Ann Johnson, originally uploaded by viridari.

I haven’t been shooting as much in the way of models, mostly because it’s getting cold out there and I don’t yet have a studio to work in. But I am still out there shooting and will try to keep this blog refreshed from time to time with what I’m up to.

I’ve been experimenting some more with color film in the Mamiya C330 system, as you can see here. I’m also experimenting more with using natural sunlight and gentle on-camera fill flash. It’s quite a change from my typical setup with all of the light stands and umbrellas, but it’s nice to be able to move about and not have to carry quite so much gear all the time.

Looking for something to do in the Triangle tonight? Look no further! A large selection of my work will be on display at Kung Fu Tattoo on 1003 W. Chapel Hill St. in Durham. I’ll be there from 7-10PM with my work.

, originally uploaded by viridari.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m a big fan of the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science in Durham, NC. They’ve got a really top notch facility, an enthusiastic and friendly staff, and they are always making changes to keep things fresh.

Aside from being a wonderful place to visit, they are also quite photographer friendly. I can go there with my camera and tripod and nobody says “you can’t do that here!” As long as I’m respectful of the other visitors, I can take pictures there all day without being bothered.

And, as you can see, opportunities for great photographs really abound there. In this particular image, I was in the Magic Wings Butterfly House when a misting system was turned on, and looked absolutely gorgeous when the mist was backlit by the sun.

Come see my work in the September 2009 issue of Creative Image Maker magazine! Creative Image Maker magazine is dedicated to traditional photographic processes.

Dany, originally uploaded by viridari.

This is another example of why I’m increasingly inclined to leave the digital camera at home and just keep it for family snapshots.

Dany, originally uploaded by viridari.

Dany is a competent photographer in her own rite, and I’ve been lucky enough to hang out with her a number of times in that capacity. But when she told me she’d really like to get serious about modeling, I was only too happy to oblige this lovely young lady in her request for a little portfolio help.

Graflex Speed Graphic

This very early model Graflex Speed Graphic was just picked up on eBay.

As you might expect, it needs some restoration before it is ready for me to use it. I’ve taken it out of the box just long enough to check it out and send an assessment off to a professional vintage camera repairman. Now it’s going to go back in the box and get mailed off. When it returns to me, expect to see this camera being used more often in my work.

“Side handle, larger straight bellows to accomodate larger lens standard and board.  Early version with folding optical finder, later changed to tubular finder.  Hinged (not telescoping) sportsfinder. Wooden bed with single focus knob. Grey trim. 4×5-1928-1939″  – McKeowns Guide to Collectable Cameras

This is one of the earlier versions with the folding optical finder.

Lilu, originally uploaded by viridari.

Model: Lilu Jael
Hair/Makeup: Denise Hutter
Photographer: Magnus Hedemark