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Fred Herzog: Modern Color

Photo by: Tim Bindner Photography

Today’s post is for the photographers out there or people who want to have some insight into why I like to shot the style I do.  I have spoken in a previous post about how I got into photography and why I love monochrome (black & white) so much.  I finally found an artist who shoots in color the way I plan to emulate and shoot.  This is a part book review, part explanation, and part education.

I recently received the book by Fred Herzog called Modern Color.  I bought the hardbound version containing 320 pages of photographs and text about Fred.  I have looked at it multiple times since I received it this week, and have decided this is the look I want to go for when shooting any color shots.

Fred was born Ulrich Herzog in 1930 in southern Germany.  At age 14 he saw pictures of Vancouver’s industrial harbor and fell in love.  His mother died in 1941, and father in 1946.  In 1952 Fred took a ship to Montreal, then a train to Toronto where he began taking pictures with his uncle’s Leica camera given to him after his passing.  Jumping ahead and Fred who predominantly shot black and white eventually came across two film stokes he loved.  Kodachrome 1935 and Agfacolor 1936.  He began capturing work in color at that point.

In reviewing his work the feel, tone, and mood of his pictures are what I aspire to.  The colors though bright are still muted.   The Kodachrome especially seems to have the reds pop while all other colors seem toned down.  Fortunately, I have the ability in Lightroom to mirror the look of Fred’s work.  The shots will be my own, but using the tools within the software I will be able to closely relate the “look” I love.

Fred shot life.  People, stores, streets, buildings, ships, railways, cars, everything.  Nothing posed, not scripted, but what he saw when he looked through his camera.  There is a pure innocence to his work that draws me to it.  Fred’s work, like many others, inspires me to shoot and get better at what I do.

Photo by Fred Herzog
Photo by Fred Herzog

I have included a picture I have recently taken trying to emulate how Fred shot.  My picture is geared toward more of his look or feel than his style or subject.  Also included is one of my favorite shots from his recent book (for now).  Like athletes, singers, or other artists.  My recent obsession with buying photo books is my way of studying the masters.  Drawing inspiration.  YouTube, 500px, Instagram are all good tools, but there is something about a book and story behind the pictures that help improve my photographic knowledge, and eventually my skill.  It is a tactile thing, and part of the reason I have been printing my own work more often recently.

As restrictions lighten up I hope to get back out with Mark, and possibly Chris and do some more urban shooting.  With the knowledge this recent book has provided, maybe I can eventually get within the realm of Fred’s universe.

The book can be found here if interested.

Until next time,

Tim

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