and exciting. I brought back many interesting photos. 2nd and 3rd times, thought I will take back many new and exciting photos, but somehow my eyes stopped seeing things because they became familiar to me.
I visited the landscape site in Palo Alto again last Sunday, this time with Megan and Jackie, beautiful ballerinas from Company C. Very soon, I realized that I was having the same BurningMan experience again. The place was too familiar to me and those landscapes that excited me a year ago, no longer ignite my curiosity. I was sliding down to the abyss of copy exact.
(Jackie)
(Megan)
Luckily the combination of new dancers and the landscape created many new and unique moments. My eyes started to see again.
(Megan)
(Jackie)
Last Saturday with Requisite Dancers at Embarcadero was a different experience. I had at best a very vague idea what kind of photo I will take. I knew there is a spot where you can stand in the middle of the road and look down the whole Market street. Always wanted to see what kind of photo opportunity it can generate. So that became our first site. Girls caused many attractions from tourists. Many people asked them for their performance information. It seems taking dance photos on street can be a very good promotion tool.
(Requisite Dance)
While we were waiting for each other to arrive, I noticed the arches in the ferry building. It could be a very interesting backdrop. I hide one flash behind an arch an asked dancers to dance towards the light. This is something I have never done before, and I’m very happy with effect it created. Light is a very psychological thing. Having a spot of light in the darkness gives me warmth and hope.
(Jenna)
(Requisite Dance)
(Michaela)
It feels great to be surprised.
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Lovely set of images! I really like the close up of Megan crouching on the post!