Jigsaw Puzzle Project - environmental portraits

JimW

The Jigsaw Puzzle Project

I live in a small apartment building in New York City, ten floors and forty-six apartments. We’ve got some characters living here, a great superintendent, and we even get some heat in the winter sometimes. Not enough heat, but you can’t have everything.

I was watching the local news in the summer of 2001. They were showing a building whose entire exterior wall had collapsed, revealing the apartments inside. There they were, all lined up, ten kitchens in a vertical column, one man’s ceiling is another man’s floor, all those people inches apart. It struck me how close we live to each other, sometimes for decades, yet we might never know our neighbors. A couple of weeks later was 9/11, and imperceptibly, we became a little more of a group, and less a collection of individuals. Thinking the time was right, I invited everyone in our building to come to our photo studio (which is a converted apartment in the building), one apartment at a time, to have their portraits made. The concept was to hang all the prints of everyone in our building, at one time, in one space. Those images were made in the fall of 2001, and they looked like this:

I wanted the same exact lighting setup for everyone, so that the lighting would get out of the way and not be an issue, and used b&w film so the color would not distract. We were all out there, exposed, with no shadows to hide in, and the lighting & film choice acted as an equalizer. We ended up with twenty-nine 11x14 fiber prints, and we hung them in our basement hallway, which leads to the recycling room and the laundry room. We had a “gallery opening”, served wine & snacks, and people seemed to really enjoy the project.

---

Now, six years later, it’s time to create a visual record of ourselves again, except this time I’m making environmental portraits in the tenants’ apartments, in color.

Here are my goals:

• To use only small portable strobes for lighting, as I really need to improve my knowledge of how to use the powerful little things. I am (slightly) more comfortable using studio lighting, so I needed to challenge myself, and this seemed like a good way.
• Try to show something of their personality, or something about them.
• Show a sense of place.

So, in September of this year (2007), I wrote a proposal and slipped it under the door of everyone in the building, asking them to please consider participating in this project. Here are the results, so far.

1.

screenwriters

2.

artist

3.

artist
(haven't decided which one of her I like best)

4.

editor

There are three light sources; natural light from the windows, regular household lamp lights (incandescents), and Nikon flash units (two SB-800’s, one SB-80DX and one SB-26). My tests determined that the Nikon infrared triggering system would never work, as sometimes the strobes had to be hidden behind walls and pianos etc., and infrared won’t travel through walls and wood. So I used the strobes in manual mode, and triggered them with Pocket Wizards. I also used some diffusion devices, snoots and gobos. The photos were captured with a Nikon D200, with two Nikon lenses, a 14mm 2.8 and a 17-55mm 2.8, and I always used a tripod. I shot RAW files and used a Minotla IV-F incident light meter.

A major goal was to light these pictures with flashes, yet make them look as if they were NOT lit with flashes. However, the immediate problem was that these apartments are dark, I mean really dark. We’re surrounded by taller buildings and we just don’t get much light inside the apartments. You can sometimes see it through the windows, but it doesn’t come inside much. Plus, I was stubbornly sticking to ISO 100 or 200, and never went any higher.

So I broke some rules. I underexposed even though I know you’re not supposed to. And I did my best to fix it in ACR and LAB. So they’re probably noisier than need be. Everything has its price.

5.

pianist

6.

After washing her clothes by hand in the sink, she hangs them on an old wooden drying rack, which is then raised to the ceiling with ropes. All the apartments used to have these racks, but this is the only one left in the building now. (note the cat)

7.

psychologist/women's health advocate


8.

musician


9.

Here I am shooting photo #8.


Any comments re composition, lighting, posing or postprocessing?
All comments are welcome. Thanks. Jim


(The great portrait photographer Arnold Newman once said that making environmental portraits is 50% photography and 50% moving furniture. I couldn’t agree more.)

evoryware

Just wanted to say I think this is a great series to view. This is something I'd expect to see in New York Magazine w/ the story. I like #3 more than #2 for an environmental portrait.

Briggie

Awesome, Jim!! What a wonderful idea!! I think this kind of project would do wonders to bring a sense of community to apartement dwellers everywhere! Love your technique, lighting! You have a knack of giving us a glimps into everyone's personnality as well as their home!! Lovely set!! Feels like a housing co-op type place!

cheers!
Brige

saurora

Jim, this is beyond wonderful. I got chills just reading your story and viewing your results! I have no criticism of your exposures, all the shots have unity in the lighting and I feel you met your goals marvelously. I love the original 'bare' portraits, but renewing the gallery with these wonderful, warm, environmental shots was a fantastic idea. You are off to a wonderful start and I can hardly wait to view the finished project. What a great way to get to know your neighbors.........I would imagine this project has changed the atmosphere of living in this building quite a bit...there just has to be a larger feeling of 'community'. Great job! :saurora

aktse

clapclapclap

I believe this series should be seen in a magazine! Wonderful story! And beautiful photos! Truly incredible!

aktpics

Wow - the whole concept is fabulous. As far as your technique goes, I am thinking I may start shooting from under a card table.

Elaine

WOW! What an amazing and inspiring project! I loved reading your story along with viewing the photos and seeing where it all began. I agree that it must make your community life so much more rich. Bravo to you for being brave enough to take on this idea. And bravo to your subjects for being willing. Great, great stuff!!!

EDIT: And as far as lighting goes...it looks superb to me!

JimW

evoryware – Thanks for the comments, and I appreciate your opinion on #2 vs #3.

Briggie – Thank you.

saurora – Thanks very much. I have made some new friends in the building because of this project. As far as changing the atmosphere, perhaps a little, maybe moreso after we hang these prints in the basement at the end. But, many city dwellers often guard their private space, likely because we have so little of it.

aktse - Many thanks to you. Who knows? Maybe someday.

aktpics – Thanks. (Borrow a taller card table than I did. Things got a little cramped. )


Elaine – Thank you very much. In portrait photography, it is the willing subjects, who understand and appreciate the value of photography, that make it possible for us to do what we do. So I agree with you, bravo to them. I thank them and try to make them feel a part of the project.

Richard

Hi Jim,

Glad to read this update on your project. I can't offer any technical advice, as I'm sure you know a lot more than I do. The results so far are terrific. I also can't decide between #2 and #3. I love the clutter and cramped feeling of #2, but you can't see her face at all. I got a kick out of #6--if it were processed in dark sepia, it would fit right in to the Doisneau collage you mentioned. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. #8 is just too adorable.

Anyway, you are doing great and I can't wait to see more. Any thoughts on how you are going to present the final set?

Regards,

JimW

Hi Richard,

Thank you. Yes, I understand about not seeing her face in #2. Perhaps I'll go with #3 instead because of its sense of place.

Ha, yes, I agree, photo 6 would fit into that Doisneau collage. The timing works, as she's been in this building since the mid-fifties. She's the solo poser in the b&w at the top of the post.

We'll hopefully have another gallery night in the basement when the pictures are done. The image sizes are ending up at 10" by about 14.5", and we'll probably mount them on foamcore (full bleed) and put them on the basement walls with velcro. That worked last time with the b&w exhibit.

However, in addition to hanging the prints, I'm interested in at least researching the idea of printing the building big, as Doisneau did (6 feet tall), and putting some of the portraits on it. We'll see. Plenty to do yet.

Regards,

Jim

Wet Oregon

Jigsaw Puzzle Project environmaental portraits

JimW wrote:

Hi Richard,

Thank you. Yes, I understand about not seeing her face in #2. Perhaps I'll go with #3 instead because of its sense of place.

Ha, yes, I agree, photo 6 would fit into that Doisneau collage. The timing works, as she's been in this building since the mid-fifties. She's the solo poser in the b&w at the top of the post.

We'll hopefully have another gallery night in the basement when the pictures are done. The image sizes are ending up at 10" by about 14.5", and we'll probably mount them on foamcore (full bleed) and put them on the basement walls with velcro. That worked last time with the b&w exhibit.

However, in addition to hanging the prints, I'm interested in at least researching the idea of printing the building big, as Doisneau did (6 feet tall), and putting some of the portraits on it. We'll see. Plenty to do yet.

Regards,

Jim

Jim: What a story!!!! In both tremendous photographs and descriptive words; I'm sure this is SMITHONIAN, READERS DIGEST and even NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC material....I love #6 and very jealous of #8--enjoy your endeavor...

Wet Oregon

Felicia

This is really cool! I feel like I just got a glimpse behind the walls of the apartment building and explored everyone's space a bit.

ultravox

tlee

Thank you for sharing these images. Very well done--excellent idea!

JimW

Wet Oregon, Felicia, ultravox and tlee -

Thank you all very much.

SloYerRoll

Hey Jim,

Didn't see this post before.

I'm really glad some of my work helped someone get the shots they needed. Now you know there's nothing intimidating about those strobes, they still carry a huge punch though!

Totally drooling over your gear.. Does the magic arm work as good as it looks? (I have a feeling I know what your answer is already)

I think your idea is great! I've often mentioned to my friends about not even knowing our neighbors. It's great to see someone that's stepping out of the comfort zone and getting to know ppl.

Warm regards,
-Jon

JimW

Thanks Jon. Stepping out of the comfort zone is a good way to put it. That’s what you did with your lighting blog. And it’s true about these portraits too. People are sometimes a little wary about agreeing to be in this project. It’s not a comfortable thing to do.

Does the magic arm work as good as it looks?

Since I’m not the least bit mechanically inclined, I have found the “gripology” aspect of photography to be the most challenging. (I didn’t even know gripology was a word until I was told I would have to learn it.) I sat and stared at that magic arm for a year before I could figure out how to use it. In the end, it wasn’t necessary to figure out how it works (thank God). I finally stopped trying to understand the directions and just used it. It works, and it’s an amazing thing. Now that I’ve used it, I’m finding that I don’t need light stands as often. Super clamps and magic arms used to sit unused in my bag. Now I’m starting to use them, and it all gets easier each time. It’s changed my workflow, which now makes more sense.
-find a composition
-where do I want the light?
-set up the lighting stuff
-direct the subject

Previously, the composition was limited by the lighting setup. Understanding a little about gripology frees me to put the light stuff where I want it, at least more so than before. The lighting setup gets easier and faster, giving me more time to deal with the people. In the end, it’s that last part, dealing with the people, that will have the greatest effect on the final image. While I love thinking about lighting and setting it up, it’s my goal to spend less time lighting and more time talking with the subjects.

Thanks again for helping me towards my goal.

Cheers, Jim

SloYerRoll

Very cool, those two toys have just advanced to the head of my list. I find myself always wanting to put light where it's a major hassle for me.
This won't help me take better pictures, but it will make lighting them easier!

Can't wait to learn gripology!

Cheers,
-Jon

JimW

I've completed the next three portraits.


10.

vocal coach/opera singer



11.

singer/actor



12.

photographers


I hope to have a few more in a couple of weeks.

Elaine

Wonderful! Really great stuff. So inspiring! Thanks for sharing this project with us.

schmoo

Awesome project Jim and I'm so pleased that you've come so far. I remember seeing the photo of the artist at her drafting table about a year ago on here and it really got me thinking about lighting.

You have a lovely collection of apartments in that building! Can you hear the opera singer through the walls?

JimW

Thanks Elaine and schmoo. I appreciate it.

schmoo, I see that you're in Ballmer and that you have an interest in old buildings. I think it's a great city for that interest. We have a friend named Greg Otto, who is an extremely talented local artist, and a wonderful human too. He paints Baltimore scenes, and his work is in huge demand. Imagine a painter making it big, out of Baltimore! Cool. Thought you might be interested in knowing about him, in case you don't already.

http://www.historicbaltimore.org/history/gregotto.htm

We also love the Cafe Hon. Been there?

Jim

schmoo

JimW wrote:

Thanks Elaine and schmoo. I appreciate it.

schmoo, I see that you're in Ballmer and that you have an interest in old buildings. I think it's a great city for that interest. We have a friend named Greg Otto, who is an extremely talented local artist, and a wonderful human too. He paints Baltimore scenes, and his work is in huge demand. Imagine a painter making it big, out of Baltimore! Cool. Thought you might be interested in knowing about him, in case you don't already.

http://www.historicbaltimore.org/history/gregotto.htm

We also love the Cafe Hon. Been there?

Jim

Greg does fantastic work!! Every painting of his is instantly recognizable to anyone living here

I hadn't known about it before but I'll be spreading it around.

I actually haven't been to Cafe Hon in at least a couple of years, I think before they expanded. The Avenue has had such a revitalization and it's even so different from when I used to walk there in-between classes as an undergrad at Hopkins!

System

8.

musician

here it is!-

I love it!-

1pocket

I missed these earlier, too. Wow!! What a great idea, and my goodness, you are doing a bang up job on the shoots!!!

I recently spent 5 days in NYC staying with a cousin in a NY apt building -- maybe about 15-20 floors which helps me relate a tiny bit. (I live in the woods, but we have the same neighbor disconnects out here, unfortunately


Thank you for letting us feel like we know your neighbors a bit!

JimW

-thanks-George-,-:-

Steve - Thank you. I checked out your NYC gallery, very impressive. Looks like you're committed to photography. Library, subway car & platform, observation deck, snow, street at night. It's good to see that kind of effort, and all in 5 days! Nice work.

By the way, I'm a New Englander and Sox fan.

DavidS

How cool! What a great project.

Cuties02q

Wow what a great project I love it!!! #3, #6 and #8 are my favs thanks for sharing

Zanotti

Wow! I just caught up with this and really enjoyed it. It feels lke a perfect book. All the people are so real, with just enough of an interesting story to make you want to learn more.

Have you considered at least a Blurb type book for the entire building? What a great colllection - I want to know more of the stories behind who they are.

Z

JimW

David S and Cuties – thank you.
Zanotti – Thanks. No plans yet for a Blurb type book, but I’m only about halfway through. After it’s done, then we’ll see.
Schmoo – I just noticed that some time ago you asked if I can hear the opera singer through the walls. Yes, and the radio hidden in the lobby, and the piano player on the first floor, and the guy that practices his trombone on the 2nd floor, and the garbage trucks, and the helicopters – tons of helicopters since 9/11, and the car alarms etc etc. Noisiest place I ever heard. When I win the lottery (which should be anyday now), I’m movin’ to the quietist place I can find.


Here’s the next batch of environmental portraits from my building. Things slowed down for the holidays, but it’s picked up again lately. The project is going swimmingly and the cooperation has been fantastic. I’m learning lots about photography, but also how to trick kids and cats. Here are a few other observations:

-I’ve discovered the 14mm Nikon lens used for some of these shots is really not that good. It’s sweet and sharp enough in the center but turns to oatmeal around the edges. You can see this in photo # 14. So I try to use my 17-55 lens if it’s at all possible. Whenever I have to use the 14mm, I make sure to keep the faces toward the center. (I borrowed the lens from a friend. Some friend huh, loaning me a lens like that?)

-I’ve had to learn to talk to the subjects while finding a composition and setting up the lights. This has not been easy, as I can only do one thing at a time. I can talk. Or I can do photo math. Doing both at once hurts my head. But as with anything, practice helps.

-Snoots and gobos are very useful.

13.

alternate of photo 12


14.

photographers - We have two apartments in the building. Photos #12 and #13 are in our studio/darkroom. And this one is our home, taken from the kitchen pass-through while Kathy does her 6 am yoga.


15.

psychiatrist (the guy, not the kid)


16.

loves to travel the world (solo at 87 yrs)


17.


She is a singer, specializing in 17th and 18th century music, and voice teacher. He is a computer programmer and has a career as a musician, playing lute and theorbo. (The cat, however, hasn’t really done much.) Mom had a baby girl, her first, about two weeks after this photo. Cat not pleased.

BELphotos

I just happened to be browsing the forums today and came upon this great thread. Having grown up in NYC, I can still smell the cacophony of aromas in the halls at dinnertime; not always a pleasant experiance.

The composition of your photos is extraordinary and brings out the essence of your subjects. In the foreground of my minds eye I can see the spectacular colors of the images, and in the background of my minds eye I see these same images in the B&W style of LIFE Magazine. If LIFE were still alive, no pun intended, you would certainly be a contributor.

Your photography and storytelling complement each other very well. Please announce when the project is complete; gallery or book.
Bruce