Thanksgiving

On a personal note, unlike most people, my thanksgiving traditions do not include Turkey and Football. I haven't followed football in over 10 years (I did at one time), and this will be my first year as a vegetarian.

But one tradition I do follow on this morning is getting up early to drive down to the barn where I keep my horse to watch the annual Thanksgiving Day Hunt. It's a lot of pomp and circumstance, a lot of showing off, and not much action. But it has become a tradition none the less.

Hunt members put on their finest and gather with friends, family, and many strangers on Thanksgiving morning, to play a role in the
controversial - but classic sport of fox hunting.








In America, fox hunting is also called fox chasing, as the purpose is not to actually kill the animal but to enjoy the thrill of the chase!


Prior to watching the hunt leave, I enjoyed a very beautiful, amazing trail ride on my dear horse and a couple barn mate companions. We couldn't stop talking about how thankful we each were, especially on a morning like today with our faithful steeds leading the way!

Playing for the Camera

There are times when the photographer and model calaberate on a scenerio, and then there are times when it just happens on it's own.

I love this, it's spontaneous and real!

This couple I photographed were golden in front of the camera. The funny thing about it, is that the gentleman was very reluctant to get in the image. His girlfriend is a professional model, so this is second nature for her. He is usually the one behind the camera - taking the pictures. So to convince him to get in front, well.... let's just say, it took some convincing. BUT, I'm soo glad we did. They were BEAUTIFUL together. I love the posing, the tattoos, and the contrast and chemistry between these two.

So to get him to feel more comfortable and less "stiff", his girlfriend started doing some role playing. He was not happy about standing there, so she mimicked him.

He stood his ground and she sweet talked him.

Eventually she worked her charm at softening him up - and sure enough he melted!

Role Playing

While we are on the topic of role playing, let me share another session that was a lot of fun. This series is called Stable Boy and Riding Princess. After a great photo session with this couple, I asked if they would like to put together a scenario and do some role playing.




First we have a beautiful, classic equestrian and her horse - both impeccably groomed. Followed by her often ignored hunky stable hand.
The scene plays out with the aloof "riding princess" going about her day, with her trusty "stable boy" always at her side, admiring her every move.

Some chemisty there? Well, definitely on his part, but riding princess is too self absorbed to notice at first. (As with all hunky stable boys, he will eventually get her attention! )

Our session rapped up just as the sun was setting, perfect timing.

And like all well played out fairy tales - the boy eventually gets the girl! For now..................

Director/Photographer

Being a photographer takes on many roles, (especially when you are working alone). One important aspect is playing the role of the art/film director. But that's also one of the most fun parts when working with people. Many times I have the person I'm photographing take on a role. Role playing is a great tool to use when someone appears "shy or uncomfortable" in front of the camera.

It's a great tool when working with children. My latest series titled Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!, I have two very independent minded sisters that I need to rein in and focus on our photo session. So in order to do this, I each give them a role to play, a scenario. I'm able to get unique expressions, and have fun with our "Lost in the Woods" screen play. Dark and slightly ominous, you betcha. Bravo girls!

Events @ Public Galleries

Balance

Opening Day

From November 11 - January 5, 2009 the Judicial Center in downtown Newton, NJ, will host a collection of work from area artists. Landscapes and Still Lifes are the themes presented on the 2nd and 3rd floors Public Galleries, Tues. & Thurs 8:30 - 4:30 pm. Please stop by to support local artists.
I have contributed several of my favorites including Balance and Opening Day.

The mirrored Image: Through the years, a man dwells in a space with images of provinces, kingdoms, mountains, bays, ships, islands, fishes, rooms, tools, stars, horses and people. Shortly before his death, he discovers that the patient labyrinth of lines traces the image of his own face.
- Jorge Luis Borges

To reflect is inherent to the printmaking process. Strategically planned, unexpected, forgotten, remembered, lost, recovered, the versatile language of print media reveals infinite reflections. though mirrored images, prints unveil our visual translation of a world, visual translations of the self.
What does your mirrored world reflect?

November 12, 2008

The power of the self portrait.