The embargo on image publication has now passed from the article I shot for AAA Living last summer; so, I wanted you to be able to view the portfolio that resulted from my photojournalistic expose of German Country southeast of Bismarck.
The amazing architecture inherent in the design of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Strasburg, near the boyhood home of Lawrence Welk.
Hey...how come everyone else gets to model but me??! It's about time I got out from behind the camera and strutted my stuff! (Boy, is this sounding elitist).
Well, thanx to some help from my good friend RDA, we came, we conquered and we created some crazy, cool art. See for yourself.
Self portrait PR mission accomplished. Now, which to choose as absolute fave????
R
I promised you some film scans on a post the other day...and by golly, we aim to deliver! A favorite, awesome shot of Aly in her natural environment...and some technical mumbo-jumbo for all you photographers and photography fans below.
R
Technical muttering for shutterbugs: One of the very rare instances anywhere that you'll see 3200 ISO film shot on medium format!!!!! The Mamiya RZ67 with 140 lens...loaded with Ilford Delta 3200 120 size film! Have shot it about three times in my life; kinda of a kick to experiment with. But I actually have pushed my favorite black and white film, TMAX 400, to 3200 ISO in 120 size, believe it or not, and the results will blow your mind. Virtually no grain, unlike the Ilford Delta shown here, even at 3200 ISO!! Someday, we'll post tests.
Last week, we told you about Alyson Gilbert, up and coming singer in the Nashville music scene and her involvement in the People in Their Twenties: Talent Show at PBS' "A Prairie Home Companion". After the performances aired live last Saturday, Aly was awarded second runner-up. Congrats to Aly!! There was quite a grand after-party following the show for all the gang and a good time was had by all.
It is only fitting that we bring you more pics in response to all the interest in Aly and her music.
And so, I give you, The Aly Portfolio: Part One.
R
Technical blubbering for film fanatics: Aly is so dynamic as a performer and personality that a commission like this can only be captured on film. The Mamiya RZ67 with 140 lens (what else??!) paired with Kodak NC-400 Professional 120 Film, an unbeatable combination. Lit with a combination of strobe, hot lights and stage lights. Photographed entirely at the restored Empire, an absolute favorite venue.
Back with my friends at Gymagic in Minot last Thursday evening to create promotional photographs of the board members. Not to mention, hanging out until closing time, visiting with the parents and enjoying the artistry personified in every movement of the gymnasts who were hard at work....hard at work having fun, I might add.
As I was preparing to leave, I was struck by the sight of the empty bleachers, waiting silently for the next crowd to arrive and witness the magic.
A little art emerging from the quiet recesses of an empty auditorium. Gotta love it.
R
Thought the above image would be an interesting portrait of our group that they would enjoy seeing...my impressions of the whirlwind blur of preparations and racing headfirst into the lecturing and the mingling with the swirl of great people that I encountered at the event.
Yes, I spent last Monday night enjoying the opportunity to put on the educational program at the Minot Library for the Camera Club, a follow-up to judging the print competition for the club several weeks ago.
Answering questions, showing images via the LCD projector and relating stories from nearly thirteen years of full-time professional photography was as inspirational for me as it was for those in attendance, reminding me anew of the love and passion that I have for this art form...and reaffirming for me what an exciting, wild and rewarding ride it's been so far.
Needless to say, I'm anxious to see where the road takes us from here.
R
This commission was the ideal day in Bismarck:
Browsing for European fashion magazines at the bookstore.
Seeing good friends and getting playfully lunged at by their (kid you not) 150 pound chocolate lab.
Supper was trout in a butter sauce with roasted almonds, three potato hash and zucchini accompanied by a lemon-berry napoleon for dessert.
To cap it all off, I wandered about the auditorium photographing jewelry while the radio played the late-night seventies show: the theme from Shaft, Orleans with 'still the one', Cliff Richard with 'Devil Woman'...
Oh..and the best part? You don't have to worry about jewelry blinking or having a hair out of place!
R
This was a unique and intriguing commission which took me to Bismarck last week. Masquerade fundraising provides jewelry for sale via showcase events in order to benefit hospitals throughout the upper midwest. The shows are held throughout a number of different states and the sales only benefit hospitals.
Check out some of these shots from the set-up for last week's show in the Capital City...and we'll talk more tomorrow.
R
I know we're going to have so much positive feedback from our initial post of loft images that you deserve a second helping! So, continue on the grand tour with me...following up yesterday's focus on the open living/dining/kitchen area with a waltz through the remainder of the apartment. Note the roomy master bedroom and adjoining hallway bordered by the walk-in closet and bathroom...as well as the inset hallway shelving spaces, carved out of the original nooks for murphy beds that adorned the original apartment spaces in the location from many decades ago.
R
The upstairs loft in the former Mr. Wish building in downtown Minot has been the focus of several high-end commercial lifestyle shoots lately...and it's time we introduce you to the location. The loft apartment is absolutely stunning, as you'll see in these images. The apartment features a spacious 2300 square feet of living space, 14 foot-high ceilings and appealing hardwood floors throughout the main living area. Best of all, it's for sale! If you are interested in a living environment that brings a touch of Manhattan or Minneapolis to the Magic City, let us know and we can put you in touch with our gracious hosts for these recent and upcoming shoots at the loft.
