June 29, 2010
What Used Yo Be, Just Isn't So Anymore...
Music | Sudden Intake by The Black Dog
So as I move forward with the Wet Plate Collodion, I'm finding that my flaws are not as acceptable as they used to be. Other than merely capturing an image on the plate, I now want to at least have the knowledge in my head upon how to achieve the "almost" flawless plate. I still love the unpredictable nature of this medium, but seeing what others have accomplished, I know I'm not even close. This is a true test of my patience...
Earlier this week, Sherry came by and spent a few hours at the new North Light Studio. I'm getting to know the light better here and am noticing some of its nuances. So long as the wind doesn't pick up too much, I think I will get some great images over the upcoming summer months.
After finding that my red filter for the window in the garage is not up to optimum specs and finding my plates fogged, my new problem has been the random black lines that appear on the plate. This was driving me absolutely insane as I was trying to find the issue on the run... It wasn't til a day later and getting counsel from the ever helpful forum for Collodion that at least the issue was identified.
Yesterday, a model from the San Francisco area came to town and sat for me. I think is was good that I was working with a total stranger. Not only in terms of collaborating, but the fact that I didn't want to come off as a total idiot. I felt by the time we met much more confident in the Wet Plate Process and that I wouldn't make the same mistakes and have the issues I had before.
Well, as you can tell, I did have another issue come up, but I think it lies similar to the issue I had with the black lines... My next approach will be to have more Silver Nitrate on hand and use a tank as opposed to a tray.
There are so many things in this process that takes a lot of finesse and skill in order to come up with the perfect plate. I feel like at the moment, I'm just floating along and moving as the process takes me. I know where some of my attention needs to be, but the unknown areas are what I know I have to work thru to learn and find.
I have no choice other than to be patient and move...
So as I move forward with the Wet Plate Collodion, I'm finding that my flaws are not as acceptable as they used to be. Other than merely capturing an image on the plate, I now want to at least have the knowledge in my head upon how to achieve the "almost" flawless plate. I still love the unpredictable nature of this medium, but seeing what others have accomplished, I know I'm not even close. This is a true test of my patience...
Earlier this week, Sherry came by and spent a few hours at the new North Light Studio. I'm getting to know the light better here and am noticing some of its nuances. So long as the wind doesn't pick up too much, I think I will get some great images over the upcoming summer months.
After finding that my red filter for the window in the garage is not up to optimum specs and finding my plates fogged, my new problem has been the random black lines that appear on the plate. This was driving me absolutely insane as I was trying to find the issue on the run... It wasn't til a day later and getting counsel from the ever helpful forum for Collodion that at least the issue was identified.
Yesterday, a model from the San Francisco area came to town and sat for me. I think is was good that I was working with a total stranger. Not only in terms of collaborating, but the fact that I didn't want to come off as a total idiot. I felt by the time we met much more confident in the Wet Plate Process and that I wouldn't make the same mistakes and have the issues I had before.
Well, as you can tell, I did have another issue come up, but I think it lies similar to the issue I had with the black lines... My next approach will be to have more Silver Nitrate on hand and use a tank as opposed to a tray.
There are so many things in this process that takes a lot of finesse and skill in order to come up with the perfect plate. I feel like at the moment, I'm just floating along and moving as the process takes me. I know where some of my attention needs to be, but the unknown areas are what I know I have to work thru to learn and find.
I have no choice other than to be patient and move...
June 22, 2010
A Solo Taste...
Music | Mad World by Gary Jules
I'm a virtuous person. My first foray into Wet Plates came over 2 years ago during an exhibition of alternative photographs displayed at the 23 Sandy Gallery at a show called Resurrection. There I got my first view of actual Wet Plates, both on glass and tin. Totally amazed at the final image, the resolution was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I had at about the same time decided to start shooting film with a large format camera as well...
A few months later, I had gotten together with Ray Bidegain, who showed me the process and allowed me to take a wet plate photo. Totally hooked, but without time or finances to get my own wet plate photography off the ground, I did all I could and learned what I could on the internet. I was also cursing Polaroid because of their decision to halt production of Type 55 film.
Fast forward to early March of this year. I had read about Wet Plate Day, May 1st to honor Frederick Scott Archer, the founder of the Wet Plate Collodion Process. I contacted Ray to see if he was going to participate and if so, if he had any room for me to be able to shoot a few plates of my own, with his help of course. I managed to take 3 plates home, 2 for me and one for my model. We were all pleased.
Shortly after that, I was able to go ahead and purchase a kit where I would be doing some remedial mixing of chemicals to do my own plates. Last week, I spent a good 3 hours shooting and coming up with seriously horrible looking plates. Without anyone to guide me, I called it a day and felt totally defeated...
Portland has not had summer, even though we are beyond mid June. Clear sunny days has been a rarity, which has halted my pursuance of the elusive wet plate... Finally, today we had the sun coming in and out, but I was getting consistent light at my out door North Light studio.
My session began with hopeful thoughts of creating my first legible Wet Plate, but without luck, I merely picked up where I left off last week. Feeling defeated, I took a break and looked at the trash I created... I realized that was unintentionally fogging my plates and the most important step of putting the Silver Nitrate on the collodion and plate. A simple cardboard over my tray fixed that problem and I made a huge step forward! I still was having exposure problems and what was in my brain was not coming out on plate. Feeling hopeful again, I went against my better judgment and guessed at another exposure. My pour of the Collodion wasn't perfect, but usable. I felt so close I was not about to start over again. I'm still not a good judge of when to stop development. As I cleared the developer off the plate, I'm still not feeling good. Only when the images clears in the fix did I realize I finally reached my forbidden fruit.
About being virtuous... Patience...
I'm a virtuous person. My first foray into Wet Plates came over 2 years ago during an exhibition of alternative photographs displayed at the 23 Sandy Gallery at a show called Resurrection. There I got my first view of actual Wet Plates, both on glass and tin. Totally amazed at the final image, the resolution was unlike anything I had ever seen before. I had at about the same time decided to start shooting film with a large format camera as well...
A few months later, I had gotten together with Ray Bidegain, who showed me the process and allowed me to take a wet plate photo. Totally hooked, but without time or finances to get my own wet plate photography off the ground, I did all I could and learned what I could on the internet. I was also cursing Polaroid because of their decision to halt production of Type 55 film.
Fast forward to early March of this year. I had read about Wet Plate Day, May 1st to honor Frederick Scott Archer, the founder of the Wet Plate Collodion Process. I contacted Ray to see if he was going to participate and if so, if he had any room for me to be able to shoot a few plates of my own, with his help of course. I managed to take 3 plates home, 2 for me and one for my model. We were all pleased.
Shortly after that, I was able to go ahead and purchase a kit where I would be doing some remedial mixing of chemicals to do my own plates. Last week, I spent a good 3 hours shooting and coming up with seriously horrible looking plates. Without anyone to guide me, I called it a day and felt totally defeated...
Portland has not had summer, even though we are beyond mid June. Clear sunny days has been a rarity, which has halted my pursuance of the elusive wet plate... Finally, today we had the sun coming in and out, but I was getting consistent light at my out door North Light studio.
My session began with hopeful thoughts of creating my first legible Wet Plate, but without luck, I merely picked up where I left off last week. Feeling defeated, I took a break and looked at the trash I created... I realized that was unintentionally fogging my plates and the most important step of putting the Silver Nitrate on the collodion and plate. A simple cardboard over my tray fixed that problem and I made a huge step forward! I still was having exposure problems and what was in my brain was not coming out on plate. Feeling hopeful again, I went against my better judgment and guessed at another exposure. My pour of the Collodion wasn't perfect, but usable. I felt so close I was not about to start over again. I'm still not a good judge of when to stop development. As I cleared the developer off the plate, I'm still not feeling good. Only when the images clears in the fix did I realize I finally reached my forbidden fruit.
About being virtuous... Patience...
June 09, 2010
The Return to Old School
Music | Stupid Girl by Garbage
I remember having this conversation a few years ago about how my film days of photography, I was so much more involved in not only my work, but the entire process. I labored over my darkroom sink out of plywood and marine paint, I created the table from which the enlarger sat just so, so I didn't have to strain while being in the dark room for hours upon hours... I did plumbing, some really make shift electrical solutions all with my own hands... Everything ended up being custom built, because you could! I remember asking a girl friend for a set of her stocking so I could make a diffuser to diffuse my prints, cut outs to make my burning and dodging tools out of hanger and card board...
Moving ever so close to the Wet Plate process has reminded me how much time and effort you need to put in for the process to be successful. It is true that much of the things I have created with my own hands could have been purchased off the shelf. However, under my own circumstance, I've had no choice but to relive those days where I am making my own tools and equipment to move forward. I like the idea that all that goes into the success or failure of the process is on my own shoulders.
Most recently, I've just finished fabricating my own wet plate holder... I love that in its own process to be created, I had to go thru a few iterations before I have come up with its final working version. Of course there will be improvements, but I'm quite happy with the outcome. Before the holder, I built 2 tanks to hold various chemicals in. It was the first time I worked with acrylics and solvent to weld the pieces together. I'll be making another work surface in the garage to set up my chemicals for when I use the side yard as a studio. Working in the yard and garage sound so much better to me than sitting at my desk in front of the computer...
I remember having this conversation a few years ago about how my film days of photography, I was so much more involved in not only my work, but the entire process. I labored over my darkroom sink out of plywood and marine paint, I created the table from which the enlarger sat just so, so I didn't have to strain while being in the dark room for hours upon hours... I did plumbing, some really make shift electrical solutions all with my own hands... Everything ended up being custom built, because you could! I remember asking a girl friend for a set of her stocking so I could make a diffuser to diffuse my prints, cut outs to make my burning and dodging tools out of hanger and card board...
Moving ever so close to the Wet Plate process has reminded me how much time and effort you need to put in for the process to be successful. It is true that much of the things I have created with my own hands could have been purchased off the shelf. However, under my own circumstance, I've had no choice but to relive those days where I am making my own tools and equipment to move forward. I like the idea that all that goes into the success or failure of the process is on my own shoulders.
Most recently, I've just finished fabricating my own wet plate holder... I love that in its own process to be created, I had to go thru a few iterations before I have come up with its final working version. Of course there will be improvements, but I'm quite happy with the outcome. Before the holder, I built 2 tanks to hold various chemicals in. It was the first time I worked with acrylics and solvent to weld the pieces together. I'll be making another work surface in the garage to set up my chemicals for when I use the side yard as a studio. Working in the yard and garage sound so much better to me than sitting at my desk in front of the computer...
June 06, 2010
Re-Acquainting with Time
Music | Nature Boy by John Coltrane
The closer I get to starting the Wet Plate Process, the more painful it is that I am not creating in the Wet Plate Process... I am very close and just need a few more important things I didn't know I had to have.
In the mean time, I've been processing rolls of 2 1/4 film that I've shot thru a 1951 Rolleiflex camera. Yes, more film along with the recent 4x5 I've been shooting as well. I have to say I am enjoying being down in the basement, mixing up chemicals, measuring out xtol, fixer... I'm sure as I get a little more organized, I won't even mind the scanning process.
I am getting so much more fulfillment in what I've been shooting lately, even if it is a quick shot in between conversations in a café or hanging out with a friend in the backyard. Time slows down again and I like that...
The closer I get to starting the Wet Plate Process, the more painful it is that I am not creating in the Wet Plate Process... I am very close and just need a few more important things I didn't know I had to have.
In the mean time, I've been processing rolls of 2 1/4 film that I've shot thru a 1951 Rolleiflex camera. Yes, more film along with the recent 4x5 I've been shooting as well. I have to say I am enjoying being down in the basement, mixing up chemicals, measuring out xtol, fixer... I'm sure as I get a little more organized, I won't even mind the scanning process.
I am getting so much more fulfillment in what I've been shooting lately, even if it is a quick shot in between conversations in a café or hanging out with a friend in the backyard. Time slows down again and I like that...
May 25, 2010
Summer Project...
Music | Better by Regina Spektor
My supplies from Bostic and Sullivan has just been delivered to my door, moments ago... I feel like a kid with a chemistry set knowing I can make some magic!!! I'm still waiting on my plates and will be working on some other small projects to start to be able to shoot some Wet Plates! The weather isn't looking good anyway, so I won't be too wound up to get going. I'm thinking June will be a great month to start!
My supplies from Bostic and Sullivan has just been delivered to my door, moments ago... I feel like a kid with a chemistry set knowing I can make some magic!!! I'm still waiting on my plates and will be working on some other small projects to start to be able to shoot some Wet Plates! The weather isn't looking good anyway, so I won't be too wound up to get going. I'm thinking June will be a great month to start!
May 08, 2010
Reaping the Fruits of My Labor...
Music | The Fire by Imogen Heap
I've survived the waiting game. Later in that evening, I processed my negs, put each one on the scanner to get a quick overview, good or bad and move on... I didn't do too bad this time. I'm only more excited and passioned to move forward.
I feel more of a purest than not when it comes to my photography. I'm surprised that I am not too disheartened about the fact that I scan my images and print them on my ink jet printer. Yes, I very much do miss being in the darkroom and printing on Agfa Portriga and Ilford Gallerie papers. However, I'm not fighting the fact I no longer have my enlarger and the space to have a darkroom. If I had the chance to have one, I'm not sure I'd take it. Am I less of a purest?
I've survived the waiting game. Later in that evening, I processed my negs, put each one on the scanner to get a quick overview, good or bad and move on... I didn't do too bad this time. I'm only more excited and passioned to move forward.
I feel more of a purest than not when it comes to my photography. I'm surprised that I am not too disheartened about the fact that I scan my images and print them on my ink jet printer. Yes, I very much do miss being in the darkroom and printing on Agfa Portriga and Ilford Gallerie papers. However, I'm not fighting the fact I no longer have my enlarger and the space to have a darkroom. If I had the chance to have one, I'm not sure I'd take it. Am I less of a purest?
May 05, 2010
re Learning Patience...
Music | Numb by Sia Furler
Finally, shot more 4x5 last week and processed the film just now... So I'm in the familiar place of having so much anticipation to see what I got, but I still don't read negatives very well... I mean, I do have a properly exposed neg, looks quite good in fact. But I can't really say until I either make a positive of it, or scan it so I can see it on the Positive side. Problem is, the film is still wet and like watching paint dry, film is no less harsh.
I do like this old familiar feeling. I remember having to wait at least a week when I would drop film off at Walgreens to have my film developed and printed. Just after receiving that envelope with the 3.5x5 inch prints, I'd quickly go over them and declare good or bad, moving quickly on to the next.
Turn around times got shorter as time moved on and now we only have to wait just to get back to the computer... But with that efficiency and the immediacy, the sense of anticipation is gone. Here I am now biding my time by writing of the experience because I know I can't do anything until the film is completely dry...
I'm finding this is a special time, maybe when time starts to move slower than faster, so I won't feel so compelled to think my life is running right by me. I need more of this...
Finally, shot more 4x5 last week and processed the film just now... So I'm in the familiar place of having so much anticipation to see what I got, but I still don't read negatives very well... I mean, I do have a properly exposed neg, looks quite good in fact. But I can't really say until I either make a positive of it, or scan it so I can see it on the Positive side. Problem is, the film is still wet and like watching paint dry, film is no less harsh.
I do like this old familiar feeling. I remember having to wait at least a week when I would drop film off at Walgreens to have my film developed and printed. Just after receiving that envelope with the 3.5x5 inch prints, I'd quickly go over them and declare good or bad, moving quickly on to the next.
Turn around times got shorter as time moved on and now we only have to wait just to get back to the computer... But with that efficiency and the immediacy, the sense of anticipation is gone. Here I am now biding my time by writing of the experience because I know I can't do anything until the film is completely dry...
I'm finding this is a special time, maybe when time starts to move slower than faster, so I won't feel so compelled to think my life is running right by me. I need more of this...
May 02, 2010
Thing That was Missing, You didn't Know You Missed...
Music | Pieces of the Past by The Vandermark 5
Ironically almost 2 years to the day, I was introduced to a photographic technique called Wet Plate Collodion. With the exhibit called Resurrection at the 23Sandy Gallery which I have thought to be one of the most important shows I've ever seen, I was romantically introduced to this 150+ year old technique.
Yesterday, May 1st was Wet Plate Collodion Day, to celebrate the life of Frederick Scott Archer, the creator of the Wet Plate process. Around the world, the few photographers who still practice this technique was encouraged to shoot plates and post them to the Wet Plate Collidion Day website. What better occasion to try and jump start my entry into this most mesmerizing process than this. As soon as I learned of the Wet Plate Day, I contacted my informal mentor, Ray Bidegain who has become a master of this process himself. He had agreed to let me come to the studio and shoot off a few plates as I learned on the run.
I haven't felt like a kid in a long time. I love to be in a situation where things are new, I'm interested in the subject at hand and I know practically zero. Suddenly you realize you have something in your head you haven't used in a long time. Synapses suddenly start popping, your eyes widen, and you feel more alive than you can last remember.
Coating and going thru the process of sensitizing the plate is critical. Timing is everything. On my first go around, nothing could have gone better.
Jen, my model and could easily become my muse was wonderful to work with. With minimal words, and some simple gestures, she fell into place during our pre shoot rehearsals. When it was time to shoot, because time is so critical, only minor adjustments needed were necessary before the actual shot was made.
So, two years and one day since my introduction to the Wet Plate Process brings me to where I am right now. Though I did photograph Ray here about a 21 months ago here, it is this last session where I feel I can take more of the credit to getting to where I am. I'm looking forward to moving forward!
Thanks Ray, Jen...
Ironically almost 2 years to the day, I was introduced to a photographic technique called Wet Plate Collodion. With the exhibit called Resurrection at the 23Sandy Gallery which I have thought to be one of the most important shows I've ever seen, I was romantically introduced to this 150+ year old technique.
Yesterday, May 1st was Wet Plate Collodion Day, to celebrate the life of Frederick Scott Archer, the creator of the Wet Plate process. Around the world, the few photographers who still practice this technique was encouraged to shoot plates and post them to the Wet Plate Collidion Day website. What better occasion to try and jump start my entry into this most mesmerizing process than this. As soon as I learned of the Wet Plate Day, I contacted my informal mentor, Ray Bidegain who has become a master of this process himself. He had agreed to let me come to the studio and shoot off a few plates as I learned on the run.
I haven't felt like a kid in a long time. I love to be in a situation where things are new, I'm interested in the subject at hand and I know practically zero. Suddenly you realize you have something in your head you haven't used in a long time. Synapses suddenly start popping, your eyes widen, and you feel more alive than you can last remember.
Coating and going thru the process of sensitizing the plate is critical. Timing is everything. On my first go around, nothing could have gone better.
Jen, my model and could easily become my muse was wonderful to work with. With minimal words, and some simple gestures, she fell into place during our pre shoot rehearsals. When it was time to shoot, because time is so critical, only minor adjustments needed were necessary before the actual shot was made.
So, two years and one day since my introduction to the Wet Plate Process brings me to where I am right now. Though I did photograph Ray here about a 21 months ago here, it is this last session where I feel I can take more of the credit to getting to where I am. I'm looking forward to moving forward!
Thanks Ray, Jen...
April 27, 2010
I Can't Get No, Satisfaction...
Music | Familiar Ground by The Cinematic Orchestra
Lately, I have not gotten a lot of satisfaction of shooting with my digital camera. A tool is merely a tool, a means to creating... But like my Craftsman socket wrench in my hand, which feels like a old friend, even if months and months go by since using it last, it feels comfortable, just right in my hands as I loosen or tighten a bolt.
Though some of my recent work has been menial and I admit to it, I am getting no where near the satisfaction I used to. I'm not sure if it is the digital process, or my subject matter. I know I've been wanting to transition back to shooting more traditional film and especially Wet Plate Collodian. Lots of effort go into shooting film, much more so than just grabbing my bag and lighting and go to shoot with my digital kit.
My other issue is that I am fighting... fighting to let go... I'm afraid of the same old fears of yesterday as I try and go back to shooting the traditional format... I have this idea stuck in my head that I need to "back up" my film shoot with digital... Just in case... Well, I think I've not gotten over the fact that I need to just stop. I need to get out and fuck up, make mistakes and waste not only my time but others as well. I guess that is where my fear comes in the most... Wasting time... But with progression, there are casualties. I'll have to live with that... Meanwhile, days go by and I create more nothing... I'm not going to lose this battle...
Lately, I have not gotten a lot of satisfaction of shooting with my digital camera. A tool is merely a tool, a means to creating... But like my Craftsman socket wrench in my hand, which feels like a old friend, even if months and months go by since using it last, it feels comfortable, just right in my hands as I loosen or tighten a bolt.
Though some of my recent work has been menial and I admit to it, I am getting no where near the satisfaction I used to. I'm not sure if it is the digital process, or my subject matter. I know I've been wanting to transition back to shooting more traditional film and especially Wet Plate Collodian. Lots of effort go into shooting film, much more so than just grabbing my bag and lighting and go to shoot with my digital kit.
My other issue is that I am fighting... fighting to let go... I'm afraid of the same old fears of yesterday as I try and go back to shooting the traditional format... I have this idea stuck in my head that I need to "back up" my film shoot with digital... Just in case... Well, I think I've not gotten over the fact that I need to just stop. I need to get out and fuck up, make mistakes and waste not only my time but others as well. I guess that is where my fear comes in the most... Wasting time... But with progression, there are casualties. I'll have to live with that... Meanwhile, days go by and I create more nothing... I'm not going to lose this battle...
April 04, 2010
BMW R100T Sport
Music | The Moment I Said It by Imogene Heap
There have been some difficult sacrifices that had to be made in order for me to have the luxury of owning an item such as this. It isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I've wanted a motorcycle like this for a long time. I grew up on a BMW and have connected with it like I have with no other bike. I'm stuck in the mid 70's to early 80's models, which I have learned to work on and maintain myself.
Today, clouds looming and rain imminent, I went out to ride a circle which turned into a circle with over laps and about 75 total miles. I don't normally go out when it looks of rain and the temps in the lower 40's, but I needed to get out... It's amazing what a few desolate roads and a motorcycle can do to the psyche. After getting a little lost, I found my way back to civilization with a clear head and open mind. My only thought was when will the weather turn and make way for warmer and sunnier days...
There have been some difficult sacrifices that had to be made in order for me to have the luxury of owning an item such as this. It isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I've wanted a motorcycle like this for a long time. I grew up on a BMW and have connected with it like I have with no other bike. I'm stuck in the mid 70's to early 80's models, which I have learned to work on and maintain myself.
Today, clouds looming and rain imminent, I went out to ride a circle which turned into a circle with over laps and about 75 total miles. I don't normally go out when it looks of rain and the temps in the lower 40's, but I needed to get out... It's amazing what a few desolate roads and a motorcycle can do to the psyche. After getting a little lost, I found my way back to civilization with a clear head and open mind. My only thought was when will the weather turn and make way for warmer and sunnier days...
March 21, 2010
utopia...
Music } End Theme by Zero 7
The other night, I spent a good few hours with 4 other gentleman who are very qualified photographers. I use that term because of my respect for each of them, the way as true artists to keep moving forward and striving to work their passion. The evening started out with wine, conversation, then on to a fabulous dinner of home made lasagne, bread and salad. More wine, more conversation...
I was talking to a friend about my "dinner" and he was quite surprised that I would be able to attend such a gathering, as he knows my distaste for, Men of Egos... He knows me well... Though I had not thought about it before, I realized that my meetings with these other photographers were not at all about egos. There was absolutely know competition or sideline derogatory innuendo, passive aggressive statements or actions... Strange how I often strive to place myself in situations like this that I had overlooked what a sort of utopia I had happen to be a part of.
The evening continued with an article and a newly published book by Irving Penn, photographs that were recently shot by our gathering and 2 amazing bottles of Single Malt Scotch that was brought in by one most generous gent from Kansas... Not only did I get to admire some great photography, I got a few lessons on the history of the elixir we sampled that night...
Good friends, great photography and some of the best scotch I have ever had, ever...
The other night, I spent a good few hours with 4 other gentleman who are very qualified photographers. I use that term because of my respect for each of them, the way as true artists to keep moving forward and striving to work their passion. The evening started out with wine, conversation, then on to a fabulous dinner of home made lasagne, bread and salad. More wine, more conversation...
I was talking to a friend about my "dinner" and he was quite surprised that I would be able to attend such a gathering, as he knows my distaste for, Men of Egos... He knows me well... Though I had not thought about it before, I realized that my meetings with these other photographers were not at all about egos. There was absolutely know competition or sideline derogatory innuendo, passive aggressive statements or actions... Strange how I often strive to place myself in situations like this that I had overlooked what a sort of utopia I had happen to be a part of.
The evening continued with an article and a newly published book by Irving Penn, photographs that were recently shot by our gathering and 2 amazing bottles of Single Malt Scotch that was brought in by one most generous gent from Kansas... Not only did I get to admire some great photography, I got a few lessons on the history of the elixir we sampled that night...
Good friends, great photography and some of the best scotch I have ever had, ever...
February 25, 2010
Studio with Perfect Lighting...
Music | Sugar Rhyme by Bonobo
I've enjoyed going out on days to photograph when the weather has been questionable. The other day, Wil had an idea to shoot out on Sauvie Island, but even before the morning started, it was all ready raining. We both had our concerns, but since the morning was open, we decided to go on.
Before we strutted out under the rain drops, I had Wil jump in the back seat of my car. If I could build a studio with the ratio of glass and solid, my back seat would be a perfect rendering for an architect. I love the highlights over the shoulders and thru the bottom of Wil's hair. The lighting on her face is nice and soft, but defining to show off her jaw line. The light perfectly highlights the highlights, and the shadows drop off quickly and deep.
Maybe a series is in order! Any takers?
I've enjoyed going out on days to photograph when the weather has been questionable. The other day, Wil had an idea to shoot out on Sauvie Island, but even before the morning started, it was all ready raining. We both had our concerns, but since the morning was open, we decided to go on.
Before we strutted out under the rain drops, I had Wil jump in the back seat of my car. If I could build a studio with the ratio of glass and solid, my back seat would be a perfect rendering for an architect. I love the highlights over the shoulders and thru the bottom of Wil's hair. The lighting on her face is nice and soft, but defining to show off her jaw line. The light perfectly highlights the highlights, and the shadows drop off quickly and deep.
Maybe a series is in order! Any takers?
February 24, 2010
February 12, 2010
Anna from 2008
Music | Mad World by Michael Stipe off the soundtrack, Donnie Darko
This year has started out in flux between ups and downs, mostly up. However, I've noticed as the days go by in the new decade, I'm having a bit of trouble jump starting my creativity. I haven't shot a personal photograph in a few months. I hate this feeling and the only walls around me are the ones I have created myself...
So, in an attempt to get going, I reviewed some older images to bring out. This photo was from a very good shoot I did with Anna. I do like seeing things with a different perspective that only time can create.
Often makes me wonder what other treasures I have passed over.
This year has started out in flux between ups and downs, mostly up. However, I've noticed as the days go by in the new decade, I'm having a bit of trouble jump starting my creativity. I haven't shot a personal photograph in a few months. I hate this feeling and the only walls around me are the ones I have created myself...
So, in an attempt to get going, I reviewed some older images to bring out. This photo was from a very good shoot I did with Anna. I do like seeing things with a different perspective that only time can create.
Often makes me wonder what other treasures I have passed over.
January 30, 2010
Dream Maker
Music | Wicked Little High by Bird York
For the past few weeks, I was running thru the Craigs List in Portland, Seattle, even San Francisco and parts of Montana looking for a dream. My search expanded to those other areas as I wasn't finding just what I wanted locally. However, my strategy change a bit as I returned to the local market, but much smaller ones. Sitting in the Eugene Craigs List appeared to be one of the perfect motorcycles meant just for me.
1979 BMW R100T $xxxx.00 or OBO
28,470 Miles
New Battery
Excellent Tires
Progressive Fork Springs
Dual Disc Brakes with Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Dual Horns
Many Stainless Steel Fastners
The photographs looked too good to be true, but I had to have a look... A few days later, a 2 hour drive south, the light of the day going fast, I found the address to the seller as the bike sat in the driveway... Just as the photographs showed, the bike was pristine. I quickly sized up the owner and the bike and felt really good about both. The moment came when he gave me the keys to take a test ride. All it took was a ride 4 miles out and 4 miles back. The bike rode like an arrow, shifting like butter, pulling hard thru all the gears and riding smoothly thru the turns, just as I remember my first BMW, a 1976 R75/6 did for over 12 years and 75,000 miles.
8 years have gone by since my original BMW was sold and I've been dreaming of having another for almost as long... The timing of various events have lined up that has given me the opportunity to put in an offer for one of my dreams to come back into my life. With an agreed upon price, transaction made, I walked out with a set of keys and title in hand. Because I had to drive my car back, I had to leave the bike back at a friends until 2 days later.
My 3 hour ride home thru the back roads to Portland was filled with stimuli. Though I felt right at home sitting on the familiar but not exact ride of the BMW, listening to the sweet sound of the engine accelerate thru the gears, it was chilly. Not bone chilling chilly, but enough to let me know my fingers weren't quite working the way they should. I love driving thru small towns and seeing their Main Street personalities, but I knew I needed to make time. My plans changed to the Interstate and though the cold became colder with wind chill factors, I felt great knowing I'd be home with my new baby soon...
As per usual, my rest stops turned into a conversation with a fellow BMW biker who was driving his cage, yearning so much to be out there like me on his bike. I'm sure we could have talked for much longer than we did, but I had to cut him short as I was loosing daylight.
Familiar I5 exits came to pass as I drew nearer to home. My new machine performed brilliantly thru our maiden voyage together. 120 miles and a new home, where new adventures and new dreams will be created!!!
...at a rest stop between Salem and Portland
For the past few weeks, I was running thru the Craigs List in Portland, Seattle, even San Francisco and parts of Montana looking for a dream. My search expanded to those other areas as I wasn't finding just what I wanted locally. However, my strategy change a bit as I returned to the local market, but much smaller ones. Sitting in the Eugene Craigs List appeared to be one of the perfect motorcycles meant just for me.
1979 BMW R100T $xxxx.00 or OBO
28,470 Miles
New Battery
Excellent Tires
Progressive Fork Springs
Dual Disc Brakes with Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Dual Horns
Many Stainless Steel Fastners
The photographs looked too good to be true, but I had to have a look... A few days later, a 2 hour drive south, the light of the day going fast, I found the address to the seller as the bike sat in the driveway... Just as the photographs showed, the bike was pristine. I quickly sized up the owner and the bike and felt really good about both. The moment came when he gave me the keys to take a test ride. All it took was a ride 4 miles out and 4 miles back. The bike rode like an arrow, shifting like butter, pulling hard thru all the gears and riding smoothly thru the turns, just as I remember my first BMW, a 1976 R75/6 did for over 12 years and 75,000 miles.
8 years have gone by since my original BMW was sold and I've been dreaming of having another for almost as long... The timing of various events have lined up that has given me the opportunity to put in an offer for one of my dreams to come back into my life. With an agreed upon price, transaction made, I walked out with a set of keys and title in hand. Because I had to drive my car back, I had to leave the bike back at a friends until 2 days later.
My 3 hour ride home thru the back roads to Portland was filled with stimuli. Though I felt right at home sitting on the familiar but not exact ride of the BMW, listening to the sweet sound of the engine accelerate thru the gears, it was chilly. Not bone chilling chilly, but enough to let me know my fingers weren't quite working the way they should. I love driving thru small towns and seeing their Main Street personalities, but I knew I needed to make time. My plans changed to the Interstate and though the cold became colder with wind chill factors, I felt great knowing I'd be home with my new baby soon...
As per usual, my rest stops turned into a conversation with a fellow BMW biker who was driving his cage, yearning so much to be out there like me on his bike. I'm sure we could have talked for much longer than we did, but I had to cut him short as I was loosing daylight.
Familiar I5 exits came to pass as I drew nearer to home. My new machine performed brilliantly thru our maiden voyage together. 120 miles and a new home, where new adventures and new dreams will be created!!!
...at a rest stop between Salem and Portland
January 03, 2010
Fruit...
Music | The Answer is You by Phyllis Hyman
The fruits of my labor from the other day. These set of images were a very nice surprise as I shot them over last summer and had no clue as to what exactly where on those pieces of film.
Timothy is a very articulate, expressive poet who I've known for a few years now. The first time I saw him perform I wanted to be able to photograph him. Years have passed, but I think it was worth the wait. I shot both 4x5 film and digitally, both reaping great images.
The new decade is promissing! I'm happy at what I'm seeing and optimistic for the future. I think I'll be on my way with images as strong as this one.
The fruits of my labor from the other day. These set of images were a very nice surprise as I shot them over last summer and had no clue as to what exactly where on those pieces of film.
Timothy is a very articulate, expressive poet who I've known for a few years now. The first time I saw him perform I wanted to be able to photograph him. Years have passed, but I think it was worth the wait. I shot both 4x5 film and digitally, both reaping great images.
The new decade is promissing! I'm happy at what I'm seeing and optimistic for the future. I think I'll be on my way with images as strong as this one.
January 01, 2010
Refine...
Music |
01 01 2010 I like the looks of those numbers. With the start of the new year, I just finished processing my 1st batch of sheet film with some new film developer... My move into large format has been determined, but slow. Judging from the film as it sits to dry, I'm headed in the right direction. I've got another 20 sheets or so of unexposed film, to start to refine my process. I'm happy now to just get back into the swing of processing film again. The new decade brings me hope!
01 01 2010 I like the looks of those numbers. With the start of the new year, I just finished processing my 1st batch of sheet film with some new film developer... My move into large format has been determined, but slow. Judging from the film as it sits to dry, I'm headed in the right direction. I've got another 20 sheets or so of unexposed film, to start to refine my process. I'm happy now to just get back into the swing of processing film again. The new decade brings me hope!
December 23, 2009
A Beautiful Print
Music | Polaris by Zero 7
A recent purchase from Ray Bidegain. It is a beautiful Platinum Palladium print rendering light, shadows, textures and transitions that only a print of this quality can relinquish. What I have in front of me is an example of what photography really is... The simple subject standing in front of a wall, directional light flowing in from the right. There is no mysticism here... This is just pure beauty captured by an artist that has honed his skills over years of learning, years of knowing.
A recent purchase from Ray Bidegain. It is a beautiful Platinum Palladium print rendering light, shadows, textures and transitions that only a print of this quality can relinquish. What I have in front of me is an example of what photography really is... The simple subject standing in front of a wall, directional light flowing in from the right. There is no mysticism here... This is just pure beauty captured by an artist that has honed his skills over years of learning, years of knowing.
December 08, 2009
Encounters...
Music | Let's Get it On by Marvin Gaye
Feeling in a rut, stagnant and not very positive lately, I am trying to move around, stir something up... I've read articles, a few books, hit a few galleries in the last few months, but nothing... Years ago, the way I got a push start to shooting was to set up a little studio in a café and photograph some of the folks that came in. A great series came out of that and I was inspired to move, to create, shoot!
Well I'm back in that mode and came upon an idea that I've altered from another photographer. Not on any specific day, I'll walk out with my camera, and photograph people I encounter. So far, these folks are people I know or know of someone who knows them. I hope to expand that to people I do not know, so long we've at least had a glance in each others eyes... Strangers aren't as scary as they used to be, but I still don't want to come across as the creepy guy with the camera wanting to take photos of them...
This is the first of the series, that I hope to continue until I hit 100 faces. Maybe I'll put up a collage...
Feeling in a rut, stagnant and not very positive lately, I am trying to move around, stir something up... I've read articles, a few books, hit a few galleries in the last few months, but nothing... Years ago, the way I got a push start to shooting was to set up a little studio in a café and photograph some of the folks that came in. A great series came out of that and I was inspired to move, to create, shoot!
Well I'm back in that mode and came upon an idea that I've altered from another photographer. Not on any specific day, I'll walk out with my camera, and photograph people I encounter. So far, these folks are people I know or know of someone who knows them. I hope to expand that to people I do not know, so long we've at least had a glance in each others eyes... Strangers aren't as scary as they used to be, but I still don't want to come across as the creepy guy with the camera wanting to take photos of them...
This is the first of the series, that I hope to continue until I hit 100 faces. Maybe I'll put up a collage...
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