Ghetto Tango
Something I discovered in my research for a project on the Yiddish Theater; something I did not know existed, “Ghetto Tango”. From a description from the collection “Ghetto Tango: Wartime Yiddish Theater”…
“The Jews torn from their homes and crammed into the ghettoes of Lithuania and Poland included young and old, laborers and college students, teachers, doctors, lawyers — and musicians. In the Warsaw ghetto, in Lodz, Vilna and the rest of the unofficial cabarets sprang up. Orchestras and choruses pieced themselves together as well. Musicians, both professional and amateur, began writing and performing as well as adapting popular music of the time. Much of their music reflected or satirized their bleak circumstances and bolstered the spirits of the audiences. Incredibly, not only were these ghetto night clubs visited by Nazi authorities and German soldiers, but they were photographed by Nazi propaganda units.”
Leica Freedom Train
At the beginnings of Nazi Germany, Ernst Leitz II, son of the founder and then director of the company manufacturing Leica cameras conceived a plan to evacuate Jews from the Nazis. Saving perhaps thousands, it became known as the Leica Freedom Train.
My selection of cameras is not just based on megapixels or price. It reflects the place in history of the camera company and the personal support of my business for which I am ever so grateful. Thank You!
Yiddish Theater And Arnold
A wonderful PBS short documentary; when Broadway was featuring the “Wizard of Oz” or the “Ziegflield Follies”, the Yiddish Theaters along 2nd Avenue were bringing in two million people per year. My own family has it’s roots in the Yiddish Theater with then famous Yiddish actors Izidore and Jennie Casher co-founders with Maurice Schwartz of the Yiddish Art Theatre started in 1918.
The great creators of American iconic music and so many Christmas songs, George and Ira Gershwin, and Irving Berlin lived in this theater district. Many of the Hollywood stars and luminaries got their start in Yiddish Theater, even including Edward G. Robinson.
Indeed drawing a direct line, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s first movie “Hercules In New York” traces back to the early Yiddish Theater.
Not Far
Downtown Palm Springs today. Something to look through, the alien babies are still there, and every sidewalk needs a yellow cow with polka dots.
A-7 Corsair II Arrives
It might not look like much now, but by the end of the year, those restoration magicians at the Palm Springs Air Museum will have it looking like it is ready to fly off a carrier. A Vietnam War era Vought A-7A Corsair II. The A-7 flew from 1965 through the Gulf War. It arrived this morning.
For my photographer friends; Sometimes I still use my Fujifilm x30. Very convenient to have around. These are Velvia film simulation jpg’s.
Which Way?
Is this the exit or the entrance? And if it is one, coming the other way is it still the other? Doorway art installation on Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea. I understand that it was originally complete with an actual door. Fujifilm X-T3 camera.
Pucci Virus Protection
At the Palm Springs Art Museum today. Braniff International Airlines stewardess uniforms designed by Pucci. Maybe the “helmet’ today would be good virus protection for flying commercial.
Once Upon A Time At The Salton Sea
The Salton Sea was once one of the biggest attractions in the country. A billboard at the road in to Bombay Beach.
Bombay Beach Aircraft
Many have seen this. However it is new since my last trip to Bombay Beach. I had to see it. Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea is truly becoming dedicated to the arts. Fujifilm X-T3 camera. I would like to fly over and photograph it from the air next.
Giant Bird Bombay Beach
Just watch, don’t be impatient. At Bombay Beach Salton Sea. Fujifilm X-T3 camera.
Air Force One Arrival
Air Force One arriving in Palm Springs California at 10:30am this morning (Wednesday February 19, 2020). Fujifilm X-H1 camera and Fujifilm XF 50-140mm F2.8 lens.
Wrapped In Papier Doux
Model Aristodeme naked except for wrapped in papier doux. A day we spent shooting with many unusual props and ideas. Much fun! Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
Me – Street Photographer?
Aviation Photography
I was just working through some new photo workflow ideas and tools. Happened to use a series I shot at the Hangar 24 AirFest in Lake Havasu in 2018. Thought this was a pretty cool photograph to share with you. An A-10 Thunderbolt flying by. Photographed with my Fujifilm X-H1 with the Fujifilm XF100-400 lens.
X-Pro3 Is Pro!
Getting some time shooting the new Fujifilm X-Pro3 Camera. Here with the XF23mmF2 R WR lens. It is a rangefinder camera with the rear screen hidden unless you fold it down. Just like shooting a film rangefinder. The photos here shot in Velvia simulation mode and jpg right out of the camera. The close up, just a crop of the other photo. This is a hugely impressive camera.
Fujifilm Shooting Fujifilm
I had the chance to play with the just released Fujifilm X100V camera today. This is shot by me with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 I also got to work with. The X-Pro3 had the Fujifilm 23mm lens, shot at f3.2 1/60 second and iso400. This is a straight out of the camera jpg in Velvia simulation mode. Just sized down.
The X100V is a marvel itself. Small and lightweight, it could slip in any large pocket like a cargo pocket. Weighs almost nothing. Simple and quick operation, reminds me of a real camera for those of you who know what I mean by that. Looking for that camera to go everywhere without any burden and shooting superb photographs. No doubts this could be it. Today at Camera West in Rancho Mirage California. Thanks!
Fujifilm X100V Demo
The new just announced Fujifilm X100V will be demonstrated by Fujifilm at Camera West in Rancho Mirage this Friday Feb 7th from 1-4pm. I am going to go check it out. You can too; and bring your own SD card to take your photos home with you.
Keen Eye For The Super Bowl
Had a friend happen to stop by to watch the Super Bowl just now. Probably has a keen eye for it!
Fujifilm X-H1 camera body with the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 lens.
Hasselblad Shooting Rolleiflex
Using the new Hasselblad X1DII camera to shoot an old vintage Rolleiflex camera. Lens was the Hasselblad XCD 3.5 120mm with Broncolor F160 LED lighting. Shot handheld at Camera West in Rancho Mirage CA.
Selfie At The Daggett Garage
My attempt at a selfie on a photo excursion last week.
At the Dagget Garage built in the 1880’s in the Borax area as a locomotive repair roundhouse. Moved by a 20-mule-team to the Waterloo Mill and Mine in 1896. Then moved to it’s current location in Daggett California in 1912.
Served as an auto repair shop on old Route 66 until World War II when it became a mess hall for troops guarding nearby railroad bridges.
Xtine At Bombay Beach
Model Xtine in our photo shoot at Bombay Beach, Salton Sea. Hasselblad Digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
Creator Demo Day
I shoot Hasselblad and Broncolor lighting and this is their latest. So I am going to go check it out at Camera West in Rancho Mirage!
Advance your imaging skills with medium format photography and professional lighting. Come and learn about the latest tools from Hasselblad and how medium format photography can inspire creativity. Also have on display, the all new XCD 45P, the world’s lightest digital medium format autofocus lens on!
Alongside cutting edge cameras, the latest in lighting tools from Broncolor – the leading edge in professional lighting solutions. Bring an SD card to take the images home with you!
Vintage Chevy For $6 A Day
Does anyone else remember flying into Santa Ynez Airport and renting a vintage Chevy for $6 for the day? Then off to lunch and wander around Solvang. I do!
Two In The Gym
Photo shoot with a Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thank You!
At Cruz 2 Fitness personal training gym here in Palm Springs with Naomi (and Naomi). Best personal training ever!
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