dbarak-blog

[dbarak-blog]

The Biz and The Gear

For those that don’t know, I spent several years away from photojournalism as life events called me away. I always missed the work, the art and especially the people I worked with. (Yes, Palm Beach Post photo staff past and current, I’m thinking of you.) Earlier this year I decided to jump back into the fray. I began re-building a collection of equipment, the basics needed for day-to-day work.

I also bought a couple of Contax G-1 honest-to-goodness film cameras (the “poor person’s Leica”), the three common Zeiss lenses they take, and everything needed to set up a good black and white darkroom. (I’m still trying to get it put together.) When time allows, I like the extra sense of craftsmanship I feel when I’m working with film - it almost feels organic. I feel slightly less immersed in the photographic process when I’m working with digital images. I can’t paint or draw, but I can dodge and burn. I even re-purchased the entire Time-Life Library of Photography book series that I had when I was a kid.

I’m looking forward to the hard work needed to climb the ziggurat (I like big words) of photojournalism in the digital age when everyone’s got a camera in their pocket.

[dbarak-blog]

Electronic Flash

I broke my “no flash” streak and used mine for a few tentative shots at the recent Elizabeth Warren campaign rally here in San Diego. The photos weren’t bad, just not my style. Someday I imagine I’ll actually need the flash so I’ll continue to carry it with me, stashed away in my glove compartment. I never have put gloves in there...

[dbarak-blog]

Welcome to “Depth of Field” – September 6, 2019

“Depth of Field” is my blog, but don’t let the name fool you – it won’t all be deep.

I’m a contract photographer for ZUMA Press, a photo agency headquartered in San Clemente, California. The people at ZUMA are incredibly nice and supportive.

Several years ago I worked as a photographer for various newspapers, most recently The Palm Beach Post – back when film was still the only practical option for photography. I’m re-entering the field after taking time off to tend to family matters (translation: regular work hours) and so far I’ve found my progress is encouraging. It feels so good to be back in a field I fell in love with.