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

An American Farmer, An American Right, originally uploaded by viridari.

This image kind of comes full circle for me. He purchased that rifle from me so that I could buy my first camera… which I’m finally getting around to taking a picture of him with!

A fine day of shooting guns & cameras was to be had. I love my camera, I miss my AK47, but I don’t regret the decision to sell one to buy the other. At least I still have visitation privileges.

NC Museum of Life & Science Dinosaur Trail Preview, originally uploaded by viridari.

The North Carolina Museum of Life and Science was kind enough to invite me and a number of other local bloggers out to preview their new Dinosaur Trail as it nears completion. There are still some rough edges to be worked out before their July 25 public opening, but as this young fellow will attest the kids there all loved what they could see so far.

Coffee Shop Candid, originally uploaded by viridari.

People who don’t know me very well often seem surprised when I pull a camera out and take peoples’ photographs in public without asking permission first. But this is often the only way to get that moment of magic that you see, because it cannot be forced or posed.

If I had asked this woman to allow me to take her photograph, she would have mugged for the camera and I would have had nothing but a cheesy snapshot to show for it.

As a rule when it comes to public photography, ask for forgiveness, not permission.

Lilu Jael, originally uploaded by viridari.

Model: Lilu Jael
Makeup & Hair: Denise Hutter

Last night I had a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with two very esteemed local professionals, Lilu Jael and Denise Hutter. Both were so wonderful to work with. And Lilu is so down to earth & fun. I’d love to work with either or both of them again.

If you’re on Facebook and  a fan of my photography work, I’d appreciate if you could take a moment and check out my Magnus Hedemark fan page on Facebook and consider joining it. I post some other photos there that you won’t find here, and announce public appearances for things like upcoming art shows and gallery exhibits there.