Jay Maisel, Eleanor Antin, Susan Meiselas and Duane Michals

Jay Maisel, the only way to describe his photographs is by means of his own words: perception, color, light and gesture. He was the recipient of the 2005 "Grand Masters Award" given by the Department of Advertising Design & Graphic Arts (ADGA) at New York City College of Technology (City Tech). He showed that the only way to take pictures is having the camera with you at all times. It seems obvious, but I do not think it is. Many photographers want to travel to exotic locales to obtain their once in a lifetime image. That only leads you to frustation. Pictures are everywhere, you just need to be open minded to be able to see them. Pictures from assigments are full of all the characteristics he tries to teach you. But I think is his more personal work when you see all those plus his own emotions. Those were the strongest to me, specially a 12-year photographic diary of his daughter.

Then I rushed to PHOTOGRAPHY AFTER FILM: THE SHOCK OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY, a panel discussion with Susan Meiselas (documentary photographer, essayist, film maker), Eleanor Antin (performer, photographer, film maker) and Duane Michals (poet, philosopher, photographer) moderated by Amei Wallach (art critic, commentator). I missed Susan and most of Eleanor's talk, but I've been very fortunately to listen to Duane's ideas. He is such an amazing character. It doesn't matter what kind of technological gadget you use, but how you use it to convey your message. He finished with his most emotive work, pictures from his book "House I Once Called Home". I have no doubt that you would me touch.

They also addressed the question of archivability in the digital era. Eleanor and Duane simply do not mind. Nothing lasts forever.