The Creative Process and Technical Information
A few words regarding my creative process are necessary to shed light on the technical equipment and materials I use to create my art. I'll start with what I don't do. I don't grab a camera and a model and throw together a hasty photo session expecting to make images that measure up to my creative standards and goals. For me, the usual results of that type of photo shoot are marginal at best, the model can sense the lack of direction and purpose, and I often end up trying to make something work that seldom translates into a good image. That's not to say that I haven't had some success with impromptu photo sessions, but they were usually with experienced models that I have worked with before.
To create successful images I typically go through a visioning process. I consider ideas based on inspirational moments I have while observing life -the crook of a tree branch, the texture of a rock, or the flow of a stream. I combine this with my idea of feminine beauty and an expression of grace and sensuality to produce imagery that juxtaposes, compares, and reflects shape and form to produce fine art imagery. These ideas range from specific image elements to generalized visualizations.
In any case, I next start working on whatever elements of the inspired vision are missing or not complete (the background, posing, wardrobe, lighting, etc.). I then work over a few variations while considering how all the elements of the image come into play and what challenges I can expect to deal with during the shoot. All of this gives me a starting point, a road map or outline for the photo shoot and dictates what equipment I will use. It gives me a creative path to start down with a foundation to build on. This visioning process is exciting and invigorating –I eagerly anticipate the photo session.
What happens next is magical. Photo sessions become possessed by a creative flow that starts me on a creative journey that is thrilling. Time becomes ambiguous, I am extremely focused and yet also aware of many things at once, most of all I'm aware of the energy existing between all of the elements present: the model, the environment and myself as we each fulfill our inspired roles in the creative process. The result of which is a wonderful collaboration between photographer, model and environment.
I work with both color and black and white film. I use each for specific purposes depending on the image I'm trying to create. My fine art work is primarily in Black & White. The B&W film I use is Ilford HP5 and FP4. For color film I use Fuji Reala. I have two camera systems: a medium format Mamiya RB67 and a 35mm Canon EOS 5 (the European version of the A2E). I have a variety of lenses: Sigma f2.8 70-200, Tamron f2.8 28-105. I use a Canon tripod with a Manfrotto 3030 head.
To assist in controlling or altering the light, I use Photoflex reflectors (42" disk and/or a 3'x 5' panel with gold/white reflector or scrim) for exteriors. With interior photo sessions I use natural lighting difused by white sheets or I'll set up one or more of my three Paul C. Buff White Lightning 1200 series mono-lights, using Photoflex soft boxes (large and medium) and/or photoflex 36" umbrellas (with shoot through difusion or bounce reflectors). As for lighting setup, I usually go with a simple 'one light' source and fill with a reflector (or sometimes another mono light). I don't like to get too complicated with lighting.
