While walking through downtown Seattle during the holidays I came across this border protecting the tree until it could be fully decorated. I thought it was funny that a) we'll put advertising everywhere and b) I immediately thought of Will Smith.
Image created with Lecia M6 + Ilford Delta 400 and developed in Ilford DD-X at ASA 1600.
Music video by Will Smith performing Gettin' Jiggy Wit It. (C) 1997 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
It's easy to think about exotic places when thinking of creating a beautiful image. However, some of the best places are right next door. This is a scene I come across almost everyday during my morning runs around West Seattle. I always think, "One day I'm going to come out here with a camera." So I did.
Image created with Leica M6 + Ilford Delta 400 + Zeiss 50mm f/2.0 at f/8.0. Developed in Ilford DD-X at ASA 1600.
One of the most rewarding volunteer experiences this year was the two quarters I mentored young people in photography at Youth In Focus. Founded by Walter Bodle , the mission of Youth In Focus reads is:
to empower urban youth, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and to make positive choices for their lives.
For six hours a week I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest, most thoughtful, creative, and talented people (not just youth) I've ever known. I honestly believe I learned more from them then they learned from me. I could go on and on about what these students mean to me and how they've improved my skill in photography and my outlook on life, but I'll suffice it to say that I emerged from this experience a much better person and much more skilled artist. Thanks to all the wonderful people who make this program what it is.
Chris creating video clips for a project he is doing for Youth In Focus. Kate Burnley mentored with me in the Beginning Black and White class. I really love the work she does in and out of the classroom. Check out her site. Image created with Leica M6 + Ilford HP5+.
The end of quarter show where the students display their work to their friends and family. This is the show everybody works towards.
Trina Gadsden, Executive Director of Youth In Focus (black dress), looks on proudly as the students individually present their work.
The White Pines cutting ceremony at The Whidbey Institute was a special day for me. About a month before this day took place, I was attending the Whidbey Island Bioneers. The Bioneers event was the first time I visited Whidbey Island. I found it to be a truly special place as there is something here that is generative, calm, and restful. It's a great place not only to relax and reflect, but to grow, build appreciations, and recharge.
During one of the sessions, Gabriel Shirley recognized that two of the White Pines, due to disease, were becoming a liability and would be cut down in December. The Pines were originally planted by the founders of the Institute, and have thus been part of this environment and community, over 100 years ago when it first began.
Before making any images of these trees, I stood next to them for about half an hour, thinking about all of the life that has been affected by their presence, from the people who come in contact with them, to all of the insects, birds, disease, and other organisms that have found some sort of haven here. Only after I felt a deeper sense of meaning and appreciation did I unpack the Mamiya RB67, load up the film, and begin photographing. I chose this camera and classic film stock (Kodak Tri-X 400) because that's what would have been used when these trees were in their prime.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
Image made with Mamiya RB67 with Kodak Tri-X 400 and developed in Kodak HC-110.
