Love Consummated...

Music | These Foolish Things by Johnny Griffin

We were introduced when I was in my mid 20's, so confident, but so unknowing of what the world had to offer. I had just started hitting the gallery scene and art museums, where on occasion, we would serendipitously run into each other. On other occasions, I knew she would be in town, so I made forthright plans to be with her.

She had no time for the young and ignorant. I knew this... I loved her for her appearance, for her reputation... but she was so much more than that.

As I started to begin to appreciate who she was and why she had the attention of men that mattered. It turned out that others I have revered as mentors also took on a love for her as well. I felt honored to be in good company...

Years would go by and she always eluded me and frankly, she was way out of my league.. My thought was, just to be near her was enough. Her reputation was always held in high regard. Anyone in the know, knew she wasn't for just anyone. I knew this and always kept myself at a distance...

I've seen her in the arms of the Masters of their art. Vivacious, brilliant, luminescent... She submitted to them to leave herself totally exposed to who she was. And the beauty she expressed was astounding, like no other...

With decades gone by, comes wisdom. I knew if I were going to be with her, I would have to cull my resources, confidence and let go of the fear. Today was my first time with her. Face to face and supposed equal footing. She relented this time and gave me a hint of her brilliance. I am working on her to call me Master, but I know and she knows she has the upper hand and I have many miles to travel before I earn that respect. We will spend intimate time with each other as I get to know her nuances. I am in for the duration...

Platinum Palladium | No Words...

Music | Blue Diamond by World Saxophone Quartet


My first image printed Platinum Palladium

No Negatives in this World...

Music | La Davina by Maria Callas

Last Saturday, early morning and early evening, I got the opportunity to work with the 4x5 Chamonix shooting both film and a new, then discontinued and soon to be revived product from Ilford / Harmon that is a paper that renders positive images direct. You shoot it like chromes, process it like it is a black and white print.

Paul Cunningham offered up some sheets for us to shoot while I was able to get 2 fantastic models, Fayren and Juliana. Françoise Weeks also got in on the collaboration by creating a head piece for the evening shoot.

The weather here has been extremely hot. Besides catching nice light, the 7 a.m. call time was perfect. The temperature lingered in the mid 60's and was very comfortable. The textured wall was a nice contrast to the very soft light we were working thru. Both Paul and I were able to shoot thru a good number of both of the Direct Positive Paper and film sheets while I also shot a few frames of digital.

Though there was another 10 hours to go for the evening shoot, I didn't have the opportunity to process any of the media. Paul did and got some of the paper prints processed, which left me chomping at the bit to get to mine...

The evening shoot was a challenge for me. I couldn't find the angles, it was a bit windy and I felt lost. I shoot digital when I am stuck to hopefully open a door. I got some great images, but didn't feed me for the 4x5. I ended up doing a 180 and went to another direction. Turns out to be a keeper that I am happy with...


Fayren with Françoise Weeks' Orchid Head Piece



Juliana