Capture Series featuring Lexi Mitz (eye-lek-see)

The JewDo is thrilled to present the photo talents of Lexi Mitz, a budding Toronto-born photographer and executive at Spin Master Ltd.!  Lexi provided us with some great insights into what inspires her, as well as some background on this gallery of photos specific to a personal trip to Jerusalem.  Here is a synopsis of her work from Lexi's keyboard to our blog:

 

"As a photo artist, I take my photograph as the starting point to create the final product. I print and display using different mediums that bring out the feeling within the shot; creating an end result that’s both eye-catching and visually stimulating. I do not use photoshop...everything you see in my gallery represents the subject as I saw it in the moment with only minor enhancements.

Throughout the Jerusalem Perspectives series, you’ll notice my perception is as broad and far stretching as the city of Jerusalem itself. The passion and stereotype throughout the city is glaringly evident; but also as apparent is the enjoyment and happiness had by its citizens." 

 

"To say I have an enormous passion for travel is an understatement. My inspiration for taking pictures comes from observing all forms of life in countries around the world. To me, the joy in taking pictures is related to the ability to freeze time and still a moment that others aren't there to see."

 "There are multiple ways that each photo I take can be construed. Each individual photo is named using only a single word. There is an underlying meaning and back story to almost every photograph I take, and the single word title represents my feeling at the time of capturing the moment. Some are abstract and some are concrete, but all are honest and real."

"Philanthropy is also an extremely important element of my everyday life. ilexi donates numerous pieces to various charitable silent auctions and donated 100% of all sales during the Jerusalem Perspectives exhibit to The Jerusalem Foundation. The exhibit was held for 5 days in October 2010 at the Pikto Gallery in Toronto with all proceeds going directly toward Jerusalem’s youth realize their potential through educational, recreation and career development programs."











    


"Throughout the Jerusalem Perspectives series, you’ll notice my perception is as broad and far stretching as the city of Jerusalem itself. The passion and stereotype throughout the city is glaringly evident; but also as apparent is the enjoyment and happiness had by its citizens."





Lexi certainly is a talent in our young Jewish community and UJA's CoCo loves showcasing the talent of fellow photo artists in our network to share with our blog followers.  Enjoy the rest of 'eye-lek-see' Jerusalem Gallery!

 

"I am proud to share my perspective with you all and I hope you enjoy the series. Additional galleries can be found on my website and for purchase inquiries at www.ilexi.ca " -Lexi Mitz

Jordan Nahmias: A photographer who captures light

Jordan Nahmias is a Toronto-based lawyer who, when he has time, photographs, teaches yoga, and co-directs the Open Roof Festival for film and music in Toronto.

He started photographing on his solo backpacking trip to Europe after graduation from university in 2005. Having always been involved in creating art, the feedback surprised Jordan when he arrived home that his pictures were well liked. After he broke that camera, he bought his first SLR and photography occupied many hours. It was over the course of a 2008 semester exchange in Hong Kong that Jordan became very serious about photography. He started selling his works upon returning from Asia, and shortly thereafter started his own photography business selling art works as well as photographing commercially and on commissions.
“I love photography because it is so information-rich. It is unbelievable the amount of information that can be found in any piece of visual art, or otherwise. I love the fact that when I look at my photos, and those of others, I know there is a very serious story going on in that image. It doesn’t matter what the specific subject matter is – there is not only the history of the content, but the history of the photographer contained within that image. Knowing that, when I take a picture, I also know that I am conveying a message from myself at the same time. It’s a pretty cool experience.”

“My subject matter is usually found. In that, I take myself somewhere and use what’s around me. Of course, I’ve shot weddings, engagements, family portraits, and so on, but I try very hard not to prepare too much. The improvisational aspect of photography, at least the way I try to do it, is key. So, when I go on a trip and shoot journalistic or travel work (which is really my favourite) I just shoot what’s around me – people, faces, architecture, flora, fauna – you name it. When its free flowing like that, there isn’t much thought beyond ‘That looks really good, I want that on film,’ and that can be very freeing and relaxing.”

“For everything though, the inspiration for me is generally lighting, story and culture. Most of my favourite pieces are travel or journalistic pieces. They can be portraits or simply settings, but in all of them the first thing that struck me about what I saw was light. I mean, that’s what photography is all about at its core. But, the light has to interact with the objects in my shots so that there is a story told – usually about the culture or history of the subject matter – and acknowledging the history (told or untold) of some things is really inspiring. It makes you realize how small you are in such a massive and ancient world and universe.”

All photos copyright Jordan Nahmias. 

Photo of Jordan Nahmias copyright Jessica Blaine Smith

Capture Series: Erin Chesney, Photographer inspired by March of the Living

By Yehezkel Lipinsky 

Erin Chesney is a fantastic photographer. I have used her for many of my own projects and I enjoy her work immensely. I asked her to contribute to our Capture Series: a focus on young Jewish photographers. Here is what she has to say: 

"In the spring of 2009, just prior to venturing on an experience of a lifetime, the March of the Living, I attended a photography seminar organized by Danny Richmond and led by a fantastic photographer, Yuri Dojc.  Although I was not a huge photography fanatic, I really wanted the pictures that I would be taking in Poland and Israel to properly represent the strong emotions that I knew I was bound to feel.  Yuri explained to us that on a trip like this, we were not to be tourists who snap a thousand pictures a minute, without thinking.  Rather, we were to tell a story in each picture we took.  These words resonate with me to this day and the pictures that I brought home with me from those emotional two weeks were not only breathtaking, but helped me discover that I had a true passion for photography.

Since then, I have tried to stay true to Yuri's advice and with ever picture I take, I try to tell a story.  Some of these stories include that of the incredible children at the JCC's Centre Camp, the wonderful events that have taken place at Tannenbaum CHAT and a variety of worthy charities that continue to inspire me.  As well, my photography has allowed me to capture the stories of my own family and friends; prom, graduation, recitals, birthdays are all occasions that I am proud to enrich with my pictures.  I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to showcase my pictures in yearbooks, newsletters and school newspapers.

I love photography and the ability to capture the amazing stories that are in our community." 

Erin's work is incredible. Her story showcases how incredible she is and her spirit and enthusiasm is reflected in all the work she does.