Music | All Things by The Cinematic Orchestra
My life changed dramatically as of a year ago, yesterday. Actually, it may have been a week before yesterday as my eyes had laid upon the sights of a woman who I did not know how to approach during a gathering. It just so happened that I decided to go to this gathering, one I had not attended for close to a year just to get out. No doubt I would be attending again the following week, just so I could at least see this woman again...
Fast forward to a week later, there she was, again. As I often do, I find my out of the way corner, sit and observe, say hello to the people I know, sit quietly otherwise. Similar to the week before, this woman is social, having at least one conversation going on at a time leaving me no open doors to say... something.
Luck seemed to be on my side, as I didn't have to get out of my comfort zone to fumble words together and introduce myself to her. My little "angel" without any prompting, came over to me with this woman and did the introductions for me. We spent most of the rest of the evening together and talked.
Since then, many adventures, firsts, lovely experiences, lots of time, Vicky and I have been side by side. Our relationship became exclusive later in August and there we stand today.
I can unequivocally say that my life has changed in more ways than I could imagine. The word happy has entered many conversations with people I have known and have known me for many years. Life has been good and now has blossomed into a life I did not know could exist. I am a lucky man and in the midst of the moment, I know it.
May 10, 2017
March 02, 2017
New Era...
Music | A Laugh for Rory | Rahsaan Roland Kirk
I got back from a trip to Japan and the jet lag really affected me. I was easily up til 3 or 4 a.m. I decided to be productive and print in the darkroom. I fondly remember that time as I knew at that moment I was in a special place. I'd start my sessions around 10 or 11 at night and go on til 6 a.m. I lived in a coach house, my own building with no neighbors to bother with noise. I had my music going and printing or proessing film for 3 or 4 days straight. I could easily work through the early morning with no distractions. Every second counted.
What I remember most about that moment was how lost I became in what I was doing. Granted, this was 1990; There was no texting or iphones, no checking in on facebook. Yet, I remember how totally free I felt to get immersed in the work. There is a magical ideal I always had of being an artist and creating while the rest of the world slept. I was there, in my own fantasy.
I am a bit older now, way older. I feel a bit wiser and knowing. Much less energy, but I am in the midst of being in that special place again. Working on chemical prints with Coltrane playing in the background, wiping down my wet hands from a washing print.
I am down in my workshop, not quite in the midst of the early morning hours, but that feeling of getting lost in the work. Times travels way to fast. I'm working on some prints for an upcoming exhibition, still searching and refining a printing process I only vaguely know. I have to reach the level of comfort when showing these images. Only 2 months away, but I am confident to achieve the goal. I'm certain I will look back to right now, and have a nice sense of nostalgia.
I got back from a trip to Japan and the jet lag really affected me. I was easily up til 3 or 4 a.m. I decided to be productive and print in the darkroom. I fondly remember that time as I knew at that moment I was in a special place. I'd start my sessions around 10 or 11 at night and go on til 6 a.m. I lived in a coach house, my own building with no neighbors to bother with noise. I had my music going and printing or proessing film for 3 or 4 days straight. I could easily work through the early morning with no distractions. Every second counted.
What I remember most about that moment was how lost I became in what I was doing. Granted, this was 1990; There was no texting or iphones, no checking in on facebook. Yet, I remember how totally free I felt to get immersed in the work. There is a magical ideal I always had of being an artist and creating while the rest of the world slept. I was there, in my own fantasy.
I am a bit older now, way older. I feel a bit wiser and knowing. Much less energy, but I am in the midst of being in that special place again. Working on chemical prints with Coltrane playing in the background, wiping down my wet hands from a washing print.
I am down in my workshop, not quite in the midst of the early morning hours, but that feeling of getting lost in the work. Times travels way to fast. I'm working on some prints for an upcoming exhibition, still searching and refining a printing process I only vaguely know. I have to reach the level of comfort when showing these images. Only 2 months away, but I am confident to achieve the goal. I'm certain I will look back to right now, and have a nice sense of nostalgia.
February 19, 2017
Progressions and Movement
Music | Threads by David Ware
A day of accomplishment! Yesterday was good having processed more film and finally getting to make a start at printing, but also, I felt a little disappointed in not being able to get an acceptable print.
Today, lots of errands completed, I got another start with some advice from a master printer, Ray Bidegain. He has helped my in the past with technical problems and he came through again. Since Platinum Palladium printing is still new to me. I have not figured out how to read the prints thru the process. Dry down is much more significant than what I am accustomed to. More difficult is to change my thought structure in working with a dynamic range that I am not entirely familiar with either. It appears that it takes me to ponder finesse changes in a print for several days. However, I do know a bad print when I see one...
Todays printing session started off in the right direction and those finesse changes seemed to come much quicker. I managed to make 3 prints of 2 images that could be in the exhibition. I'm feeling quite elated...
Detail 8x10 Platinum Palladium pour of Contessa
8x10 Platinum Palladium pour of Stephanie
The Platinum Palladium pour is so exciting to me. I won't ever get tired suddenly seeing a latent image come up. With my music in the background, an expresso or whiskey nearby, I'm finishing my session on a high note!
A day of accomplishment! Yesterday was good having processed more film and finally getting to make a start at printing, but also, I felt a little disappointed in not being able to get an acceptable print.
Today, lots of errands completed, I got another start with some advice from a master printer, Ray Bidegain. He has helped my in the past with technical problems and he came through again. Since Platinum Palladium printing is still new to me. I have not figured out how to read the prints thru the process. Dry down is much more significant than what I am accustomed to. More difficult is to change my thought structure in working with a dynamic range that I am not entirely familiar with either. It appears that it takes me to ponder finesse changes in a print for several days. However, I do know a bad print when I see one...
Todays printing session started off in the right direction and those finesse changes seemed to come much quicker. I managed to make 3 prints of 2 images that could be in the exhibition. I'm feeling quite elated...
Detail 8x10 Platinum Palladium pour of Contessa
8x10 Platinum Palladium pour of Stephanie
The Platinum Palladium pour is so exciting to me. I won't ever get tired suddenly seeing a latent image come up. With my music in the background, an expresso or whiskey nearby, I'm finishing my session on a high note!
February 17, 2017
1st Step
Music | Firesuite by The Doves
It has been way too long since I've been down in the workshop to make some prints. Earlier this week, I processed two batches of 8x10 and my 3rd earlier today. I've had a fresh batch of chemicals so I decided to try a few test prints tonite. I'm really hoping for an encouraging evening with some positive results. My confidence could really use it. But in any case, it has been a very good day and early evening. I'm feeling creative and productive.
8x10 Negatives, Françoise Weeks and Stephanie
It has been way too long since I've been down in the workshop to make some prints. Earlier this week, I processed two batches of 8x10 and my 3rd earlier today. I've had a fresh batch of chemicals so I decided to try a few test prints tonite. I'm really hoping for an encouraging evening with some positive results. My confidence could really use it. But in any case, it has been a very good day and early evening. I'm feeling creative and productive.
8x10 Negatives, Françoise Weeks and Stephanie
February 14, 2017
What Keeps Me Sane
Music | It's Good to Be in Love by Frou Frou
Two shoots in 2 days. 8x10 film and it feels so good! Shot digital for good measure as well. Having intension and purpose and getting things done is what I have craved for months. Best of all, success!
Stephanie wearing Floral Accoutrements by Françoise Weeks
Ella
Two shoots in 2 days. 8x10 film and it feels so good! Shot digital for good measure as well. Having intension and purpose and getting things done is what I have craved for months. Best of all, success!
Stephanie wearing Floral Accoutrements by Françoise Weeks
Ella
January 19, 2017
Moving Forward via History
Music : Calling You by Jevetta Steele
Getting back into hifi, I have certain ideas in my head of what I'd like to recreate, along with delving deeper into this returning passion of mine. There is a ton of new technologies that I have not kept up with and being out of the playground for close to 20 years, there is a lot to catch up with.
I'm wanting to both take advantage of the digital aspect and also recreate the tone and mood of listening to a component system I had in the past. I'm one who is still physically connected to loading film in a camera or adjusting carburetors. In that same vein, I enjoy placing the tone arm on a record and even loading a cd in the player and making adjustments to bass and treble.
Through this process, I hope to hone a sharper, more clear and concise ear bringing back the history of my past listening experiences and also moving forward with the technologies.
Getting back into hifi, I have certain ideas in my head of what I'd like to recreate, along with delving deeper into this returning passion of mine. There is a ton of new technologies that I have not kept up with and being out of the playground for close to 20 years, there is a lot to catch up with.
I'm wanting to both take advantage of the digital aspect and also recreate the tone and mood of listening to a component system I had in the past. I'm one who is still physically connected to loading film in a camera or adjusting carburetors. In that same vein, I enjoy placing the tone arm on a record and even loading a cd in the player and making adjustments to bass and treble.
Through this process, I hope to hone a sharper, more clear and concise ear bringing back the history of my past listening experiences and also moving forward with the technologies.
January 04, 2017
Revived Passions
Music | Better by Regina Spektor
Music has always been a passion from as far back as I can remember. With the advent of smaller, more, smaller, more, the way we listen to music has changed dramatically and thus I think, the quality of the experience lessens. I've got a nice set of computer speakers when I switched and transitioned most of my CD's to mp3. Got the mandatory ipod and earphones and headphones. I got to listen to a reasonable facsimile of my entire library pretty much anywhere I wanted - at home, my car, on a walk or the bike.
I read an article about a a listening bar in London, where the central theme of the place was the music. Turn off your phones and keep your mouth to yourself. I loved the idea of going back to the very basic idea of music. Let it take you to another place, without it being relegated to the background.
I started scouring the Craigslist ads and noticed the prices for gear was a lot less than I initially thought. I still couldn't afford a nice analogue amp or receiver, but found others that was. I ended up finding the receiver and cd player from the same guy and a day later, bought his speakers as well.
Harman Kardon
So exited to have the components system, I immediately set them up and put on, A Love Supreme. I ended up sitting thru the entire CD with only the music playing with my eyes closed. I have found myself doing this often, falling into the spell of which music was intended.
A few friends noticed my renewed passion of HiFi and one offered up an early 1960's Trio (which later became Kewnwood) tube receiver. It needs a little massaging, but in immaculate looking shape. The 38 lbs.+ beast will hopefully be adorned with a nice turntable and some nice vintage Klipsch speakers. That is the idea...
1961 Trio Receiver
Music has always been a passion from as far back as I can remember. With the advent of smaller, more, smaller, more, the way we listen to music has changed dramatically and thus I think, the quality of the experience lessens. I've got a nice set of computer speakers when I switched and transitioned most of my CD's to mp3. Got the mandatory ipod and earphones and headphones. I got to listen to a reasonable facsimile of my entire library pretty much anywhere I wanted - at home, my car, on a walk or the bike.
I read an article about a a listening bar in London, where the central theme of the place was the music. Turn off your phones and keep your mouth to yourself. I loved the idea of going back to the very basic idea of music. Let it take you to another place, without it being relegated to the background.
I started scouring the Craigslist ads and noticed the prices for gear was a lot less than I initially thought. I still couldn't afford a nice analogue amp or receiver, but found others that was. I ended up finding the receiver and cd player from the same guy and a day later, bought his speakers as well.
Harman Kardon
So exited to have the components system, I immediately set them up and put on, A Love Supreme. I ended up sitting thru the entire CD with only the music playing with my eyes closed. I have found myself doing this often, falling into the spell of which music was intended.
A few friends noticed my renewed passion of HiFi and one offered up an early 1960's Trio (which later became Kewnwood) tube receiver. It needs a little massaging, but in immaculate looking shape. The 38 lbs.+ beast will hopefully be adorned with a nice turntable and some nice vintage Klipsch speakers. That is the idea...
1961 Trio Receiver
December 31, 2016
2016
Music | Hollywood by Rufus and Chaka Khan
2016 has brought on so many changes, firsts, surprises, reflection... and some heartache too.
This is the year that probably added years to my health and life with the diagnoses of having diabetes. With help from great friends and this community, I've managed to make some changes in my daily habits to try and control this altering disease, with positive results. Thank you.
With all the things happening this year, different and new, my general view of things has shifted. I found out his year that the people on television are no longer in my age bracket. It was pointed out to me that they are at least a generation apart! WTF! Middle age, a decade away from for some folks, an elder. With that, and with some forced grace, I am my Father, my Mother and from when I was younger, all of the people who were older than me. With the responsibility of being a good person and role model, I am moving straight ahead to enjoy what life has to offer with more lust and vigor.
2016 is the year that I met my sweetheart, Vicky Chamberlain, who has showed me miracles can still happen, when the idea of having a commited relationship has long disappeared from hope. I love you and thank you.
Another year gone by... I wish for all of you, enlightenment and a life prospering future.
Peace...
2016 has brought on so many changes, firsts, surprises, reflection... and some heartache too.
This is the year that probably added years to my health and life with the diagnoses of having diabetes. With help from great friends and this community, I've managed to make some changes in my daily habits to try and control this altering disease, with positive results. Thank you.
With all the things happening this year, different and new, my general view of things has shifted. I found out his year that the people on television are no longer in my age bracket. It was pointed out to me that they are at least a generation apart! WTF! Middle age, a decade away from for some folks, an elder. With that, and with some forced grace, I am my Father, my Mother and from when I was younger, all of the people who were older than me. With the responsibility of being a good person and role model, I am moving straight ahead to enjoy what life has to offer with more lust and vigor.
2016 is the year that I met my sweetheart, Vicky Chamberlain, who has showed me miracles can still happen, when the idea of having a commited relationship has long disappeared from hope. I love you and thank you.
Another year gone by... I wish for all of you, enlightenment and a life prospering future.
Peace...
September 09, 2016
Music | Dusk You and Me by Groove Armada
I've been dumped by Facebook again. 3 days. I think it is fucked up how they allow you to read and still get all the bullshit advertising, but cannot post. I opted to deactivate my account during my sentence, which has again been a good thing. Happened a few times before and I always feel more participitory with my daily life. A good thing...
My crime was again, a breast. 2 breasts this time as I remember the last time it was only one. I still get the same sentence though. The thing about this time was I posted a link to this blog. My last entry. It used to be that FB allowed you to choose which image from that blog would accompany the link. I did not get that option this time, so I just went with the flow.
Fuck you to Facebook and the person who reported it.
I've been dumped by Facebook again. 3 days. I think it is fucked up how they allow you to read and still get all the bullshit advertising, but cannot post. I opted to deactivate my account during my sentence, which has again been a good thing. Happened a few times before and I always feel more participitory with my daily life. A good thing...
My crime was again, a breast. 2 breasts this time as I remember the last time it was only one. I still get the same sentence though. The thing about this time was I posted a link to this blog. My last entry. It used to be that FB allowed you to choose which image from that blog would accompany the link. I did not get that option this time, so I just went with the flow.
Fuck you to Facebook and the person who reported it.
September 08, 2016
Wet Plate Collodion - 2 Plates
Music | Hal's Blues by World Saxophone Quartet
Adriana 4x5 Tintype
Ivy 4x5 Tintype
Adriana 4x5 Tintype
Ivy 4x5 Tintype
August 19, 2016
Sometimes Passion Wins Out...
Music | Days to Come by Bonobo
It was so logical to sell the 1983 Volvo Wagon with over 300,000 miles. Manual windows, no AC, a seriously wore out drivers seat, and refinements that were 30 years old... The Subaru... everything works, auto everything, a moon roof to die for, AC, decent gas mileage... However, the Volvo is just more me. It makes me work, it makes know that I am driving a unique vehicle unlike any other car I have driven. It has personality, soul. So I switched vehicles on Craigslist after a week and the Subi sold the next day. To show you how the Volvo has personality, I found it needs a new clutch. No doubt a statement for putting it up for sale in the first place.
It was so logical to sell the 1983 Volvo Wagon with over 300,000 miles. Manual windows, no AC, a seriously wore out drivers seat, and refinements that were 30 years old... The Subaru... everything works, auto everything, a moon roof to die for, AC, decent gas mileage... However, the Volvo is just more me. It makes me work, it makes know that I am driving a unique vehicle unlike any other car I have driven. It has personality, soul. So I switched vehicles on Craigslist after a week and the Subi sold the next day. To show you how the Volvo has personality, I found it needs a new clutch. No doubt a statement for putting it up for sale in the first place.
July 25, 2016
The Moment...
Music | As the Rush Comes by Motorcycle
As I finish processing some sheet film, they are in the dryer right now, I am reminded of the days when I was learning how to develop my own film in college. The excitement that built up when pulling the reels out of the tank after the fix to see if there was an image was always there. This was the moment that brought me back to the very first time... I still get that excitement!
Before that, the anticipation came from dropping off your film to the camera or drug store. Back then, 1 week to 10 days turn around time was the norm. And black and white always took longer because maybe they hand processed those. I can remember still at the register paying for the photos I had all ready started to go thru them. 2 piles... winners and really bad ones.
I am thinking that some moments you have to pay for, whether that be monetary or with time and effort. I get not nearly the satisfaction of opening files on the computer, manipulate and save... Where is the joy? Immediacy was supposed to be a good thing, but I am just not so sure...
As I finish processing some sheet film, they are in the dryer right now, I am reminded of the days when I was learning how to develop my own film in college. The excitement that built up when pulling the reels out of the tank after the fix to see if there was an image was always there. This was the moment that brought me back to the very first time... I still get that excitement!
Before that, the anticipation came from dropping off your film to the camera or drug store. Back then, 1 week to 10 days turn around time was the norm. And black and white always took longer because maybe they hand processed those. I can remember still at the register paying for the photos I had all ready started to go thru them. 2 piles... winners and really bad ones.
I am thinking that some moments you have to pay for, whether that be monetary or with time and effort. I get not nearly the satisfaction of opening files on the computer, manipulate and save... Where is the joy? Immediacy was supposed to be a good thing, but I am just not so sure...
July 09, 2016
Being Put in My Place...
Music | Leave Me Alone by Natalie Imbruglia
In times where we expect most things to come immediately, there are things that take time, make you work and force you to have patience. It is also these things that give us the most satisfaction. My pursuit with Platinum Palladium has certainly taken time even to get to the point where I am. I have no judgement as to the speed at which I have gotten to where I am now, because I feel the learning process to be invaluable.
Yesterday, I spent a solid 8 hours learning about curves when making digital negatives. I can say I only have a remedial understanding, but know so much more than I did the other day. Manipulating the curve will be another whole new ballgame. The increments are small, but I hope to keep building the knowledge base.
In times where we expect most things to come immediately, there are things that take time, make you work and force you to have patience. It is also these things that give us the most satisfaction. My pursuit with Platinum Palladium has certainly taken time even to get to the point where I am. I have no judgement as to the speed at which I have gotten to where I am now, because I feel the learning process to be invaluable.
Yesterday, I spent a solid 8 hours learning about curves when making digital negatives. I can say I only have a remedial understanding, but know so much more than I did the other day. Manipulating the curve will be another whole new ballgame. The increments are small, but I hope to keep building the knowledge base.
July 08, 2016
Sanity, Consciousnes, Unconsciousness...
Music | Play by Funk
I know that one of the huge effects for me to be and stay creative is the health of my sanity. It may work as distraction to the realities of my life, but at this point, I roll with it. I feel positive, I have short term goals that I need to accomplish, which often feeds my endorphins to keep positive. I have in a rudimentary way, figured out how to quickly move out of creative blocks or times of getting depressed. I know that I have been on this wave for several years. I hope to continue til I move on...
Phanthia and I are back on track with working with each other again. We go on runs for several months, then more than several months of not working with each other. I've found in many matters of life, things like this just fall into place and it turns out to be a very good work flow. This time with Phanthia, it was 11 months ago since we shot last...
Without consciously thinking about details, it has occurred to me that if I let things go with the flow for the most part, things fall into place and for quite sometime, mostly in a very positive manner. I'd like to think that I've allowed my unconscious self be my guide. In any case, whether if it is my mind that is slowly decaying, which I really do think is happening, I've lately often let intuition take its course.
Yesterday, Phanthia and I went to Sauvie Island. I had scouted with Susan de Witt about 3 weeks ago and found a great trail to do some images. Of course I hadn't thought of the sheer weight of carrying about the Burke and James, besides the Majestic Tripod. Terrain is such that I wouldn't be able to use the wheeled carrier either. Quickly deciding that I wouldn't even try, I found another location, walking distance from truck to the spot where the camera would be and just easy access all the way around.
Phanthia wearing wardrobe by Elizabeth Rohloff. Sauvie Island
I find evidence in my images, my thought process after the image was taken, was often based on good decisions. The thing is, I don't make those decisions consciously. I remember the only time I made a decision about this image that I at least remember, is that I wanted to raise the camera to where the line of trees in the background didn't intersect with the top of Phanthia's head. Everything else seemed to fall into place...
No reason to try and find an answer to the way things have been going. As I said before, I'm on a great run and hope to continue...
I know that one of the huge effects for me to be and stay creative is the health of my sanity. It may work as distraction to the realities of my life, but at this point, I roll with it. I feel positive, I have short term goals that I need to accomplish, which often feeds my endorphins to keep positive. I have in a rudimentary way, figured out how to quickly move out of creative blocks or times of getting depressed. I know that I have been on this wave for several years. I hope to continue til I move on...
Phanthia and I are back on track with working with each other again. We go on runs for several months, then more than several months of not working with each other. I've found in many matters of life, things like this just fall into place and it turns out to be a very good work flow. This time with Phanthia, it was 11 months ago since we shot last...
Without consciously thinking about details, it has occurred to me that if I let things go with the flow for the most part, things fall into place and for quite sometime, mostly in a very positive manner. I'd like to think that I've allowed my unconscious self be my guide. In any case, whether if it is my mind that is slowly decaying, which I really do think is happening, I've lately often let intuition take its course.
Yesterday, Phanthia and I went to Sauvie Island. I had scouted with Susan de Witt about 3 weeks ago and found a great trail to do some images. Of course I hadn't thought of the sheer weight of carrying about the Burke and James, besides the Majestic Tripod. Terrain is such that I wouldn't be able to use the wheeled carrier either. Quickly deciding that I wouldn't even try, I found another location, walking distance from truck to the spot where the camera would be and just easy access all the way around.
Phanthia wearing wardrobe by Elizabeth Rohloff. Sauvie Island
I find evidence in my images, my thought process after the image was taken, was often based on good decisions. The thing is, I don't make those decisions consciously. I remember the only time I made a decision about this image that I at least remember, is that I wanted to raise the camera to where the line of trees in the background didn't intersect with the top of Phanthia's head. Everything else seemed to fall into place...
No reason to try and find an answer to the way things have been going. As I said before, I'm on a great run and hope to continue...
Sanity, Consciousnes, Unconsciousness...
Music | Play by Funk
I know that one of the huge affects for me to be and stay creative is the health of my sanity. It may work as distraction to the realities of my life, but at this point, I roll with it. I feel positive, I have short term goals that I need to accomplish, which often feeds my endorphins to keep positive. I have in a rudimentary way, figured out how to quickly move out of creative blocks or times of getting depressed. I know that I have been on this wave for several years. I hope to continue til I move on...
Phanthia and I are back on track with working with each other again. We go on runs for several months, then more than several months of not working with each other. I've found in many matters of life, things like this just fall into place and it turns out to be a very good work flow. This time with Phanthia, it was 11 months ago since we shot last...
Without consciously thinking about details, it has occurred to me that if I let things go with the flow for the most part, things fall into place and for quite sometime, mostly in a very positive manner. I'd like to think that I've allowed my unconscious self be my guide. In any case, whether if it is my mind that is slowly decaying, which I really do think is happening, I've lately often let intuition take its course.
Yesterday, Phanthia and I went to Sauvie Island. I had scouted with Susan de Witt about 3 weeks ago and found a great trail to do some images. Of course I hadn't thought of the sheer weight of carrying about the Burke and James, besides the Majestic Tripod. Terrain is such that I wouldn't be able to use the wheeled carrier either. Quickly deciding that I wouldn't even try, I found another location, walking distance from truck to the spot where the camera would be and just easy access all the way around.
Phanthia wearing wardrobe by Elizabeth Rohloff. Sauvie Island
I find evidence in my images, my thought process after the image was taken, was often based on good decisions. The thing is, I don't make those decisions consciously. I remember the only time I made a decision about this image that I at least remember, is that I wanted to raise the camera to where the line of trees in the background didn't intersect with the top of Phanthia's head. Everything else seemed to fall into place...
I know that one of the huge affects for me to be and stay creative is the health of my sanity. It may work as distraction to the realities of my life, but at this point, I roll with it. I feel positive, I have short term goals that I need to accomplish, which often feeds my endorphins to keep positive. I have in a rudimentary way, figured out how to quickly move out of creative blocks or times of getting depressed. I know that I have been on this wave for several years. I hope to continue til I move on...
Phanthia and I are back on track with working with each other again. We go on runs for several months, then more than several months of not working with each other. I've found in many matters of life, things like this just fall into place and it turns out to be a very good work flow. This time with Phanthia, it was 11 months ago since we shot last...
Without consciously thinking about details, it has occurred to me that if I let things go with the flow for the most part, things fall into place and for quite sometime, mostly in a very positive manner. I'd like to think that I've allowed my unconscious self be my guide. In any case, whether if it is my mind that is slowly decaying, which I really do think is happening, I've lately often let intuition take its course.
Yesterday, Phanthia and I went to Sauvie Island. I had scouted with Susan de Witt about 3 weeks ago and found a great trail to do some images. Of course I hadn't thought of the sheer weight of carrying about the Burke and James, besides the Majestic Tripod. Terrain is such that I wouldn't be able to use the wheeled carrier either. Quickly deciding that I wouldn't even try, I found another location, walking distance from truck to the spot where the camera would be and just easy access all the way around.
Phanthia wearing wardrobe by Elizabeth Rohloff. Sauvie Island
I find evidence in my images, my thought process after the image was taken, was often based on good decisions. The thing is, I don't make those decisions consciously. I remember the only time I made a decision about this image that I at least remember, is that I wanted to raise the camera to where the line of trees in the background didn't intersect with the top of Phanthia's head. Everything else seemed to fall into place...
July 01, 2016
Your Daily Photograph
Music | A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
I cannot tell you how honored I am to be a part of the Duncan Miller Gallery's, Your Daily Photograph. Once each morning, you get an email to receive the opportunity to view and purchase photographs from amazing photographers. I was selected by guest curator, Luther Gerlach. He works in various alternative methods of photography along with shooting with Ultra Large Format cameras. If you are not all ready familiar with the links above, I highly recommend you checking them out.
Your Daily Photograph, edition July 1, 2016
Irish W/ Floral Headpiece | 4x5 Platinum Palladium Print
I cannot tell you how honored I am to be a part of the Duncan Miller Gallery's, Your Daily Photograph. Once each morning, you get an email to receive the opportunity to view and purchase photographs from amazing photographers. I was selected by guest curator, Luther Gerlach. He works in various alternative methods of photography along with shooting with Ultra Large Format cameras. If you are not all ready familiar with the links above, I highly recommend you checking them out.
Your Daily Photograph, edition July 1, 2016
Irish W/ Floral Headpiece | 4x5 Platinum Palladium Print
June 17, 2016
Platinum Palladium Papers
Music | No Ordinary Love by Sade
I was generously offered some paper by Hahnemühle to test with Platinum Palladium. I started out using Bergger Cot 320, then Arches Platine, which I found very similar with my very basic tests. Both render nice tonalities, but I found trying to decipher a wet print to dry to be difficult. Experience over time I am sure would solve that. I've made beautiful prints with both papers, but I am still looking for a base to get to consistency.
The Hahnemühle Platinum coats just fine and used the same amount of solution as the above. However, I think the spread goes on easier. I had no problem getting an even coat, at the edges as well. Exposure wise, I started with 8 minutes as with the Cot 320 and Platine. The nice difference with the Platinum is that I get more latitude at both ends. Slightly darker blacks and lighter highlights, still holding details. Dry down is a bit more accurate and to see less flattening in contrast is very nice.
This was my first print with the Platinum and at this point, I know well enough that the variables can change things in an instant. However, with price point being relatively the same as Cot 320, the Platinum would be an excellent choice in my relative fledgling opinion.
8x10 Platinum Palladium Print
I was generously offered some paper by Hahnemühle to test with Platinum Palladium. I started out using Bergger Cot 320, then Arches Platine, which I found very similar with my very basic tests. Both render nice tonalities, but I found trying to decipher a wet print to dry to be difficult. Experience over time I am sure would solve that. I've made beautiful prints with both papers, but I am still looking for a base to get to consistency.
The Hahnemühle Platinum coats just fine and used the same amount of solution as the above. However, I think the spread goes on easier. I had no problem getting an even coat, at the edges as well. Exposure wise, I started with 8 minutes as with the Cot 320 and Platine. The nice difference with the Platinum is that I get more latitude at both ends. Slightly darker blacks and lighter highlights, still holding details. Dry down is a bit more accurate and to see less flattening in contrast is very nice.
This was my first print with the Platinum and at this point, I know well enough that the variables can change things in an instant. However, with price point being relatively the same as Cot 320, the Platinum would be an excellent choice in my relative fledgling opinion.
8x10 Platinum Palladium Print
June 16, 2016
Processing an 8x10 Platinum Palladium Print
Music | Everloving by Moby
Chemical processing always amazes me...
https://vimeo.com/171020540
Chemical processing always amazes me...
https://vimeo.com/171020540
June 11, 2016
Progression
Music | Into the Wind by Trafik
The moment happened earlier today. Having shot some 8x10 film last Tuesday, processed film yesterday, today was my chance to test more Platinum Palladium for printing. Surprisingly, I came very close for exposure for the small test print off the bat. I was elated to see the tonality throughout the print. Quite excited, I went and tried my first full frame 8x10 Platinum Palladium print. It is still wet, but as the image jumped off the page after pouring the developer, I cannot express how elated I am...
Adriana wearing a Françoise Weeks original.
The moment happened earlier today. Having shot some 8x10 film last Tuesday, processed film yesterday, today was my chance to test more Platinum Palladium for printing. Surprisingly, I came very close for exposure for the small test print off the bat. I was elated to see the tonality throughout the print. Quite excited, I went and tried my first full frame 8x10 Platinum Palladium print. It is still wet, but as the image jumped off the page after pouring the developer, I cannot express how elated I am...
Adriana wearing a Françoise Weeks original.
May 31, 2016
Maintenance...
Music | The Phonograph by Her Space Holiday
Our Big Pictures Portland project has only been up for a little less than 2 months. All ready, some of the posters where coming down in a bad way. I had anticipated this as we were putting them up as there was no doubt I had mixed the paste incorrectly. I saw some pealing at the upper edges only after 3 weeks. As the weeks went by, more pealing and I could see them coming down quickly.
Sunday was a nice overcast cool day to put in a few hours to mend the images. I was thinking I wouldn't be able to save 2, but the others were basic. Armed with fresh and correctly mixed paste, a couple buckets of water, roller, various brushes and ladder, the late morning early afternoon session was cathartic. Seeing the images again as intended put new spirit in both themselves and myself. I probably would have let them finish the their disintegration, but I knew they didn't get a fair shake. The bad paste we originally used cut short their life span, so I wanted to see what I could do. It was an excellent learning experience for future hangings...
Our Big Pictures Portland project has only been up for a little less than 2 months. All ready, some of the posters where coming down in a bad way. I had anticipated this as we were putting them up as there was no doubt I had mixed the paste incorrectly. I saw some pealing at the upper edges only after 3 weeks. As the weeks went by, more pealing and I could see them coming down quickly.
Sunday was a nice overcast cool day to put in a few hours to mend the images. I was thinking I wouldn't be able to save 2, but the others were basic. Armed with fresh and correctly mixed paste, a couple buckets of water, roller, various brushes and ladder, the late morning early afternoon session was cathartic. Seeing the images again as intended put new spirit in both themselves and myself. I probably would have let them finish the their disintegration, but I knew they didn't get a fair shake. The bad paste we originally used cut short their life span, so I wanted to see what I could do. It was an excellent learning experience for future hangings...
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