Have you met Gray B

[David Chesterfield]

Tell us a little about yourself and your photography journey.
Where do you live?
Born and raised in Berkeley, California and still living in the area.  My wife and I just bought a post retirement home in Martinez.

What are your hobbies & interests?
It’s interesting how the answer to this question changes as I look back on my past.  I was very athletic in my younger years: basketball, volleyball, swimming, water skiing, sailing but now in my late sixties interests have morphed into hiking, woodworking, yoga, travel, grand babies, and an ongoing search for the perfect craft beer.

How long you have had an interest in photography
In the early ’70s electronics was cheap in Japan where I toured playing volleyball, so I bought a tripod, lenses, filters, and shutter release to go with my used Nikkormat bought from a down-and-out sailor.  While at sea as sailor, I wasn’t one to play poker and cribbage with the mates so I took my camera topside and began to shoot.  To one who has never spent time on the ocean, it may sound monotonous, but there is a quiet beauty throughout the day on the ocean.

What got you interested in photography?
Quite frankly, reading National Geographic cover to cover helped plant the seed for photos beyond vacation snapshots.  I lived in Yosemite Valley for a winter and Ansel Adams images were all around me. 

What is the best advice you received so far regarding photography?
Having a technology background, I’m inclined to get the latest and greatest High Tech feature laden equipment.  But, a very smart friend once told me, “80% of a great photo comes from the person holding the camera, only 20% from the hardware.”  As a result, this realization has forced me to work on composition and lighting and not the camera.  Some of my most satisfactory photos have been taken with my point and shoot.

How do you maintain inspiration?
That’s one of my biggest challenges, I DON’T maintain inspiration.  It comes and goes on a whim.  If there is anyone out there that “maintains” inspiration, I’d like to talk with that person.

What is your favourite subject to shoot & why?
I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel extensively to some of the most beautiful places in the world.  Last year at this time we were driving around Namibia in a leased Land Rover.  It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo in Africa.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/5vDX0y
But for now, the most stimulating and interesting subjects to shoot would be people in their natural setting.  Whether that setting is in the village or the yoga studio.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/tt9h24
 
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/1N72tm

How would you describe your photographic journey to date?
I don’t think my journey is any different than most other amateur photographers, “fits and starts” depending on what else is going on in your life.

Are you self taught?
40 years ago I took photography classes at the university and lately have taken workshops with the local arts and crafts community.  But for the most part, self-taught.  I am learning a great deal by following the Light Stalker community.

Do you have a mentor?
My mentor, who is a terrific photographer of architecture, was a 13 year-old portrait subject of mine in 1976.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/2116qc
 
What is your favorite image right now?
One of the last photos of my father
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/17qqt7
 
Is There a photographer that inspires you?
No doubt my favorite photographer right now is Richard Calmes.  His shots of ballet dances, creative use of light, and composition set a standard where I could only dream to go.  Check him out.
http://www.pbase.com/rcalmes
 
What is your biggest challenge when it comes to photography?
No surprise here in answering this question: finding the time, maintaining inspiration (Light Stalking is a great help), and having the camera with me when that perfect shot reveals itself.

Is there anything specific you intend to learn or improve in your photography?
One final thought my friends, and I’m not asking for a sympathy vote, this art of photography is a wonderful avenue of creativity giving me the opportunity to look beyond the image, inspirational focus and dig into my own self expression while I battle, and will beat, stomach cancer.

If people want to follow more of your work where should they go?
Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/graybuetzowphotos/shares/M6fanB

CC: @

[Frogdaily]

So nice to read more about you Gary, will keep you in my prayers as you battle stomach cancer – You will beat this! Blessings to you

[Gray B]

Thank you @frogdaily

[Tersha]

Interesting read Gray, good to know bit about you. I hadn’t heard of Richard Calmes, I followed the link, very impressive!
Good luck with your fight for health.

[chris pook]

Great to hear more about you, enjoy your work Sir.

[Rob Eyers]

Nice to know a bit about you Gray. My sister is also in a battle with stomach cancer. All my best wishes for a great outcome!!

[Frogdaily]

Sorry to hear about your sister @robeyers – will keep her in prayer also!

[Gray B]

Best wishes to your sister Rob.

[ElinL]

Thank you for sharing your story with us Gray. Wish you all the best !

[Gray B]

Thank you ElinL

[chris pook]

Enjoyed a 30 minute diversion looking through those Richard Calmes photographs. Well worth a look thank you for the link.

[Gray B]

His lighting of the dancers blew my mind.

[Erik Fransman]

Hi Gary,

Thank you for sharing.
You have some really nice Namibia pictures on your Flickr that you have shared.
Also your “dad” picture is impressive.

Battles are there to be won, and reward yourself with another trip to Africa!
Looking forward seeing more.

[Gray B]

@Erik-Fransmen
Hey Erik thanks, and yes there is something about Africa that keeps us going back.

[Author]

Posts