In conversation with.... Donald MacKenzie

[carregwen]

Previous conversations can be seen here - but don't forget to read this latest one!

Sean T. McHugh (McQ)
Steve O'Neill (Wirefox)
Kay Wilson (wilgk)
Mike (Clactonian)
Colin Southern
Peter Ryan

I was going to write a short introduction for Donald, but what can you say about someone like Donald?

He's a thoroughly nice chap... and here he is...

[carregwen]

©Image, Steve (Wirefox)

In conversation with... Donald MacKenzie

Name: Donald MacKenzie
Location: Glenfarg, Scotland
Website: www.dmackimages.org


Rob: Donald, it's great to have this opportunity to talk to you today.

Donald: That's ok. AAARGH - you couldn't slacken the thumbscrews just a little, could you?

Fear not, Sean has just increased our budget and we can now afford Sodium Pentothal. Roll up your sleeve please. Perhaps we can start by you telling us something about your general back-ground. What about your work history – anything interesting?

Pretty conventional and boring I'm afraid. I've lived all my life in Scotland. I made a complete change of career at the age of thirty-three. From being a glorified pen-pusher, I re-trained and entered the world of child-care and, in particular child protection. I now work in a multi-agency environment, joining up the dots between police, health, social work, education and voluntary agencies. I like a challenge!

My politics might be way too left-wing for some people on here. I try to be passionate and active about the mess we're making of our environment. I despise the taking of human life, whether that is through crime, conflict or state-sponsored killing (which some countries dress-up and call 'justice').


And what about your family life?

I am a fifty-five year-old toy-boy, given that, 'herself' is six years older than me. We've been annoying each other now for twenty-seven years. Never did find the time to get around to marrying, so we carry on living-in-sin. But it hasn't caused any major health problems yet!

If you were staying in tonight, what would you choose as one of your favourite books and/or films to keep you entertained, and what you be having as a favourite meal?

If I was in the mood for fiction, then the first pick would be A. L. Kennedy. I love her work. In the non-fiction stakes, I keep going back to Noam Chomsky's devastating critique of the United States and, by implication, those countries that hang on to its coat tails, Failed States and to John Lewis Gaddis' The Cold War - a magnificent history, albeit from a right wing perspective.

Then I'd get ready to watch Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, the most beautiful films ever made. But before that, I'd have enjoyed something like duck or venison. With the former would be good Burgundy. With the latter something from the Rhone Valley.

Editor's pick...


If photography is a given, what about other hobbies or personal interests?

See end of last answer - wine! I'm not a great taster, but enjoy wine. The places in which it is made, the artistry of making it, the passion with which it is created and nurtured (by artisans, not the conglomerates), all make it a wonderful and fascinating subject. My recent holiday in Portugal's Douro Valley was as a direct result of my passion for wine.

Let's get on to photography - how long have you been a photographer, and what got you interested in the first place?

I was an enthusiast when I was in my teens. Then I did other things for the next, almost, forty years. I re-discovered photography on January 10 2009, when I bought my 40D. The switch was first turned on all those years ago by a teacher in school. He had the great insight to see that I wasn't going to rock the world of academia, but had an artistic streak in there somewhere and a passion for creating images. He was an enthusiast and set up a darkroom in the school. I was off and running.

What type of photography are you interested in, and why?

In some respects I'm still working on that. I've found what I seem to be reasonably good at and enjoy - creating my view of the environment I inhabit; thinking about how we interact with that environment. But I also want to chronicle my community - its people and how they live. But I'm still shy about asking people if I can photograph them for fear of rejection.

Any particular photographic influences?

It sounds a bit 'old-hat' to cite Ansel Adams, but ...! Just studying his work is such an education.
You, Rob, were kind enough to make a comparison between my 'Tay Bridge' and the work of Michael Kenna. I have to confess that, at the time, I said, 'Who?' I looked and - WOW! I was gobsmacked (as they say). The URL for his site is now top of my Bookmarks list.

Without wishing to seem naff - the work and contributions of people here on CiC. Why I'm here, and not on any other forum is because of the constructive culture of learning and sharing that inhabits this site. I love it.

What do you hope to achieve through your photography - or what have you achieved already?

I'm insecure enough to admit that the acknowledgement of my peers (particularly on this site) that I can produce something worth looking at, has been my greatest achievement. I wouldn't have thought of that happening when I bought the 40D almost 2 years ago.

Every time I'm out alone in the early morning, in my environment, with my bag on my back and camera in hand, I'm achieving a sense of peace, relaxation and enjoyment that is beyond what I thought was possible. It sounds pathetic, but I can't describe it any other way.

I know exactly what you mean in that last sentence. What do you think of CiC? Any way it could be improved? Where should it go from here, in your opinion?

I think there are probably far too many Welsh residents who are members! But, apart from that...
The site will always evolve, as it should. But it shouldn't change its basic structure/shape/ethos. It's strength is what it is. And if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It ain't broke.

Editor's pick...


Getting more personal, if you don't mind...what keeps you awake at night, apart from Photoshop?

Photoshop? Photoshop? The GIMP rules, OK!

Since you helped me sort out my Smugmug-based website, I sleep like a baby! At the moment it's trying to switch off from work and the next round of government inspection of child protection services in our area.

What photographic gear do you own, and what software do you use for editing?

Right - in no particular order of preference:
Canon 40D on top of a BG-E2N Battery Grip with a hand, as opposed to neck, strap
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 AT-X PRO DX AF
Canon EF-S f4.5-5.6 IS USM 17-85mm (kit)
Canon 50mm f1.8 (nifty-fifty)
Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM.
Accessories - Lots of GND and ND Filters (Cokin) & a Circ Polariser; WhiBal card, cable release, etc. Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod c/w 486RC2 Head

All held together in a Lowepro Vertex 200 AW.

On the desk, things are processed with DxO Optics Pro6 with the optional FilmPack loaded in. And from there it's into the GIMP. Cataloguing is done in Digikam. I use a Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet instead of a mouse for all my photo work.

It’s a tough one to answer, but how would you rate your photographic skills and ability?

Reasonably competent. If passion and enthusiasm count - then I'm up there at the top. The aim is to be producing consistently high quality images.

What will the digital camera be like in 2020? And will you still own one?

The idea of a box with a bit of glass at the front taking a single image has been around for a while and has not changed a huge amount (okay, a lot of us have changed the medium upon which we record the light coming into the box). I think there are enough of us around who like this product to ensure that there will still be a market for it in 2020. No doubt there will be radical developments and things we cannot even think about will exist to capture still and moving images.

But, from the comfort of my care-home chair, I'd like to still have what I'm familiar with now in my hands.

Are you in a position to help or encourage others in their photography?

I am certainly willing to share my views and try to encourage others in their learning. I think the capacity to learn is the greatest tool that humankind has developed. Unfortunately, too many people in our society are denied the opportunity to take advantage of that tool. I'd like to help in whatever way I can.

Another tough one for you…do you consider photography to be art?

Yes! It's lots of things. Art is one of them.

How do you feel about having your own shot taken?

Don't mind, but I'm a rotten model. It's probably that I'm just too good looking!

What single piece of advice do you think is most useful to someone starting out with photography?

Commit to learning. Realise you will get frustrated and feel you'll never be able to master a skill. You will, but it takes time. Love what you do - it will reward you.

Can we see two of your shots that mean something special to you, and could you explain why.

The first one, 'Ladeside', heralded the dawning of what I do now. I had been shooting everything and anything, in colour and B&W. The making of this image was like a light coming on. And when a certain foxy-like member on here commented about it showing a developing style, that was it. I was up and running.



The second, 'Tay Bridge' marked another development point. This was really the first image that had formed in my head many weeks before it was shot. I knew the location. I have seen it in many different lights. I created the image in my head. I knew exactly what it had to look like. And I waited until all the conditions were right ... and I got it. And what's more, you printed it for me, Rob - my first big print of my own work.



Yes, and it's hanging on my office wall as I type this. Very good shot, indeed. Finally, can you give us one interesting/weird/silly thing about you that we probably don’t know?

I'm terribly conventional, I'm afraid. But if you consider playing a piano accordion (Scottish traditional dance music) to be living-on-the-edge, then I'm in.

I have a beard, but I don't wear sandals!

Donald, I'm afraid that's all we have time for, but I want to thank you for taking the time to talk to us. It’s been a real pleasure, and I'm sure others will find this entertaining and informative. Keep up the good work - or should I say 'cheers!'

Thank you. Before you go, could you release the thumbscrews? Rob ... Rob .... ROB...!

Sorry... Now, about that injection... where did I put my medicine cabinet?

[Peter Ryan]

Another great interview. Thanks for sharing Donald and I do see a style that is yours. Well done.

[Clactonian]

Well that certainly explains a lot!! It's good to get to know you just a little bit better Donald.
If you lived closer I'd even share a bottle of my beloved Burgundy with you ... Oh well, I'll drink a toast to you with the next glass.

[Katy Noelle]

Ah HA! All the while you were trying to talk me into this, I was wondering why you weren't doing it. I was too polite to ask but, now, I have my answer!

Are you in a position to help or encourage others in their photography?

Um, YES!

I'm so relieved about the sandals.... Gosh! I LOVE "Ladeside" - what a mood! The rest all just makes sense.

Thank you for sharing - everyone was so mysterious when I first joined, almost two months ago. Now, I know that you are all so warmly human!

[David]

Nice one Donald - send me a PM if you're ever coming West to the green fields of Dumfries. Also, if you work for the organisation I think you do, drop a PM as we may have a friend in common. Also, my wife has/had a lot to do with that area.

David

[Donald]

I was going to write a short introduction for Donald, but what can you say about someone like Donald?

Some ideas to start you thinking include:

• Gorgeous
• Vivacious
• Supremely talented
• Funny and Witty
• Intelligent

But don't let me disturb your train of thought!

[wilgk]

Excellent work Donald!
Thankyou for sharing some of your journey with us, very entertaining....I will raise my glass to you this evening

[Donald]

I clearly stunned people into silence, bored them to death or they are still awestruck and contemplating how they could possibly respond to such an insightful and well-crafted interview! (Edit: or are so angry at the views expressed that they're not going to sully their keyboard with a response). However, thank you to the gallant few who did post up a response.

And if you haven't already been persuaded by Rob's charm, sophistication and good looks and agreed to be a victim (sorry ... subject), please do think about it. It's great fun, relatively painless and gives this site a uniqueness in terms of the cameraderie and sense of common purpose that exists.

[carregwen]

And if you haven't already been persuaded by Rob's charm, sophistication and good looks and agreed to be a victim (sorry ... subject), please do think about it. It's great fun, relatively painless and gives this site a uniqueness in terms of the cameraderie and sense of common purpose that exists.

I do believe you forgot the dazzling intelligence, savoir-faire, diplomacy, and modesty... or am I thinking of Colin there?

[wilgk]

I do believe you forgot the dazzling intelligence, savoir-faire, diplomacy, and modesty... or am I thinking of Colin there?

Yep! that's him - You're the one with the guillotine and thumbscrews remember

[JK6065]

Donald,
Make sure to refuse this one if too personal but may I ask you something about the degree of colour blindness you suffer (like you mentioned on your site)? I don't know that much about colour blindness but I thought it's something about difficulty to distinct different colours from each other. How does that affect you in your photography? Maybe black and white photography is easier than since it hasn't much to do with colours on it's own? Is that why you prefer it?

[Donald]

Donald,
Make sure to refuse this one if too personal but may I ask you something about the degree of colour blindness you suffer

Of course you can ask.

As David has pointed out, the appropriate terminology now seems to be "anomalous trichromaticism".

You may wish to look at previous threads in which the subject has been discussed:
Here
Here
Here

The last two, in particular, illustrate my experience and, in the last one, I answered a similar question from Jason. But do come back to me if you have any other questions.

[Wirefox]

the most beautiful films ever made. But before that, I'd have enjoyed something like duck or venison

I have not seen that one. Is that like the Deer Hunter but with Mr McGoo?

Great interview Donald. I am glad you put Ladeside up there. It was definitely where your unique style shone through.

This is spooky though...

I have a beard, but I don't wear sandals!

Same here...but you really can't be a dedicated socialist without sandals

I use a Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet instead of a mouse for all my photo work.

Same here

Canon 40D on top of a BG-E2N Battery Grip with a hand, as opposed to neck, strap

Same here...but the battery grip has gone west (cheapo Hong Kong version for £40)

Photoshop? Photoshop? The GIMP rules, OK!

Same here

I re-discovered photography on January 10 2009

Well March for me but very near

My politics might be way too left-wing for some people on here...

FAILED...theres nowt like a Scotsman for left-wingedness and political contraflow.

I will raise my glass to you this evening

Not if your glass is anything like Donald's you won't. Unless you have biceps like Arnie. Last time I saw a vessel that size it contained six goldfish and a plaster castle

[mythlady]

Donald, I appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better -- I'm making my way through the interviews, one by one, learning a little more about the very interesting people here.

Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources! I love those films, though I haven't watched them in years. Cinema Paradiso is my all-time favorite.

I think your black-and-white photos are so beautiful, so full of detail and so evocative. I hope that you continue to document the world around you -- Scotland is a place I've always wanted to visit, and your pictures make it even more appealing!

[Donald]

Thank you Elise.

Of course, I would never be as grovelling as some folk.

Ah now ... Cinema Paradiso. There's another film that is just made to wallow in and soak up the atmosphere.

In terms of the beauty of Scotland, you'll have noticed that Alex Scott has just joined CiC. Do have a look at his website. I don't think there's anybody who can show the rugged beauty and majesty of Scotland quite as well as he does (but don't tell him I said so).

[Clactonian]

Thank you Elise. Of course, I would never be as grovelling as some folk.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[maloufn]

Dear Donald,

I thoroughly enjoyed your interview. Its nice to know you. I had an image of you and you did not disappoint.
A gentleman - with a love for the good things in life- women, wine, music and photography and wit to go
with it. I also love those two movies. I should get them out again. You are doing a great job moderating.
Keep those beautiful B&W coming. Looking forward to knowing you even more through CIC.

Regards

Nasseem