So Long, Brenton Stevens

I will not miss 2012 a whit with all of the news I have received about family and friends passing this year.  I received word this evening that someone with whom I taught here in South Korea, a friend, has died in his home country of Canada.  

Brenton Stevens had taught here in Korea for more than a decade, and his input was invaluable to me when I first arrived in country.  Many a times we had feasted on his homemade pizza, shared beers, and told tales.  I can't even begin to imagine how his wife feels.

The online obituary is found here.

So long, Brenton.  You will be missed, but not forgotten.  I'm drinking a couple of beers in remembrance, man.

My Interview With Groove Korea

Groove Korea is an online and hard copy English language publication in South Korea that reports and covers a wide range of topics.  I was very excited when I was asked for an interview to be included in the November 2012 edition about one of my favorite places to photograph in South Korea:  Waon Beach.

Dylan Goldby, who is a remarkable photographer and writer, interviewed me for Groove's Capturing Korea feature.  Waon Beach is the ideal place for me to conduct a longitudinal project that supports my love and appreciation for water and the sea.  To read the interview and to see some previously unpublished photographs of the area, please visit the Groove Magazine website here.

Thank you, Dylan Goldby, for interviewing me for this article.  A big thank you to Matt Lamers, who is the editor-in-chief at Groove Korea, for your kindness and support.

...

This photograph wasn't a part of the interview; however, it does show Waon Beach when I visited during a rainstorm.  I shot this scene from within the structure I mentioned in the article. 

Waterfowl
© Mark Eaton

KoreaMaria Announces: Self-Defense Seminar in Gwangju

The news of the abduction and rape of a 22 year old female expatriate by a taxi driver in Gwangju-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea has motivated many expats living in the province to raise awareness and to provide services to increase the safety of foreign residents.

For example, KoreaMaria has posted on her blog some information about a self defense seminar that will be held regularly in Gwangju.  Her post also includes helpful information regarding how one can increase personal safety.  To read her article, please visit her site here.

As KoreaMaria mentioned in her post, the Jeolla Safety Alliance has a Facebook page, and it can be accessed here. 

Please help spread the word.  Thank you.

How to Photograph the Person

I just didn't feel like doing much at all this beautiful autumn morning.  The 2012 Suncheon Photo Club exhibition concluded a couple of days ago, and I spent quite a bit of time last night working on submissions for an upcoming solo exhibit.  I thought I would spend some time this morning just taking a look at what other photographers were doing.

In addition to being a member of the Suncheon Photo Club, the only foreign member of that august body, I am a member of the Gwangju Photo Club, too.  I was revisiting some of the images posted on the GPC Facebook page from the recent Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk that many club members posted.  Time and again, I kept viewing an image submitted by the Joe Wabe, who also happened to be the walk leader in Gwangju.

I realize not all of my readers will be able to view Joe Wabe's photograph of two Korean women here, because many do not have Facebook accounts.  A wise decision on their part, I know.

The art of photographing the person is much different than taking a photo of people.  Recording the mood, the feeling, the inner being of a person is no simple task.  The subject must have a trust and a belief in the photographer, and the photographer must reciprocate.  A bond between the persons is necessary.

While viewing the mentioned photograph above, I reminded myself of the photographic work by Claudine Doury.  Rather than wax poetic using polysyllabic superlatives, I direct the viewer's attention to Claudine Doury's website here.  

It is an art and a gift that just cannot be packaged and sold on one of those trendy photo sites, nor at some photo conference or workshop.  It is inside a photographer, or it isn't.

Roman Rivera: Artistic Photographer

I look at the photographic art created by Roman Rivera, and I feel at ease.  I marvel at the scenes composed by Roman, and, too, I wonder where on this Earth such places exist; I so want to be there.  I came to understand that such places are in my heart, and in my mind.  Yet such places do exist in the physical word, but it is the point of view of an individual to see the beauty displayed.  Roman not only sees the beauty and the peace, he has the ability to show it to the world.

Trees in the Mist

© Roman Rivera

Currently, Roman appreciates photography as a hobby; however, he has plans to approach photography professionally.  He loves the art of photography, because it is his way to keep in touch with the world.  It is my opinion that he is well grounded in the arts.  In fact, he is inspired by the great artists of the past.  Artists such as J. M. William Turner, and Edward Steichen are only two examples of the greats who do inspire Roman.

Roman is very candid about how he processes his work.  When he takes photographs he already sees the end result before the image is even uploaded onto his computer.

Weightless

© Roman Rivera

He uses correct photography techniques when he takes a photograph.  He merges the image with textures in his workflow.  An extraordinary piece of art results.  He says there are no big secrets to his process.  I wish it were so easy!

    Waiting the Butterflies

© Roman Rivera

Beyond the Invisible

© Roman Rivera

As can be seen from the photographs above, Roman is especially fond of nature.  He also does fantastic work with cityscapes and city scenes, too.

 Grand Canal, Venice

© Roman Rivera

A Day in Vitoria-Gasteiz

© Roman Rivera

It is his desire to travel the world for his photography.  He wants to expand his photographic art, and he wants to show people how he sees the world.  I like his vision.

Between Earth and Heaven

© Roman Rivera

 Journey to Nowhere
© Roman Rivera

Roman Rivera is wildly popular on Facebook.  His work can be seen on his Facebook page here.

His photographic art can also be seen on his Wix page here.