Mountain Stage

Alaska, Arts, Music, Photography, Portraits

West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s show Mountain Stage recently made a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska. For those unfamiliar with this production, it’s live-concert recording with multiple bands, aired nationally after some post-production work. Here’s a link to an article I wrote which talks more about the event, “Mountain Stage unites Alaska with national music scene,” including pictures of the event, which took place at UAF’s Davis Concert Hall in the Fine Art Complex.

Here are a few teasers from the article I linked to above.

Tim Easton plays in the Davis Concert Hall

Fairbanks band Steve Brown and the Bailers open the second night of Mountain Stage

Shooting concerts can be difficult, when not dealing with lack of light it’s often harsh spotlights, causing highlights to blow out and shadows to be lost. I cranked up the ISO to 3200 or 6400 and just hoped for the best.

Kodak Retina double exposure

Abstract, Alaska, Film, Photography

I read an ad for a garage sale that specifically said antique cameras, needless to say I couldn’t resist. To my delight I found a Kodak Retina IIIc. Based off the serial number from this 35MM camera it was made between 1954 and 1957 in Stuttgart, Germany. This awesome camera can be slow to use, but features a qreat 50mm, Schneider 2.0 lens. It is also has a solid feel, and at $25 price tag, with a $50 cleaning at a local shop, I couldn’t be happier with the cost.

It always fun to imagine the pictures an old camera has taken, and equally fun to image the ones it has left.

Please click on the image to view full size.

Dog sign double exposure

One of the rolls I shot was old 400 ASA film, and somehow got double exposed. No complaints here as the contrast between neon pink hotel sign and the curious gaze of the dog in the woods mimics a feeling I often have when looking at some of todays buildings.

Digital, hiking Granite Tors and a candle

Alaska, Landscapes, Photography, Portraits, Sports, Travel

Sometimes I put my foot in my mouth. Photographic tastes are fickle, and after saying film is a major part of my aesthetic I decide to go more digital. There are many reasons, but I’m not trying to get too personal in this blog. One of the primary reasons: film’s magic for me is black and white. The film is cheaper and I can process it myself. But sometimes I just want to see the world in color. Another reason: to make steady money with photography while possible shooting film, one need’s a very well established name. The final reason is, in all fairness, probably the most important, ISO. Also known as ASA or simply film speed, it is a rating of sensitivity to light. Digital cameras can shoot at such high ISOs (6,400 and above) film cant hold a grain to it.

So I splurged, bought my first unused camera, but thanks to a combination of reward points the bill was cut more then fifty percent. Here are two pictures from my first few rounds of shooting.

Patrick left and David right, Granite Tors east of Fairbanks.

The picture above was taken at Granite Tors, a popular climbing destination and fifteen mile hike outside of Fairbanks. What I like about this picture is scale. The far horizon is balanced by the climber in the foreground. Then after viewing the second hiker a sense of elevation is really present.

A candle burns during a rain storm.

Humans see in color, and despite my love for black and white color makes, or breaks, many photos. In this image the strong monochrome and repetitive circles ground the viewer, while the abstract composition makes them wonder if they’re looking at a celestial formation.

Found: Love at the bottom of a martini glass

Abstract, Alaska, Arts, Black & White, Film, Photography

Went out for drinks after my show last Friday. I noticed a neat reflection being projected onto our table at Lavelle’s Bistro. It’s very rewarding after such a hectic week in a very crowded and noisy restaurant to notice the elegance of still life. In the low light shallow depth of field and grain come standard on the 35MM 400 ISO film.

Please click on the image to view full size.