Shifter: The Parallel Project
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- čas přidán 1. 12. 2022
- At some point, you might find yourself on assignment. It could be editorial, commercial, advertising, or even for NGO. Or better yet, perhaps you find yourself on a self-assignment. Down the block, or down the continent, no matter. The key ingredient being the assignment.
Most of the time, assignments come with at least a small amount of planning. There is the initial call or email, the details of the assignment, the goal, the timeline, the budgets, the access, the travel, etc. Expectations are set. Ideas are exchanged. Plans are made. Schedules are predicted to be met.
And then, often due to unforeseen circumstances, things go sideways. Flights are canceled or delayed, access is denied, people don’t show up, the hotel floods, the planet floods, an assistant falls off a rock ledge into a cactus, someone gets drunk at the wrong time, kit is stolen, someone is detained, locals try to overturn your van, or someone accidentally eats a piece of uncooked chicken. Shit happens.
But when shit happens, what isn’t happening is your assignment. Yes, your beloved assignment, the thing that gave you bragging rights as you puffed out your chest at the local photog gathering while casually saying “Yep, headed off on assignment, again,” while the contents of your lower intestine turn to soup out of fear and pressure. There are good assignments and there are bad assignments. Most often, they both leave a mark.
But when things go wrong you can’t just sit there posing in the lobby with your Leica and scarf and all-black outfit. Your tattoos are no longer a novelty, and you are an American so most of the people around you loathe your very existence. (Pause to explain this hypothetical is an American on assignment. You Fines or Danes or Ecuadorians will have to wait for my next film.)
The truth of the matter is you MUST perform. If the assignment goes askew then welcome yourself, warm yourself, and introduce yourself to the idea of the “parallel project.” The parallel project is your best friend, your lover and the parallel project never, ever complains. The parallel project doesn’t care if the hotel doesn’t have running water. The parallel project doesn’t care about the hot restaurant or whether you are an influencer. In fact, the parallel project hopes the influencers end up detained, detoxed, and deprogrammed.
What is a parallel project and how do you get one? Well, it’s pretty simple. Put down the forty and Jamaican Thundercloud and have a quick think. What COULD you shoot that requires no access, no permission, no model releases, no location releases, no architectural releases, and is something you can find from sunup to sundown? And what makes an interesting story?
When the prime gig goes down the parallel project steps in to allow you to continue working. Some might call this a personal project, but almost all parallel projects are inherently personal, so I would just call it a parallel project. Then credit me for labeling it.
Let me give you an example. In the late 1990s, I left my home in California for the distant shores of Sicily. All I knew about Sicily was that it was filled with Sicilians, and it would take approximately 96 hours of flying time to reach. LA to Dallas to NYC to Frankfurt Zurich to Lagos to Guam, to Rome, and finally on to Milan where I could take my final delayed flight into Palermo. I once fell asleep in the Zurich airport with my bags tied to my legs. I was so tired my wife managed to steal all my bags without my waking up. Swiss security demanded to XRAY my film and then promptly told me that all problems in the world were the fault of Americans. I explained that my mother’s family was from Switzerland. I was then detained for my bad attitude.
After reaching Sicily I began to deploy “Plan A.” Photograph Sicilian Easter processions, the religious pilgrimages that are unique to the world. Sure, Mexico, Spain, the Phillipines also have their form of procession, but Sicily had a unique flair. Before I left, I would research where and when I would attack. Five minutes after landing, however, I realized none of my plans were accurate. Luckily, a local friend and photographer had the goods, and the project began. Hot and heavy. Day and night. Processions ran around the clock. We slept in the car. We slept in farmhouses. We didn’t sleep. Coffee, alcohol, squid ink pasta.
Oddly enough, before the trip, Leica decided to loan me a camera, but instead of a plain, Jane workhorse like the M6, they decided to loan me a limited-edition model covered in leather and snakeskin. I quickly realized I was afraid of the camera. I knew how valuable it was and didn’t feel comfortable taking this out in public. So, I left it in a friend's apartment while spending the next ten days shooting my face off on the primary story.
To be continued.... - Zábava
I think this film is a great example of keeping a well organized Archive
I'm not sure if I would go as far as "well organized" but it's there...
My favorite DM film of all time. Left speechless, considering so many things + by the work. I wish this could have been me.... Just Thank you.
Ha, glad you like it. You can do your own version.
Dogs still can’t read. They bark at things only they can hear and people don’t listen. This inspired me to do a project about chairs. They don’t do anything, they just sit there.
Go for it!
Well you’ve always said that you love grain. Fabulous! Great video and love the images.
Never have too much...
This is why this is my fav CZcams channel. Thank you Daniel
Thanks Jon!
Brilliant. Awesome photos, lively commentary. My wife was in the background listening and laughing and agreeing about “influencers” etc. Thanks for the wisdom!
Ha, if I can make someone laugh I'm doing something right.
From now on everytime someone asks “WHAT CAMERA SHOULD I GET”. I will share your channel.
I’m thankful for all you’ve shared with me over the years. Education for head heart and soul. Keep shinin bright bro 🎉❤
Anytime!
I found my self in tears by the end of the film, thank you Daniel
I watched this twice. You may be described as a blurb evangelist. Though my impression after watching this, you seemed more like a Prophet. I don’t think it is said often enough ,your videos and contents and snapshots of are greatly appreciated. This video came off like a call to arms. A gunshot echoing in the night. And the fear and excitement that ensue. Thanks Daniel.
Ah, nice. Glad you like it. That was a fun one to make. Scary when I think about how long it took to make those images.
such a powerful film, very focused but yet effective. Thanks for this reminder Dan. Very much.
Anytime..
Loved the accent butterfly, a tortoiseshell I believe?
Had a cancellation on my A project in 2018 and so quickly created a parallel project about a place I'd wanted to go to for 30 years. It was a blast, so freeing, so much fun, so creative.. shot a book in 9 1/2 days. Didn't intend to but as good as you'll see from the best. I mastered myself. That's enough. I'm full. One day I'll publish and show.. one day.
Thank you for the creativity, the dogs, saying something worth listening to, the B&W, swearing, being true to yourself on YT and these audio|stills|video mashups, feels good.
Not sure the type of butterfly but I lucked out on that baby. One frame wonder. It's amazing what we can accomplish when set free...
Wonderful
This is the mark of a real photographer.
Photographers make photographs - not excuses.
They spend more time making photographs than playing on social media or selling Lighroom Presets.
Your parallel project is the best use of time for a photographer.
Because photographers make photographs.
Not excuses for NOT making photographs.
Really good work, Daniel.
I heard someone talking about how the cameras do so much for us these days that it left him uninspired.. as if the fucking burden of inspiration ever lay on the camera and not the photographers love for life and pictures. I swear to God it boiled my blood and ruffled my fucking feathers. Lol that’s too much power I’m giving this fumbduck CZcamsr.. thank God I didn’t tell him and his audience.. then I would have ruffled their feathers.. if they’ve got any!! Hah..
@@ordinary.american.beauty You may be a serial feather ruffled. I know what you mean. So many fakes, wannabees, and "influenctographers"... they just go on and on and on about gear, coffee, their cool skateboards... just entirely bullshit. BUT... it is entertainment for some, so I don't really care. I just wish there were more channels like Shifter that discuss photography rather than light modifying tools.
@@DonGiannatti Yeah, I get what you’re saying and surprisingly I’m not even Dan could back me up on that one if he had the desire to.. I just couldn’t with this guy, lol.. I was in a bad mood this morning.
Thanks Don. And I agree. I can never get beyond "let's see the work." What difference does anything else make. I feel the same about films. So you shot at 4K 120 or 8K or whatever but what happened to the story? The reality is we don't have much time. We have to produce.
Well this film was absolutely superb! Thanks for that Dan!
Thank KG!
That, was the best stuff I’ve seen in a long time. It’s like a photo book spoken word mashup. But without the rhyme.
Thanks. I like films with stills and audio.
For me this isn’t about photography…this is about life!
Living the vida loca!
I’m sure I could smell the streets, well done.
Love everything about this Daniel, please more!!!
Have one more in the can and will be interviewing someone else next week.
Fantastic video! A refreshing and realistic view of things. Easily one of my favourites.
Glad you like!
Great video. Very inspiring.
This may be the best video you've put out so far! I love you Q&A's, but my goodness is this inspiring, and the ending is the cherry on the top.
I figured people might like this one. A film about actual photography, who would have thunk it? It's still so odd to me that most YT photography related films that have any kind of view count are primarily based around equipment. It's just so lame.
One of your best videos yet. And I've watched ALL of them. I especially enjoyed seeing more of your work. Good stuff!
Hope to do a lot more of these.
Deeply grateful for this video.
Big respect as always Dan.
Thanks ZW!
VERY inspiring - thanks
Damn, this is inspirational.
Really love the pictures and the idea behind it.
Thank you for sharing.
Pure 🔥. Made me laugh. Dogs can't read fires on every level. Says something about me that I love that; but blank on processions. If folks see politics in everything that's their shitty filter. Fond memories of comparing 'black mouth' while downing the pasta, with mystery red wines - and wondering what doesn't have grafitti in Sicily. Hell, someone smeared shit on the war memorials. Solid. This is a great film.
I first ordered that pasta by accident after misinterpreting the menu. And yes, full on black mouth.
Fantastic the side project, the one to get out when plan A goes out the window, and may end up being your best work down the track
It often happens that way. Assignments are often so constrained.
Milnor! If things ever run amok during one of your excursions to Albania, change course and head for Pristina. It is stray dog heaven. You wont regret it.
Maybe a side trip....
one thing leads to another and again again again!
Yes!
Uncooked chicken changes everything
It has a tendency to change one's plans.
Parallel projects are so valuable, and even without a 'professional' camera to hand. I love the Dogs Don't Read 'political' concept. For me it is discarded items and cats, Cat's Don't Discard could be a title, although I haven't formulated one that fits yet. Obviously cats do discard, they discard humans, with their inherent feline aloofness :) Thanks for sharing Dan and have a productive weekend.
You as well. Cats tolerate us, mostly.
Man bun? Whoa...
Loved the video, Dan; and the reminder that we already have enough turds. Have a great weekend.
I had a sort of half-assed man bun. I have dry fly-away hair.
Well done Dan - excellent commentary and some inspiring images!
Thanks Neil. This was a fun one...
Sir, you got the way to hype us up, much thanks, really appreciated 🙏🏻✊🏻🔥
Now get out there...
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Actually, I feel the harder part is to get back to research for a meaningful dive into a topic. Knowing what you're looking for is where the "hustle" is I feel. After this, it's just going on within the flow.
My hero.
Very cool!
I have no idea how I found this, or your website, but I sure am glad I did. Bloody good film. And spot on with the parallel project.
Glad you found it...
I've been photographing my town since we moved here ten years ago. Every trip to the shops, the morning and afternoon school run, every catch-up with friends, my dinky camera comes with me ready for the spontaneous. There's always something interesting to photograph if I really pay attention. Every nook and cranny adds to the fabric of this place.
Yes, having the camera in hand is key. Not in the bag.
Grain is good.
Never have enough...
Hi Daniel, as a dog mad photographer - this piece was a blissfully brilliant 9.00 exact minutes of profoundly thoughtful images with the perfect prose accompaniment.
Thank you ❤️
Ah yes, dog lovers seem to gravitate....
Great work! Great storytelling!
What a gem. Thx Daniel for another high quality piece…. I love the idea of the sidestory….
It can make the experience that much more fun. Anytime you are building something it makes you feel like you are making progress.
Excellent writing, awesome photos! Thank you so much for this
Inspiring! thx
This is a gem of a video. Take aways are: make photos and don’t be a turd. I feel like videos like this can be little nudges that help shape my mind frame when I go out to make photos. Thanks you for your time and effort into putting this up!
Anytime. And yes, if we take out the noise we are left with leaving the house to go make work.
That fins Danes and equadorians disclaimer really made me chuckle
That woman at 8:00 was kinda cute
I was hoping someone would like that.
There is a matching image I did NOT post.
So well done!
Thank you!
I realize this misses the point completely but there is a 9-minute film on Vimeo called Stray in Kars. A charming story of street dogs in a Turkish town. No dialog or narration, just the rhythms of the day. Oh, and I like this video too. Your stills + narration format inspires me.
Thanks Chris. I have always loved stills and sound. Hope to do a lot more of that in the future.
Thanks - I loved this . The whole thing, really well out together👍
And you can create these anywhere.
Late to getting to this - absolutely brilliant and much needed both for the content and clarity. This has definitely been lacking for in my photography; really appreciate the inspiration.
Cool, glad you enjoyed. Now, time to deploy.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Most definitely.
Absolutely brilliant! Hit the bull's eye exactly.
Awesome! Inspired by the rawness of B+W and the grain. It appears you have used the same film and same developer throughout which gives an added layer of continuity for the images. A cunning plan indeed!
Back when many of these images were made I was shooting ALL THE TIME, so there really wasn't much time to change things up. It's like photographers today who are actually doing shoots all the time, rarely are they on social. The heavy social folks aren't often shooting assignments at all.
In your own words: "For Shit-Sake." What a beautiful piece, both visually and spoken. Thanks.
I had to finally tick the "use of profanity" box on CZcams. It felt good.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Just "everyday" words when I grew up.
🏴☠📷🖤💪
Loved this Daniel... Thanks for sharing...
one of your best photo stories Daniel. such a huge inspiration.
Thanks Victor
After just returning from working on my own to now put it ‘parallel proj’ enjoying 2 weeks of blissful detox from anything remotely technology based except my camera. This was my first time on the tube thought i would check if you had added any videos to CZcams. Refreshing and great images as always Dan!
I like that. A digital diet. We all need it from time to time.
Perfect!!
Daniel, great story telling and flow...ideas mixed together with all those gritty images. What a real world after all that can still be navigated.
The world is waiting for us to frame up!
Went to Calcutta once to work on a story on palaces, yet wound up on a school bus with the "Indian Rationalist Society - Calcutta Branch" driving around rural West Bengal exposing fake fakirs and gurus, aka "On the Road with the Gurubusters".
Oh man, what a buzz kill. at least if you are a guru. I just skipped it all by getting a "blessed" tattoo.
Great stuff, Dan. Probably my favourite video you’ve made so far. Great writing, great editing and the photos aren’t bad either 🥴
Thanks Chris. I wish I could say it is part of some masterplan but it was a spur of the moment thing, as always.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Great things always come from spontaneity.
Loved this, like the slightly different direction. Good images and words :-)
Thanks. I get tired of on camera stuff. I'd love to get back to doing more stills and audio.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 would love to see more still and audio too, so bring it on ;-)
I was thinking about this yesterday... Intention and Interpretation often line up, but in situations of complex or abstract thought it's not always the case. So what's the best path forward? Dig your heels in and fight to change the perception of others? Or do you open yourself into taking in the new found information of other's perception and try to adapt your communication (writing, photography, art, etc) to more effectively get your ideas across? I'm not saying this applies to Dog's Can't Read, but it's a great example of your intentions not lining up with other's perceptions. Like Ansel Adams said, "There's two people in every photograph; the photographer and the viewer". The question, where does the truth really lie?
That is a great question. For this project, because it came from an innocent, humorous place, didn't make me want to dig in. Other stories, however, that were of a more serious nature, yes, you want to dig in. For example, my anti-immigration friends who have never been to the border but are certain they know what it's like. Ya, with those folks I dig in saying "No, you can't twist this story around to meet your political needs." Pick your battles.
Like the images and compositions you make! Also the contrasts and grain … what kind of film did you use ?
Mostly TRI-X and TMZ.
you're great
My mom thinks I am.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 so you’re great in a Milnor way
We’re you the assistant that was drunk at the wrong time that fell into the cactus?
I fell into the cactus. And, we all got drunk.
It’s not like we don’t like Americans… but if you’re on a train from Brussels to Lille and you’re looking out the window at the farms and there’s lots of chatter on the train the voices that usually cut through are boisterous americanos! “Farms look better in Nebraska” or some shit pouring out of their gob.
In 2010 I was driving tour coaches in Sydney Australia as part of day excursions for a cruise ship. It was probably the Volendam or another Holland America ship… we got to BONDI beach and this one lady wouldn’t get off. “I’m from Fort Lauderdale I’ve seen a beach before.”
That sounds about right. We do love to profess.
My mother was Swiss 😂 I gotta remember that one
This guy was so pissed at me and just went off about the root cause of all ills......us lowly Americans. He said "Every single flight to America is high risk."
This is excellent. I’m always veering off into parallel projects, but didn’t have a term for them. I’m going on 3 years of shooting cats in my town. If their owner can provide a backstory, I write it down. If not, I make one up.
I like the made up or the real. Story is a huge part of photography, so explore and tinker.
So you are saying I should buy a new 50mm?
YES> The real question is why you haven't purchased it already..
Vegas stripper Leica or SWAT style Leica, at least you know what they are best at.
They make some bizarre limited editions.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 it’s a funny business model where your clientele are either hardcore reportage guys or international watch collector types who pay Seal to play at their company retreat.
If Rob Lowe and Brad Pitt had a baby it would be....
I wish. And I wish I had those bank accounts. Met Rob once, briefly. He was as advertised, incredibly nice.
How often has this happened to you? You making a project, and the rest of the world interpreting it very differently from what you meant.
Not very often. This was a total surprise.
Great example of parallel project - czcams.com/video/bUAbGV7RA0Q/video.html