New year! New start! New ideas!

Mexican Cowboy shot in an empty swimming pool

As you tend to your new years resolutions, stop for a moment to ponder the following: Are you going to do the same thing with your photography that you did last year?
As you know, our crazy business changes daily and variety, as they say, is the spice of life. Diversifying your skills and your approaches to work is perhaps, the best way to keep up with new and interesting clients. So in 2012 I challenge you to start the year differently. Think outside of the box and DON’T fall back into old habits!

Portrait or Landscape? YOU decide......

In the spirit of this movement, I’ve compiled a small list of ideas to get you in the mood. Keep in mind that these are just ideas! Download this list, print it out, and feel free to add onto it as you begin to gather new ways of seeing the world with your photography:

• Do you always shoot with a tripod? Then put it away for 2 weeks. Do you never shoot with a tripod? Then get it out and do your next few shoots with it.

• When was the last time you shot any film? There is a difference you know. Always grabbing the same lens out of your bag? Don’t use that one for a month. You can take a great portrait with a wide angle lens.

• Are you one of those guys that likes to use flash with everything? Don’t take any pictures using flash for the next month and see where it lands you!

• Never use a flash? Don’t be afraid to pull it out and play with the light. Try shooting a portrait with hard and direct light. You might be surprised.

• I see so many people taking their pictures from the same angle and the same height all the time. If you always hold your camera from the same spot, then sit on the ground for the next few photos you take. Stand in a tree!

• If all you’ve been shooting is color, then the next group of photos you take are black and white. NO EXCEPTIONS.

• If all you do is shoot outside, find a wall in your house and take some pictures inside. Create a studio and see what comes of it.

• If you shoot people and you’ve never taken a landscape — DO IT.

• If shooting people intimidates you, push yourself to give it a try. Even if It’s just photographing your best friend. Make it someone you’re comfortable with.

I promise that all of these suggestions will help you to view photography and the medium of image making in new and unusual ways. If nothing else, it will strengthen your skills as a photographer which you should always be cultivating as you mature. Never stop!

Tribal Warrior in Panama

Before I sign off, I leave you with something a very wise man told me as I photographed him last week. It’s small but poignant and the best advice I’ve heard in years: “If you fail to create any waves in the world, you won’t see any change.”

He’s right, you know.

Go and be the change. Tackle 2012 with everything you’ve got!

—PM

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Mark Goldsmith- Rikers Island- American Heroes Book

As photographers, our job is to thrive under pressure. Everything from location swaps to canceled shoots and working in tense conditions. Given the circumstances, it seems our greatest asset is to learn how to deal with these changes and accept their inevitability. 2011 saw no shortage of these kinds of situations and as I rolled with the punches that each new assignment threw me, by the end of the year it was enough to make me take a moment to reflect.

Nobody knows where their career will lead them and with photographers, the future is even more uncertain. A path I started down more than 20 years ago has changed unquestionably and the medium for making images is now easier than ever. Suddenly everyone has become a photographer and access to digital technology has ushered this change quickly into the hands of enthusiasts everywhere.

So how do you take back these tools that everyone possess? I think the trick is to share your vision in a way that nobody else can and sometimes if you’re lucky, you meet people who can help you do this. Opportunities like this are what pushed my career into new territory and I’d be foolish to forget that. Working steadily as a photographer means creative independence. Success is hard won but if you can work with the sorts of people who fight for your ability to express yourself, it’s important that you stick with them. For these reasons, I thank the many collaborators, art directors, editors, publishers and subjects who helped me in 2011. Each of these people added valuable insight into the process of making new and interesting work.

Cynthia Grace- Harlem- American Heroes Book

Charlie Plumb- Buffalo Military Park- American Heroes Book

With the year quickly drawing to a close, I sit here in my studio surrounded by hundreds of new photos that we’re busy editing for my latest project. Let me be the first to tell you that my next book will be called “American Heroes”. This project has lead me all over the country and given me the opportunity to meet more incredible people than I would have ever thought possible. With a release date slated for October of next year, “American Heroes” will profile the extraordinary “ordinary” people who have made an astonishing impact in the lives of others.

My year spent chasing after these individuals has helped me log countless hours of travel. All jet lag aside, the enormous diversity of meeting everyone from medical responders in Haiti to environmental activists reminds me of all the endless possibilities a career in photography has given me. It strongly influences my opinion that photographers are people who could never eschew a 9-5 job. We can’t because we’re not cut out to work SO little. Quite the opposite really… Being a photographer means working hard, and practically, ALL of the time. Of course, anything that you love doing is never actually work.

Having said all that, I hope you’ve enjoyed the images included with this post. What you’ve been viewing are selects from my upcoming book (but I’m guessing you already knew that). I can’t wait to share their stories with you.

Dr. David Vanderpool- Port-au-Prince, Haiti- American Heroes Book

I wish you all health, wealth and happiness in the upcoming year and remind you to keep seeing and photographing with your heart.

The rest will fall into place…………

Happy New Year!

—PM

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So… Here are the winners!

1st Place • "Young Farmer" • Bud Dorsey, Louisville, KY

2nd Place • "Sheep and Goat" • Anne Berry, Newnan, GA

3rd Place • "Giants in the Salinas Valley" • Jaymie Lee Moore, Salinas, CA

The top three images chosen for “The People’s Choice Awards” are below:

First Place People's Choice Award goes to Michael J. Albert from Pepin WI for his photo "On Hard Times."

Second Place People's Choice Award goes to Bonnie Stasser from Goodland, KS for her photo "Rainbow Harvester."

Third Place People's Choice Award goes to Anna Williamson from Dover, FL for her photo "Hard Day's Work."

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to thank the judges who donated their time and critical eye as we reviewed the entires…

Reid Callanan of Santa Fe Photographic Workshops (best workshops in the country!), Greg Wakabayashi of Welcome Books (an incredible designer!) and Joe Murphy from The Iowa Farm Bureau (a great shooter!)…

We will continually share updates about the film from time to time so please stay tuned for some exciting news!

Thanks again to everyone for entering such great work!

— PM

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Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters

Old school photographers may remember when we all shot polaroids to test our lighting. There was something authentic about shooting a polaroid because it emphasized the nuances of an image, the imperfections, and mostly, its potential.
Yet still, the polaroid gave us a new method for producing images suitable for the fine arts arena.

Comedian Gilbert Gottfried

Although the Polaroid Corporation ceased production of their films and the materials have all but faded away, the nostalgia for “the look” remains alive and well. Students and practitioners find themselves turning back to this style as digital sucks the market dry. Perhaps this renewed interest has something to do with reclaiming some of the spontaneity and fun they had when they first started making pictures. Who knows?

Portrait Sitting

Give it a try the next time you get a little more freedom on a shoot. You don’t need a fancy camera to do this. Just your appetite for making satisfying pictures. Whether you’re using a savvy medium format polaroid back or an old relic you picked up at the thrift store, the beauty of a polaroid is indisputable. Keep the memory alive.

–PM

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My images are featured in a spotlight on Adweek’s website. A collaboration between me and longtime friend/artist Mike Campau, these photos were shot on-location inside Insane Clown Posse’s Michigan studio. Green screens are an incredible resource when shooting images that need to be prepped for compositing. ICP were great sports about taking direction and helped me get the looks I needed that would later translate into compelling and unique photos with some help from Mike.

My idea dealt with inserting the guys from ICP into death-defying and memorable situations. Like super hero’s.  At one point, Mike suggested we climb to the top of one of Detroit’s tallest buildings and (carefully) shoot over the side of the roof. In fact, his exact words were something like… “If it doesn’t give you the heebie-jeebies, you’re not high enough…” He was right. With the help of building maintenance and a few steady hands, I was allowed to peak over the side with my camera while they held me in place, lest I decided to spill over the edge (the view was incredible by the way).

Durring one particularly crazy afternoon, I lead the ICP crew into a local hamburger dive and shot them eating among all the usual patrons. The looks of surprise when we walked in were surprising to say the least. Customers watched as I directed the guys to play with their food, contort their faces and generally goof off. The pictures speak for themselves!

I’ve collected a few of my favorites above but for the complete series as well as some in-process composite work, visit Adweek’s site. The entire project was a blast and I’ve just gotta thank the staff at Greene’s, Andy & Bill @ Psychopathic Records, Mike at Seventh Street, Charles, and most of all.. Joe and Joey of ICP for the chance to create something awesome. I couldn’t have done it without the help of  all these talented people.

–PM

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Today as we remember the tragic events of September 11th, i decided to comb through the blog archives to re-post this entry about Rocky. Rochelle “Rocky” Jones is a battalion chief for New York’s fire departments. Her courage helped save countless lives that day:

As the nation watched President Obama deliver a speech that would mark the end of one of our country’s greatest enemies, I’m reminded of the heroes who thrive behind the scenes. Civil servants like the police force and scores of firemen. Men and women who devote themselves unconscionably to maintaining peace, order, and protecting our safety. It’s these people who usually put themselves in harm’s way, reacting to trouble wherever they’re needed.

Having said this, It seems appropriate that I might take a minute to introduce you to one of those people: Rochelle “Rocky” Jones.

Rochelle or “Rocky” as she is called by her peers is a battalion chief in one of New York’s fire departments. Throughout the department’s own 138 year history, Rochelle was the first woman to ascend the ranks to battalion chief and proved herself by meeting many rigorous and physical standards. She is now the highest ranking female chief in New York.

Perhaps the most challenging time in her career emerged on September 11th when the twin towers were struck down by 2 commercial airliners. Although she remained stranded in New Mexico some 43 hours away from New York, Rocky nevertheless drove thousands of miles back home to assume her duty helping to right what had gone so terribly wrong. She still remembers the loss of her 14 co-workers to the two shattered buildings.

Photographing Rocky inside her house's fire truck.

Recently, I was honored with the chance to photograph Rocky in her Firehouse. They say “in a photograph, It’s the eyes, It’s always the eyes.” I could tell immediately that Rocky’s eyes still carry the powerful memories of September 11th. I remember her saying, “people talk about closure. I don’t think there’s such a thing. The effects of this are lifelong. We lost 343 firefighters in one day. You can never forget. Since 9/11, I have a very specific goal. I have to be strong. I have to show a bunch of young kids that you don’t quit when something bad happens.”

Today over 400 women have applied to become city firefighters.

My heart goes out to ALL the heroes who continue to make the United States a great place to live. But most of all, to Rocky for her bravery and kindness. I can’t thank you enough.

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Boy in Meadow

Lately, I’ve started to see everything in black & white. I’ve gone through this many times over the course of my career, not sure why. When this phase emerges, I’ve learned to just go with it. In other words, I try to make all my photographs in “black & white”. I stop when it doesn’t feel right anymore. I think all photographers go through this and though I’ve spoken about film many times before, I still feel the quality of a black & white image on FILM is second to none! There’s nothing better! Every time I try another medium, nothing else even comes close.

Studio Portrait

So, when I’m shooting black & white, it’s almost always with FILM. This particular process is rich in quality. Sometimes, when I need some inspiration, I look through my old photography books where so many of the images printed were black & white. Way back when, this is all photographers were able to shoot and although it sounds easy, committing something to film in black and white is a lot harder than it sounds! Having said that, my advice is to make a concerted effort to work on your improving your skill with black and white. This alone will strengthen and enrich your photography. I promise.

Turkish Girl

Besides, what could be better than going back into the darkroom to make prints? Better yet, seeing a finished black & white print that’s produced beautifully on paper is a sight for sore eyes. Start by shooting in the sun, the shade or even the rain. If your really feeling adventureous, shoot some Infrared film. Be sure to shoot this variety of film in brightly light conditions (think nice days). Keep in mind that shooting infrared is a whole different world but if handled with care and sensitivity to light, the results can be beautiful.

New Mexican Prison Guard

Western Sheriff

In the mean time, If you’re looking for some great labs to develop and print your black & white work. Here’re a few of my suggestions:

• In the East, I use Manhattan Labs and MV Photo Labs. Both are excellent.
• In the West, I use Hidden Light. The techs (Steve and Corey) do excellent work. Simply put, those two are the best platinum palladium printers I’ve ever seen.

Haitian Boy

Not to be overlooked, Hidden Light Labs also houses an incredible framing department! Although these labs can do just about anything, it’s important to find one that works not for you, but WITH you.

I think I’ve given you enough to think about for one day. Get out there and “work on your black & white”. You’ll be glad you did!

—PM

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My 2011 Santa Fe Workshop Class

Everyone knows how I feel about Santa Fe. It’s simply a gorgeous marvelous place! I just returned from teaching another portrait class at Reid Callanan’s Santa Fe Workshop. The only only thing that could make the Santa Fe experience better (than what it already is) is GREAT PEOPLE. This year I had such an amazing group of students. Kind, gracious, and most importantly……..willing to open their hearts and learn. Some came from as far as Spain, France, even Honduras. From day one, there was good chemistry. We started off working hard, and never finished till I got on the plane. What a week!  The work was so good. I mean, SO GOOD. I was proud to be a part of it all. They took the pictures, all I did was help and advise. Our week end presentation was very emotional and proved once again……”the harder you work, the luckier you get”. I want to personally thank my assistants Michael Karsh and Sara Bielecki for keeping the whole class “propped up” all week. We could never have done it without you.

Teaching a studio demo with my class

Highlights, there were many. Elias from Honduras with more creative ideas than I’ve seen come out of one person. Sara from Arizona who just beamed with energy and enthusiasm all week. Monica from Spain who was passionate about every ounce of her Santa Fe experience unless she got “blocked”. But most importantly, EVERY student gave 100% of themselves till the end. To me, that’s a successful workshop. Just a great life experience. All in all, we took great photos, ate great food, and drank many great margaritas. I can’t wait to go back. Take a look at the “week end” video. Just click on the link below…..You’ll see! Bueno Bueno Bueno!!!!! -PM

Paul Mobley’s 2011 Santa Fe Workshop from Paul Mobley on Vimeo.

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Two Boys down at the Lake

Sometimes you can’t stop thinking about what you want to shoot next. If you’re like me, you want an idea first. I usually don’t “just shoot”. But when your running low on creative energy, the best thing you can do is just that. “Shoot”. I’ve ended up with some marvelous pictures over the years just by “shooting”. Just like exercising, we need to keep our creative muscles strong. Try it next time you’re in a creative slump and can’t come up with an idea.

Portrait of Boy at the Lake

The picture of these boys by the lake emerged when I took my dog for a walk with my camera just to see what I might find. Walking nearby the shore, I noticed them swimming with their family. The images that follow were wonderful and unexpected. It would never have happened had I not taken that walk.

Portrait of Boy at the Lake

After I explained to them that i was a professional photographer, I asked their mother if they would pose for me. These pictures show reality as it occurred that day and suggests some spontaneity was at work during the shoot. There’s nothing better!

Now go out and just “SHOOT”. There’s potential behind every corner.

—PM

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Besse Cooper, world's oldest living person

Last week, I traveled to Georgia where I met Besse Cooper. As it turns out, Besse now holds the title for world’s oldest living person (she’s 114… she’ll be 115 in August) and in case you hadn’t guessed it by now, I was there to shoot her portrait. Sometimes I wonder what people of this age must think of all this attention they get for leading healthy productive lives to the extent that they live longer? Maybe it’s stressful or a bit unusual but I guess most accept it. At any rate, none of these things seemed to concern Besse the day we met for our shoot.

When I photograph subjects like Besse, I always try to consider what kind of story their faces will tell. You can learn a lot about a person by looking closely at them. Everything from the way their eyes peer out at the world, to the arch of their brow, right down to the way their smile lights up. Each of these things hold a certain level of meaning. For our shoot, I decided to try a number of different poses but the one I liked the best (seen above) captivates me because her profile emphasizes something very bold about her character. As for Besse, she lives each day fiercely independent of others, preferring to take care of herself the way she always has.

I felt lucky to be invited into Besse’s home to make this image (and many more). Her attitude for this shoot seemed as resilient as her outlook on life. We should all be so lucky to share a similar view… no matter how old we are. Most of all, a special thank-you goes out to Besse’s grandson Paul for all his assistance during our time together. Thank you both!

— PM

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