A photography hobbyist and part-time professional for almost 25 years, I’ve collected some of my favorite work here in this blog: LightningSmokestacks, which is a eclectic selection of photos covering a wide range of subjects and locations.
The bulk of my portfolio is still film based and shot with a Canon A-1 from the late 1970’s that was given me as a gift by my Dad in the early eighties, a camera that has served me in my travels around NYC, in the field during my stint in the USMC (tucked away in the cargo pocket of my fatigues), on my various travels through the U.K. with my gorgeous wife, and just about everywhere else I’ve been since, and I still use it. It’s really my good luck charm, and has opened up a world of opportunity for me (people, especially female people really open up and get friendly with the camera guy).
My old Canon A-1
Since early 2004 (coincedent with the birth of my first son) I’ve been using a Canon Eos Rebel xti with great success, and have to say that for most purposes digital is a superior format, definitely less time consuming. Photoshop and a laptop have replaced an entire lab, pieced together over many years… time moves on. Once the firmware is (ahem)properly hacked updated, and the proper collection of lenses and filters added to your kit, it is really an amazing instrument, and I’ve amassed a wonderful collection of shots since I’ve had it, it’s long since paid for itself (and several times over) with the odd freelance ebay listing photos, head shots, or family portraits (as well as class pictures at Building Blocks Playgroup , the highly successful New York City preschool I run and manage with my wife and our highly competent staff) and I can highly recommend it for the adventurous and active photographer.
My Canon Eos Xti
I’ll also try to include the ocassional informative article on the subject of photography and the odd tip or trick for getting interesting results with easy to afford equipment.
I am not a snob or artsy and have no illusions about the social significance of a photograph, and I have no patience for people who see photography that way. Taking credit for a picture is like taking credit for a singer’s performance because you recorded it. Photography is capturing a moment in time as an image, either a staged or spontaneous moment, and sharing the result for fun or profit, and that’s about it.
I take a picture, I try to sell said picture, or I enjoy the beauty of the picture for its own sake and my fond memory. It is no more than that.
I hope to show that anyone at all can take great photos, the secret, if there is one, is to simply be there, the right place, the right time, and armed with your camera of choice.
Please feel free to comment, critique or contact me regarding my work, I hope you enjoy your visit!
GW Citroner
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