un-still life

UnUn – Still life – Still lifeA Study in Slow Shutter Speed of Subjects in Motion

DEC. 4 2009 • SOHO PHOTO GALLERY

Photographer: Rebecca MB. Pearson

REBECCA MB. PEARSON

Un- Still Life

A Study in Slow Shutter Speed Photography of Subjects in Motion

Since starting this class, I spent many anxious nights thinking about the theme for this show. Throughout the semester, I practiced what I had learned from the lectures of Lawrence Wheatman, class instructor. From trying night exposures to focusing on candid images, different angles that make a bold statement to standing in the pouring rain experimenting with long exposures, I grew frustrated with each effort but still had the tenacity and drive to achieve that perfect shot needed for the show.

Three weeks ago, I thought I had a series. With some trepidation, I brought the prints to class for critiquing and of the 12 I presented, Lawrence zoomed in on one – Soccer in the Lower East Side – suggesting I build on this technique of subjects in motion to create my series.

That meant starting over. I was certain I could never get this done in time. “Of course you will,” Lawrence said with such bolstering confidence. “You’ve got two more weeks. That’s lots of time.”

My response was one of an eye-roll and a head shake. I strongly felt that I could never create the kind of series that would be “gallery worthy” in such a short time. And then I recalled something he had said the first day of class: “You will never get what you expected when you take a picture. Accept that now. You have to see your photo as a pleasant surprise. Like the present you never expected to get.”

Soccer in the LES was an accident. My intent was to capture and freeze the sport in action with the ball suspended in the air. The resulting image was the present I never expected to get. Although I harbored doubts that I could recreate this “accidental’ process, let alone an entire series, Lawrence prodded me on with two words: KEEP GOING!

And I did. Had I not listened, I never would have taken the latest additions to this series. Chinese Children Playing Tag was another pleasantly surprising present taken just last Sunday.

Well, Lawrence, I’m dedicating this series to you and I’ve titled it Un-Still Life because real life is constantly in motion. It never stands still. And neither will I. I plan to “keep on going.”

Soccer in the LES – Elizabeth Chrystie Park, NYC

Playing Tag – Playground at Pace High School, NYC

Off to Work – First Ave, NYC

Check Mate – Chess Players at Washington Square Park, NYC Hackey Sack – Washington Square Park, NYC

Skateboarding – Seward Park Playground, LES, NYC

Pooches at Play – Dog Run at Washington Square Park, NYC Cycling Through the Park – Washington Square Park, NYC

Dragon Parade Practice – Playground at Pace High School, NYC

The Need for Speed – Jumping the Stop Light at Delancey and

Chrystie, NYC

Swinging A Racket – Playground at Pace High School, NYC

Bicycle Polo – Sara Delano Roosevelt Playground, NYC

Rebecca MB. Pearson

rmbpearson@gmail.com

http://www.pbase.com/rmbpearson

http://www.63miles.typepad.com/rebbshots

© 2009 REBECCA MB. PEARSON,

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