Tue, August 31st, 2004 by Frank Lynch
In other threads I've pointed out that sometimes we spend too little time on non-English sites. Perhaps it's because we feel a stronger relationship with the photographer when we have supporting dialog, and sole English speakers can't achieve that on a non-English site; but pictures should stand on their own, don't you think? Consider this my little effort at promoting diversity: it's the first of a series of posts I'll do every two or three weeks on a non-English site you may/not be aware of.
Pavel Mžourek of mzourek.net lives in Prague, always has, and at age 23 approaches it with exuberance, not just the steady love of a lifetime resident. His photos are full of the city's beauty — his recent series of black and white photos of the city in the evening will make that apparent as soon as you click-through — and you'll quickly start to see it as you would if you were visiting it. Grand city scapes, architecture, and so on.
But dig deeper into his archives and you'll see more, such as a city's resigned observance of the floods; dig into his celebration of manufacturing and construction ("Technique") and you'll see Escher-like stairs and a vehicle cab's steering wheel. A partially submerged chain evokes a wide mix of emotions in me, and his lamp is pure grace.
There's much to enjoy in his site. Before closing out, I want to also say I laughed at this office toy, was impressed by the construction of this shot of a rock climb; I liked the depth of field in this dessert shot. I also noeed to point out that not all of his shots are from Prague: for instance, this one from Sweden.
So far, only two people have listed mzourek.net as a favorite. I think that's due more to language than photgraphy, and I hope you'll add it to your watchlist at least. (His profile is here.) (By the way, he does speak English, and can carry on a conversation; he just prefers to post in his native language.)
August 31st, 2004 at 10:37 am
Great site! I particularly like the steering wheel photo, as well.
And thanks, Frank, for doing this spotlight. One of the main reasons for creating blog.photoblogs.org in the first place was to allow a place for spotlights like this.
It's nice to know we have people like Frank who are willing to put in some extra selfless effort for the benefit of us all.
August 31st, 2004 at 1:39 pm
Wow, gorgeous B&W photography! Very evocative of the chiaroscuro of Prague's stony architecture.
But like... how did he get all those photos of the Charles Bridge WITHOUT ANY PEOPLE on it??? That's like photographing Times Square without tourists, or the 101 Freeway without cars! Good for him -- he must get up very early in the morning!
August 31st, 2004 at 1:43 pm
hi! i write this post because i am curious about the layout/design which are similar between photoblog.org and blogger.net.
just wonder if both are belongs to Brandon.
and, i remember reading your discussion about 'design imitation' not long ago.
maybe the right person have the right answers.
thank you.
August 31st, 2004 at 1:49 pm
update: i have to add the address if anyone would like to check the following link, http://www.theblogger.net
thank you.
August 31st, 2004 at 3:12 pm
Yikes! That's a pretty blatant rip-off. Thanks for pointing this out Ronn.
I think I'll make a separate post about this.
August 31st, 2004 at 3:26 pm
Vivid, clear, photographs. His recent work seems to enjoy silhuettes, but as you had so carefully searched through the archives, Frank, you see a side of his work that is truly attentive to the details and proper composition.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention
September 1st, 2004 at 3:36 pm
Hi Blork!
Photos from Charles bridge without people was created 6am - 7am on Wednesday. On bridge was many people and I had waiting. Best time for this place is 3. - 5.am ;-)))
Now I post new photos! Visit http://www.mzourek.net/
Pavel