I know, you think this about food, but it isn’t.I have to admit, I was somewhat attracted to the Hamburger in Hamburger Eyes.I still have no idea what it means.Why it is what it is, or how it became Hamburger Eyes in the first place.But I did help sponsor it by pledging to support the project to completion.I also received my copy of the independent photo magazine, and have flipped through pictures on more than one occasion.Last night I handed it to my oldest daughter.She was mesmerized as well.
What is Kickstarter.com?
I pledged using kickstarter.com, a website that allows people to post miscellaneous projects and a goal amount.People can fund the project in a ‘crowdsourcing’ sort of way.I pledged 15 dollars towards the final goal via amazon.com.
The Hamburger Eyes project had, till a certain date, to garner the required amount of pledges.If they didn’t, they wouldn’t get their money.If they did, they got their money and could proceed with the project.It gained enough money plus some.In return for my pledge, I got a copy of the magazine.There were various levels of commitment, I chose what I was comfortable pledging.I actually upped my pledge just to get a copy sent to me.
What is Hamburger Eyes?
Hamburger Eyes is a photo magazine in the style of Life Magazine.It has miscellaneous black and white photos that show a less produced side of life.It is a collection of interesting photos and fun little adventures as you look at what you can’t see or don’t know. Like any good piece of artwork, it leaves you wanting more or asking questions.After thumbing through it, I certainly have many questions about the stories behind the photos.
The Litovsky picture of the bride bent over a table, with a straw in her hand, in her wedding dress, screams at you.It is subtle in that as you process the picture, you slowly start raising an eyebrow, trying to conceive of the event.How did she get to this point, why is she there, and why is she doing what she is doing, on her wedding day?It is confusing, it is dark, it is comedy.It begs a question or two. US Bank must be so proud.
There are other pieces like the “tourists with terrorists” piece by Ullman.An Asian couple stands before a group of masked men, as a photo op. The group may be just protecting their identity.I don’t know. I still wonder why the couple wants a picture with them.And why is someone taking a picture of someone taking a picture of a couple in front of a group of masked men…
Maybe I analyze this too much.
I am still wondering about the picture of Jason Lee, in what I can only assume is before he became too famous.
So I guess it is fair to say that I got my money’s worth with this photozine.I will keep it around and peruse its pages for inspiration that is for sure.You should pick up a copy while you can.There are only 3000 made, I believe.
I spoke brieflly with Ray, one of the creators of Hamburger Eyes about this project and why Kickstarter.
bf:What is Hamburger Eyes? he: Hamburger Eyes is a photo magazine, 150 pages, all b/w photos.
bf:Are there stories or articles? he:all photos only. Zero text unless there’s a feature, which is usually around 10 pages, and it gets a title page.
bf: How do you decide what pictures to put in Hamburger Eyes? he:It’s hard to say. We start with the cover and just fill each page till we get to the end. We pick photos that stand out as well as fit into what we are trying to do with a specific layout.
bf:How has Kickstarter changed the way you make HE happen? he:Well in this harsh economic climate, it’s harder to sell ads, so kickstarter has helped a lot, picking up where the ad money has left off.
bf:Do you like the print concept and have you thought about going to an online version? he:I love seeing photos in printed form. i prefer it. We have thought about an online version, but it doesn’t excite me.
If you get the chance, check out Kickstarter.com and hamburgereyes.com.You may find a project that appeals to you, you may find a photo or photgrapher that inspires you.
Some of the other kickstarter projects I am pledging:
