November 02, 2006
October 30, 2006
October 27, 2006
Exploration...
Music | Razor Sharp by Collide
This year hasn't been a successful year for business growth, but I've been staying busy creatively like I haven't been in quite some time. I ran with the flow, pushed to keep the ball rolling when things slowed down, but in the last few months, I've been feeling somewhat empty on the creative end as well. I've tried a few techniques to get me going again, but I seemed only to be following a path, not intended for me.
The other day, my brutha from anotha mutha, Randy sent me an email recommending this movie for me to check out. I hadn't heard of it before and all he sent was a netflix description. Maybe 5 sentences at most with who the 2 main characters were the only thing enclosed. The story line was intriguing and suddenly, the light bulb lit up. How brilliant would it be to create my own interpreted story line with just still photos from just the description. The brilliant part of this is that it creates multiple photo opportunites for me to complete, forces me to collaborate with others and allows me to create a story within an outline that everyone involved in the shoot will have some understanding of.
I've always loved looking at movie stills. I've spent hours dissecting them and trying to define what makes those stills have that cinematic aura? I've been trying to discover that secret to somehow instill in my own photographs.
This project will enable me to physically start my own exploration into this mystery.
When the idea came up, I immediately posted ads on the internet for people that might be interested in this project. The ad reads as follows -
"I'm going thru a creative journey where I need a woman and man, attractive with some time on their hands and don't mind being photographed, usually separately. There is no sleazy connotations I'm trying to capture, only to recreate thru stills a description of movies I have not seen.
This is an exercise I'm trying to work on to get me behind the camera and think in a new way. I'm hoping this will enable me to come up with a body of work, a project that has a beginning, middle and end.
So, if you have time on your hands, have a sense of style and would like to be photographed, send me photos of yourself. I'd love to have your input as well.
Thanks for reading... "
The responses are not flooding in, but all ready I've had some interesting interested parties. I'm excited at the prospects of this idea and where it will take me. New territory!
This year hasn't been a successful year for business growth, but I've been staying busy creatively like I haven't been in quite some time. I ran with the flow, pushed to keep the ball rolling when things slowed down, but in the last few months, I've been feeling somewhat empty on the creative end as well. I've tried a few techniques to get me going again, but I seemed only to be following a path, not intended for me.
The other day, my brutha from anotha mutha, Randy sent me an email recommending this movie for me to check out. I hadn't heard of it before and all he sent was a netflix description. Maybe 5 sentences at most with who the 2 main characters were the only thing enclosed. The story line was intriguing and suddenly, the light bulb lit up. How brilliant would it be to create my own interpreted story line with just still photos from just the description. The brilliant part of this is that it creates multiple photo opportunites for me to complete, forces me to collaborate with others and allows me to create a story within an outline that everyone involved in the shoot will have some understanding of.
I've always loved looking at movie stills. I've spent hours dissecting them and trying to define what makes those stills have that cinematic aura? I've been trying to discover that secret to somehow instill in my own photographs.
This project will enable me to physically start my own exploration into this mystery.
When the idea came up, I immediately posted ads on the internet for people that might be interested in this project. The ad reads as follows -
"I'm going thru a creative journey where I need a woman and man, attractive with some time on their hands and don't mind being photographed, usually separately. There is no sleazy connotations I'm trying to capture, only to recreate thru stills a description of movies I have not seen.
This is an exercise I'm trying to work on to get me behind the camera and think in a new way. I'm hoping this will enable me to come up with a body of work, a project that has a beginning, middle and end.
So, if you have time on your hands, have a sense of style and would like to be photographed, send me photos of yourself. I'd love to have your input as well.
Thanks for reading... "
The responses are not flooding in, but all ready I've had some interesting interested parties. I'm excited at the prospects of this idea and where it will take me. New territory!
October 24, 2006
October 21, 2006
Fall
Music | Mu-Getsu by DJ Krush and Toshinori Kondo
The day was fantastic. Not a cloud in the sky, the tempurature hovered in the low 70's, an amazing autumn day...
The day was fantastic. Not a cloud in the sky, the tempurature hovered in the low 70's, an amazing autumn day...
October 20, 2006
Sonny Rollins
A living Jazz Giant from the 50's Sonny Rollins has enlightend and led the jazz scene from then and now. I encourage you to listen to the audio in this article, both short cuts from an interview and his music from an upcoming album. I personally can't wait!
Sonny Rollins - Music - Report - New York Times
Sonny Rollins - Music - Report - New York Times
October 14, 2006
Salvation
Music | Ujamma by Archie Shepp
The blue of the oncoming evening was enhanced by the amber lights along the St. John's Bridge. It is still early, but the dark comes much earlier than the last time I wrote about this typical ride I often did in the middle of summer. I hit 3rd and 4th gear flying over the Willamette. The air is brisk, sharp against my cheeks where the wind hits the bare skin. I'm all ready prepping myself for a bone chilling cold, the type where you can only experience with self inflicted wind chill. It is dark, only my head light lighting the ever turning road, climbing up. I'm not at all familiar with this ride. I'm overly cautious, due to slower reflexes from the cold and the limited view. I keep the fear of deer crossing out of my head. There has been a spill of some sort, tracking the middle of the lane. I have no idea what it is, only using all my concentration to not be ontop of it thru a curve. "It isn't oil," I keep telling myself, but the fear keeps creeping in my head. It seems this streak of liquid lasts for miles, but finally, suddenly disappears. Finally a sense of freedeom, I open up the throttle, smooth transitions thru the gears, up shifting, down shifting, braking and throttling. A few miles go by and I don't remember a thing.
I'm enjoying myself, high off the last few miles, but getting colder. I still opt for the longer ride to my destination, my café on NW 23rd. I'm imagining the Americano, inside in the warmth. I can't get back into the groove, the road is being repaved and I can barely see anything. Ironically, the ride is suddenly over as I hit the stop lights where civilization abruptly begins. I'm glad it is over. A mile or so down the business strip, surpriingly not crowded for a Saturday night, but it is still early. I write, I drink my americano and I warm.
The blue of the oncoming evening was enhanced by the amber lights along the St. John's Bridge. It is still early, but the dark comes much earlier than the last time I wrote about this typical ride I often did in the middle of summer. I hit 3rd and 4th gear flying over the Willamette. The air is brisk, sharp against my cheeks where the wind hits the bare skin. I'm all ready prepping myself for a bone chilling cold, the type where you can only experience with self inflicted wind chill. It is dark, only my head light lighting the ever turning road, climbing up. I'm not at all familiar with this ride. I'm overly cautious, due to slower reflexes from the cold and the limited view. I keep the fear of deer crossing out of my head. There has been a spill of some sort, tracking the middle of the lane. I have no idea what it is, only using all my concentration to not be ontop of it thru a curve. "It isn't oil," I keep telling myself, but the fear keeps creeping in my head. It seems this streak of liquid lasts for miles, but finally, suddenly disappears. Finally a sense of freedeom, I open up the throttle, smooth transitions thru the gears, up shifting, down shifting, braking and throttling. A few miles go by and I don't remember a thing.
I'm enjoying myself, high off the last few miles, but getting colder. I still opt for the longer ride to my destination, my café on NW 23rd. I'm imagining the Americano, inside in the warmth. I can't get back into the groove, the road is being repaved and I can barely see anything. Ironically, the ride is suddenly over as I hit the stop lights where civilization abruptly begins. I'm glad it is over. A mile or so down the business strip, surpriingly not crowded for a Saturday night, but it is still early. I write, I drink my americano and I warm.
October 11, 2006
Blondie Boy...
Music | All Blues by Miles Davis
Asta is getting back to normal. He not only had pneumonia, but had some sort of vicious worm in his system as well. If you knew Asta, you would never know him as being lethargic. For more than 3 weeks, the little energy ball had no inclination to do anything, or eat anything. According to the vet, it wasn't looking good for him to even survive. But with medication, he slowly has come out of the veil. His energy level isn't where it used to be, but he also is 9 years old...
Asta is getting back to normal. He not only had pneumonia, but had some sort of vicious worm in his system as well. If you knew Asta, you would never know him as being lethargic. For more than 3 weeks, the little energy ball had no inclination to do anything, or eat anything. According to the vet, it wasn't looking good for him to even survive. But with medication, he slowly has come out of the veil. His energy level isn't where it used to be, but he also is 9 years old...
October 10, 2006
Knowledge is Power
I haven't read an article in such a long time that had me reading and thinking so much at the same time. You can't help but to be opinionated while reading this, either strengthening or bringing down your own ideals. I'll have to go over this one a few times.
Susie Linfield: The Treacherous Medium
Susie Linfield: The Treacherous Medium
October 01, 2006
Irrational and Emotional...
Music | Now That We Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz
I am a member of various forums that relate to motorcyles, jazz, Volvo's, computers and of course photography. I rarely post, except to threads that I strongly disagree with or for ideas and concepts that aren't in the limelight. I think for the signal to noise ratio, which is always in favor of noise, I still believe there is often much to learn from various voices.
For once, I started a thread, for the sake of starting one. You know my relationship with my new printer is all ready a strong one. I wrote in my thread a post similar to what I would write in my blog. My experiences with my printer and how much joy it has brought me. I don't need to expound here...
Now I have to admit, I was trying to steer the thread to a creative path and how others feel about the output of their similar printers. How much it has inspired them as it has inspired me. I had the gall to think I would be able bring about creative communication... And in trying to "steer" the thread in that direction, I guess in the eyes of at least one reader, I was being irrational and emotional. At least that is what I got out of his response when I first read it. I suddenly got on a rampage and knew I shouldn't respond immedietly. After a few minutes, I did respond, much LESS emotional than what it was the prior minutes that I had let pass.
Anyway, I guess I could have been called many other things that I really wouldn't have appreciated. But as I think of those words in context to what the thread was about, I see it more as a peripheral compliment. I don't think the poster was trying to be insulting either. But when emotions run high, sometimes you don't see things clearly.
I am a member of various forums that relate to motorcyles, jazz, Volvo's, computers and of course photography. I rarely post, except to threads that I strongly disagree with or for ideas and concepts that aren't in the limelight. I think for the signal to noise ratio, which is always in favor of noise, I still believe there is often much to learn from various voices.
For once, I started a thread, for the sake of starting one. You know my relationship with my new printer is all ready a strong one. I wrote in my thread a post similar to what I would write in my blog. My experiences with my printer and how much joy it has brought me. I don't need to expound here...
Now I have to admit, I was trying to steer the thread to a creative path and how others feel about the output of their similar printers. How much it has inspired them as it has inspired me. I had the gall to think I would be able bring about creative communication... And in trying to "steer" the thread in that direction, I guess in the eyes of at least one reader, I was being irrational and emotional. At least that is what I got out of his response when I first read it. I suddenly got on a rampage and knew I shouldn't respond immedietly. After a few minutes, I did respond, much LESS emotional than what it was the prior minutes that I had let pass.
Anyway, I guess I could have been called many other things that I really wouldn't have appreciated. But as I think of those words in context to what the thread was about, I see it more as a peripheral compliment. I don't think the poster was trying to be insulting either. But when emotions run high, sometimes you don't see things clearly.
September 27, 2006
American History | Paranoia | Tokyo Rose
I lived in Chicago and had been to Toguri's many times, as a kid and adult. It wasn't until my late teens did I find out who this Tokyo Rose really was. Even back then did I realize the lameness of my education when it came to American History.
Here is to Iva Toguri D’Aquino, her persistance and lessons to seek out the truth.
D’Aquino, Convicted as Tokyo Rose, Dies at 90 - New York Times
Here is to Iva Toguri D’Aquino, her persistance and lessons to seek out the truth.
D’Aquino, Convicted as Tokyo Rose, Dies at 90 - New York Times
September 25, 2006
Home...
Music | Caravan by Ben Webster
It's so gratifying to be able to deliver prints again. There is so much care put into these pieces, it is almost sad to see them go. In the last week, I've delivered 3 images to clients. Today, I picked up one from the framers. I got to admire it for a few minutes before sending it out via fed ex. Last week, 2 images were printed and delivered. I got to see one of them out of context, it was being displayed during a couple's wedding and reception that I was covering.
The images are the same, it is the process that has changed. I feel so much more connected to what I am delivering. While shooting a lot of editorial since 2001, everything I delivered was electronic. A website of images for the client to select, followed by a CD or ftp to deliver the file. Shooting weddings got me back to delivering prints, but prints made with no love, no emotion. Sending my files out to a lab for someone else's interpretation to send my files thru a machine to make the prints, on paper that has the personality of a plastic utensil.
I used the word sensual to describe some of the prints I've made on fine art papers to a comrade who remembers the days of the darkroom and fibre based prints. I believe those days are back, full force and multiplied by 10. The tactile and aromatic senses of creating the print are no longer, but the ability to create dimensional, tonal images with depth and to be palpable in the hands are here to stay. It is nice to be home again...
It's so gratifying to be able to deliver prints again. There is so much care put into these pieces, it is almost sad to see them go. In the last week, I've delivered 3 images to clients. Today, I picked up one from the framers. I got to admire it for a few minutes before sending it out via fed ex. Last week, 2 images were printed and delivered. I got to see one of them out of context, it was being displayed during a couple's wedding and reception that I was covering.
The images are the same, it is the process that has changed. I feel so much more connected to what I am delivering. While shooting a lot of editorial since 2001, everything I delivered was electronic. A website of images for the client to select, followed by a CD or ftp to deliver the file. Shooting weddings got me back to delivering prints, but prints made with no love, no emotion. Sending my files out to a lab for someone else's interpretation to send my files thru a machine to make the prints, on paper that has the personality of a plastic utensil.
I used the word sensual to describe some of the prints I've made on fine art papers to a comrade who remembers the days of the darkroom and fibre based prints. I believe those days are back, full force and multiplied by 10. The tactile and aromatic senses of creating the print are no longer, but the ability to create dimensional, tonal images with depth and to be palpable in the hands are here to stay. It is nice to be home again...
September 22, 2006
Work of Art...
Music | Jagged Threads by Susie Ibarra Trio
In between sessions, I pulled the model off to the side and asked if she would pose for me. Timing was perfect as we got a good 20 minutes or so to work together without the client or other distractions. We clicked surprisingly well considering that we didn't have much intro time and she really had no idea where I wanted to go with the shoot. Actually, I didn't really have a direction either, other than working with the natural light and form of her body. I know the light well as I've used this studio several times in the past. And seeing the shape of this woman's body, I really wanted to get together. This is only one of several amazing shots we created together...
In between sessions, I pulled the model off to the side and asked if she would pose for me. Timing was perfect as we got a good 20 minutes or so to work together without the client or other distractions. We clicked surprisingly well considering that we didn't have much intro time and she really had no idea where I wanted to go with the shoot. Actually, I didn't really have a direction either, other than working with the natural light and form of her body. I know the light well as I've used this studio several times in the past. And seeing the shape of this woman's body, I really wanted to get together. This is only one of several amazing shots we created together...
September 19, 2006
Magic... again...
Music | Simple Things by Zero 7
It's 1 a.m. and I just finsihed a 13 x 17 inch print on a fine 100% rag paper. The image is of a nude I posted earlier, but to see it this size, on this paper, I'm now wide awake. Not only are the tones and shades and highlights and shadows, but the texture and the feel of this print simply beautiful.
Last week I finished a series of images for a portfolio bound in an album. As each image came out of the printer, I couldn't help but to be facinated. Images used to magically appear in a tray of developer. Now they come slowly out of the shadows of the printer and presents itself in the light. It is the same anticipation, the wait, the result.
It's 1 a.m. and I just finsihed a 13 x 17 inch print on a fine 100% rag paper. The image is of a nude I posted earlier, but to see it this size, on this paper, I'm now wide awake. Not only are the tones and shades and highlights and shadows, but the texture and the feel of this print simply beautiful.
Last week I finished a series of images for a portfolio bound in an album. As each image came out of the printer, I couldn't help but to be facinated. Images used to magically appear in a tray of developer. Now they come slowly out of the shadows of the printer and presents itself in the light. It is the same anticipation, the wait, the result.
September 14, 2006
over easy...
I felt compelled to write about this simple deed, only because it has been so long since I've had this type of "treat". I got up, and made breakfast. Not just cereal with milk, or a breakfast bar, or even oatmeal. This morning, I had eggs, sausage and toast with coffee (at home and not a café!). I can't remember the last time I've done this! I guess it helped to have all this at hand, I did recently get this stuff from the grocery... I have 2 more rounds of sausage, but need to get more eggs!
September 11, 2006
The Conscientious Deer...
Last minute plans are sometimes the best. I know that our fantastic weather days are numbered, so I've been putting in some heavy miles since I got the bike back together. Yesterday morning, I got up feeling well, considering the night before I thought I was really ill. Made a call to my buddy Bob to see if he would want to go out to Windy Ridge, a little more than a hop skip and a jump to Mount Saint Helens, but closer than many people ever get to that mountain. Bob was all ready on the road when I called, but he answered his phone while at a stop.
By around 8:30 or so, we hit I5 north to Hwy 14 in Washington. We talked about doing this trip earlier in the week, so we had a good idea on how to navigate the back roads. Our first stop was in Carson, where we topped off our tanks to take the journey to Windy Ridge.
"You meet the nicest people on a a motorcycle." That was the tag line of Honda, when they brought their motorcycles back in the 60's to sell to the American market. So true are those words. We met a family of bikers. A mom, dad and daughter trio, all riding sport bikes. The mom and dad sported bumblebee GSXR's and the daughter was on a beatiful blue version of Bob's bike, SV650. We graciously accepted a great map of the area from the Dad who knew these roads like the back of his hand.
After leaving Carson, north on Wind River Highway, in the distance I saw a strange shape that was moving. I quickly slowed and moved away into the opposite direction lane that was open. A very good sized deer calmly looked at me as I passed. The deer stayed to the side of the road until Bob passed, then scampered off across the road. Bob had just sent me photos of a biker who hit a deer and totalled his bike. He was well enough to take photos of the ugly event and we both had the images of the bike in our heads as we travelled on...
Around Curley Creek Road to FS25, we stopped at a very dramatic view of Mt. St. Helens from a distance. We again met up with the family riders, along with a slew of other bikers. It is such a cool feeling to see more motorcycles on road than cages.
Up FS25 to FS99 led us to our destination. The drop off on the un-railed roads didn't affect me until the way down, where a bad move could cost you the ultimate price. I'm so sure the scenery was amazing, but both up and the way down, I couldn't focus on anything but the road. Once we reached Windy Ridge, the view of Spirit Lake was just as astounding. The fallen trees are still clogging up a good portion of the lake, after over 26 years. New growth has made up for years of desolation, but you can still feel the power of what happened there.
The ride home was trying. The constant focus to form and technique down the challenging twists and turns put a toll on both B and I. We took a different route thru Couger, which was the only place in the area to feed our bikes with fuel again. Back to I5 near Woodlawn and the last sprint home.
We made the trip safely, but I always will think of the deer who allowed it to happen...
By around 8:30 or so, we hit I5 north to Hwy 14 in Washington. We talked about doing this trip earlier in the week, so we had a good idea on how to navigate the back roads. Our first stop was in Carson, where we topped off our tanks to take the journey to Windy Ridge.
"You meet the nicest people on a a motorcycle." That was the tag line of Honda, when they brought their motorcycles back in the 60's to sell to the American market. So true are those words. We met a family of bikers. A mom, dad and daughter trio, all riding sport bikes. The mom and dad sported bumblebee GSXR's and the daughter was on a beatiful blue version of Bob's bike, SV650. We graciously accepted a great map of the area from the Dad who knew these roads like the back of his hand.
After leaving Carson, north on Wind River Highway, in the distance I saw a strange shape that was moving. I quickly slowed and moved away into the opposite direction lane that was open. A very good sized deer calmly looked at me as I passed. The deer stayed to the side of the road until Bob passed, then scampered off across the road. Bob had just sent me photos of a biker who hit a deer and totalled his bike. He was well enough to take photos of the ugly event and we both had the images of the bike in our heads as we travelled on...
Around Curley Creek Road to FS25, we stopped at a very dramatic view of Mt. St. Helens from a distance. We again met up with the family riders, along with a slew of other bikers. It is such a cool feeling to see more motorcycles on road than cages.
Up FS25 to FS99 led us to our destination. The drop off on the un-railed roads didn't affect me until the way down, where a bad move could cost you the ultimate price. I'm so sure the scenery was amazing, but both up and the way down, I couldn't focus on anything but the road. Once we reached Windy Ridge, the view of Spirit Lake was just as astounding. The fallen trees are still clogging up a good portion of the lake, after over 26 years. New growth has made up for years of desolation, but you can still feel the power of what happened there.
The ride home was trying. The constant focus to form and technique down the challenging twists and turns put a toll on both B and I. We took a different route thru Couger, which was the only place in the area to feed our bikes with fuel again. Back to I5 near Woodlawn and the last sprint home.
We made the trip safely, but I always will think of the deer who allowed it to happen...
September 04, 2006
Photography and Motorcycling...
Music | Ode to Tip by Fred Anderson
For the past few days, I've been thinking of converting a motorcycle bag to carry my digital slr and a few lenses. Ratspike, a fellow rider and photographer was thinking the same. Since getting this printer, I've found much of what I photographed with my point and shoot is just not going to make it if I want to print large photographs. During morning coffee, we talked about what sort of bag would be best. A tank bag, tail bag, or what I ended up with, just a normal camera bag slung over my shoulder. I didn't think this would work out because of the weight, but if I'm only carrying one body and 2 primes, that might be managable.
So to test my basic idea, I went out on the bike this evening and rode to an industrial area where I knew I'd find some photography subjects. The bag stayed in place, and yet did not weigh down my shoulder where all of the weight was bearing. One lens mounted to the body, another lens in a seperate partition... easy out, easy in and the bag can always stay on me!
Having the ability to tie 2 very important aspects of my life together is going to be a creative blow out. I've all ready often ridden thru small towns with great old western architecture. Riding thru industry, there are so many textures I'd love to add to my library. Now I can ride and stop and photograph things that are not otherwise easily accesible.
On my short jaunt tonite...
I can see with my minds eye the once turquoise building in its heyday, now sun faded to its natural colour, only leaving traces of its history.
a scene out of a movie by my favorite director, Wim Wenders
A remarkable acheivement of hand holding this shot and being able to capture all the tonality. 1/4 second, wide open.
None of these photos would have been captured this evening without the motorcycle. I'm looking forward to more riding and more photography.
For the past few days, I've been thinking of converting a motorcycle bag to carry my digital slr and a few lenses. Ratspike, a fellow rider and photographer was thinking the same. Since getting this printer, I've found much of what I photographed with my point and shoot is just not going to make it if I want to print large photographs. During morning coffee, we talked about what sort of bag would be best. A tank bag, tail bag, or what I ended up with, just a normal camera bag slung over my shoulder. I didn't think this would work out because of the weight, but if I'm only carrying one body and 2 primes, that might be managable.
So to test my basic idea, I went out on the bike this evening and rode to an industrial area where I knew I'd find some photography subjects. The bag stayed in place, and yet did not weigh down my shoulder where all of the weight was bearing. One lens mounted to the body, another lens in a seperate partition... easy out, easy in and the bag can always stay on me!
Having the ability to tie 2 very important aspects of my life together is going to be a creative blow out. I've all ready often ridden thru small towns with great old western architecture. Riding thru industry, there are so many textures I'd love to add to my library. Now I can ride and stop and photograph things that are not otherwise easily accesible.
On my short jaunt tonite...
I can see with my minds eye the once turquoise building in its heyday, now sun faded to its natural colour, only leaving traces of its history.
a scene out of a movie by my favorite director, Wim Wenders
A remarkable acheivement of hand holding this shot and being able to capture all the tonality. 1/4 second, wide open.
None of these photos would have been captured this evening without the motorcycle. I'm looking forward to more riding and more photography.
September 01, 2006
#1
At this very café where I sit, I just made my very first transaction from an output from the 4800 printer. My first sale was of this image...
The print reproduced beautifully on thick stock matte paper. Though it was a sale, and though I can easily make another, as I was packaging the print up, I didn't feel remorse, but sad, but a good kind of melancholy. At this point, I'll be getting more materials to keep on printing. More ink tanks, more paper... more paper... more paper!
The print reproduced beautifully on thick stock matte paper. Though it was a sale, and though I can easily make another, as I was packaging the print up, I didn't feel remorse, but sad, but a good kind of melancholy. At this point, I'll be getting more materials to keep on printing. More ink tanks, more paper... more paper... more paper!
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