Though Kate had been elusive, we finally got together yesterday after years of talk... As I had known from the beginning, I knew we would work well together. After 3 plates, there was no reason to shoot more...
one
two
three
May 12, 2013
Three...
Music | Things Behind the Sun by Nick Drake
Though Kate had been elusive, we finally got together yesterday after years of talk... As I had known from the beginning, I knew we would work well together. After 3 plates, there was no reason to shoot more...
one
two
three
Though Kate had been elusive, we finally got together yesterday after years of talk... As I had known from the beginning, I knew we would work well together. After 3 plates, there was no reason to shoot more...
one
two
three
May 06, 2013
Expanding the Base...
Music | So:Lo by Kate Havenevik
I bought a Cyanotype Kit from Photographers Formulary to learn the process of contact printing in hopes of eventually getting to Platinum Palladium. Years ago, Connie Wellnitz gave me a contact printing frame along with a UV rich light source. I'm finally making use of the printing frame and may eventually get to use the light. For now, I've been using the sun from all the bright days we've been having.
I decided to do this right from the start, so I also get a mortar and pestle, which is required to mix up some of the chemicals. I also purchased a few pipets and a smaller 250 ml glass beaker to mix everything up. I also bought a sheet of Fabriano Artistico paper. Lastly, a hake brush to put the emulsion to paper.
My first go around wasn't a total disaster. I used a type 55 negative of my Dad from way back. I thought it might be a little thin, but I got image. I wasn't sure I liked the texture of the Artistico paper. My friend Brandon Fernandez gave me a sheet of Bergger hot press, which is a much more smooth paper. Having gotten to try an few sheets, various types of neg densities, I think I'm realizing at this point, with the knowledge I have, what is most important is the negative. I'm sure I will figure out how to boost contrast, which seems to be my biggest issue right now.
Today, I had what I felt was a good negative to try again. Though the vibrance on the screen is more than what the matte, textured paper gives, this isn't too far off. I'm feeling progress!
Cain with Flower Hat by Francoise Weeks
I bought a Cyanotype Kit from Photographers Formulary to learn the process of contact printing in hopes of eventually getting to Platinum Palladium. Years ago, Connie Wellnitz gave me a contact printing frame along with a UV rich light source. I'm finally making use of the printing frame and may eventually get to use the light. For now, I've been using the sun from all the bright days we've been having.
I decided to do this right from the start, so I also get a mortar and pestle, which is required to mix up some of the chemicals. I also purchased a few pipets and a smaller 250 ml glass beaker to mix everything up. I also bought a sheet of Fabriano Artistico paper. Lastly, a hake brush to put the emulsion to paper.
My first go around wasn't a total disaster. I used a type 55 negative of my Dad from way back. I thought it might be a little thin, but I got image. I wasn't sure I liked the texture of the Artistico paper. My friend Brandon Fernandez gave me a sheet of Bergger hot press, which is a much more smooth paper. Having gotten to try an few sheets, various types of neg densities, I think I'm realizing at this point, with the knowledge I have, what is most important is the negative. I'm sure I will figure out how to boost contrast, which seems to be my biggest issue right now.
Today, I had what I felt was a good negative to try again. Though the vibrance on the screen is more than what the matte, textured paper gives, this isn't too far off. I'm feeling progress!
Cain with Flower Hat by Francoise Weeks
May 05, 2013
Sharing with the Past...
Music | Naima by John Coltrane
The other day, I got to spend some time with my past... I'd say close to 25 years ago was when I may have last hung out with Tamara Staples in her old loft space in Bucktown. I remember doing a portrait of her while she was making these extraordinary hats. As she is now, she has a spirit that is free and carries on much in the same way from what I remember. More responsibilities, a different life, sadness for me of the lost southern drawl, she is a woman of Brooklyn, NY. It was refreshing to me that I was able to hang out with her for a few hours, take her portrait again and talk of the past, talk of now and of art.
circa maybe 1987. The Hat Maker
2013. Tamara Staples
The other day, I got to spend some time with my past... I'd say close to 25 years ago was when I may have last hung out with Tamara Staples in her old loft space in Bucktown. I remember doing a portrait of her while she was making these extraordinary hats. As she is now, she has a spirit that is free and carries on much in the same way from what I remember. More responsibilities, a different life, sadness for me of the lost southern drawl, she is a woman of Brooklyn, NY. It was refreshing to me that I was able to hang out with her for a few hours, take her portrait again and talk of the past, talk of now and of art.
circa maybe 1987. The Hat Maker
2013. Tamara Staples
April 22, 2013
Alignment...
Music | Little Bird by Imogen Heap
It happens on occasion... Not often enough... It's when stars align and everything just falls into place. Of course, it is not without effort that this can occur. You want all your shoots to turn out this way, but for whatever reason, only once in awhile does it happen. So you imagine in your minds eye what the photo will look like and when the plate is prepared, the exposure ends, the plate is developed and then fixed, as the image appears, the reality of the image is better than your imagined perfect plate...
I officially met Erik a few weeks ago. I had put together an event where a few photographers got together to shoot analogue. A few of us met face to face to show our prints of what we had shot. We knew of each other via a community forum we both are members of. His exterior facade is very intense and I knew I wanted to capture that.
I've said before that most of my sessions are collaborative. I set up a frame and let my subjects work within it. I may suggest a turn here or there, but I don't lean on an idea and try to force an issue. Erik just fell into place.
2012-04-22 Erik
So not only was the perfection carried out with my subject, but technically, I adore the light. The symmetry of highlights and shadows here are perfect to me. I've got detail everywhere! And the Petzval lens I am loving more and more! The fall off from the eyes to everywhere else is as creamy as the light.
This is why I love what I do... It is this particular feeling I get where I have conquered my own world...
It happens on occasion... Not often enough... It's when stars align and everything just falls into place. Of course, it is not without effort that this can occur. You want all your shoots to turn out this way, but for whatever reason, only once in awhile does it happen. So you imagine in your minds eye what the photo will look like and when the plate is prepared, the exposure ends, the plate is developed and then fixed, as the image appears, the reality of the image is better than your imagined perfect plate...
I officially met Erik a few weeks ago. I had put together an event where a few photographers got together to shoot analogue. A few of us met face to face to show our prints of what we had shot. We knew of each other via a community forum we both are members of. His exterior facade is very intense and I knew I wanted to capture that.
I've said before that most of my sessions are collaborative. I set up a frame and let my subjects work within it. I may suggest a turn here or there, but I don't lean on an idea and try to force an issue. Erik just fell into place.
2012-04-22 Erik
So not only was the perfection carried out with my subject, but technically, I adore the light. The symmetry of highlights and shadows here are perfect to me. I've got detail everywhere! And the Petzval lens I am loving more and more! The fall off from the eyes to everywhere else is as creamy as the light.
This is why I love what I do... It is this particular feeling I get where I have conquered my own world...
April 14, 2013
April 08, 2013
Stella...
Music | Western Eyes by Portishead
It has been a busy end of the week photographing kids. It was a nice change of pace and most certainly has kept me on my toes. I shot a 2 1/2 year old and 8 and 9 year olds. 2 girls and a boy.
Stella was my last subject for this week. I loved how serious she appeared to take the shoot. She was the consummate professional at such a young age. It was nice that she lent her own twist to my direction, which I usually do, as I love collaboration.
Stella
It has been a busy end of the week photographing kids. It was a nice change of pace and most certainly has kept me on my toes. I shot a 2 1/2 year old and 8 and 9 year olds. 2 girls and a boy.
Stella was my last subject for this week. I loved how serious she appeared to take the shoot. She was the consummate professional at such a young age. It was nice that she lent her own twist to my direction, which I usually do, as I love collaboration.
Stella
April 06, 2013
Gianni
Music | Days to Come by Bonobo
When Gianni walked in, it was like seeing a manchild. It is just that I have memories of this little kid, really quiet and shy, kind of like a little brother to my daughter from years ago. He is 9 now, and though he didn't talk a lot, one can sense a self condidence and big spirit. When we were working on this shot, I asked him to think of himself as a character and just play it out. All the sudden, he turned into this teenager. He jokingly mumbled something under his breath, and finally said it outloud... "Modern Gangsta!" Though still subdued with strangers and acquaintances, his self confidence, just like in this photo will shine bright.
Gianni
When Gianni walked in, it was like seeing a manchild. It is just that I have memories of this little kid, really quiet and shy, kind of like a little brother to my daughter from years ago. He is 9 now, and though he didn't talk a lot, one can sense a self condidence and big spirit. When we were working on this shot, I asked him to think of himself as a character and just play it out. All the sudden, he turned into this teenager. He jokingly mumbled something under his breath, and finally said it outloud... "Modern Gangsta!" Though still subdued with strangers and acquaintances, his self confidence, just like in this photo will shine bright.
Gianni
April 04, 2013
Anna
Music | WBGO Jazz 88.3 fm
Sometimes you take what circumstance gives you and sometimes you are rewarded. My shoot with Little Anna went really well, though I had some technical issues in the beginning. I have to also say I didn't shoot a bad plate of Anna. She was a great little subject, challenging, funny and charming. However, she is also 2 1/2... I don't think I need to say more. :-)
I love it when things just work. This was the last plate, even though I was really happy with the image before. I decided to go after just one more and press my luck. When I returned from loading the wet plate, I had a lot of trouble getting Anna's attention. Though she was all over the place, I waited... and waited... to what seemed like much longer than maybe the 10 seconds I did wait. I finally lost my patience and opened the lens, hit my flash and made an exposure. I marginally thought I was close to where I needed to be for focus, but I honestly had no idea... As the plate came up in the fixer, my attention and focus became more and more acute. As the image slowly changed from negative, to nothing, then into a positive, I was kindly treated with this...
Anna
and the other plates...
>
Sometimes you take what circumstance gives you and sometimes you are rewarded. My shoot with Little Anna went really well, though I had some technical issues in the beginning. I have to also say I didn't shoot a bad plate of Anna. She was a great little subject, challenging, funny and charming. However, she is also 2 1/2... I don't think I need to say more. :-)
I love it when things just work. This was the last plate, even though I was really happy with the image before. I decided to go after just one more and press my luck. When I returned from loading the wet plate, I had a lot of trouble getting Anna's attention. Though she was all over the place, I waited... and waited... to what seemed like much longer than maybe the 10 seconds I did wait. I finally lost my patience and opened the lens, hit my flash and made an exposure. I marginally thought I was close to where I needed to be for focus, but I honestly had no idea... As the plate came up in the fixer, my attention and focus became more and more acute. As the image slowly changed from negative, to nothing, then into a positive, I was kindly treated with this...
Anna
and the other plates...
>April 01, 2013
Scream... Rant...
Music | Nowhere Warm by Kate Havenevik
I've taken a few breaks from the various social media outlets I am apart of from time to time... Facebook, Twitter, and forums of interests I have. One of the big things that really irritate me is what the sole purpose of what the internet is best at... passing on information. I am not at all opposed to bringing knowledge and sharing it, but when people are looking for so much information as to not do any work for themselves, I have to say, WTF? If they spent half the time doing searches and asking inane questions about what they want to learn and going about trying to figure it out for themselves, they would be so much the wiser.
Start walking the walk and stop talking!!!
I've taken a few breaks from the various social media outlets I am apart of from time to time... Facebook, Twitter, and forums of interests I have. One of the big things that really irritate me is what the sole purpose of what the internet is best at... passing on information. I am not at all opposed to bringing knowledge and sharing it, but when people are looking for so much information as to not do any work for themselves, I have to say, WTF? If they spent half the time doing searches and asking inane questions about what they want to learn and going about trying to figure it out for themselves, they would be so much the wiser.
Start walking the walk and stop talking!!!
March 31, 2013
March 26, 2013
Anatomy of a Shoot... w/ Irish Heather Collins
Music | Breathe by The Cinematic Orchestra
There are people in the world that you just know you can collaborate with. I knew this the first time I worked with Irish a few months ago. After that session, I came up with an idea of doing a shoot with her in silence. We wouldn't use words to communicate with, just maybe grunts and hand gestures. I think I have way more confidence in her than she does in me, but I still think we would make some amazing images.
Our last 2 sessions, quite similar to each other kind of went like...
I pick her up from her studio in the industrial part of town. She comes out with a huge blue rubbermaid box filled with stuff. She is also dressed in part of her first outfit for the first session. Most of her make up is all ready on as well... You can imagine it is quite a sight to see! On the way to the studio, we talk generally about the shoot, not too much as I think we both understand the process... Surprise is a good thing as well as happy accidents.
In the studio she greets the 2 cats and by this time, they are amazingly in love with her. About 10 miinutes from walking in the door, she is ready for the first plate... With not a lot of words, we go thru a progression of themes, poses... Usually, when I have trouble coming up with a decent looking image, I pull out the digital camera and quickly go thru a mini shoot, that may last 2 minutes at most. We get in a flurry of ideas, poses and go thru what we like. It is a great way of coming up with a starting point. However, with Irish, I shoot digital to have more images to work on later...
It is funny how when we nail our first image we are both pleased with, which so far happened to be the first plate, we go on cruise control. It seems to give both of us freedom to just go with the flow and make more amazing images. It was quite difficult to go thru my progression of which plate I loved most, but for this shoot with Irish, it ended up being the last. I realized we would be there for way too many more hours to be able to surpass what we got...
Irish Heather Collins
There are people in the world that you just know you can collaborate with. I knew this the first time I worked with Irish a few months ago. After that session, I came up with an idea of doing a shoot with her in silence. We wouldn't use words to communicate with, just maybe grunts and hand gestures. I think I have way more confidence in her than she does in me, but I still think we would make some amazing images.
Our last 2 sessions, quite similar to each other kind of went like...
I pick her up from her studio in the industrial part of town. She comes out with a huge blue rubbermaid box filled with stuff. She is also dressed in part of her first outfit for the first session. Most of her make up is all ready on as well... You can imagine it is quite a sight to see! On the way to the studio, we talk generally about the shoot, not too much as I think we both understand the process... Surprise is a good thing as well as happy accidents.
In the studio she greets the 2 cats and by this time, they are amazingly in love with her. About 10 miinutes from walking in the door, she is ready for the first plate... With not a lot of words, we go thru a progression of themes, poses... Usually, when I have trouble coming up with a decent looking image, I pull out the digital camera and quickly go thru a mini shoot, that may last 2 minutes at most. We get in a flurry of ideas, poses and go thru what we like. It is a great way of coming up with a starting point. However, with Irish, I shoot digital to have more images to work on later...
It is funny how when we nail our first image we are both pleased with, which so far happened to be the first plate, we go on cruise control. It seems to give both of us freedom to just go with the flow and make more amazing images. It was quite difficult to go thru my progression of which plate I loved most, but for this shoot with Irish, it ended up being the last. I realized we would be there for way too many more hours to be able to surpass what we got...
Irish Heather Collins
Me
Music | Juliet by DJ Cam
Me by Noel
I got the opportunity to teach a student how to do a wet plate, today. She was quite enthusiastic and a quick learner. I got a nice portrait out of it!
Me by Noel
I got the opportunity to teach a student how to do a wet plate, today. She was quite enthusiastic and a quick learner. I got a nice portrait out of it!
March 21, 2013
Noel
Music | I'm Only Happy When it Rains by Garbage
For my personal work, I often photograph people I know, friends of friends and on occasion, strangers I get to know well enough to ask them to sit for me, without that uncomfortable creepy factor. I would hate to be that guy... "scuse me but I think you are very preetty, can I take yer peekture?"
Noel
I met Noel at a function where I had an acquaintance to one of her friends. Quite charming, we talked of photography. I showed her some of my work and like with many people who see my wet plate images, she was drawn to have one done of her.
This one was done a week after we initially met. I don't give explicit directions as to how to dress or even how to be in front of the camera. Admittedly, she was a bit nervous just standing there, but with just the most minute direction, we came upon this image. We shot 4 plates and they were all interesting. The collaborative efforts make the image all the more rewarding...
For my personal work, I often photograph people I know, friends of friends and on occasion, strangers I get to know well enough to ask them to sit for me, without that uncomfortable creepy factor. I would hate to be that guy... "scuse me but I think you are very preetty, can I take yer peekture?"
Noel
I met Noel at a function where I had an acquaintance to one of her friends. Quite charming, we talked of photography. I showed her some of my work and like with many people who see my wet plate images, she was drawn to have one done of her.
This one was done a week after we initially met. I don't give explicit directions as to how to dress or even how to be in front of the camera. Admittedly, she was a bit nervous just standing there, but with just the most minute direction, we came upon this image. We shot 4 plates and they were all interesting. The collaborative efforts make the image all the more rewarding...
March 18, 2013
Yuta Kato
Music | Transfatty Acid by Lamb
My afternoon session had to cancel, so I had time to scan the earlier session. I met Yuta Kato at a photo shoot a few months ago for Portland Taiko for a poster they were working on. It is great to see a fantastic face and be able to ask for a sitting. It has been a few months as the man is constantly in motion, traveling around the world, so it seems. Fortunately, our schedules worked out and he became my first sitting for the latest shoot fest I am having for myself for the next week.
I love this image as it is so timeless. We talked about the plates and how they aren't so obvious as to when they were taken. Could be mid 1850's or today. Of course one of the dead give aways are the ear rings. But I thought what would someone think 100 years from now. Where would they assume this photo was taken.
Yuta Kato
My afternoon session had to cancel, so I had time to scan the earlier session. I met Yuta Kato at a photo shoot a few months ago for Portland Taiko for a poster they were working on. It is great to see a fantastic face and be able to ask for a sitting. It has been a few months as the man is constantly in motion, traveling around the world, so it seems. Fortunately, our schedules worked out and he became my first sitting for the latest shoot fest I am having for myself for the next week.
I love this image as it is so timeless. We talked about the plates and how they aren't so obvious as to when they were taken. Could be mid 1850's or today. Of course one of the dead give aways are the ear rings. But I thought what would someone think 100 years from now. Where would they assume this photo was taken.
Yuta Kato
Back in the Saddle...
Music | Moon by Little People
If feels so great to be shooting again. First portrait with newly made collodion, first exposure was perfect. I only shot 4 plates because they were all fantastic. Honestly...
Yuta Kato
...this is where I belong.
If feels so great to be shooting again. First portrait with newly made collodion, first exposure was perfect. I only shot 4 plates because they were all fantastic. Honestly...
Yuta Kato
...this is where I belong.
March 11, 2013
Patience
Music | Waking Dream by Natalie Walker
It has been a slow burn this last month. I haven't shot a plate since the 6th of February and I'm really ready to get going. I'm planning on shooting as much as I can the week of the 18th. I've got 4 people lined up and hopefully I'll have more. I also hope to shoot some still life as well. I just hope I have enough to make a new batch of collodion. What I have on hand, I don't want to even try as it is more than 50 days old.
All the projects I started are all coming to an end. I only have to sand and paint the dark box for the 8x10 silver tank. The tank had one small leak, but that has been taken care of. I'll be making another plate holder as I now have all the materials to start and finish it. I also plan to make a wash/transport tank for my 4x5 plates. I have the feeling that will be a trying project, but I also have all the materials for that as well.
Though slow going, it has been steady. I'm getting the necessary things done. I'm hoping for a very active and meaningful summer!
It has been a slow burn this last month. I haven't shot a plate since the 6th of February and I'm really ready to get going. I'm planning on shooting as much as I can the week of the 18th. I've got 4 people lined up and hopefully I'll have more. I also hope to shoot some still life as well. I just hope I have enough to make a new batch of collodion. What I have on hand, I don't want to even try as it is more than 50 days old.
All the projects I started are all coming to an end. I only have to sand and paint the dark box for the 8x10 silver tank. The tank had one small leak, but that has been taken care of. I'll be making another plate holder as I now have all the materials to start and finish it. I also plan to make a wash/transport tank for my 4x5 plates. I have the feeling that will be a trying project, but I also have all the materials for that as well.
Though slow going, it has been steady. I'm getting the necessary things done. I'm hoping for a very active and meaningful summer!
March 02, 2013
Progress ...
Music | Hear Me Out by Frou Frou
These last 3 weeks have been about projects. I decided to take a break from shooting, I took a break from facebook, and I managed to get involved in some projects that I've been wanting to get done, some for years, some quite a few months. Money has been tight, but I managed to find some great materials really cheap.
Here is one that was quite simple, but for whatever reason, has taken me a while to accomplish. I know I've been wanting to do some photos with my 8x10 camera, but I've never had a stand to put the camera on. I was pretty sure that this beast of a camera would need a stand, or a specially built tripod. After talking to Jody Ake, one of Portland's own Wet Plate specialists and seeing that he just made a platform for his tripod, I knew I could do something similar. I ended up getting a nice piece of wood, found a great trim piece for reuse, screws and some wood stain...
I'm particularly fond of this leaf trim I found...
These last 3 weeks have been about projects. I decided to take a break from shooting, I took a break from facebook, and I managed to get involved in some projects that I've been wanting to get done, some for years, some quite a few months. Money has been tight, but I managed to find some great materials really cheap.
Here is one that was quite simple, but for whatever reason, has taken me a while to accomplish. I know I've been wanting to do some photos with my 8x10 camera, but I've never had a stand to put the camera on. I was pretty sure that this beast of a camera would need a stand, or a specially built tripod. After talking to Jody Ake, one of Portland's own Wet Plate specialists and seeing that he just made a platform for his tripod, I knew I could do something similar. I ended up getting a nice piece of wood, found a great trim piece for reuse, screws and some wood stain...
I'm particularly fond of this leaf trim I found...
February 26, 2013
Rolling
Music | Birdland by Patti Smith
Since my last hiatus from Facebook, I have been very productive on the backend. Latest project to start and end is the silver tank that can hold 8x10 inch plates. I just finished cementing the pieces together, creating a very nice looking clear tank. I am also going to be working on a 16 inch long tank to store, wash and transport 4x5 inch plates. That one is going to take a lot of time, but I'm happy to have all the parts.
Earlier, I got a nice piece of wood to make a platform to put on the tripod so I can mount the 8x10 inch camera on it. Hence the tank... Hopefully I will be shooting some larger plates by the end of March
Pieces for the 8x10 silver nitrate tank
I'm hoping later this week to cut some wood pieces for the external box for the 8x10 tank.
Since my last hiatus from Facebook, I have been very productive on the backend. Latest project to start and end is the silver tank that can hold 8x10 inch plates. I just finished cementing the pieces together, creating a very nice looking clear tank. I am also going to be working on a 16 inch long tank to store, wash and transport 4x5 inch plates. That one is going to take a lot of time, but I'm happy to have all the parts.
Earlier, I got a nice piece of wood to make a platform to put on the tripod so I can mount the 8x10 inch camera on it. Hence the tank... Hopefully I will be shooting some larger plates by the end of March
Pieces for the 8x10 silver nitrate tank
I'm hoping later this week to cut some wood pieces for the external box for the 8x10 tank.
February 20, 2013
February 19, 2013
On Being Current...
Music | The Wall by Pink Floyd
It has been an excellent end of last week, beginning of this week run of getting things done. The big push is regarding a major revision of the website. I've still some small tweaks to take care of, but the galleries are up. This is a long time coming as the last time the site has been updated was over 7 years.
I'm so happy to finally have Wet Plate Collodion being represented of me on my own site.
Mishima Photography
It has been an excellent end of last week, beginning of this week run of getting things done. The big push is regarding a major revision of the website. I've still some small tweaks to take care of, but the galleries are up. This is a long time coming as the last time the site has been updated was over 7 years.
I'm so happy to finally have Wet Plate Collodion being represented of me on my own site.
Mishima Photography
February 17, 2013
Photo Excursion
Music | On the Radio by Regina Spektor
I remember back in college, I took my first photography course. We would receive our weekly assignments and often, our subjects would be out and about on walks, rides on the subway, anywhere. It was great, those times where like real photographers, we would always have our cameras with us, just in case the shot presented itself.
I got up late this morning, but saw the beginnings of a great day. I decided to get out on my bike with the intention of stopping where ever I decided I wanted to shoot. The ride was only 6 miles long, but I wes gone for almost 2 hours. My destination was just on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge where my daughter and I noticed a path with stairs leading up to adventure. We never journeyed up it because we'd always be in the car, passing it by. With no parking nearby, we never got our chance to see what was up there...
Today I rode there, on the way graabbing shots of this and that. Challenges always bring out good things, no matter if you achieve them or not, so long as you did you best to accomplish them. Out of shape, the climb over the bridge was going to get me, but I made it. Going beyond and reaching the stairs, I was really wiped out, but had to carry the bike up. I was presented with a unique view of the bridge, that I happily took after I recovered from achy knees, short of breath...
View of the St. Johns Bridge from a place few people get to see
Magenta
From atop of the St. Johns Bridge
Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge 5.1, a view on the way home...
I remember back in college, I took my first photography course. We would receive our weekly assignments and often, our subjects would be out and about on walks, rides on the subway, anywhere. It was great, those times where like real photographers, we would always have our cameras with us, just in case the shot presented itself.
I got up late this morning, but saw the beginnings of a great day. I decided to get out on my bike with the intention of stopping where ever I decided I wanted to shoot. The ride was only 6 miles long, but I wes gone for almost 2 hours. My destination was just on the other side of the St. Johns Bridge where my daughter and I noticed a path with stairs leading up to adventure. We never journeyed up it because we'd always be in the car, passing it by. With no parking nearby, we never got our chance to see what was up there...
Today I rode there, on the way graabbing shots of this and that. Challenges always bring out good things, no matter if you achieve them or not, so long as you did you best to accomplish them. Out of shape, the climb over the bridge was going to get me, but I made it. Going beyond and reaching the stairs, I was really wiped out, but had to carry the bike up. I was presented with a unique view of the bridge, that I happily took after I recovered from achy knees, short of breath...
View of the St. Johns Bridge from a place few people get to see
Magenta
From atop of the St. Johns Bridge
Burlington Northern Railroad Bridge 5.1, a view on the way home...
February 16, 2013
Hiatus
Music | Gold by Lamb
I guess it is time to take a hiatus from Facebook again. I did it for the month of November last year and in just 2.5 months, I'm ready to do it again. Besides the time suck it is, communication between people is set up where there is too much vagueness that leaves way too much room to let the imagination go. This just happened to me this evening and I'm starting to think the worse about the situation.
I wonder how it became that so many people get sucked into devices and become a part of our every day lives. Social media as it is can be a great tool, but then something happens and it sort of takes over. Then since so many people are involved, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues, down to the person on the other side of the world who we know nothing of, but has some interesting things to say that we listen too, drama just waits in the corner coming out every once and awhile to stir havoc.
Not sure how long this one will last, but yeah... It is time again.
I guess it is time to take a hiatus from Facebook again. I did it for the month of November last year and in just 2.5 months, I'm ready to do it again. Besides the time suck it is, communication between people is set up where there is too much vagueness that leaves way too much room to let the imagination go. This just happened to me this evening and I'm starting to think the worse about the situation.
I wonder how it became that so many people get sucked into devices and become a part of our every day lives. Social media as it is can be a great tool, but then something happens and it sort of takes over. Then since so many people are involved, close friends, acquaintances, colleagues, down to the person on the other side of the world who we know nothing of, but has some interesting things to say that we listen too, drama just waits in the corner coming out every once and awhile to stir havoc.
Not sure how long this one will last, but yeah... It is time again.
February 15, 2013
SEAF
Music | Sugar Cane by Missy Higgans
I've been meaning to submit some of my work to the Seattle Erotic Art Festival for years. Finally, this is the year. Just paid the submission fee and now I have to pick up to 5 images. Very excited!
I've been meaning to submit some of my work to the Seattle Erotic Art Festival for years. Finally, this is the year. Just paid the submission fee and now I have to pick up to 5 images. Very excited!
February 09, 2013
2013 Portland Freedom Fighters
Music | When Doves Cry by Prince
15 portraits shot over a period of 2 days for the Portland Freedom Fighters exhibition which opens next week. I printed the photos today, matting and framing takes place tomorrow. I'm pretty proud of this project because it existence was born out of a conversation over the phone with the project coordinator. Initially, she wanted me to photograph the Freedom Fighters during an event where they would be interviewed by various students. I knew there were other photographers were going to be there to cover that angle, so I suggested doing the formal portraits instead.
Because this entire project is based off a more grass roots level, funding was going to be an issue. In order for these photographs to be shown, I really wanted professional prints made and that they would be matted and framed. Epson managed to come thru and donated all the paper and ink in order for me to be able to print the images myself. Roosevelt High School, where the students attend came thru for the frames and mats.
15 portraits shot over a period of 2 days for the Portland Freedom Fighters exhibition which opens next week. I printed the photos today, matting and framing takes place tomorrow. I'm pretty proud of this project because it existence was born out of a conversation over the phone with the project coordinator. Initially, she wanted me to photograph the Freedom Fighters during an event where they would be interviewed by various students. I knew there were other photographers were going to be there to cover that angle, so I suggested doing the formal portraits instead.
Because this entire project is based off a more grass roots level, funding was going to be an issue. In order for these photographs to be shown, I really wanted professional prints made and that they would be matted and framed. Epson managed to come thru and donated all the paper and ink in order for me to be able to print the images myself. Roosevelt High School, where the students attend came thru for the frames and mats.
February 06, 2013
Visions of Olivia...
Music | Lets Stay Together by Al Green
Spent the late morning, early afternoon with Olivia.
Spent the late morning, early afternoon with Olivia.
February 01, 2013
Au Revoir, Mon Amour
Music |
I should never say never, but it appears I have shot my last sheet of Polaroid Type 55 the other day. My good friend Tom Moratto recently found a partial box of the gold. He sold his 4x5 gear years ago, so offered me what he had left. Polaroid Type 55 was a very interesting film in that with one exposure, it gave both a positive print and a negative film at the same time. For optimum results, you usually had to expose for one or the other, but still, a fabulous combo within a product. I really believe it is one of the reasons I love Wet Plates so much. The immediacy, the imperfections and especially the borders, which I always left on for my prints.
There really is no reason not to shoot it as over time, it will go bad. My first few images I shot months ago were interesting, but for whatever reason, I only shot one or 2 exposures per sitting. The other day, I pulled out type 55 out of the drawer to shoot Aimée. It is harder this time to stop shooting, especially when the first exposure is nailed and you know it 30 seconds later. One after the other, seeing the print moments later fed us with excitement and 6 sheets later, it was gone...
I should never say never, but it appears I have shot my last sheet of Polaroid Type 55 the other day. My good friend Tom Moratto recently found a partial box of the gold. He sold his 4x5 gear years ago, so offered me what he had left. Polaroid Type 55 was a very interesting film in that with one exposure, it gave both a positive print and a negative film at the same time. For optimum results, you usually had to expose for one or the other, but still, a fabulous combo within a product. I really believe it is one of the reasons I love Wet Plates so much. The immediacy, the imperfections and especially the borders, which I always left on for my prints.
There really is no reason not to shoot it as over time, it will go bad. My first few images I shot months ago were interesting, but for whatever reason, I only shot one or 2 exposures per sitting. The other day, I pulled out type 55 out of the drawer to shoot Aimée. It is harder this time to stop shooting, especially when the first exposure is nailed and you know it 30 seconds later. One after the other, seeing the print moments later fed us with excitement and 6 sheets later, it was gone...
January 31, 2013
Flesh for Eve
Music | Flesh for Eve by Jun Miyake
On the edge of consciousness, I felt layers coming over me, completing me. Like a translucent sweater floating upon me, I gathered substance. That voice put me in a trance of some sort, the harp adding more to my existence. I'm traveling thru... over land and sea, thru time... I'm moving to a new or just another dimension...
I haven't had much rest today. I had an early start and maybe 3 hours to rest in the afternoon before I had to work again. On my feet today more than in a long time. Because of sleep apnea, I'm not resting well anyway. I go thru often what I call being on the edge of consciousness, or maybe the other side of consciousness where I am free. It is where brilliant ideas come from, I know it. But when I start to return, my state of mind turns from ethereal to reality, blocking away like bricks those floaty things just on the other side of my conscious mind. I need feathers, not bricks...
On the edge of consciousness, I felt layers coming over me, completing me. Like a translucent sweater floating upon me, I gathered substance. That voice put me in a trance of some sort, the harp adding more to my existence. I'm traveling thru... over land and sea, thru time... I'm moving to a new or just another dimension...
I haven't had much rest today. I had an early start and maybe 3 hours to rest in the afternoon before I had to work again. On my feet today more than in a long time. Because of sleep apnea, I'm not resting well anyway. I go thru often what I call being on the edge of consciousness, or maybe the other side of consciousness where I am free. It is where brilliant ideas come from, I know it. But when I start to return, my state of mind turns from ethereal to reality, blocking away like bricks those floaty things just on the other side of my conscious mind. I need feathers, not bricks...
January 30, 2013
Negative - Positive
Music | Some Chords by Deadmau5
Traversing back in time, today I shot a few sheets of paper negatives on both the Rolleiflex and the Chamonix. Turns out the smaller 2.5 square neg came out better than the 4x5. I scanned the neg, opened the file in Photoshop and just inverted the image. No adjustment.
I'm really surprised at how much the shadows held details. Though this is a digital conversion to positive, I'm really looking forward to making a contact print. Though small, I think it will be interesting to see an all analogue processed print.
Paper neg from a Rolleiflex. 2.5 in sq.
Paper positive from a Rolleiflex. 2.5 in sq.
The ultimate finish with the paper negative is to make contact prints on real silver based paper. I'm hoping to be able to finish thie process in its entirety, soon...
Traversing back in time, today I shot a few sheets of paper negatives on both the Rolleiflex and the Chamonix. Turns out the smaller 2.5 square neg came out better than the 4x5. I scanned the neg, opened the file in Photoshop and just inverted the image. No adjustment.
I'm really surprised at how much the shadows held details. Though this is a digital conversion to positive, I'm really looking forward to making a contact print. Though small, I think it will be interesting to see an all analogue processed print.
Paper neg from a Rolleiflex. 2.5 in sq.
Paper positive from a Rolleiflex. 2.5 in sq.
The ultimate finish with the paper negative is to make contact prints on real silver based paper. I'm hoping to be able to finish thie process in its entirety, soon...
January 29, 2013
Silver Base
Music | Everlasting by Rufus and Chaka Khan
Along with shooting a smaller format with the Rolleiflex, the idea of shooting with my 8x10 Century in Wet Plates, I've decided to try one more interest to add to my plate. The transition to shooting paper negatives isn't too far off from my wet plates. I'll start off using the 4x5 with regular film holders to hold the paper negs. Since I will be making either contact prints or scanning and making digital prints, I won't need a full fledged darkroom. In fact, the only thing I needed to go this route is to buy paper and developer!
I'm hoping to get some testing in tomorrow!
It has been so long that I worked with Dektol and Ilford. The aroma alone will send me back in time, when I had a darkroom, printing til 4 or 5 in the morning... It is interesting making a circle of sorts in my photographic career. Nice to know, I've traveled a long way!
Along with shooting a smaller format with the Rolleiflex, the idea of shooting with my 8x10 Century in Wet Plates, I've decided to try one more interest to add to my plate. The transition to shooting paper negatives isn't too far off from my wet plates. I'll start off using the 4x5 with regular film holders to hold the paper negs. Since I will be making either contact prints or scanning and making digital prints, I won't need a full fledged darkroom. In fact, the only thing I needed to go this route is to buy paper and developer!
I'm hoping to get some testing in tomorrow!
It has been so long that I worked with Dektol and Ilford. The aroma alone will send me back in time, when I had a darkroom, printing til 4 or 5 in the morning... It is interesting making a circle of sorts in my photographic career. Nice to know, I've traveled a long way!
January 22, 2013
Almost Paris...
Music | La Vie en Rose by Edith Piaf
So I've had this fantasy that one day, when I'm just a little older, I would move to Paris and have my atelier in a 2 or 3 story walk up. From the street below, you can see the huge picture window that allows the Northern Light to stream upon the studio set where an old theatre backdrop hangs along with a few large format cameras in front of it. When you are lucky, you can see a woman from the street covered partially by my big black overcoat as she gazes out over the city. The locals by now know me as the eccentric Asian who comes out on occasion to have an espresso and croissant at the corner café or at the Jazz club just down the street sipping on a glass of single malt scotch...
Aimée
We had shot a version just before this one where I didn't get enough fill in the shadows. Aimée had slipped on my overcoat to stay warm as we viewed the plate as it was washing... As we walked back onto the set to try our 2nd shot, she dropped off the coat, got into her pose... Suddenly, seeing her, for a brief second, I was there, in my atelier, with the Northern light, the smell of partially burnt coffee with Edith Piaf singing in the back ground...
Too much? Maybe, but it is my fantasy...
:-)
So I've had this fantasy that one day, when I'm just a little older, I would move to Paris and have my atelier in a 2 or 3 story walk up. From the street below, you can see the huge picture window that allows the Northern Light to stream upon the studio set where an old theatre backdrop hangs along with a few large format cameras in front of it. When you are lucky, you can see a woman from the street covered partially by my big black overcoat as she gazes out over the city. The locals by now know me as the eccentric Asian who comes out on occasion to have an espresso and croissant at the corner café or at the Jazz club just down the street sipping on a glass of single malt scotch...
AiméeWe had shot a version just before this one where I didn't get enough fill in the shadows. Aimée had slipped on my overcoat to stay warm as we viewed the plate as it was washing... As we walked back onto the set to try our 2nd shot, she dropped off the coat, got into her pose... Suddenly, seeing her, for a brief second, I was there, in my atelier, with the Northern light, the smell of partially burnt coffee with Edith Piaf singing in the back ground...
Too much? Maybe, but it is my fantasy...
:-)
January 20, 2013
Images and Memories...
Music | Province by TV on the Radio
Anne and Ellie
Many times while shooting a family portrait, I often think about how the image relates to time... I think of photographs of my Mom and Dad from before I was born from the family album that are embedded in my head. For whatever reason, particular pictures act as icons that represent a person, that leaves important memories.
I still think the act of photography, the intention of stealing time is an incredible feat. Often over looked, taken for granted, we don't think about the incredible power there is in a photograph. With the way we are now accustomed to snapping away at our hearts content, the magic seems to have been misplaced...
What becomes accessible suddenly becomes mundane. What was once unique, that suddenly becomes the norm becomes of lessor value. Capturing time is and always will be as important as much as it sounds absurd.
I hope in the future, 5... 10... 25 years from now, as with all the portraits I've shoot, not only will the subjects have fond memories, important memories, a flavor of what it was like when the image was taken, but maybe some of the viewers as well... a family member, friend or acquaintance ...
Anne and Ellie
Many times while shooting a family portrait, I often think about how the image relates to time... I think of photographs of my Mom and Dad from before I was born from the family album that are embedded in my head. For whatever reason, particular pictures act as icons that represent a person, that leaves important memories.
I still think the act of photography, the intention of stealing time is an incredible feat. Often over looked, taken for granted, we don't think about the incredible power there is in a photograph. With the way we are now accustomed to snapping away at our hearts content, the magic seems to have been misplaced...
What becomes accessible suddenly becomes mundane. What was once unique, that suddenly becomes the norm becomes of lessor value. Capturing time is and always will be as important as much as it sounds absurd.
I hope in the future, 5... 10... 25 years from now, as with all the portraits I've shoot, not only will the subjects have fond memories, important memories, a flavor of what it was like when the image was taken, but maybe some of the viewers as well... a family member, friend or acquaintance ...
January 12, 2013
Give and Receive...
Music | The Truth by Handsome Boy Modeling School
Some people bring out a conduciveness to collaborate. Jenn had only sat for one other photographer before we got together. She readily admitted that she had no ideas or what to do and sometimes that can be really difficult. We started out a little stiff, but as she found it easier to work with me and was able to interpret my words to her actions, things began to roll. Our first plate was a winner and as she saw the result, she quickly built confidence. This was the last plate of the session, it is by far not only the best plate of the evening, but one of the nicest pieces I've shot with a Wet Plate.
Sa Jouet
Some people bring out a conduciveness to collaborate. Jenn had only sat for one other photographer before we got together. She readily admitted that she had no ideas or what to do and sometimes that can be really difficult. We started out a little stiff, but as she found it easier to work with me and was able to interpret my words to her actions, things began to roll. Our first plate was a winner and as she saw the result, she quickly built confidence. This was the last plate of the session, it is by far not only the best plate of the evening, but one of the nicest pieces I've shot with a Wet Plate.
Sa Jouet
January 10, 2013
Balance
Music | Beautiful by Garbage
I knew working with Irish was going to be something special. A saw fellow photographer, Mr. Christopher Perez's renditions of her and their collaborations were wonderful!
We could have honestly gone thru the entire shoot without having to say a word. I love that concept, communicating without words. But, this was our first time together and out of mutual respect, we did the word thing... In the future, I will propose to her to do a shoot and simply not talk.
As we drove to the shooting space, she was telling me about her idea of black witch, white witch. Her personality I will say comes thru in the photos. Her imagination is amazing and merely the ideas she proposed sounded great to me. Opposing forces or just the forces that be to create balance was a great concept to start with. I didn't have any hesitation of letting Irish just go and do her thing.
We did a total of 6 plates last night and each and every one of them could be hung up on the walls. I can only wish that the images on the plates translated the amazing quality on screen, but it just isn't so...
White Witch
Black Witch
I knew working with Irish was going to be something special. A saw fellow photographer, Mr. Christopher Perez's renditions of her and their collaborations were wonderful!
We could have honestly gone thru the entire shoot without having to say a word. I love that concept, communicating without words. But, this was our first time together and out of mutual respect, we did the word thing... In the future, I will propose to her to do a shoot and simply not talk.
As we drove to the shooting space, she was telling me about her idea of black witch, white witch. Her personality I will say comes thru in the photos. Her imagination is amazing and merely the ideas she proposed sounded great to me. Opposing forces or just the forces that be to create balance was a great concept to start with. I didn't have any hesitation of letting Irish just go and do her thing.
We did a total of 6 plates last night and each and every one of them could be hung up on the walls. I can only wish that the images on the plates translated the amazing quality on screen, but it just isn't so...
White Witch
Black Witch
January 07, 2013
January 04, 2013
Anticipation
Music | I Have Seen by Zero 7
In conjunction to my last post and to expound on the title, Why I Love What I Do, as we become more and more reliant on technology - to get the things we want, I'm feeling much more at home in doing my Wet Plates. I've been down that road of explaining why I love to get my hands dirty, smelling the aroma of the various fumes, taking chemicals and combining them to help create what I love...
I've spent close to 4 years now slowly learning the process, gathering my materials, building with my hands, trading and buying my equipment. I've made sacrifices and dealt with a lot of POS moments to move forward and keep trying to get to that feeling of seeing an image emerge from nothingness... I realize it is that moment of anticipation is what I live for...
... nothingness ...
In conjunction to my last post and to expound on the title, Why I Love What I Do, as we become more and more reliant on technology - to get the things we want, I'm feeling much more at home in doing my Wet Plates. I've been down that road of explaining why I love to get my hands dirty, smelling the aroma of the various fumes, taking chemicals and combining them to help create what I love...
I've spent close to 4 years now slowly learning the process, gathering my materials, building with my hands, trading and buying my equipment. I've made sacrifices and dealt with a lot of POS moments to move forward and keep trying to get to that feeling of seeing an image emerge from nothingness... I realize it is that moment of anticipation is what I live for...
... nothingness ...
Why I Love What I Do
Music | Soon it Will Be Cold Enough to Build Fires by Emancipator
Canon is coming out with a new camera this year that is based on a dslr that shoots video as well. Thought that isn't big news these days, this camera, the Canon D1 C enables the user to pull images out of the video rendering you with a high quality high resolution file. So while you are shooting video of an event, you can pull a single frame out and print a nice 16x20 inch print. No longer will you need to worry about timing of the smile, or capturing the pinnacle moment of a kiss during a wedding. Technology has reached a point where serendipity will no longer be serendipitous... The challenge just became 95% easier...
My appreciation of what I do has become more acute after hearing about what this new technology can do. Almost 5 years ago, when I decided that digital photography was not where my heart was, I must have had an inkling that taking pictures would come to this. We had joked that taking photos off video would relinquish the need for still photography.
It appears that the appreciation for photography has taken another big hit. However, I do wonder where this turn of events will take us. I remember hearing about how the computer was supposed to make our lives easier and much more efficient. I know for me, it has turned into a time hog. Seems like my watch, maybe a date book / address book suited me very well. Instead of simplicity, I think things are way more complicated...
Canon is coming out with a new camera this year that is based on a dslr that shoots video as well. Thought that isn't big news these days, this camera, the Canon D1 C enables the user to pull images out of the video rendering you with a high quality high resolution file. So while you are shooting video of an event, you can pull a single frame out and print a nice 16x20 inch print. No longer will you need to worry about timing of the smile, or capturing the pinnacle moment of a kiss during a wedding. Technology has reached a point where serendipity will no longer be serendipitous... The challenge just became 95% easier...
My appreciation of what I do has become more acute after hearing about what this new technology can do. Almost 5 years ago, when I decided that digital photography was not where my heart was, I must have had an inkling that taking pictures would come to this. We had joked that taking photos off video would relinquish the need for still photography.
It appears that the appreciation for photography has taken another big hit. However, I do wonder where this turn of events will take us. I remember hearing about how the computer was supposed to make our lives easier and much more efficient. I know for me, it has turned into a time hog. Seems like my watch, maybe a date book / address book suited me very well. Instead of simplicity, I think things are way more complicated...
December 30, 2012
Patience...
Music | Dusk by Andrew Hill
Jessica
Almost 2 years have passed since I had an idea of getting this image of Jessica. And only by chance did I find she was back in town for me to ask for her to sit. Short notice and all, everything fell into place.
A more clear depiction of an amazing tattoo
Jessica
Almost 2 years have passed since I had an idea of getting this image of Jessica. And only by chance did I find she was back in town for me to ask for her to sit. Short notice and all, everything fell into place.
A more clear depiction of an amazing tattoo
December 14, 2012
Photo Lyceum
Music | This World by Zero 7
Several times a year, Ray Bidegain hosts Photo Lyceum. A gathering of some very talented photographers which on this occasion included, Susan de Witt, Evan Schneider, Jody Ake, Peter Gomena, Clarke Galusha, and Brandon Fernandez. Missing in action was Robert George.
Wednesday night was one of those special occasions. As per tradition, we start the evening with drink and great conversation. Into dinner, single malt scotch, the showing of images (which we all are required to bring), dessert and more images and more drink...
Wine, French Onion Soup, Lamb, potatoes and green beans...
The bottle of the evening...
Great shot by Evan Schneider
I'm realizing the conversation, FOOD and photography are on equal footing for these gatherings.
Several times a year, Ray Bidegain hosts Photo Lyceum. A gathering of some very talented photographers which on this occasion included, Susan de Witt, Evan Schneider, Jody Ake, Peter Gomena, Clarke Galusha, and Brandon Fernandez. Missing in action was Robert George.
Wednesday night was one of those special occasions. As per tradition, we start the evening with drink and great conversation. Into dinner, single malt scotch, the showing of images (which we all are required to bring), dessert and more images and more drink...
Wine, French Onion Soup, Lamb, potatoes and green beans...
The bottle of the evening...
Great shot by Evan Schneider
I'm realizing the conversation, FOOD and photography are on equal footing for these gatherings.
December 10, 2012
Gel Transfer
Music | Feel Good inc. by Gorillaz
I just recently wrote about the fact that I try and concentrate on one thing while in the learning phase, but I saw some images that Susan DeWitt had posted on Face Book. All ready renowned for her Lith Printing technique, she posted some images via a new technique that was reminiscent of Polaroid Transfer. Dreamy and impressionistic, tactile and a bit raw, I was immediately drawn.
I had asked her if she could give me some tips to get me going and she invited me over as she was giving a demo to another photographer, Philip B. Bowser. It was fantastic that I was able to piggy back on this workshop.
Susan went thru the process by showing how she went about her work flow several times. Both Philip and I got to make are own as well. Susan printed our digital transfer film, but we both made our own prints. As expected, since we had a great teacher, we both made perfect prints to take home...
btw, this image was made into a 7x7 inch print from a file I had on my phone which was 82k in size. There is just a hint of pixalation on the final print.
I just recently wrote about the fact that I try and concentrate on one thing while in the learning phase, but I saw some images that Susan DeWitt had posted on Face Book. All ready renowned for her Lith Printing technique, she posted some images via a new technique that was reminiscent of Polaroid Transfer. Dreamy and impressionistic, tactile and a bit raw, I was immediately drawn.
I had asked her if she could give me some tips to get me going and she invited me over as she was giving a demo to another photographer, Philip B. Bowser. It was fantastic that I was able to piggy back on this workshop.
Susan went thru the process by showing how she went about her work flow several times. Both Philip and I got to make are own as well. Susan printed our digital transfer film, but we both made our own prints. As expected, since we had a great teacher, we both made perfect prints to take home...
btw, this image was made into a 7x7 inch print from a file I had on my phone which was 82k in size. There is just a hint of pixalation on the final print.
50
Music | The Here and After by Jun Miyake
half a century... and as i get older, it appears time moves faster and faster.
some things i feel i know, wisdom of time and such.
i fall in love without knowing if it is true, here i am still a child.
time, time for thought
what i've accomplished, what i haven't and proclivities of desires...
some things appear important and i ask, are they?
wisdom asks the same, so i go on wondering.
often visiting the brain - could have and should have?
left or right, yes or no?
the question becomes tiresome
i need to keep moving, creating, living. no room for fatigue.
--
50... reflection, lots of reflection.
it has been good, with some serious rough spots.
i learn, i don't learn, i ignore, i act.
i've all ready helped create my most magnificent gift to the world
and i know i have to let go. she is her own now.
so proud am i, i don't need to give more.
on the way down i know. eyes, muscles, joints feel it.
future, past... future, fear.
it is no different from when the child was a child.
but now i have wisdom
but like the child, can i move forward without looking back?
half a century... and as i get older, it appears time moves faster and faster.
some things i feel i know, wisdom of time and such.
i fall in love without knowing if it is true, here i am still a child.
time, time for thought
what i've accomplished, what i haven't and proclivities of desires...
some things appear important and i ask, are they?
wisdom asks the same, so i go on wondering.
often visiting the brain - could have and should have?
left or right, yes or no?
the question becomes tiresome
i need to keep moving, creating, living. no room for fatigue.
--
50... reflection, lots of reflection.
it has been good, with some serious rough spots.
i learn, i don't learn, i ignore, i act.
i've all ready helped create my most magnificent gift to the world
and i know i have to let go. she is her own now.
so proud am i, i don't need to give more.
on the way down i know. eyes, muscles, joints feel it.
future, past... future, fear.
it is no different from when the child was a child.
but now i have wisdom
but like the child, can i move forward without looking back?
December 09, 2012
Thank You, Epson
Music | Aisha by John Coltrane
As posted before regarding the Freedom Fighter shoot 3 weeks ago, I was invited to be apart of the traveling exhibition. My only stipulation was that I wanted to get the images printed professionally and that they would be matted and framed.
I took the initiative to get the ball rolling for sponsorship and contacted Epson to see if they would supply ink and paper. I decided I would print the images myself to save on labor costs. Mid day Friday, I found out that Epson has accepted my proposal and will be sending me ink and very nice paper to print these images.
Thank you, Epson.
As posted before regarding the Freedom Fighter shoot 3 weeks ago, I was invited to be apart of the traveling exhibition. My only stipulation was that I wanted to get the images printed professionally and that they would be matted and framed.
I took the initiative to get the ball rolling for sponsorship and contacted Epson to see if they would supply ink and paper. I decided I would print the images myself to save on labor costs. Mid day Friday, I found out that Epson has accepted my proposal and will be sending me ink and very nice paper to print these images.
Thank you, Epson.
December 06, 2012
~~ Your Very Own Wet Plate Collodion ~~
Music | When Love Calls by Atlantic Starr
2.5 inch square framed Wet Plate Collodion
As Posted on Facebook...
Have an original Wet Plate Collodion Portrait done for yourself or friend as a Holiday gift.
This is your chance to have a portrait created in a historic manner that can't be duplicated digitally. These one of a kind Tin Types are processed just the way it was done over 150 years ago. All plates are 2.5 inches square and will be matted, mounted in a wooden 5x7 inch black frame.
Give a gift to yourself, family or friend in a most unique way. This holiday special goes on until December 21st. Contact me directly thru Facebook to book your date.
--
2.5 inch Framed Plate (1-2 people) $65.
Additional plates can be purchased at the time of your sitting for an additional $55.
Portrait session for a single image will take approximately 30 minutes.
All images will be delivered the following day of the shoot.
2.5 inch square framed Wet Plate Collodion
As Posted on Facebook...
Have an original Wet Plate Collodion Portrait done for yourself or friend as a Holiday gift.
This is your chance to have a portrait created in a historic manner that can't be duplicated digitally. These one of a kind Tin Types are processed just the way it was done over 150 years ago. All plates are 2.5 inches square and will be matted, mounted in a wooden 5x7 inch black frame.
Give a gift to yourself, family or friend in a most unique way. This holiday special goes on until December 21st. Contact me directly thru Facebook to book your date.
--
2.5 inch Framed Plate (1-2 people) $65.
Additional plates can be purchased at the time of your sitting for an additional $55.
Portrait session for a single image will take approximately 30 minutes.
All images will be delivered the following day of the shoot.
December 05, 2012
square
Music | Butterfly by Floetry
I've always tried to keep things simple, especially when going thru a learning process. I've been shooting Wet Plates for about three and half years now, and though I know I've gotten better, I still have so much to learn, understand why some things happen sometimes and other not...
A month ago, I thought it would be interesting to make smaller plates, mostly so I could sell my art at a more affordable price. Also, plates that were smaller in stature I thought would be easier to part with.
So now I make things a little more complicated by introducing a smaller format, with other new things to learn and figure out. I still get the same joy out of shooting the plates thru the Rolleiflex. The plates, petite, but still with a lot of presence. I've been happy the more I shoot and figure out a smooth workflow.
What I really love is that the quantity of my materials go a long way! With most people, bigger and bigger their pieces go, I've been happy shooting 4 x 5 and now 2.5 x 2.5. I screwed up 2 plates, for a total of 10 for yesterdays session. Looking at the bottle of collodion, it appeared like the same quantity was in the little bottle.
I just varnished the 8 plates this morning and admiring my little gems. Besides the still lifes I shoot with this smaller format, I'm not sure what I will do with my portraits and nudes.
The only issue now that I have is the desire to shoot both 4 x 5 and the smaller square format. Kind of the same dilemma when I started shooting wet plates in the beginning. I felt the need to shoot both digital and the plates... I've learned of course I don't need to, but I think this one will be a bit harder to commit to...
I've always tried to keep things simple, especially when going thru a learning process. I've been shooting Wet Plates for about three and half years now, and though I know I've gotten better, I still have so much to learn, understand why some things happen sometimes and other not...
A month ago, I thought it would be interesting to make smaller plates, mostly so I could sell my art at a more affordable price. Also, plates that were smaller in stature I thought would be easier to part with.
So now I make things a little more complicated by introducing a smaller format, with other new things to learn and figure out. I still get the same joy out of shooting the plates thru the Rolleiflex. The plates, petite, but still with a lot of presence. I've been happy the more I shoot and figure out a smooth workflow.
What I really love is that the quantity of my materials go a long way! With most people, bigger and bigger their pieces go, I've been happy shooting 4 x 5 and now 2.5 x 2.5. I screwed up 2 plates, for a total of 10 for yesterdays session. Looking at the bottle of collodion, it appeared like the same quantity was in the little bottle.
I just varnished the 8 plates this morning and admiring my little gems. Besides the still lifes I shoot with this smaller format, I'm not sure what I will do with my portraits and nudes.
The only issue now that I have is the desire to shoot both 4 x 5 and the smaller square format. Kind of the same dilemma when I started shooting wet plates in the beginning. I felt the need to shoot both digital and the plates... I've learned of course I don't need to, but I think this one will be a bit harder to commit to...
December 04, 2012
A New Muse | A New Format
Music | Over by Portishead
Aimée and a Rolleiflex with plate back adapter to shoot 2.5 inch wet plate collodions...
If today is an indication, working with Aimée may become a more regular occurence. Besides being stunningly beautiful, our aesthetics of the creative process is similar.
Working with the Rolleiflex and wet plates will be a more difficult task. I am quite pleased however with the results of today.
A great way to start 2 new relationships...
Aimée and a Rolleiflex with plate back adapter to shoot 2.5 inch wet plate collodions...
If today is an indication, working with Aimée may become a more regular occurence. Besides being stunningly beautiful, our aesthetics of the creative process is similar.
Working with the Rolleiflex and wet plates will be a more difficult task. I am quite pleased however with the results of today.
A great way to start 2 new relationships...
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