Baltimore

Baltimore, a port-city, is sophisticated and epicurean. Southern and Northern attitudes mix very well to create a joie de vivre that I find unique.
The Inner Harbor and Fells Point are the popular spots where a street photographer finds the necessary surprises. One should never walk around Baltimore without a camera, unless you are like me and many stop me to ask "what is this?". Alas, only the old folks know what a film camera looks like and often someone smiles and says "I used to have one of these in 1960...!"
The first is from the Inner Harbor, on a Sunday morning. I laughed after I printed the picture thinking that the boy was wondering "Uncle Bob, is that really you????"
The second is from Fells Point. The Kamikaze seagull made an ordinary shot a bit more special.
The third and forth are back from the Inner Harbor. I rarely play with digital manipulations after scanning my pictures. These two were obviously touched up, because I wanted to give that special feeling of context.
The fourth was taken near the aquarium. You can see the submarine which was also in the preceding one. Her right hand seems to tease the shark's head of the submarine.
The fifth picture shows how I like to have fun with composition. This was an open air reception after a wedding, and it was in the Inner Harbor. The ladies were relaxed now with their shoes off but I still did not have a picture. Till I noticed that the groom, while fixing his socks, had lined up his head such that his friend's ears formed little horns on him!!!! A quick click (and a very noisy one on these cameras!) and I was laughing almost out-loud. You devil, you!
The sixth picture has a taste of that joie de vivre I mentioned at the outset: tall business centers, a city of steel, asphalt but also of that ocean so proud. And sitting by the water to feed the pigeons and seagulls is just the perfect respite from it all!
The last picture is from the Sunday open air market. Hope Gary is feeling better already!!

First four and the last photos taken with a Ukrainian Fed-2 sporting a Jupiter-3 lens. The fifth was taken with a Ukrainian medium format Salyut-C and a 90mm Vega 2.8 lens. The sixth picture was made with a 1949 Rolleiflex Automat and ASA 100 film.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Morocco

I took a lot of pictures in Morocco, mostly in the Souks of major cities. In fact the dim streets of the Souks are perfect for B&W photography without flash, and the lens wide open. I chose four photos to give a flavor of the trip.
The first is a good opening picture, rather stereotypical. After printing on paper via a 1950's Leitz enlarger, I decided to scan some of the shots in Sepia. Somehow it gives a better feel for sand and wind.
The second is my favorite one from this trip. The lens wide open, the Minolta Autocord Twin Lens Reflex gave an almost 3D feel to the background of the shot. The bicycle and the legs of the kid seem to wrap around.
The third is a typical Souk indoor picture, hence I left it in B&W. The shot is almost time-free, as it could have been taken in the 1940s!
The fourth one was taken with practically no ambient light, in the open market. I recall the lens was open to 3.5 and the speed to 1/15th of a second. The picture is permanent but the Henna was temporary.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Whistler Mountain, Canada

One of the most memorable mountain hikes, surrounded with glacier-age white caps and freezing-cold ponds and lakes. Since I am not a landscape photographer, most of my memories are in me rather than on film. Except this one which was a challenge to take and an even bigger challenge to print in my darkroom.
A toe-dipping in a glacial lake, under the quiet look of the mountain.
Taken with a Nikon F2, 50mm 1.4 Nikkor lens, and ASA 100 film. It was shot handheld, mirror locked-up, and I had time to take only one picture before the sirens moved. Or did they plunge back into the frozen waters where sirens live?

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

South Africa

The rather recent politico-social changes in South Africa are a major moment in our world's story. It is a country of cosmopolitanism, wilderness and search for identity. Strangely, I did not take many pictures: I was very happy to be a spectator and a student of the change.
The first is from Johannesburg. The couple is under the statue of a Boer, reminding us of the historical Western presence in South Africa.  Yet, it is a joyful picture, full of promises. I used a Mamiya 645 1000s for this one.
The second is from an elephant preservation site. A wonderfully caring group of environmentalists adopt and care for elephants, and conduct educational sessions to help people understand these magnificent animals. This elephant would lay down so people can touch his feet, skin, tail and learn about the adaptive mechanisms to the environment and seasons. I took this picture of the feet to show the grooved tracks an elephant develops during the rainy season to enhance traction. During dry season the pads are totally smooth.
Taken with a Canon rangefinder model II-B camera and a Serenar 50mm 1.9 lens.
The third is a split-second click, against the setting sun, on the way to Signal Mountain in Johannesburg. The rays enhanced her transparent body veil and the iPad placed the shot into our new form of life. Pitty, perhaps the reply to an email could have waited, while the sunset was worth watching...
My Mamiya 645 and the Acros ASA 100 Fujifilm were very tolerant of the incorrect speed and aperture settings.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The Falls are magnificent, but the best pictures are aerial ones and in color. So, here are two from the streets of the village next to the falls.
The first could have been taken in the 1920s! The warthog seems to wait for the train that does not come; and the woman decided to walk along the rail lines having given up on the train. The Baobab tree is typical to the region.
The second photo is from the entrance to the Falls. I saw the soldier camouflaging himself to watch the blond tourists. The texture of the picture enhances the mood of the moment.
Taken with a Canon rangefinder Model L3 and a Serenar 50mm 1.9, 1948 lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Tuscany

Of course, one comes back from Italy with pictures of cathedrals, statues, or pastoral bucolic scenes. I have 4 pictures to represent the street character of Tuscan cities.

The first three pictures are from Florence. The two street painters and their dog make it for a soothing Chiaroscuro shot: the face of the artist is in the best light of the moment.

The patch-eyed artist has an Italian demeanor I  have come to associate with the country. It is very different from what one sees in Portugal or Spain.

The angel was smoking a cigarette and wore sneakers made in China. How much better can an angel bring the world together?

The third is from Sienna. The young men were totally surprised by my 1954 Minolta Twin Lens Reflex. It was something they had seen in the movies. So they started asking questions and one decided to take a picture. I took a picture of them at the same time. The cigarette, bottle of wine, and facial expression of the iPhone photographer makes me like the picture.

The last picture is from San Gimignano, a Tuscan medieval walled town on a hill. I had a split second to click, so the focus is a zone estimate, but wanted to get the posture of the man next to the women's clothing shop. I like the white had he has on his bag: who's hat is it?

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Taipei and Eastern Taiwan

Taiwan, despite being a relatively small island-country, is rich in culture, diversity, scenery, and pace of life. The night market of Taipei is among my favorite spots for long walks and sampling of amazing food at midnight. The East coast of Taiwan is a different world where natural beauties and native tribes coexist in harmony.
The first picture is from Taipei. To me, it is a very "Chinese" picture, especially the trees in the background which seem like clouds or abstract painting.
The second is from a village in the North East of Taiwan, where Aboriginal population still keep traditions intact. This young woman, I was told, had many of the traditional Taiwanese features, and she allowed me to take a portrait of her.
The third picture is from the night market in Taipei. It shows grace and attitude. Mostly, it was a "pushing the limits" test for me as it was taken under light bulb light, always without flash, and with ASA 100 film, camera hand held.
The last picture was taken very early in the morning in front of the Grand Hotel where I often stay. I did not have time to focus, as the moment was to be captured in a split second. I was smiling as I clicked: was the man training the old dog?
The first and third taken with Mamiya 645 medium format camera, while the second and fourth with a 35mm Nikon F4.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Singapore

Singapore is a busy city/country. I have not found many street photo opportunities during my visits, but do have a few showing a certain local character.
The first photo is "uneventful" till one notices the face of the soldier on the back of the bus, and the statement about national pride.
The second picture is just a coincidental alignment in body language, looks, and the lingerie poster that was all over the city that year.The first two were taken with a Olympus OM-1 and Vivitar Series One 35-85mm lens.
The third one was fun to take because I thought that I was seeing double. So I held my Nikon F and its 105mm lens to look at the lady, as using binoculars. Indeed, there were two ladies soo mirror-image like that I had to take a shot.
The last picture shows the multi-cultural identity of Sngapore, and the interesting role Armenians played in the history of this Asian country. Indeed, in the 1880s there were round 100 Armenian families in Singapore and the Armenian Apostolic church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, in Armrnian street, still remains a national heritage landmark.

Among most famous Armenians of Singapore is Agnes Joaquim. Born in Singapore, she never married, but dedicated her life to the Armenian community and her horticulture work in her garden in Tanjong Pagar. In 1899 she introduced a flower from her garden called Vanda Miss Joaquim, and won first prize. She died a few months later, and in 1981, the Vanda Miss Joaquim was designated Singapore's national flower. Photo taken with a Kodak Retina IIIc and a Xenon 2.0 lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Ferrara

This is a charming medieval city where I have great friends from the University. I love staying in a small hotel next to the castle and walk around the cobble stone corners of the city.
I always wondered how comfortable it was to ride bicycles on these ancient stones, till I figured out that special shoes were needed for balance and smooth landing!
The second picture captures an almost pastoral scene, even when the walls of the castle tell a story of time and struggle.
Taken with a Minolta Autocord Twin Lens Reflex camera.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Oslo

I arrived Oslo the same day as Justin Bieber and stayed at the same hotel. There were hundreds of teenage girls surrounding the hotel and I was delighted by this Scandinavian hospitality.

"Sorry Sir, they are not here for you..." apologized the hotel Bellman.

The second photo is slightly unplanned as I was waiting for something to happen in the street full of mounted police protecting the privacy of Bieber. A young girl seemed to emulate the police woman by riding atop her dad.
Taken with a Ukrainian Zorkii and a Industar-22 lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Vienna

One cannot leave Hungary without passing by Vienna.

Here we are, center of town, around the Stephansdom. Do I need to say these are minimal-light shots in winter? The Russian players are always there (at least every time I have been to Vienna) and play the same tunes. Still, they are part of the evening sounds of Vienna.

The second picture is soft in its message. People do pass by in a nonchalant way, and all seems calm. It was a cold morning and the miniature donkey totally out of place. Taken with a 1949 Canon B-II rangefinder and a Canon Serenar 50mm 1.9, collapsible lens.

The third is what a street photographer hopes for-- a subtle and unexpected scene where people do not seem to be surprised. The impersonator seems to blend perfectly with the crowd and makes time stop. Was Chaplin really there, or the medieval cathedral still has secrets to share?
Taken with a Ukrainian Salyut C medium format camera, which is almost as old as the cathedral and surely as heavy as its stones!

It was a dreary, dark and cold day in Vienna when I took the fourth picture. I could not see any gray-- all
was truly black and white.  I used a Kodak Retina IIIc for this one.

The fifth picture represents a simple moment of daily life with a few surprises. This one in front of the Stephansdom, a gray day in October. Clearly school children were visiting the cathedral that day, as they often do. The surprise is that ghostly man among them. Who was he? Perhaps a street mime? An eccentric guide? Or maybe the ghost of the cathedral who comes out very seldom... I am glad I had my 1955 Zorkii sporting a fast Jupiter-3 50mm 1.5 lens with me that day.

The sixth picture is from Old Town Vienna, a few blocs from the Stephansdom. My favorite restaurants are there, and evening light is delightfully reflected upon the historic building facades and stony streets. This picture of a nanny pushing a stroller made me think how wonderful early childhood years can be.
Taken with a 1971 Nikon F2 and a Nikkor-Q 200mm f4 lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Budapest

Budapest is among the medieval cities where B&W photos thrive. Again evening shots during a short stroll in the Buda Castle after a work day. I heard banjo and walked up the steps. A cowboy was waiting for me in the shade of ancient kings.
A few minutes later I spotted this young lady watching the last rays fall into the Danube. As always had only a second to click.
How not to call them Romeo and Juliette?
Taken with a 1954 Leica IIIF sporting a 1948 Canon Serenar 50mm 1.8 lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Paris, again!

Still in Paris, and again late into the day. I saw this young man approach two tourists and say "Come with me" in English. They were 30 meters away from me and wanted to see what happens. After walking a short distance with the intrigued young women, he started performing gymnastic moves for them. I had not seen this kind of "personalized show" before. He then asked for a small donation and  the ladies payed him. An entrepreneur, for sure!
a click when the wind picks up in front of the Arc de Triumph. Could it be a single-person protest of history?
All three pictures taken with a Minolta Autocord Twin Lens reflex camera.
The last one has the distinct charm of a rainy evening on the Champs Elysees. I took it in the early 1990 with a Yashica Mat equipped with the rare Lumaxar twin lenses. Somehow I still like the simplicity and cosiness of the picture, where really the only thing that is in focus is her left foot!

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Paris

We are now in Paris and the first picture represents the Seine for me. Why? It was almost sunset and the bridge across the Seine was all texture -- perfect for B&W. I was walking around with a Mamiya 645 loaded with Efke 50 ASA film. Practically impossible to take any pictures except in the sun with that speed film. So, almost 200 meters away, I saw this lady as a dot on my waist-finder screen, folded the camera's mirror and clicked. A second later she got up and moved away.
When I developed the film I realized why I like the challenge of pushing the limits. This time, in photography.
Taken with a 80mm 1.9 Sekor lens on a Mamiya 645 1000s camera.
But the Seine has other moments too, like the one taken, with the same camera but on a separate trip, late in the evening. The young ladies wearing berets and checking on their iPhone is a description of the new times.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013

Lisbon and Porto

Let's go to Portugal.
It is difficult to talk about Portugal without a focus on its Fado. The melancholic blues-type music was my introduction to Portugal in the 1970's when I went to a concert by the Grand Lady of Fado, Amalia Rodrigues. Without understanding the lyrics, I recall the tears and my tight throat.
The first picture is from a Fado dinner In Lisbon. The small restaurant was fully packed and dimly lit. A number of singers shared their emotions with us, and this lady, dressed in black, remains in my mind. I had my trusty Leica IIIF with a fast Jupiter-3 Ukrainian lens. The shadows are captured handheld, lens open to 1.5 and speed 1/15th of a second.
I was having a Ginjinha (sour cherry liqueur) on the main square in Lisbon when I saw a vivid demonstration of "tolerance" as the city is known for. Not sure if the man on the right is shading his face from the sun or the sight of the lady.
The fourth is from Porto, a city I truly love. These are representations of the vessels which carry the grapes to the distilleries to make Port wine.

The third picture was taken with an Olympus OM-1, the fourth with a Rolleiflex SLR and a Rollei Tele Tessar 200mm lens.

©Vahé Kazandjian, 2013