Friday 8/15/14 in Ferguson

I was able to wander through "ground zero" of Ferguson, MO briefly on Friday night between 8-9pm. There was an incredible energy of camaraderie, not anything I could have experienced through a 10-15 second video clip. It didn't feel dangerous at all.  This is what I saw:

Double-Exposure Garden Portraits

I haven't posted in a while, so I thought I'd compile a series of something I enjoy doing with friends and family...double exposures! I tend to overlay a growing figment of nature atop the human element.  If the posing and compositions are just right, then the underlying message is able to shine through.

Andy and Stephanie-A film engagement

 The following are all shot on Portra 400 with a Nikon F3/105mm.  We all took the afternoon off to go explore Such and Such Farms in DeSoto, Missouri, which is where the wedding will be in June.  While we explored and scouted, we took the opportunity to get some photos in.  I shot digitally as well, but film is always so exciting!  Overall, it was a beautiful time with a great couple.

Who am I, What am I, Why am I?

At this point, I'm not really sure where my life is headed as far as photography goes.  The business, money and profit side of things really kills the mood and makes me want to run in the opposite direction, but at the same time, I don't have another choice...This is how I survive.

To keep my sanity on the side, it has been very important to embark on a personal photographic journey, one where I am following through with my visions and photographing what and who I want to in the way that I want to, which always tends to be double or multiple exposures.  I am crazy about double exposures mainly for the ability to add layers of depth to a story, place or portrait. I believe this opens many doors and windows into creating images that truly speak with the voice I'm desperately trying to yell out with.  All, but one, are shot on 35mm film, which I do enjoy for the obvious mystery element, but also because it reminds me that this is not business as usual, this is not digital, and there is no pressure, because it is made purely for the sake of creating it.

Milk and Ink

These photos are a result of this gorgeous model suspended in a liquid, made up of almond milk and water. Her sculptable hair was a whole factor I hadn't considered until the art was happening. Then came the ink, which seemed to have it's own language, somewhat controlled by the force at which it made contact with the liquid and how it fused with the milk.  

Fall Leaf Affair

This is another series of double exposures shot with the Nikon F3 on a random roll of Kodak 400 I had lying around.  Venturing into Shaw Nature Reserve, a wonderland of fall colors and beaming light with just 24 shots is quite an exciting feeling.  One of my favorite things about film is the extra thought process, the selectiveness, the anticipation for something extra special, the training of the mind and heart to know when and what is right.  This was an extra special roll though, a roll of duets, joining forces of complimentary colors, vibrant bursts of color...This roll was very much inspired by love. 

Shadows and Rainbow Fractals

This vibrant roll of film was shot using a Nikon F3 on Portra 800 film.   I love this camera for it's multiple exposure capabilities and really had no idea what to expect as I kept my eyes peeled for the perfect mixture of sunlight and illuminated natural forms.  I was blown away by the spectrum of color explosions and must give due credit to the wonderful Earth that invents and fosters these perfect lifeforms.